Cabo San Lucas Side by Side and Camel Riding Adventure

The unusual pairing is the hook here: you get the dust and speed of a side-by-side ride followed by a camel encounter near the Pacific Ocean. I like the private format, which gives your group personal attention, and I like that the Baja trails are reported to be far more exciting than a slow scenic drive. The camel portion adds a gentle change of pace, with time to hug and kiss a camel after riding.

I also like the practical touches, especially the included helmet, goggles, bandana, and locker. My main caution is the extra cost at check-in. The published government fee is $25 per person, and collision insurance is optional if you leave a card on file, but some guests were quoted additional amounts. Ask for a full cost breakdown before you start.

Key points at a glance

• Race trails, not just a short vehicle loop: The side-by-side ride uses Baja trails and can feel genuinely quick and active.
• Two very different activities in one outing: You move from off-road driving to a calm camel meeting at the sanctuary.
• Private-group attention: Only your party participates, with guides such as John and Chocolate praised for their friendly help.
• Playa Migrino adds an ocean setting: The camel ride takes place near the Pacific, with sunset possible depending on your start time.
• Lockers make the dusty ride easier: You can store belongings and freshen up after the activities.
• Budget for the required fee: The listed government charge is $25 per person, while collision coverage is optional with a card on file.

From Cabo pickup to the Playa Migrino trails

The outing begins at G-Force Adventures on Carretera Cabo San Lucas, Avenida La Paz Km. 106. Hotel pickup is offered, but the route changes from day to day. If you are staying at a resort or hotel, plan for pickup in front of the lobby about 45 minutes before the activity begins, then check your booking email or call to confirm the exact time.

That pickup buffer matters. A three-hour activity can take a larger part of your day once transport is added, so avoid booking this too close to dinner, a cruise departure, or another fixed appointment. The activity returns to the meeting point at the end.

The setting for the main activity is Playa Migrino. The location gives the tour more character than a paved-road attraction. You are heading out to Baja race trails, with the Pacific nearby and open desert around the route. The supplied details do not give a precise driving distance or exact ride time, so expect the schedule to depend on the day’s transportation and operating conditions.

On arrival, you receive safety instructions before getting into the side-by-side. The safety package includes a helmet, goggles, and bandana. That equipment is useful here, not decorative. Dust is part of an off-road ride, and goggles and a face covering make the experience more comfortable when the vehicle picks up speed.

You also have access to a locker. I would use it for anything you do not want exposed to dust or vibration. Keep only essentials with you, since a phone, loose hat, or camera can be awkward during a fast ride unless it is secured.

Why the side-by-side ride is the real surprise

The side-by-side section is designed for people who want more than a quiet sightseeing loop. You ride through Baja race trails, and the route can be surprisingly spirited. One family of four, with children aged 18 to 22, expected a dull drive and found the trails exciting instead.

That is useful guidance for setting expectations. This is not simply a vehicle transfer to the camels. The first half gives you an active outdoor ride, with the guide setting the pace and leading your group through the route. Since the activity is private, your party is not combined with unrelated groups, which should make the ride feel more personal and easier to manage.

Still, private does not mean unlimited. You will receive safety instructions, and the guide controls how the ride is conducted. Do not book this expecting an unsupervised race or a chance to drive recklessly. The appeal is the mix of speed, dust, views, and a guided route through the Baja terrain.

Guide quality matters on an outing like this. John received specific praise for making the ride enjoyable, while Chocolate was described as friendly and funny during the experience. Names can change by departure, but the important point is that the guide is central to the day. A good guide turns the drive from a basic vehicle rental into an organized adventure.

The private setup also suits groups with different energy levels. If some people in your party want an active ride and others mainly want the camels, everyone still shares the same outing. Just remember that the side-by-side portion comes first, so anyone joining must be comfortable with the required safety procedures and off-road motion.

Meeting the camels after the dust

After the side-by-side route, you continue to the camel sanctuary. This second activity changes the mood completely. Instead of steering over race trails, you meet the camels, ride with them, and then have time to interact with one at close range.

The experience includes a chance to hug and kiss a camel. That is the part most likely to become the family story later, especially for anyone who has never been close to one. The camel ride also gives you a slower way to take in the Pacific setting at Playa Migrino.

Timing can shape this portion. One particularly appealing possibility is a sunset ride by the Pacific Ocean. Sunset is not guaranteed by the general tour details, so check the departure time before booking if that is important to you. A morning outing will offer a different feel from a late-day departure.

The camel stop is also a smart balance to the first activity. A full three hours of high-energy driving could feel tiring, while a camel-only outing might seem too quiet for an adventure seeker. Here, the two parts give you contrast. You get motion first, then a slower encounter with animals and time for photos.

Souvenir photos are available for purchase separately. They are not included in the $162 price, so decide in advance how much you want to spend on pictures. You may prefer to use your own phone when permitted, but the official photo option can be useful if you want images of the ride or your camel interaction without asking another member of your group to take them.

What the $162 price really covers

At $162 per person, this is not a low-cost quick attraction. The price makes more sense if you value the private format and want both activities in one booking. Transportation, security gear, a locker, and the two-part experience are included.

The private arrangement is the biggest value point. You are not paying only for access to a side-by-side or a camel. You are paying for a guide, transport, safety equipment, and a more personal outing for your own group. For a couple or small family that wants a planned half-day activity, that can be worthwhile.

