My 2025 Review of the UTV and Camel Ride in the Cabo Desert

You know, the idea of mixing a high-speed desert vehicle with a slow-moving camel seems, at first, a little unusual. As a matter of fact, it’s that very mix of fast and slow, of modern thrills and old-world charm, that really makes this Cabo experience something special. I just recently got back from this adventure, and frankly, I wanted to share my thoughts on what it’s actually like to hit the sand dunes in two very different ways. So, this is more or less my deep look into the 2025 UTV and Camel Ride out in the beautiful, sprawling desert near Cabo San Lucas.

Kicking Up Dust: The UTV Off-Roading Experience

Alright, so first, we suited up for the UTV portion of the day, and you could just feel the energy in the air. The guides gave us a pretty thorough rundown on safety, which, honestly, made everyone feel a lot more comfortable before getting behind the wheel. These machines are, like, surprisingly responsive and really fun to handle once you get the hang of them, you know? As a matter of fact, we were soon following our guide in a line, speeding through winding trails that cut through groves of giant cardon cacti, which are actually very impressive up close. The feeling of the wind whipping past and the low grumble of the engine is, basically, completely invigorating.

You will get dusty—literally covered from head to toe—but in a way, that’s just part of the authentic fun of it all. Sometimes the trail would open up into a wide, sandy wash, and that is where you could really feel the machine’s pickup, which was, frankly, a huge rush. Our guide, by the way, was excellent at setting a pace that was thrilling for the speed demons but still felt safe for the slightly more cautious people in our group. We made a stop at a lookout point that, you know, gave us this absolutely stunning view of the dry riverbeds and the mountains in the distance; it was a great moment to just take it all in.

A Shift in Pace: Meeting the Camels

Now, after the high-adrenaline UTV ride, the change of pace for the camel part is, like, really welcome. These camels are, to be honest, such calm and gentle creatures, with incredibly long eyelashes and a personality that is sort of peaceful. Before we mounted up, the handlers gave us a little history about how these animals, surprisingly, came to be in the Baja region, which was actually a very interesting story. Getting onto the camel is an experience in itself; you know, they kneel down, and then they stand up in this kind of lurching motion that is pretty amusing. The ride itself is, well, very rhythmic and swaying, giving you a vantage point high above the desert floor that you just can’t get any other way.

We walked along a beautiful stretch of beach, and frankly, the sight of the turquoise Pacific waves crashing just feet from our desert trail was something I will not forget. It’s almost silent out there, just the sound of the waves and the soft padding of the camel’s feet on the sand, which is so incredibly calming. The guides, who were clearly very fond of their animals, pointed out local plants and shared stories, making the ride feel, in a way, like a personal tour. Honestly, it was a perfect time for photos, capturing that kind of wild contrast of desert and ocean, which is what makes Cabo so unique.

More Than Just a Ride: Food, Culture, and Fun

Obviously, this whole experience is more than just the driving and the riding; it’s a pretty complete package, actually. After our desert treks, we were guided to a shaded area where, frankly, a fantastic traditional Mexican lunch was waiting for us. We had some really tasty tacos, fresh salsas, and rice and beans, which, at the end of the day, tasted even better after a morning of adventure. There was also a tequila tasting session, which, you know, is almost a must-do when you are in this part of Mexico. A tequila expert walked us through the different kinds—blanco, reposado, and añejo—and basically explained the process in a really engaging way. It wasn’t just about drinking; it was, like, a little cultural lesson that added a lot of richness to the day, in some respects. We also got to see some rescued animals they care for on the property, which was a very nice touch and showed a commitment to local wildlife. Frankly, it’s these extra details that turn a good tour into a great one, making you feel, you know, like you are getting real value.

Practical Advice for Your Cabo Desert Adventure

So, if you’re thinking about doing this, I’ve got a few pieces of advice, to be honest. First, you should definitely wear clothes you don’t mind getting dusty, because, seriously, the sand gets everywhere. Closed-toe shoes are, like, an absolute must for safety, especially for the UTV part. Sun protection is another big one; I mean, you should bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as the Baja sun is pretty intense. Most tour operators provide bandanas to cover your face from the dust, but you know, it can’t hurt to bring your own just in case. You might want to think about what time of day you book; a morning tour, for example, is typically a bit cooler. On the other hand, a sunset tour offers lighting for photos that is just, frankly, absolutely magical. Don’t forget to bring a camera or your phone in a protective case; you are going to want to capture these moments, for sure. Finally, bring some cash, as you will likely want to tip your guides—who really work hard—or maybe buy a souvenir from the gift shop.

Is This Tour the Right Choice for You?

Okay, so at the end of the day, you might be wondering if this adventure is a good fit for you. To be honest, it has a really broad appeal because it combines two totally different types of activities. If you have thrill-seekers and also people who prefer a calmer experience in your group, this is pretty much a perfect compromise. It’s actually a great option for families with older kids and teenagers who, you know, can get a bit bored with just sitting on the beach. The UTV driving does have age and license requirements, so that is just something you will want to check with the tour company beforehand. For couples, it’s a very memorable date, mixing adventure with some really romantic scenery, especially near the ocean. Even for a solo traveler, it’s a really good way to meet other people in a fun, structured environment. I mean, you do need to have a moderate level of physical fitness, mostly for getting in and out of the vehicles and onto the camel. Basically, if you are looking for a unique way to see the stunning desert landscape of Baja California beyond the resort areas, this is an absolutely fantastic choice.

At the end of the day, the magic of this tour is its balance. You get the heart-pumping action of the UTVs and then, you know, the total serenity of the camel ride along the Pacific. It’s frankly two vacations in one day.

Read our full review: UTV and Camel Ride in the Cabo Desert Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Cabo Desert Tours)