Beach Camel Ride and Encounter in Cabo

Cabo’s strangest beach ride awaits. This Cactus Tours experience takes you from your hotel to a camel facility near the Pacific, where you can feed, pet, kiss, and ride these gentle animals beside the shore. I like the unusual setting and the friendly guides, especially names such as Billy, Raul, Oscar, Cesar, and Solomon, who have earned praise for making the activity easy and fun.

I also like that the outing includes transportation, food, soft drinks, water, a tequila tasting, and a bilingual guide. The main catch is time: the camel activity is promoted as about an hour, but hotel transfers, waiting, meals, and add-on sales can turn the outing into a three-to-five-hour commitment. The $25 entrance fee per person is extra, so check your final cost before you go.

Key points to know before you book

• The camel ride takes place beside the Pacific Ocean, not in a sandy desert setting.
• Plan on several hours door to door, even though the listed activity duration is about one hour.
• The advertised price is $71.25 per person, plus a $25 Cactus Tours entrance fee.
• The ride itself may last about 25 to 30 minutes, with some people reporting less time in the saddle.
• Guides are a major strength, with Billy, Raul, Cesar, Oscar, and Solomon receiving especially warm praise.
• Photo and phone rules matter: personal cameras or phones may need to be stored, while souvenir photos cost extra.

Arriving at Cactus Tours near Migrino Beach

The experience begins with roundtrip pickup from Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo. That is useful in a place where the camel facility is outside the main resort areas, and it saves you from arranging a rental car or taxi.

The ride to the property can take much longer than expected. A drive of around 30 minutes from a pickup point is possible, while shared hotel routes can stretch the journey considerably. Several people have reported total outings of four or five hours, and one reported nearly six hours because of transfers and waiting.

I would not schedule this tour between two tightly timed activities. Give yourself a broad block of the day, especially if you are staying in San Jose del Cabo and your pickup includes several hotels. Morning and afternoon departures offer useful flexibility, but your chosen departure time does not necessarily equal the time you will be back at your hotel.

Once you arrive, the property is more developed than the remote setting may suggest. Clean facilities, animal areas, shops, food service, and other activities create a full excursion complex rather than a simple beach meeting point. That can be a pleasant surprise, though it also explains why you may spend time on site beyond the camel ride.

Meeting the camels up close

The encounter is more than a quick ride. Under the direction of an experienced handler, you can approach the camels, feed them, pet them, and give one a kiss. This part is particularly good for families because it gives children a chance to understand the animals before climbing aboard.

The camels are the stars, and the best moments often come before the ride. You get to see their size and calm nature at close range, then learn how to interact with them safely. I would pay attention during the handler’s instructions, especially when getting on and off. The ride is designed for most people, and one older couple in their 70s found mounting and dismounting manageable.

The staff’s style can shape the whole outing. Billy receives repeated praise for making groups laugh and helping people feel comfortable. Raul is also singled out for his explanations and a short walking tour, while Oscar is praised for explaining camel behavior. Cesar and Solomon have also been credited with answering questions and keeping families engaged.

That human element matters. A camel ride can feel awkward if you are simply placed on an animal and sent along. Here, the encounter gives the activity some purpose, although the amount of explanation and personal attention can vary with group size.

Riding along the Pacific shore

The ride follows the beach with ocean views and an open coastal setting. This is the part that makes the activity different from an ordinary camel ride at a ranch or desert park. You feel the breeze, see the Pacific, and get a memorable contrast between tropical resort Cabo and the dry land around the facility.

The listed itinerary includes 30 minutes on the beach, but the actual riding time deserves careful attention. The provider describes the camel portion as approximately 25 minutes in some responses, while several people describe only 15 to 20 minutes in the saddle. Treat 25 to 30 minutes as a reasonable expectation, not a guarantee of a full hour of riding.

That shorter ride is not automatically a flaw. Camels need rest and careful handling, and a brief ride can be more comfortable for the animals and for first-time riders. Still, the description can leave you expecting a longer outing on horseback. If riding time is your main reason for booking, ask the operator to confirm the current schedule before paying.

The beach setting is photogenic, but personal photography can be complicated. Multiple reports say phones and cameras had to be left in lockers or were not allowed during the public activity. This appears to be connected to safety rules and the property’s own photography service. The operator has stated that personal devices may be allowed on certain private experiences, so ask specifically about your package.

The food, drinks, and tequila tasting

Food and drinks are part of the package. The main meal is described as a beef, pork, and chicken Super Burro, with soft drinks and water. Some people enjoy the food, while others find it bland or aimed at basic tourist tastes.

You may also find buffet-style choices such as fruit, pastries, yogurt, and other items, which helps if you do not eat meat. Because the exact meal format can differ by package or date, do not assume the burrito is the only food available. If you have dietary needs, ask ahead rather than relying on the standard menu.

The tequila tasting follows the activity. Some people enjoy the selection and the hosts, with Baltazar receiving praise for his presentation. Others find the tasting ordinary or skip it altogether. I see it as a pleasant extra, not a reason to book the tour by itself.

The drinks and meal are valuable in the Cabo heat. You do not have to leave the property searching for lunch after riding, and the included water is a practical touch. Still, food quality is subjective, so place more weight on the camel encounter and beach scenery when judging the price.

Why the photos can change the value

Souvenir photos are available for purchase, but they are not included. This would be a minor issue if you could freely use your own phone. It becomes more important when personal cameras are restricted.

Some people praise the professional photos, while others dislike the angles, feel rushed, or find the prices too high. One particularly negative account describes a package costing $150. Exact pricing may change, so ask to see the current photo options before the ride if pictures matter to you.