The price does not cover everything. A $25-per-person government fee is listed as mandatory. This fee is described as supporting native-plant work and restoration of the land after use. It is not part of the advertised tour price, so add it when comparing the cost with other Cabo activities.

Collision insurance is optional, but there is an important condition. If you decline it, you must leave a card on file, similar to a rental-car arrangement. Some people may prefer paying the optional coverage for peace of mind, while others may choose the card-on-file option. Read the terms at check-in and ask what amount is being authorized.

The extra-fee issue deserves plain warning. One guest reported being charged about $60 for insurance and roughly $20 per person for entry. Another account says the provider later clarified that only the mandatory park fee was required and that an earlier check-in process had been pushing extra coverage. The current published information lists the government fee as $25 per person, so confirm the exact amount before signing anything.

You should also ask if the quote includes only the required government fee or any optional products. A clear question at arrival can prevent a sour ending to an otherwise enjoyable day.

Transport, lockers, and the practical side

Hotel pickup is convenient, especially if you are not renting a car. But because routes change daily, the pickup time is not fixed in the basic details. Check your email or call the operator, Best Cabo Tours, LLC, for the time assigned to your hotel.

The return process deserves attention. One guest had a long wait for the shuttle back to the hotel and did not realize that the procedure was to go out front and catch the shuttle when ready. That confusion can make the last part of the day frustrating.

Before you leave the activity site, ask exactly where to wait for the return shuttle and how often it runs. Do not assume the driver will automatically find you. If you are staying somewhere with a strict dinner reservation, allow extra time rather than planning on a perfectly timed return.

The locker is a small but useful inclusion. Off-road rides are dusty, and loose belongings can get in the way. Store anything fragile or unnecessary before you ride, then use the locker access to freshen up afterward. The details do not promise showers or changing rooms, so do not count on a full change facility unless the operator confirms it.

The experience is offered in English. Confirmation is provided at booking, and most people can participate. The tour is private, meaning only your group takes part, which is especially helpful if you want the guide’s attention or prefer not to share the ride with strangers.

Who will get the most from this Cabo outing

I would recommend this to couples, families with older children, and friends who want a memorable activity with both action and animals. The ages 18 to 22 mentioned in one account fit the side-by-side ride particularly well, but the supplied information does not set a minimum age or give detailed physical requirements. Ask before booking if anyone in your party has mobility concerns or dislikes bumpy vehicle rides.

This is a good pick if you want a planned experience rather than arranging separate transport, an off-road rental, and a camel encounter yourself. The guide, gear, locker, and return to the starting point keep the day fairly simple.

It may not suit you if you want a quiet nature outing, a long camel ride, or a cheap activity. The side-by-side portion is the main source of excitement, and the extra government fee raises the final cost. It also may not work well for a tight schedule because pickup and return transport can add time beyond the three-hour activity.

The tour is also a strong choice for a special occasion. Riding through Baja trails, then meeting a camel near the Pacific, is an unusual combination. It gives you more variety than a standard beach excursion and more personality than a basic off-road loop.

Booking advice for a smoother day

Book at least 24 hours ahead if your plans may change. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refundable or accepted.

At booking, make sure your hotel name and contact details are correct. Then watch for the pickup information and confirm the time if it is not clear. The listed start point is G-Force Adventures, but hotel pickup may take you there.

Before the vehicle portion begins, listen closely to the safety instructions. Wear the supplied goggles and bandana, secure your belongings in the locker, and ask about the optional collision coverage. A few direct questions at check-in are worth the effort:

• What is the exact mandatory government fee today?
• Is collision insurance optional if I leave a card on file?
• Where should I wait for the return shuttle?
• Are souvenir photos included or sold separately?

These questions address the only real trouble spots in the supplied information. They also help you compare the advertised $162 price with your likely final cost.

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

Book it if you want a private Cabo activity with two distinct halves: an active ride through Baja race trails and a close camel encounter near the Pacific. The guides, including John and Chocolate on reported departures, are part of the appeal, and the included gear, transport, and locker add practical value.

I would hesitate only if hidden or unclear fees bother you, if you need a tightly timed return, or if your group prefers gentle sightseeing over off-road excitement. Confirm the $25 government fee, understand the collision-insurance choice, and get the shuttle instructions before you start.

For the right group, this is a memorable use of about three hours. It is not the cheapest Cabo outing, but it offers a rare combination that is hard to duplicate with a single ordinary tour.

FAQ

How long does the Cabo side-by-side and camel adventure last?

The activity lasts approximately three hours, not counting possible extra time for hotel pickup and return transportation.

Where does the tour take place?

The listed activity stop is Playa Migrino. The meeting point is G-Force Adventures at Carretera Cabo San Lucas, Avenida La Paz Km. 106, Cabo San Lucas.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Transportation is included, and pickup is offered from hotels and resorts. Pickup routes change daily, so you should check your booking email or call for the assigned time.

What safety equipment is provided?

The tour includes a helmet, goggles, and bandana. A locker is also included for storing belongings during the rides.

Is collision insurance included?

No. Collision insurance is optional. If you decline it, you must leave a card on file.

Are there extra government or park fees?

Yes. The supplied tour details list a mandatory government fee of $25 per person. Confirm the exact amount at check-in and ask which other charges are optional.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refundable.