You’ll go from sandy dunes to ocean views fast, and that mix is the point. What I love most is the UTV desert trails with photo stops and real breathing-room scenery, plus the camel ride that gives you a calmer second act. It’s a short, well-paced combo when you want a “two experiences in one go” Cabo day without burning half your vacation.

Here’s the one thing to consider: the tour price doesn’t include everything you might expect. You’ll still likely need to budget for ranch entrance (listed as $15 per person), and there’s a strict no-phone/no-GoPro rule during the activity, so your best shots are the ones they capture and sell after.

UTV + Camels in the Cabo Desert: What You’re Really Buying

This is a 2-hour, two-part desert adventure built around motion first, then slow-and-sweet animal time. If you’re choosing it for the adrenaline, the UTV portion is about 45 minutes for a racer, guided along sand dunes and desert vegetation routes with ocean viewpoints.

If you’re choosing it for the novelty, the camel ride is brief—about 20–25 minutes—but it’s structured like a mini experience with time to pet, pose, and get comfortable around the animals. The whole flow is designed so you’re not stuck waiting around for long stretches. Pickup, lockers, two activity blocks, photos/food, then you’re back on transport.

With a maximum group size of 10 travelers, you can usually count on the guide to keep things moving and help with logistics without turning it into chaos.

Key Points You’ll Feel Right Away

• UTV route time is fixed: around 45 minutes for racers, so you can plan your day.
• Camel time is short but focused: 20–25 minutes, with photo and petting moments.
• Ocean viewpoints are part of the route on the dune driving.
• Snacks and drinks are included: 2 quesadillas plus horchata or jamaica.
• Phone/GoPro restrictions mean you should consider the photo package.

Getting Picked Up and Getting Ready at the Ranch Area

The day starts with hotel pickup from select locations in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. If your hotel is in San José del Cabo, pickup happens 1 hour before the activity. In Cabo San Lucas, the pickup timing depends on your specific hotel.

That “time in advance” detail matters more than you’d think. If you’re moving from a resort that’s used to late shuttles, you might feel early-morning friction. Build in a little buffer so you’re not rushed in the lobby.

Once you arrive at the facilities, you check in and get assigned a locker for your belongings. This is one of those practical touches that makes the rest of the day smoother, especially if you’re wearing something you want to keep protected from sand. After that, your guide lays out the logistics and you’ll learn how the day’s order works. The sequence can vary based on the day’s logistics, but you’re always doing both UTV and camel.

If you’re a racer, this is also when you’ll get your safety equipment—helmet and goggles—and go over driving and safety instructions. Expect the guide to explain how to follow the route as a group and how to handle the sand sections without turning it into a full-time job.

The UTV Portion: Sand Dunes, Desert Vegetation, and Ocean Views

The UTV block is where this tour starts earning its name. You’ll drive along a guided route that includes sand dune trails, desert vegetation, and incredible ocean views. The guide follows the route and you follow along, so you’re not spending your mental energy figuring out where to go—you’re spending it looking out at the scenery.

There are a few things to pay attention to before you start:

• Safety gear is part of the deal if you’re driving. Helmet and goggles are provided, and you’ll want them snug. A loose helmet makes a long day annoying fast.
• The guide is running the pace. You’ll stop along the way for photographs. That’s not wasted time—it’s how you get decent shots without holding up the group.
• Expect sand behavior. The ground isn’t smooth pavement. It’s more like a moving experience—traction changes, and you’ll feel it if the route turns steeper or you hit softer dune patches.

The timing is helpful for planning: racer time is about 45 minutes. That’s long enough to feel like you actually did something, but short enough that you’re not cooked for the next activity.

One extra note from real-world feedback: guides can make a big difference here. People specifically praised guides like Noe for taking extra time and patience, even when an 8-year-old was involved. Another guide named Raphael was also called out for making the experience fun and smooth. That tells me the company leans toward structured guiding, not just “here’s the key, good luck.”

The Transition: Bathroom Stop and a Clear Switch to Camels

After the UTV portion ends, the plan takes you to the stables point. This matters because you’re physically switching gears. You can use the bathroom here and get yourself sorted before the camel ride.

If you’re sand-covered, this is your chance to reset. You’re also likely to be thinking about what you’ll wear and how you’ll handle photos next, since phones and GoPro aren’t allowed during the activity. The tour structure is built so the camel part doesn’t feel like an awkward add-on—you get a moment to breathe, then you meet the camels.

This is also where you’ll get ready for what comes next: photos, petting, then the camel tour.

The Camel Ride: Short, Friendly, and Built for Photos

The camel ride itself lasts about 20–25 minutes. That’s a real time commitment for people who want something memorable, but it’s also a good length if you’re traveling with kids or anyone who doesn’t want a long, slow ride.

When you arrive at the camels, you’ll get time to take photos and pet them. That contact is part of why the camel portion works: it’s not only about the ride; it’s about feeling comfortable with the animal before you move out.

