Cabo San Lucas: Beach & Desert Horseback Riding Tour

El Migriño Beach gives this ride its real appeal: you get Pacific waves, sand dunes, desert, and mountain views in one outing. The setting feels far removed from Cabo’s hotel zone, even though the tour includes pickup and drop-off from two central locations.

I like the choice between beginner and advanced riding groups, and I like that the ride supplies a helmet, goggles, and bandana. The free kids club is also a smart touch for families with younger children. The main consideration is the extra $25 entrance fee, plus the strict rule against bringing cameras or cellphones.

Key points before you book

• Ride at El Migriño Beach: Expect sandy dunes, coastal cliffs, Pacific surf, and desert trails beside the shore.
• Pick your riding level: Choose a beginner or advanced option before the safety briefing.
• Guides make a difference: English- and Spanish-speaking professional guides lead the ride. Bruno received especially warm praise in the available feedback.
• Family-friendly setup: Children age 5 and older can ride their own horse, while younger children cannot join the horseback ride.
• Useful gear is included: You receive a helmet, goggles, and bandana, along with hotel pickup and return.
• Budget for the entrance fee: The advertised price is $97 per person, but entrance costs another $25 per person.

Why El Migriño Beach is the star

Many Cabo excursions focus on the famous arch or the calm waters around the marina. This one points you west, toward the open Pacific and El Migriño Beach. That changes the mood completely.

Here, your view is not just a strip of sand and resort buildings. You look across broad beach, rolling dunes, dry Baja desert, mountain slopes, and large Pacific waves. The coast feels spacious and raw. The ride is less about reaching a single famous sight and more about moving through several different coastal settings in a short time.

I especially like the mix of textures. Your horse carries you over beach sand, near dunes, and along desert paths, while the ocean stays in view. The mountains behind you help explain the geography of Baja California Sur: this is a dry region where rugged hills meet the Pacific with little softening in between.

The water may look clear from shore, but this is primarily a riding experience, not a swimming or snorkeling trip. The beach is the setting for the ride and the views. You should not book this tour expecting time for a long swim.

Choosing beginner or advanced riding

Before you set out, you choose between beginner and advanced options. That matters more than it may sound. A first-time rider usually wants a calm pace and clear instruction, while someone comfortable on horseback may want a quicker, more active outing.

The safety briefing lasts about 15 minutes. You put on your helmet and receive the riding instructions before heading to the beach. Goggles and a bandana are included, which should help with sun, wind, and blowing sand.

The exact riding pace can depend on the group and the option you select. One piece of feedback praised the tour for feeling fast-paced rather than dull, and specifically mentioned running on the beach. That suggests the advanced option may offer more action, but you should still follow the guide’s instructions and choose honestly based on your riding ability.

The best advice is simple: do not select advanced just because it sounds more exciting. A horse ride is much more enjoyable when you feel in control. If you are new to horseback riding, the beginner group should let you concentrate on the scenery instead of worrying about your balance.

From pickup to the safety briefing

Pickup is included from two stated locations: Calle Mariano Abasolo 1356 and a point on the Carretera Transpeninsular. You are asked to wait in the hotel lobby five minutes before the scheduled time, and drivers will wait no longer than five minutes after that time.

That short waiting window is worth taking seriously. Have your group ready before pickup, especially if you are traveling with children. The ride back to the drop-off points is also included.

The sequence begins in Cabo San Lucas with the safety briefing. You then take a transfer of about 10 minutes to the riding area. The schedule lists a 105-minute guided tour and walk, which includes the beach and desert portion.

There is a small timing wrinkle to understand. The activity is sold as a two-hour horseback ride, but the full schedule also includes transfers, pickup, drop-off, the safety briefing, and the tasting. Treat the two hours as the overall advertised tour duration rather than assuming you will spend every minute in the saddle.

Riding through dunes, desert, and Pacific surf

The main ride is the reason to book. At El Migriño Beach, you follow the coast with dunes and cliffs nearby. The ocean provides a constant visual marker, while the desert and mountains give the ride a distinctly Baja feel.

The beach is not presented as a polished resort beach. Its appeal comes from open space and natural scenery. Huge Pacific waves create a more dramatic view than the gentle water found at many protected Cabo beaches. You can admire the coast from the saddle without needing a boat or a long day on the water.

The route also includes a desert walk. That gives you a chance to experience the area at a slower pace and notice the change between beach sand and dry inland ground. The tour description highlights the ecosystem around the shore, so this is a useful part of the outing for anyone who wants more than a basic horse ride along flat sand.

You should expect sun, wind, and sand. The included goggles and bandana are practical, not decorative extras. Wear clothes you can comfortably get dusty, and bring identification as requested. Cameras and cellphones are not allowed, so you will not be able to take your own photos during the ride.

That rule may disappoint anyone who likes to document every stop. On the other hand, it means you are not managing a phone while handling a horse. Souvenir photos are available for purchase, so you can ask about the official photo option at the site.

The horses, guides, and pace

A professional guide escorts the group throughout the ride. Tours are offered in Spanish and English, which makes the safety instructions easier to follow for many visitors.

Bruno is the guide name most worth noting. One family specifically praised his work during a private outing that combined horseback riding with side-by-side ATVs. The group included a 77-year-old mother-in-law and a 13-year-old daughter, and the family credited Bruno with making the activity a major highlight of their Cabo trip.

You should not assume Bruno will lead every departure, but you can ask if he is available when booking or checking in. His mention is useful because a guide can shape this kind of outing. Clear directions, good control of the pace, and attention to mixed riding ability all matter more than a long speech about the scenery.

