Private Todos Santos Jeep

Reviewed · TODOS SANTOS DAY TRIPS

Private Todos Santos Jeep

★ 5.0 · 15 reviews 6 to 7 hours (approx.) From $650 Operated by High Tide Los Cabos · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

Skip the Cabo crowds in a 4×4 jeep. This private tour threads together Cerritos surf country, Todos Santos art-town time, and off-road driving through southern Baja, with pickup and Mexican lunch included.

I love that it’s truly private. Only your group rides with the guide, and you can even decide how much of the day you want to keep going. I also love the photo-heavy routing, from Pacific views on the Transpeninsular Highway to the big-wave energy of Cerritos, where guides like Carlos and Sol know how to slow things down and point out what’s around you.

One thing to plan for: lunch time can run long at the seaside restaurant, especially if there’s an event. If you’re picky about schedules, bring patience (and maybe snacks from your hotel just in case), because you’ll still get the included meal service even when it drags.

Key things that make this Jeep tour worth your time

Private Todos Santos Jeep - Key things that make this Jeep tour worth your time

  • A true private ride (not a shared shuttle) with a guide and your own pacing
  • Cerritos and Todos Santos in the same day, so you escape Cabo fast
  • Transpeninsular Highway photo stops with Pacific-and-mountain views
  • Sierra Laguna back-roads driving in a 4×4 Jeep for real off-road feel
  • Mexican lunch with vegetarian option, plus water and granola bars
  • Punta Lobos viewpoint stop for quick coastal payoff

Day runs up to Todos Santos and Hotel California

Private Todos Santos Jeep: a smart way to see Baja in one day

Private Todos Santos Jeep - Private Todos Santos Jeep: a smart way to see Baja in one day
If your Cabo itinerary feels like beach plus one excursion, this tour adds the missing ingredient: variety. You’ll start with coastal views, switch to surf-town vibes in Cerritos, then hit the arts-and-galleries side of Baja in Todos Santos. And because it’s private, you’re not stuck waiting on a bus load of people to finish taking photos.

The best part is how the day mixes easy sightseeing with actual driving adventure. You’re not just looking out a window. You’ll get your share of mountain roads and open-country views that most people never reach on their own. And yes, the guide matters here—both Carlos and Sol are the kind who explain what you’re looking at instead of just pointing.

Price and value: why $650 per jeep can make sense

The price is $650 per group (up to 3 people). That’s the key value math: if you’re traveling as a small group—family of three, two friends, or a couple—this can work out well compared to booking separate tours or paying for two taxis plus “one more stop” add-ons.

Also, you’re not paying extra for pickup. Hotel/port pickup and drop-off are included, and you get bottled water and granola bars along the way. The tour runs about 6.5 hours including roundtrip transportation, so you’re getting a full half-day of guided routing and off-road time, not just a quick drive-through.

If you’re traveling with more than three people, plan on booking additional jeeps. The operator notes that five jeeps are available, but the vehicle itself is set up for 3 people only.

Pickup, meeting points, and how to avoid the morning scramble

Private Todos Santos Jeep - Pickup, meeting points, and how to avoid the morning scramble
Most people meet at Plaza Gali by the marina. The exact spot is the Plaza Gali parking lot at the exit near an Oxxo convenience store. If you’re on a cruise, the directions are specific: you walk out from the tender pier through security, turn right on the red sidewalk bordering the harbor, and head toward the Cruise Terminal area—your guide waits by the Oxxo inside the meeting zone.

If you choose complimentary transport, the round-trip pickup can cover hotels in San Jose del Cabo, the corridor, and the Cabo San Lucas tourist area. You’ll have to specify your hotel when booking, and the pickup timing is roughly one hour before start. For hotels outside that zone (like some high-end resorts farther out), the company says you’ll instead use the standard Plaza Gali meeting point.

My practical tip: even if you’re early, don’t wander off. In this kind of tour, the guide’s meeting spot is everything.