I would also ask three simple questions before storing your phone:

• Can I use my phone during the ride?
• If not, where will it be kept?
• What is the current price for the photo package?

The answers may depend on whether you booked a shared or private experience. Do not assume the promotional images show exactly what you will be able to recreate. If personal photos are essential, a private upgrade may be worth asking about, but confirm the added cost in writing.

The real price, including the extra fee

The listed price is $71.25 per person. The Cactus Tours entrance charge adds $25 per person, bringing the known total to $96.25 before photographs, private transportation, upgrades, drinks from the bar, or other purchases.

That is a fairer way to judge the cost than looking only at the headline figure. You are paying for the camel encounter, beach ride, hotel transportation, meal, water, soft drinks, tequila tasting, handler, bilingual guide, and access to the facility. For a family, the total can climb quickly, especially when every person pays the entrance fee.

The extra entrance charge is clearly identified in the supplied tour details, but several people still felt surprised because they expected it to be part of the initial price. I recommend treating the $25 as mandatory, not optional, and confirming whether your booking has any additional access charges.

Private transportation and private tour upgrades can also change the bill. One serious complaint involved confusion over separate charges for transportation and entrance. That does not establish what every booking costs, but it does show why you should keep your reservation details and request a written breakdown before agreeing to an upgrade.

The value is strongest if you already want a camel encounter and appreciate an included meal and transfer. It is weaker if you want a long ride, quiet beach time, or a low-cost activity with no sales pressure.

Shared transport, waiting, and group size

The maximum group size is listed as 100 people. You may not be placed in a group that large for the camel portion, but the number gives you a sense of the operation. This is a commercial excursion, not a private animal encounter.

Shared transportation is convenient, but it is the most common source of frustration. Pickup delays, hotel stops, changes in departure times, and disorganized return transport can eat into your day. One person had a smooth, punctual transfer, while another waited almost an hour. Both outcomes appear possible.

If you have an international flight, a dinner reservation, or another paid activity, leave a generous cushion. I would avoid booking this on your departure day. If punctuality matters, ask about private transportation and get the full price before accepting it.

The facility also includes a Kids Club, which may help families who want a little flexibility. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and most people can participate. Service animals are allowed, and the tour operates in all weather conditions, so bring sun protection and be prepared for heat or changing coastal conditions.

What kind of experience is this?

This is a polished animal encounter with a beach ride attached. It is not a long, quiet horseback-style journey and it is not a remote wildlife expedition. You will be part of a structured program that may include food, tequila, shopping, photographs, safety checks, and waiting between scheduled parts.

That structure works well for families, first-time camel riders, couples looking for an unusual Cabo photo opportunity, and anyone who likes an activity with several parts. The gentle camels, simple riding format, and attentive guides make it approachable. The scenic shore also gives the experience a strong sense of place.

I would be more cautious if you dislike organized group excursions or sales pitches. You may feel that the camel ride is too short for the time spent getting there. You may also feel limited if you cannot use your own phone or camera.

Alcohol deserves a practical note. The property offers a tequila tasting, but the experience is not suitable for anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A breathalyzer may be part of the safety process, and the provider says tastings take place after the activities rather than before them.

Booking and cancellation advice

The experience is offered in English, with bilingual guidance available. Confirmation is received at booking, and pickup is offered in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Children need an accompanying adult, and most people can take part.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted and are not refunded. I would save your confirmation, pickup details, and the stated entrance fee so you have the same information available at the property.

Because this experience is often booked about 22 days ahead, popular morning or afternoon slots may fill early. Book ahead if your dates are fixed, but do not book the last possible day of your vacation unless you can handle delays.

Should you book the Cabo beach camel ride?

I would book this if you want a cheerful, unusual family activity and you like the idea of meeting camels beside the Pacific. The guides can make a big difference, the animals are the clear attraction, and the meal, drinks, transportation, and tequila tasting add useful value.

I would skip it if you expect one uninterrupted hour on a camel, need a tightly timed schedule, or want to take your own photos throughout. The fair budget is at least $96.25 per person before extras, and I would plan three to five hours from pickup to return.

Before booking, confirm the entrance fee, current ride length, phone policy, photo prices, pickup time, and any private upgrade cost. With those details clear, this can be a memorable Cabo oddity. Without them, the short ride and long day may leave you feeling that the camel was the easiest part of the experience.

FAQ

Where does the camel ride take place?

The experience takes place at Cactus Tours near the Pacific coast in the Migrino area of Los Cabos. The camel ride follows the beach.

How long is the camel ride?

The beach ride is listed as 30 minutes. The provider also describes the camel ride as approximately 25 minutes, and actual ride times may be shorter.

How long should I allow for the full experience?

The listed activity duration is about one hour, but hotel pickup, transportation, waiting, food, and other activities can make the full outing last three to five hours or longer.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Roundtrip transportation is offered from hotels in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

What is included in the price?

The package includes the camel encounter, handler and bilingual guide, beach camel ride, roundtrip transportation, a Super Burro with beef, pork, and chicken, soft drinks, water, tequila tasting, an exhilarating desert safari ride, and Kids Club access.

Is the entrance fee included?

No. The Cactus Tours entrance fee is listed as $25 per person and is paid separately.

Can I bring my phone or camera?

Personal phone and camera access may be restricted during the public experience. Several accounts describe devices being stored in lockers, while souvenir photos are offered for purchase. Ask about the current rules and photo prices before the ride.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted or refunded.