Another especially personal detail comes from a rider who named the horse Cabo and praised the chance to run on the beach. Horses have individual temperaments, and your mount will not necessarily be Cabo. Still, that comment points to the sort of memory this tour can create: a named horse, open sand, and a faster moment by the Pacific.

The first feedback came from a private combination tour, so it may not describe the standard group setup exactly. Keep that distinction in mind when judging the pace and level of personal attention you can expect.

The tequila tasting at the end

After the ride, the schedule includes free time and a blue agave tequila tasting at a local restaurant. This gives you a relaxed finish after the dust and motion of the beach.

The tasting is included, but other alcoholic drinks are not. They are available for purchase if you want something beyond the included tasting. You do not need to add a bar stop to enjoy the main tour, so this part works best as a brief cultural and social finish rather than the main reason to book.

I like the way the tasting rounds out the outing. You see a dry coastal region, ride through Baja scenery, and then sample a product closely associated with Mexico. Just keep your expectations sensible. The supplied details do not promise a full tequila class, a meal, or a long restaurant visit.

The tour also lists a $25 entrance fee per person as not included. Add that amount to the advertised $97 price when comparing this outing with other Cabo activities. Your practical cost is at least $122 per person before any drinks, souvenir photos, or other purchases.

Is the $97 price good value?

At $97 per person, the tour offers more than a basic horseback ride. Pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, the ride, helmet, goggles, bandana, kids club, and tequila tasting are included.

The entrance fee changes the calculation. Once you add $25, the cost becomes $122 per person. If you buy drinks or photos, your final total rises again. I would compare the full cost, not just the headline price.

The tour is good value for you if you want several elements in one compact outing: transportation, a guided beach ride, desert scenery, safety gear, and a tasting. It is less compelling if your main goal is a long, slow horseback ride or a low-cost beach activity.

The included kids club also adds practical value for families. Certified staff look after children while they play board games, use video games, or watch movies. This is available with adult bookings and can make the outing workable for a family group that includes children too young to ride.

Who should book this ride?

This tour suits adults and families who want an active way to see the Cabo area beyond the marina. It works particularly well for people who like a change of scenery and want beach views without spending the day on a boat.

Children age 5 and older can ride their own horse. Children under 5 cannot take part in the horseback ride, but the included kids club may give parents another option. Ask about the club when arranging your booking so you understand how it fits your family’s timing.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or people with pre-existing medical conditions. If any of those concerns apply, choose a different type of Cabo excursion.

The ride also suits mixed-age families better than many high-speed motorized outings. The feedback about a group ranging from age 13 to age 77 is encouraging, though the group selected a private tour and included side-by-side ATVs. You should still choose the riding level that matches each person’s ability.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Bring your passport or ID card. That is the one item specifically required for the activity.

Leave your cellphone and camera behind because they are not allowed. This is unusual for a scenic tour, so plan for it before pickup. If souvenir photos matter to you, budget for the available paid photo service rather than expecting to use your own device.

Wear clothing suited to sun, sand, and a horse ride. The supplied information does not specify a dress code, but practical clothes are the sensible choice. The operator supplies the helmet, goggles, and bandana, so you do not need to pack those items.

The five-minute pickup rule also makes organization important. Keep your identification ready, finish breakfast or other plans early, and wait in the lobby before the scheduled time.

Booking flexibility and practical details

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. It also allows you to reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are arranging a Cabo holiday before every detail is fixed.

The listed duration is two hours, and start times depend on availability. Hotel pickup and return are included, with drop-off at the same two stated points on Calle Mariano Abasolo 1356 or the Carretera Transpeninsular.

The language options are Spanish and English. Since the briefing covers safety and riding levels, choose a departure where you can clearly understand the guide.

One detail I would clarify before paying is how the $25 entrance fee is collected and exactly how the 105-minute guided portion fits into the advertised two hours. Those questions do not make the tour a poor choice. They simply help you compare it fairly with other horseback and ATV outings in Cabo.

Should you book the El Migriño Beach ride?

Book this tour if you want a compact, active coastal outing with horses, dunes, desert, mountains, and Pacific views. The beginner and advanced options make it easier to find a comfortable pace, and the included safety gear, transfers, guide, and kids club add real convenience.

I would be more cautious if you want to use your phone for photos, avoid extra fees, or spend a full day in the saddle. The $25 entrance charge is easy to overlook, and the two-hour label includes more than riding time.

For families, couples, and first-time riders who want a scenic taste of Baja without committing to a full-day expedition, this is a sensible pick. Ask about Bruno if his guiding style appeals to you, choose your riding level honestly, and include the entrance fee in your budget. The best part is the setting: open Pacific beach, dry desert, and mountains all within one guided ride.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding tour last?

The activity is listed as two hours. The schedule includes a 15-minute safety briefing, a 10-minute transfer, a 105-minute guided tour and walk, a tequila tasting, and return transportation.

Where does the tour pick up and drop off?

Pickup and drop-off are available at Calle Mariano Abasolo 1356 and a location on the Carretera Transpeninsular.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. You should wait in the hotel lobby five minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

Can beginners join the horseback ride?

Yes. You can choose between beginner and advanced riding options before the safety briefing.

Can children ride their own horses?

Children age 5 and older can ride their own horse. Children under 5 are not suitable for the horseback riding activity.

Is there childcare for children who do not ride?

Yes. A free kids club is included with adult bookings. Certified staff supervise children while they play board games, use video games, or watch movies.

What is not included in the price?

The $25 entrance fee per person is not included. Alcoholic drinks and souvenir photos are also available for an additional charge.