Your Jeep experience: 4×4 off-road feel, air conditioning, and seat limits

Private Todos Santos Jeep - Your Jeep experience: 4x4 off-road feel, air conditioning, and seat limits
This is a private tour with a private guide, and you’ll ride in a 4×4 Jeep with air conditioning. The vehicle is for up to 3 passengers, and if you want to drive, you need to show a valid driver’s license. There’s a clear age rule here too: minimum age is 6 years, and minimum age to drive is 18.

Depending on availability, they may use Jeeps or Ford Broncos. In either case, the point is the same: you’ll feel the Baja roads instead of just cruising along pavement.

Off-road days can be bumpy. Even if you’re a seasoned traveler, it’s smart to bring sunglasses and plan for dust or sun on open stretches. If you’re sensitive to motion, you’ll likely prefer sitting in the most comfortable spot and trusting the guide’s driving style.

Stop 1: Transpeninsular Highway views with real photo payoff

Private Todos Santos Jeep - Stop 1: Transpeninsular Highway views with real photo payoff
The day starts heading toward Cerritos along the Transpeninsular Highway. This part is about getting oriented fast and enjoying that classic Baja mix of Pacific Ocean and mountain views. You’ll have about one hour here, and it’s the kind of stop where photos are easy because the scenery does the work for you.

What I like about this start is that it sets expectations. You’re not yet in the towns, so it feels like a calm warm-up—less hectic, more scenic, and perfect for your first coffee-and-sunscreen moment.

Stop 2: Cerritos Beach Inn and the big-wave surfer mood

Private Todos Santos Jeep - Stop 2: Cerritos Beach Inn and the big-wave surfer mood
Next up is Cerritos, a beach area known for surfers and strong waves. You’ll get around one hour to walk around, enjoy the wind-and-sun vibe, and take in the shoreline. The Cerritos area feels like a different Baja personality than central Cabo—more laid-back, more outdoorsy, and way less “everybody is on the same schedule.”

This is also a great moment to slow down. You can stroll the beach, watch the water, and just absorb the atmosphere. If your ideal vacation has both scenery and breathing room, Cerritos delivers.

Todos Santos time: galleries, handcrafts, and Hotel California curiosity

Private Todos Santos Jeep - Todos Santos time: galleries, handcrafts, and Hotel California curiosity
Then you’ll head to Todos Santos, which is often described as a Magic Town. You get roughly two hours of free time there to explore galleries and handcraft shops.

This is the part of the day that tends to feel most different from the coast. It’s where you can shift from beach visuals to streets, art, and local shopping. You’ll also have the chance to visit the famous Hotel California area, depending on how your guide structures the time on the ground.

Here’s my practical advice: if you want photos, stop for them early in the Todos Santos window. As the two-hour time tightens, it’s easy to feel rushed—especially if you’re browsing.

Stop 4: Back roads in a 4×4 toward Sierra Laguna Mountain views

Private Todos Santos Jeep - Stop 4: Back roads in a 4x4 toward Sierra Laguna Mountain views
After Todos Santos, the route turns toward the back roads of southern Baja. This is when the tour earns the Jeep part of the name. You’ll drive a 4×4 along roads that open up wider views of the Sierra Laguna Mountains.

You’ll have about one hour for this driving leg, and the value isn’t just the destination—it’s the feeling of getting out into less traveled terrain. The guide’s job here is to keep it safe while still making it feel like an adventure.

If you hate car surprises, this may feel like too much for you. If you like the idea of Baja as a living place you drive through—not a set you watch from a sidewalk—this is the highlight.

Stop 5 and the included lunch: Mexican food at Cerritos beach

Back at Cerritos, you’ll enjoy lunch at Cerritos Surf Town Restaurant. Lunch is included and is described as 100% Mexican dishes, with options like fish tacos, shrimp, chips, sauces, guacamole, and flavored water. There’s also a vegetarian option with items like salads, quesadillas, beans, and rice.

