Cabo San Lucas Side by Side and Camel Riding Adventure

The unusual part comes fast: you trade the usual Cabo boat day for Baja race trails and a camel sanctuary in one private outing. You’ll ride a side-by-side through the desert, then meet camels near the Pacific, a combination that feels far removed from a standard resort activity.

I like the private format, since your group gets its own guide and can enjoy a more personal pace. I also like the practical touches: helmets, goggles, bandanas, transportation, and a locker are included. The main drawback is the extra cost at check-in, especially the mandatory $25 government fee and the optional collision insurance.

Key points to know before you book

• Private side-by-side ride: Only your group participates, with a guide leading you through Baja race trails.
• Two very different activities: The first half is active and dusty; the second centers on a camel ride and close contact with the animals.
• Playa Migrino setting: The route includes a stop at Playa Migrino, with views toward the Pacific.
• Guides can shape the day: John has been praised for making the trail ride exciting, while Chocolate is known for a warm, funny manner.
• Budget for required fees: The listed price is $162 per person, but a $25 government fee is separate. Collision insurance is optional if you leave a card on file.
• Pickup needs planning: Hotel pickup is generally about 45 minutes before the activity, but routes and times change daily.

A Cabo outing with two distinct halves

This three-hour experience works because it combines speed and novelty. You start with a side-by-side ride on Baja race trails, then switch gears for a camel encounter. You are not choosing between a motorized adventure and an animal experience. You get both in one short outing.

That variety makes the tour a good match for couples, families with older children, and friends who want more than a simple scenic drive. It is also a useful choice when one person in your group wants excitement and another wants an unusual animal encounter.

The private setup matters. You are not placed into a large mixed group, and only your party participates. That should make the day feel more personal, though the actual pace still depends on the guide, the trail conditions, and the group’s comfort on the vehicles.

Before the engines start at Playa Migrino

The activity begins at G-Force Adventures on Carretera Cabo San Lucas, Av. La Paz Km. 106. The route includes Playa Migrino, a coastal area outside central Cabo San Lucas. If you arrange hotel pickup, expect transportation in front of your lobby roughly 45 minutes before the activity begins.

The exact pickup time changes by day, so check your booking email or contact the operator. Do not assume the time shown in a general schedule tells the whole story. Cabo resort routes can take planning, and missing the vehicle would be an avoidable way to start the morning.

At the activity site, you receive safety instructions and protective equipment. A helmet, goggles, and bandana are included. The bandana is particularly useful on a dry trail, while the goggles help with dust and wind from the vehicle ahead.

You also receive locker access. That is a small but valuable detail. You can secure items before riding instead of carrying a phone, wallet, or loose belongings through the trail section. Bring only what you need for the outing and keep anything fragile protected.

Riding the Baja race trails by side-by-side

The side-by-side is the active core of the experience. You follow Baja race trails with a guide, rather than simply taking a slow vehicle ride for photographs. The route has been described as faster and more exciting than some people expect, so do not book this thinking it will be a gentle sightseeing loop.

The guide’s role is important here. John has been specifically praised for leading an exciting ride, and Chocolate has been praised for being funny and friendly. Guide assignments can change, but those details give you a sense of what can make the outing work well: clear safety direction, a lively attitude, and attention to your group.

The private format lets your group share the ride without strangers setting the mood. If everyone wants a more energetic outing, that can make a difference. At the same time, you should follow the guide’s instructions rather than treating the trail as a race of your own. Safety gear is supplied because the route is an active ride, not a paved transfer.

Expect dust and outdoor conditions. Wear clothes and shoes you can clean easily, and avoid bringing items that could be damaged. This advice is practical rather than glamorous, but it will help you enjoy the ride instead of worrying about every speck of dirt.

The route also gives you a different view of Cabo. The area around the resort corridor is polished and developed, while the trail section takes you into a more open Baja setting. The coastal views help keep the drive from feeling like a closed amusement ride.

Meeting the camels after the trail ride

After the side-by-side portion, you head to the camel sanctuary. This is the experience’s sharp change of pace. You move from engine noise and dust to a slower encounter with the animals, followed by a camel ride.

The camel portion includes more than sitting on an animal for a photograph. You can meet, hug, and kiss a camel. That close contact is the part most likely to become the story you tell later, especially for children and first-time visitors who have never been near one.

You also get to see the photographs taken during the experience. Souvenir photos are available to purchase separately, so plan on an extra charge if you want professional images. The tour price does not include them.

The Pacific setting adds to the appeal. One especially strong version of the outing includes camel riding near the ocean at sunset, though you should not assume every departure occurs at sunset unless your reserved time confirms it. Ask about timing if the coastal light is a major reason you want to book.

