Cabo: ATV Desert Ride, Camel Beach & Tequila Tasting Tour

Summary

Ride camels by the Pacific, taste tequila, and race ATVs in Baja

You’ll feel Baja’s wild heart as you race ATVs across desert trails near Cabo San Lucas, ride camels along crashing Pacific beaches, taste smoky tequila by the sea, and dig into a traditional Mexican buffet lunch with new friends—all with local guides who keep things light (and sometimes hilarious). Expect dust on your face and salt in your hair—plus one or two surprises you’ll keep thinking about later.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway into our helmets when José grinned at us — “Ready for dust?” he asked, like he knew something we didn’t. The Sacred Ranch sits out where the cactus start to crowd together and the air smells a bit like warm sage. I could hear the Pacific out there somewhere, but first came the ATV part. The engine kicked up under me and suddenly I was bouncing over dry ruts and past these weirdly elegant cardón cacti. My friend yelled something at me — no clue what — because all I could hear was wind and the crunch of tires on sand. Honestly, I didn’t expect to laugh that much just from getting covered in dust.

After that adrenaline rush (and a quick attempt to brush off my face — pointless), we swapped helmets for something softer: camels. Yes, actual camels in Mexico. Our guide Li explained how they’d adapted here; apparently they’re not native but seem totally at home. Sitting up there felt both awkward and peaceful — the camel’s fur was surprisingly wiry and it moved with this slow confidence right along the edge of the ocean. The waves were loud enough to drown out my thoughts for a minute or two. Someone behind us tried to say “gracias” to their camel; Li laughed so hard she almost dropped her phone.

The last stop was food — thank god — at this open-air spot facing the Sea of Cortés. Buffet trays steaming with things I couldn’t pronounce (but ate anyway), salsas that actually made my nose run a little, and then came the tequila tasting. I still think about that smoky mezcal sample; it lingered way longer than I expected. We sat there sticky with salt and sand, swapping stories with another couple from Guadalajara who insisted we try mixing lime with everything.

I guess what surprised me most was how relaxed it all felt after the wild start — maybe it’s just Baja’s rhythm or maybe it was the tequila kicking in by then. Either way, if you want a day trip from Cabo that’s got a bit of chaos, some weird animal moments, real food, and those big empty beaches… well, you’ll probably remember it too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV, Camel Ride, Tequila Tasting

• Arrive at Sacred Ranch oceanfront
• Receive full body protective gear
• Ride automatic ATV through desert trails
• Enjoy camel ride along secluded beach
• Taste tequila and mezcal at oceanfront
• Eat unlimited Mexican buffet by the sea

Top questions

How long is the Cabo ATV & Camel tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours plus transportation time from your hotel.

Is lunch included on this Cabo day trip?

A Mexican buffet lunch is included but optional; you can purchase it onsite after your activities.

Are there extra fees for this tour?

Yes—a $25 USD per person park entrance fee and a $35 USD collision fee per ATV are paid at check-in.

Do I need a driver’s license for the ATV ride?

Yes, a valid driving license is required to operate an ATV during this tour.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup before your tour is included; confirm time and location with your operator after booking.

Are vegetarian options available at lunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are available at the Mexican buffet lunch.

Is this tour suitable for people with health issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health; expectant mothers can’t participate.

What is the weight limit for participants?

The maximum weight limit is 265 lbs (118 kg) per person for all activities on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup before heading out to Sacred Ranch near Cabo San Lucas for an off-road single ATV desert ride guided by locals, a camel ride along secluded Pacific beaches (with plenty of photo chances), unlimited Mexican buffet lunch facing the Sea of Cortés—with vegetarian options—and a tequila tasting session before heading back salty and satisfied.