Cabo San Lucas: ATV Pacific Tour, Donkey Sanctuary & Beach Ride

Summary

Ride desert trails past cacti meet donkeys and watch waves crash below

You’ll ride your own ATV along rugged trails near Cabo San Lucas, meeting friendly donkeys at a local sanctuary and catching wild Pacific views from high cliffs. With hotel pickup included and a guide who knows every twist in the trail, you’ll taste desert dust, hear crashing surf, and maybe spot whales if you’re lucky—leaving with more sand in your shoes than you planned.

What’s the experience like?

"You sure you’ve driven one of these before?" our guide grinned, handing me the helmet. I probably looked nervous — my hands were already dusty just from the quick walk around the ranch. The place smelled like warm hay and sunscreen, with horses flicking their tails in the sun. We got a quick rundown on the ATVs (Honda, pretty sturdy) and then Li, our guide, pointed out some goats that seemed to be plotting something. He told us we could take photos with the donkeys before heading out — I tried to say “burro” in Spanish and got a laugh from one of the ranch hands.

Once we started rolling, it was all engine rumble and wind. The trail wound through this dry, almost lunar landscape — cacti taller than a basketball hoop everywhere you looked. At one point, Li stopped us to show how some of them are older than his grandfather (he swore it). We passed a turtle conservation sign but didn’t see any turtles — maybe too hot for them that day. The air tasted salty as we got closer to the Pacific; you could actually hear the waves pounding even before you saw them. There was this moment when we crested a dune and suddenly everything opened up: ocean glittering hard blue, cliffs dropping away below us. I didn’t expect to feel so small out there.

We had time to wander Migriño beach after parking the ATVs — sand in my shoes for days after that. Some folks went back early, but I hung around watching pelicans dive and thinking about how different this was from downtown Cabo San Lucas. If you come between January and April, Li said you might spot whales right offshore (I kept scanning but no luck). My arms were sore by the end, but honestly? Worth it for that stretch of wild coastline and all those weird little moments — like trying not to fall off when I hit my first bump or getting donkey fur all over my shirt.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV ride and Baja ranch visit

• Receive ATV operation orientation
• Walk Baja ranch and see animals
• Ride ATV with guide on desert trail
• Observe tall cactus and desert flora
• View Pacific Ocean and wildlife
• Spot migrating whales (Jan-Apr)

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the ATV Pacific tour in Cabo San Lucas?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included with your booking.

What animals can I see during the tour?

You can meet horses, goats, friendly donkeys at the ranch, and possibly spot whales from January to April.

Are helmets provided for ATV riders?

Yes, helmets and goggles are provided for all participants.

Can I visit Migriño beach during this ATV tour?

Yes, you can explore Migriño beach and its dunes during or after your ride.

Is there a discount if I use my own transportation?

Yes, there is a $10 USD discount on entrance park fee if you arrive by your own transport.

Are there age restrictions for riding an ATV?

The minimum age is 16 years old; children must be accompanied by an adult.

What should I bring for the ATV Pacific tour?

Sunscreen, sunglasses, closed shoes, long pants, and a light jacket are recommended.

Is insurance included in the ATV solo tours?

Yes, collision insurance is included in solo ATV tours.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan, use of a Honda ATV with helmet and goggles provided by your professional guide (who might share stories along the way), bottled water to fight off Baja’s heat—and even collision insurance is covered so you can focus on enjoying every bumpy mile out toward Migriño beach before heading back home again.