In theory, this sounds easy: eat, relax, and keep moving. In practice, timing can be the only snag. I’d plan for a possible wait. One guest experience noted a long delay when a bigger event was happening, and the food service wasn’t quick.

My tip: if you’re hungry (or you get cranky when you are), arrive ready. And if your group is sensitive to delays, consider starting your day with lighter snacks so the taco moment still feels worth it.

Stop 6: Punta Lobos viewpoint, short and scenic

At the end, you’ll make a quick stop at Punta Lobos for about 15 minutes. It’s not long, but it’s a good payoff: a clean viewpoint break to wrap the day with coastal atmosphere.

Short stops are common in private tours because you’re balancing roads, time, and everyone’s energy. Punta Lobos gives you that last splash of scenery without stealing hours from the rest of the route.

Snacks, water, and what to bring for comfort

In addition to lunch, you’ll have snacks like bottled water and granola bars. The operator also lists a practical packing checklist: bring a towel, tennis shoes or sandals, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

This is one of those days where sun and wind do most of the work. Even if you think you’ll be in shade, the open driving and shoreline stops can surprise you.

Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)

This tour fits best if you want a private, off-road experience without spending your whole vacation navigating rental cars. It’s a strong match for:

  • Couples and small groups up to 3 people
  • People who want Cerritos + Todos Santos in one day
  • Anyone who likes scenic photo stops and doesn’t mind a road-driven day

It may be less ideal if:

  • Your group needs strictly timed meals and hates schedule drift
  • You want a purely walking-focused itinerary (this is built around driving and scenic stops)
  • You’re traveling with more than three people and don’t want to book more than one jeep

Weather and day-of changes: why flexibility is part of Baja

This experience requires good weather. If rain or road cuts happen, the company may change locations, reschedule, or cancel. If they cancel due to poor weather, they’ll offer a different date or a full refund.

That means you should treat this like a real-weather adventure, not a guaranteed script. If you’re booking near your flight home, you’ll want a little cushion in your schedule.

Final verdict: should you book the Private Todos Santos Jeep?

I’d book it if your goal is to escape Cabo fast and experience southern Baja with real driving time. The combo of Cerritos beach energy, Todos Santos town time, and 4×4 back roads is exactly the kind of day that feels different from the usual coast-only options.

Book it with confidence if:

  • You’re traveling as a small group (up to 3)
  • You want a private guide and a flexible pace
  • You’re okay with a meal stop that can run late when the restaurant is busy

Skip it if:

  • Timing stress will ruin your mood
  • You’re not interested in beach stops or mountain-road driving

If that sounds like you, this is a solid, value-minded way to see more Baja with less hassle—and you’ll likely come home with photos and stories that feel like you actually drove into the region, not just through it.

FAQ

How long is the Private Todos Santos Jeep tour?

The activity lasts about 6.5 hours including roundtrip transportation, with a total duration listed as 6 to 7 hours.

What does the $650 price include?

It’s priced per jeep for up to 3 passengers and includes a private guide, a 4×4 Jeep with air conditioning, Mexican lunch (with a vegetarian option), hotel/port pickup and drop-off, plus snacks like bottled water and granola bars.

Is pickup available from the cruise port?

Yes. There are cruise passenger pickup instructions. Your guide meets you near Plaza Gali at the Oxxo in the Plaza Gali parking area.

What language is the tour guide?

The tour is offered in English.

Does lunch include both meat and vegetarian choices?

Lunch is included and described as Mexican dishes such as fish tacos, shrimp, chips and guacamole, and there is also a vegetarian option.

Can I drive the Jeep?

You can drive if you are at least 18 and you present a valid driver’s license.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring a towel, tennis shoes or sandals, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Since it requires good weather, the company may modify the day due to rain or road cuts. If they cancel due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.