A desert ride with a camel finish sounds wildly fun. This private side-by-side + camel sanctuary combo is built for thrill-seekers who also want a genuine animal encounter, not just another quick stop. I like that you get one-on-one attention from your guide and that the day includes safety gear, plus locker access so you can cool down after the rides. One thing to consider: the final cost can jump with a mandatory government/land fee and optional collision insurance choices, so it helps to budget before you arrive.

This is a tight 3-hour outing that starts and ends at G-Force Adventures, with pickup offered from resorts/hotels. If you prefer a super smooth hotel return, pay attention to what they tell you at check-in so you know where the shuttle picks you up.

Quick Key Points

• Private group means it’s just your crew, with a guide focused on you
• Safety gear included: helmet, goggles, and a bandana
• Locker access included so you can change/refresh after riding
• Camel sanctuary time includes close contact like meeting, hugging, and kissing a camel
• Souvenir photos cost extra (available for purchase separately)
• Mandatory fees + insurance options can affect your final total

Why This Combo Works (Even If You Pick Only One Activity)

Cabo has no shortage of excursions, but this one hits a sweet spot: it pairs real action with a memorable, human-friendly animal moment. The rhythm matters. First, you get the adrenaline and wide-open desert views on the side-by-side trail. Then the energy shifts to something slower and more personal at the camel sanctuary.

I also like the way the tour is framed around guided structure. You start with safety protocols, then you ride on Baja race trails, and then you transition into the camel area where you meet the animals closely. That kind of flow is ideal if you want variety without feeling rushed through two unrelated experiences.

The private setup is another big value point. Guides can adjust pace and coaching when the group is smaller. In the real world, that often means you spend less time waiting and more time doing.

The 3-Hour Schedule: From G-Force Adventures to Back Again

This adventure is about 3 hours total, and it’s designed to feel like a self-contained block. It begins at G-Force Adventures on Carretera Cabo San Lucas, Av. La Paz Km. 106 (the meeting point address is provided at booking), and it ends back at the meeting point.

Here’s the practical side: you’re not getting a long day that eats half your vacation. Instead, you’re getting a focused window with transportation included. If you’re doing other Cabo sightseeing, this is the kind of tour that won’t force you to lose your whole day.

Pickup is offered, and the timing depends on your pickup route and where you’re staying. If you’re at a resort/hotel, the shuttle is typically outside the lobby about 45 minutes before your activity begins. Because routes can change daily, you should double-check your booking email or call to confirm your exact pickup time.

Side-by-Side Baja Trails: Safety Gear and the Real Show

The side-by-side portion is the action engine of the day. You’ll get safety protocols first, then you’ll hop on and ride through Baja race trails. The guide’s job here is more than pointing the route—it’s helping you feel confident before you start moving fast over uneven terrain.

You’ll be equipped with security gear including a helmet, goggles, and a bandana. That matters because Cabo desert riding can kick up dust and sun quickly, and having the basics handled for you makes the experience smoother from minute one. It also keeps the ride feeling safer and less improvisational.

One of the best surprises with this kind of ride is how quickly the trails can feel fun, not intimidating. In guidance-heavy tours, the learning curve is usually small: once you get a feel for throttle/braking and how the guide spaces the group, the ride becomes about enjoying the terrain.

And yes—expect great views during the ride. The camel sanctuary connection comes after, but the perspective you get from riding out through the Baja trails is part of the reason people remember this day.

Quick Considerations for the Ride

• Dust and sun are real, so bring a plan for comfort (you’ll have goggles, but your skin still needs sun protection)
• The ride is more active than a sightseeing drive, so it helps to wear clothes you don’t mind getting dusty

Camel Sanctuary Meet-and-Greet: Close Contact Without the Guesswork

After the ride, the tour moves to the camel sanctuary. This is where the day stops being just about adrenaline and becomes more personal.

You’ll meet the camels at the sanctuary—described as humpbacked friends—and then you get guided time for close interaction. The experience includes meeting, hugging, and even kissing a camel. That’s the kind of hands-on moment that turns a fun activity into a memory you can’t easily replicate.

I love that the camel portion isn’t vague. It’s structured around meeting the animals and then seeing your photos after. If you’ve ever worried that animal encounters might feel rushed or too distant, this format is designed to put you close enough to actually connect.

What You’ll Want to Know Going In

You’re likely to get your hands full—literally. Since you’ll be handling and interacting with camels, keep your day simple:

• Wear comfortable clothing you can handle after the side-by-side ride
• Plan to refresh after riding (the tour includes a locker)

Locker Access and Photo Options: Make It Easier to Enjoy the Day

One practical win here is locker access included. After the ride, you don’t want to just sit there sweaty and dusty. A locker helps you manage your stuff and feel more comfortable during the camel part and afterward.