The biggest practical takeaway: come with the mindset that this is a guided, photo-friendly moment, not a personal photography session. The tour states that phone or GoPro use isn’t allowed during the activity, so your expectations should match what’s possible. If you want more than quick snapshots from outside the ride area, the photo package is worth considering.

In the feedback I reviewed, people highlighted the camel interaction as one of a kind, and they also recommended signing up for the photo package—because you’ll get photos from the day after the ride is done.

Food and Photo Package: How the End of the Tour Works

At the end of the camel riding segment, you’ll be able to see your photographs. This is also when the tour serves food. Snacks are included, specifically 2 quesadillas, plus fresh water options like horchata or jamaica.

This end-of-tour structure is smart. You don’t have to wander off searching for lunch right after being out in the desert. You finish, eat, check out the photos, and then get transportation back.

One more detail: since phones/GoPro aren’t allowed during the activity, the photo viewing is not a “maybe.” It’s part of the value you’re paying for. I’d treat it like a feature, not an optional extra.

Price and Value: Is $140.48 a Fair Deal?

At $140.48 per person, the tour pricing is easier to judge when you break down what’s included. You get:

• Air-conditioned vehicle (nice for pickup and return)
• Safety equipment (helmet and goggles for racers)
• Snacks: 2 quesadillas
• Fresh water: horchata or jamaica
• Two guided experiences: UTV time plus a camel ride

On top of that, the group size is capped at 10, which often translates into less waiting around.

What’s not included is the part that can surprise you. You’ll need to plan for ranch entrance at $15 per person. Also, collision insurance isn’t included, and photos aren’t included because phone/GoPro use is not allowed during the activity. Your final cost can creep up depending on whether you purchase the photo package and whether you choose collision insurance.

Still, even with those add-ons, you’re paying for a guided, timed combo experience with transport and food. If you were to book UTV separately and then find a camel ride with food and transport, you’d likely spend similar—or more—once you add the usual “extras.”

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This is a strong fit if you want an active, guided day that’s not too long and doesn’t require planning a bunch of separate stops. It also works well for families, as long as everyone is comfortable with the idea that the camel ride is short and the UTV portion is guided for racers.

It’s especially good for:

• People who like structure and a clear schedule
• Anyone who wants ocean views paired with desert dunes in one outing
• Travelers who prefer guided safety instructions over DIY driving

You might look at something else if:

• You’re hoping for lots of time with the camels. The ride is 20–25 minutes.
• You hate the idea of not being able to use your phone/GoPro during the activity.
• You’re very budget-sensitive and don’t want to add ranch entrance or possible insurance.

Smart Tips Before You Go

A few practical moves will make your day better:

Plan for the photo rule. Since phone/GoPro isn’t allowed during the activity, wear something you feel good in for photos, and consider the photo package so you’re not leaving disappointed.

Wear gear that survives sand. Even with a locker, you’ll be in a dusty environment. Closed-toe shoes are a safe bet, and you’ll want to avoid delicate fabrics.

Go with a calm, patient vibe on the camel side. The camel portion is about comfort and interaction. It’s not a wild ride; it’s an animal experience with gentle guidance.

Bring water-ready habits. Water is included, but you’ll be in desert conditions. Take drinks when offered and don’t wait until you feel thirsty.

Should You Book the UTV and Camel Ride in the Cabo Desert?

If you want one well-run tour that mixes excitement and a classic animal encounter, this one makes a lot of sense. I like the fact that it’s timed (about 45 minutes of racer UTV, plus 20–25 minutes on camels), includes snacks and drinks, and keeps group size small.

The main reasons to pause are the added costs (ranch entrance) and the no-phone/no-GoPro rule, which means you’re relying on the tour’s photo process. If that doesn’t bother you, the value is strong for a short desert day that actually delivers both dune driving and camel interaction.

If your schedule is flexible, remember the tour requires good weather. When weather is rough, they offer a different date or a full refund.

If you’re deciding today: book it if you want the Cabo desert experience in one clean package. Skip it if you need long camel time or you want to capture everything yourself on your device.

FAQ

How long is the UTV and camel ride tour in Cabo?

The tour runs about 2 hours total.

How much time do I spend on the UTV and on the camel?

If you’re a racer, the UTV time is about 45 minutes. The camel ride time is about 20–25 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered from select hotels in San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. The exact pickup time and your pickup point are provided by the operator about 24 hours before.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, safety equipment (helmet and goggles for racers), snacks (2 quesadillas), and fresh water options like horchata or jamaica.

What extra costs should I expect?

Ranch entrance is not included and costs $15 per person. Collision insurance is also not included. Photos are not included, and phone or GoPro use isn’t allowed during the activity.

Are phones or GoPros allowed during the activities?

No. The activity does not allow the use of phones or GoPro.

What happens if the weather isn’t good?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.