The camel segment is less physically demanding than the vehicle ride, which helps the itinerary feel balanced. You get an active first half and a relaxed second half. If your group has mixed interests, this combination gives each person a reason to look forward to the day.

What the $162 price really covers

The listed price is $162 per person. That is not a low-cost Cabo activity, but the value depends on how much you would otherwise spend on separate activities and transportation. You receive a private tour, vehicle access, safety gear, a camel ride, transportation, and locker access within about three hours.

The private arrangement is the biggest factor in the price. A shared group outing may cost less, but you would have less control over the group dynamic and guide attention. Here, you are paying for a more personal setup as well as the two-part program.

You must also budget for the separate $25 government fee per person. This fee is described as mandatory and goes toward restoring the used land, including native plant restoration. It is not part of the advertised $162, so include it when comparing the real cost with other Cabo excursions.

Collision insurance is optional. If you decline it, you must leave a card on file, similar to a vehicle rental arrangement. An insurance charge of about $60 has been quoted in connection with this experience, so ask for the current amount and terms before you arrive. Do not let an optional charge be presented as though it were required.

Souvenir photos are another possible extra. If you are watching your budget, decide in advance if you want them. The experience itself includes the memories, but the printed or digital photographs cost more.

Pickup, return, and the detail that can save you time

Transportation is included, but the daily routes change. Your booking email or a phone call should provide the current pickup information. For resort stays, pickup is expected in front of the lobby approximately 45 minutes before the activity.

The return procedure deserves attention. After the activity, the tour ends at the original meeting point. One practical issue is that the shuttle arrangement back to your resort may not be automatic at a fixed time. You may need to go outside and catch the shuttle when you are ready to return.

Ask clearly at check-in where to wait for the return vehicle and how often it runs. This is especially important if you have dinner reservations, a second activity, or a flight-related schedule. The ride itself is about three hours, but transportation can make the overall block of time longer.

If you prefer maximum control, you can meet at G-Force Adventures rather than relying on a resort pickup. The listed start point is on Carretera Cabo San Lucas, Av. La Paz Km. 106, in Cabo San Lucas.

Who will enjoy this private Cabo adventure

I would recommend this for you if you want an activity with real variety. The side-by-side ride gives the day energy, while the camel encounter gives it an unusual finish. It suits couples and friends who want plenty of photographs, as well as families with older children and young adults.

It is a particularly good fit for people who have already seen Cabo’s main sights and want something less predictable. You will not spend the whole outing on a boat or at a beach club. Instead, you get desert trails, a coastal stop, and animals in one compact program.

You should think twice if you dislike dust, engines, or active outdoor rides. The trail section is not simply a slow drive, and the extra fees may frustrate you if you expect the advertised price to cover every cost.

The private format also works best when your group shares roughly the same idea of fun. If one person wants a fast, energetic ride and another wants only a quiet animal visit, the side-by-side portion could feel too intense.

Booking details, cancellation, and practical questions

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity is offered in English. Most people can participate, but the available information does not provide a detailed accessibility guide, so contact the operator if you have specific mobility or medical concerns.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancel within 24 hours, or request a change during that period, and no refund is provided.

I would also confirm three things before departure: the pickup time, the current mandatory fee, and the exact collision insurance policy. Those questions take little effort and prevent the kind of surprise that can overshadow an otherwise enjoyable outing.

Should you book the side-by-side and camel combo?

Book it if you want a private Cabo activity with a strong sense of contrast: dusty Baja trails first, then a camel ride and close animal encounter near the Pacific. The guides can make a real difference, and the combination gives you more variety than either activity alone.

Skip it if your priority is a low final price, a fixed return shuttle, or a completely relaxed day. The $162 rate is only part of the cost, and you need to account for the $25 government fee, possible collision insurance, and optional photos.

For the right group, this is a memorable, slightly quirky day. Just arrive ready for dust, ask direct questions about extra charges, and confirm your ride back before you leave the site.

FAQ

How much does the Cabo side-by-side and camel tour cost?

The listed price is $162 per person. A separate $25 government fee is required, and optional collision insurance and souvenir photos cost extra.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts approximately three hours, not including the time needed for hotel pickup and return transportation.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and transportation is included. Hotel pickup is generally in front of the lobby about 45 minutes before the activity, but daily routes and pickup times can change.

Where does the tour start?

The listed meeting point is G-Force Adventures, Carretera Cabo San Lucas, Av. La Paz Km. 106, 23473 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What safety equipment is provided?

A helmet, goggles, and bandana are included. Locker access is also provided.

Is collision insurance required?

No. Collision insurance is optional if you leave a card on file. Ask for the current charge and terms at check-in.

What happens during the camel portion?

You ride camels at the sanctuary, then have the chance to meet, hug, and kiss a camel. Souvenir photos are available for purchase separately.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.