Then there are the photos. Souvenir photos are available for purchase separately. That’s a common setup, but it still affects value: you’ll get the chance to buy pictures, yet they’re not included in the price. If you’re photo-focused, set aside a little extra budget so you’re not deciding on the fly.

Price and Value: What $162 Really Covers

The listed price is $162.00 per person, and it includes transportation, the safety gear (helmet, goggles, bandana), locker access, and what you might think of as the core experiences: side-by-side riding and camel sanctuary interaction.

But you should plan for extra line items. Two costs are specifically called out:

• Government fees: $25.00 per person (mandatory)
• Optional collision insurance: not required if you leave a card on file, similar to how car rentals work; if you decline, you may still need to leave card details on file, depending on how the provider structures the option

One more factor that can surprise people is the land/park fee. It’s described as mandatory and used for restoring the land after it’s used—money that goes toward planting native plants and land restoration, not to the tour team. That explanation matters because it shifts this from feeling like a random charge to something with a stated purpose.

How to judge value fast

If you want a day that mixes real riding time with a close animal encounter, this combo is built for it. You’re paying for the structure and gear, not just the “cool factor.” If you prefer low-friction logistics and dislike added fees/insurance questions, you’ll get the most value by clarifying the mandatory totals before you arrive.

Pickup, Drop-Off, and the Return Shuttle: Where Trips Often Get Messy

Transportation is included, and pickup is offered. The meeting point is the G-Force Adventures location, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Here’s the key practical tip: at check-in, you should make sure you know where the shuttle is waiting for the return and what time to step out. There have been complaints about long waits when people didn’t realize they needed to go to the front to catch the shuttle when they were ready to return. The fix is simple—ask at check-in and get the return instructions in plain terms.

If you’re staying at a resort/hotel, pickup is usually in front of the lobby about 45 minutes before the activity. That’s helpful because it reduces last-minute confusion—just remember that day-of routing can change, so your confirmation email or phone call matters.

Guides Matter: John and Chocolate Set the Tone

The guide can make this kind of day feel either chaotic or confidently fun.

In this experience, you may ride with guides like John, who has been praised for being great and for getting people moving quickly on exciting trails. Another guide mentioned is Chocolate, described as super sweet and funny. The common thread: a good guide helps you enjoy both halves of the day—the ride and the camel interaction—without you feeling lost or rushed.

So when you book, don’t underestimate the impact of who your guide is. In private tours especially, that human factor is a big part of the value.

Who This Private Tour Suits Best

This tour fits best if you want all of the following:

• Action you can feel: side-by-side riding on Baja trails
• An animal encounter that’s hands-on, not a distant view
• A private setup where you’re not squeezed into a big group dynamic
• A clear, timed day that won’t steal your whole morning or afternoon

It may be less ideal if you:

• Hate dealing with extra fees or insurance decisions
• Want a very hands-off experience with zero questions asked at check-in
• Prefer slow, scenic walking tours over active riding

Good match: couples, friends, and small groups who want a memorable Cabo day that feels like a story, not a checklist.

Should You Book This Cabo San Lucas Adventure?

I’d book this if your ideal Cabo day includes both adrenaline and a warm animal interaction. The combination is the point: the side-by-side ride gives you the Baja energy, and the camel sanctuary gives you the personal, close-up moment most people want from an animal encounter.

I’d think twice if you’re easily thrown by logistics and add-on costs. The ride is fun, but you need to go in prepared. Ask at check-in how the return shuttle works, and confirm the mandatory fees so your budget matches reality.

If you do those two things—clarify the return plan and budget the mandatory fees—the experience has the ingredients for a standout day.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Cabo San Lucas side-by-side and camel adventure?

It’s approximately 3 hours.

Is pickup included, and where does the tour start?

Transportation is included, and pickup is offered from resorts/hotels. The start and end meeting point is at G-Force Adventures on Carretera Cabo San Lucas, Av. La Paz Km. 106, 23473 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.

What gear is included for the side-by-side ride?

You receive security gear including a helmet, goggles, and a bandana.

What additional fees should I budget for?

A government fee of $25.00 per person is listed as not included. There may also be an optional collision insurance choice, and you should expect that mandatory land/park fees may apply.

Is collision insurance required?

Collision insurance is described as optional. The information provided says it’s not required if you leave a card on file if you decline.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.