REVIEW · CABO SAN LUCAS
Adventure in Los Cabos Margaritas beach in ATV/UTV desert tour
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Desert trails, then Margaritas Beach. That mix is exactly why I think this ATV/UTV tour is a great fit for first-timers and thrill-seekers alike. I also like that you get the core basics handled up front: helmet, goggles, and bandana, plus bottled water and tequila at the end. One thing to watch: the day can get more expensive once you add the area conservation fee and optional insurance and photo package.
You’ll meet the team at G-Force Adventures after pickup from your hotel area in Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo. This is run as a small group experience (max 14), and the ride is timed so you’re not stuck for hours with nothing happening. The driving age rules are also fairly flexible for a shared tour, but passengers need to meet the minimum ages too.
Plan your timing and expectations around the full flow: pickup can land up to 70 minutes before start, the ride is about 2 hours, and then there’s a tequila tasting and a photo viewing. Safety is taken seriously too. Cell phone use is strictly prohibited while you’re operating the ATV/UTV, so if you want pics, make peace with the fact that the pros will be doing a lot of that work.
In This Review
- Key Things I’d Plan Around
- Price and Extras: The Real Cost in Cabo
- Getting to G-Force Adventures: Pickup Timing That Affects Your Day
- Gear Up: Helmet, Goggles, Bandana, and Dust Reality
- The Ride: Desert Trails to Margaritas Beach
- The Guide Experience: Pacing, Attention, and How the Group Feels
- Tequila Tasting and the Photo Reveal: The End of the Day
- Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Rethink It)
- Tips to Get the Best Day for Your Money
- Should You Book This ATV/UTV to Margaritas Beach?
- FAQ
- Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
- How long is the ATV/UTV tour?
- What’s included in the price?
- Are there extra fees to expect?
- What are the age requirements?
- Are cell phones allowed during the tour?
Key Things I’d Plan Around

- Pickup windows are wide: expect transport to pick you up between 20 and 70 minutes early, depending on where you’re staying
- Small group limit (max 14): you’re more likely to get attention and keep moving rather than feeling like a cattle-car stop
- Margaritas Beach experience: the best part is the desert trails that lead to a beach stretch where you can open it up
- Optional collision insurance adds to the total: $30 per ATV or $40 per UTV, depending on your vehicle
- Photos can change your final bill: the professional photo package costs extra and is often the priciest add-on
- Tequila tasting is included, but timing matters: it happens after the riding, and waits can happen with group schedules
Price and Extras: The Real Cost in Cabo

At $91.50 per person for about 3 hours, this tour isn’t just about a quick ride. You’re paying for the full package of pickup (air-conditioned minivan), use of safety gear, bottled water, and a tequila tasting at the end. For many people in Cabo, that bundled setup is where the value shows.
But you’ll want to budget for the add-ons that aren’t optional in practice, even if they’re listed separately:
- Area conservation fee: $25.00 per person is not included.
- Collision insurance (optional): $30 per ATV and $40 per UTV. If you’re worried about damage risk (or you’re new to off-road driving), this is worth thinking through ahead of time rather than deciding at the last minute.
- Professional photo package: included as a service of showing you the photos taken during the tour, but the photos themselves are not included. One common complaint is that the package can be expensive if you only want a few digital copies.
A good way to think about it: the base price is reasonable for Cabo, but your final total depends on how you handle the three big “extras” categories—conservation fee, insurance, and photos.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cabo San Lucas
Getting to G-Force Adventures: Pickup Timing That Affects Your Day

Pickup is offered and it’s built around your hotel zone. In Cabo San Lucas, plan for about 4 hours for the activity. In San José del Cabo, plan closer to 5 hours. That extra buffer isn’t just marketing; it matches how the route pickup and drop-off schedules work with shared groups.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Pickup is scheduled between 20 and 70 minutes before the start time, depending on your location.
- The transport brings you to the park where your protection equipment is provided.
- Drop-off depends on where you’re staying, and with shared tours the group can get sent back in an order that reflects hotel locations and timing.
Practical tip: if you’re staying on the far edge of the pickup zones, your “start to finish” time will feel longer. If you hate sitting around, schedule this earlier in the day when you’re less likely to be tired or hungry.
Gear Up: Helmet, Goggles, Bandana, and Dust Reality
This tour gives you helmet, goggles, and a bandana plus bottled water. That’s a solid foundation because off-road riding in Baja dust can get uncomfortable fast.
Still, I’d prep like it’s a dusty day. Long pants help, and closed-toe shoes matter. If you’ve got face sensitivity, consider bringing your own extra face cover/mask or a spare bandana. More than one person has called out how quickly things can get dusty, especially on days with dry wind.
Safety rules are clear:
- Driver cell phones are strictly prohibited during the tour. This is mostly about attention and distraction risk.
- You’ll need to follow guide instructions closely since this is a moving group ride, not a solo drive.
Age rules are also important:
- Driver must be 16+ years.
- Passenger age minimums: 6+ for ATV and 4+ for UTV.
The Ride: Desert Trails to Margaritas Beach

The headline is the switch from desert trails to Margaritas Beach. That combo is what makes this tour feel different from a basic loop ride.
A few things I’d expect, based on what people consistently describe:
- The ride often starts at a gentler pace and then builds. One guide named Broulio is specifically mentioned for adjusting speed so the group could keep up, with the ride getting more exhilarating as confidence grew.
- The terrain includes hills, curves, and bumps that can feel intense if you’re brand-new to ATV/UTV handling. If you’re nervous at first, that’s normal. You’ll usually be guided through how to manage the vehicle over uneven ground.
What you’ll actually enjoy most:
- Desert views that look better the more you move, not the less you do.
- Beach time that feels like a payoff after sand-and-rock driving. People describe the beach stretch as a big moment, especially when the guide lets riders enjoy more speed by the end.
One consideration: if you’re prone to motion sickness, plan for it. Off-road riding has vibration and frequent movement changes. And because this is a shared tour, getting pulled out early is not always easy once the schedule is underway.
The Guide Experience: Pacing, Attention, and How the Group Feels

This is a shared tour with a max of 14 people, and that detail matters. Smaller groups usually mean easier rhythm. You’re not just passed along from one vehicle to the next.
Guide style seems to be a key factor in overall enjoyment:
- Some guides are praised for watching how well people can follow and then matching speed to the group.
- One guide named Juan is mentioned for being great with guests.
The vibe I’d aim for is “adventure with structure.” You want someone paying attention so you don’t feel like you’re racing a random pack of vehicles.
If you’re the type who likes quiet time, this is probably not your tour. You’ll be in the action, following instructions, and sharing the route with others.
Tequila Tasting and the Photo Reveal: The End of the Day

At the end of the ride, you’ll have a tequila tasting. Expect about 20 minutes. The tour also includes a moment where staff personally show you the professional photos taken during the experience—but those photos are not included.
This is where I’d manage expectations:
- Tequila tasting is included, so you’re not paying extra for the event itself.
- But the photo viewing can create sticker shock. One common issue is that the professional package is expensive if you only want a few images. If you care about photos, decide in advance what you want to spend, and stick to that number.
Also note this timing detail: if your group is waiting on another group to finish before your tasting, it can feel like downtime at the end. It’s not the end of the world, but it’s worth knowing so you don’t assume tequila happens immediately after the ride.
Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Rethink It)

I think this ATV/UTV tour works best if you want:
- A full-value activity in Cabo that combines desert driving with an actual beach stop
- A ride that stays active for about 2 hours, wrapped into a practical total time
- A tour that includes core essentials (gear, water, tequila) without requiring you to guess logistics
It may be less ideal if:
- You’re extremely budget-sensitive and don’t want add-on costs like the conservation fee and insurance
- You hate being pressured by photo packages at the end (the professional option is a frequent complaint)
- You’re feeling unwell or worried about long waits after the ride, since shared schedules can affect how quickly you get back
Good match for couples, friends, and people who like action. It’s also a solid “first ATV/UTV experience” option because guides often manage pacing for people still getting comfortable.
Tips to Get the Best Day for Your Money

A few practical moves can make the experience smoother:
- Wear long pants and closed shoes. Your legs will thank you on bumps and dust.
- Bring an extra face cover if you know you get irritated by dust. You’ll likely want it even with the provided bandana.
- Skip the phone during the ride. Not because you can’t, but because safety rules are strict and it can distract you.
- Plan your budget up front: include the conservation fee and decide whether you want optional collision insurance.
- Go in with a photo plan: if you’re not excited about buying a full photo bundle, that’s better decided before the end-of-tour sales moment.
Should You Book This ATV/UTV to Margaritas Beach?
If you want a Cabo day that blends desert trail fun with Margaritas Beach payoff, this tour is easy to justify. The included gear, water, and tequila tasting help the base price feel fair, and the small group size supports a better ride rhythm.
I’d book it if you:
- like off-road driving and want a structured, guided route
- are okay with add-ons (especially the conservation fee and possibly insurance)
- don’t mind that the photo package is extra
I’d think twice if you:
- only want a low-cost ride and would rather spend money elsewhere
- strongly dislike end-of-tour upsells and expensive photo bundles
- have a tight schedule and can’t handle a pickup window stretching earlier than expected
Overall, this is one of those Cabo activities that delivers its main promise well: get dirty, ride hard, and end up on the coast.
FAQ
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes. You get hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned minivan.
How long is the ATV/UTV tour?
The activity is about 3 hours total, with the riding portion described as around 2 hours, plus a tequila tasting at the end.
What’s included in the price?
Included are helmet, goggles, and bandana, bottled water, and a tequila tasting.
Are there extra fees to expect?
Yes. There’s an area conservation fee of $25.00 per person not included. You may also choose optional collision insurance ($30 per ATV or $40 per UTV). Professional photos are also not included.
What are the age requirements?
Drivers must be 16+ years. Passenger minimums are 6+ for ATV and 4+ for UTV. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Are cell phones allowed during the tour?
No. Cell phone use is strictly prohibited during the tour, especially while operating the ATV/UTV.






























