I love the contrast here: desert walking and then a camel ride on a calm beach with the Pacific in view. It’s the kind of outing that feels like you left the main drag on purpose, and you’re rewarded with big ocean scenery and a day that stays fun without needing hiking gear or a long commitment.

Two things I especially like are the tortilla-making lesson (you’ll eat what you help make) and the tequila tasting paired with a real lunch by the water. One thing to keep in mind: this is a 3-hour tour, so the camel time is brief, and some parts run on cash-on-site extras like the park entrance fee.

Plan for travel time and cash extras

From pickup to ranch to lunch, you’re in a van more than you’d guess, and you might feel that the camel portion is only a slice of the whole experience. Also, cameras are restricted during the camel ride, and you should expect an additional park entrance fee that’s not included in the $99 price.

If you’re going for the animals and the setting, I think it’s a good deal. If you’re going only for the camel ride, adjust your expectations and check your add-on appetite for photos.

Key things to know before you go

• Quick camel ride, big scenery: plan for about 20 minutes on camel
• Desert walk + turtle-breeding-area context: you’ll learn about local flora and fauna
• Tortillas and tequila are built into the lunch stop: not just sightseeing
• Ocean views with possible winter whales: your timing matters
• A real park fee is extra: the $99 doesn’t cover entrance
• Camel-ride camera rules: you’ll want a backup plan for photos

The Setting: a ranch day with real Baja ocean air

This tour starts at a ranch overlooking the Pacific. It already feels different from the usual Cabo routines, because you’re not just bouncing from one viewpoint to another—you’re stepping into a working animal and desert environment with a guide running the show.

You’ll likely notice two things right away. First, the landscape is all about contrast: sand, scrubby desert plants, and then open ocean horizon. Second, the vibe is “hands-on learning” more than “stand in line for a photo.” That matters, because it’s what turns the day from a drive-by into a memory you’ll actually talk about later.

One big bonus for Cabo: the ocean views can be stunning, and during the winter months you may spot humpback whales from the shore. It’s not a promise—seasonal means “if conditions line up”—but it’s one of those reasons I like this specific experience.

Van ride reality: why the camel time feels short

The tour is listed as a 3-hour experience, and that’s honest—but the day still includes transfer time. Pickup is offered in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, and you’ll drive between points by van.

A review note that stood out to me: someone said it was about an hour each way. That matches the feeling many people get when they realize the camel portion is only about 20 minutes total. The tour is not two hours of camel time. It’s a short camel segment inside a longer, mixed experience.

So here’s the practical takeaway: if you want an all-camel, all-the-time adventure, you’ll feel shorted. If you want a well-rounded half-day—camel + desert + lunch + culture—this format makes more sense.

Desert walk and the turtle-breeding-area lesson

Between the ranch start and the beach portion, you get a short hike through desert terrain. It’s not described as a major trek, but it is enough to break the “sit and look” habit. You’ll move at a comfortable pace with your guide, and you’ll learn about local flora and fauna.

What I like about the turtle-breeding-area context is that it gives the desert a reason to be there besides being scenic. You’re not just trudging through “rocks and plants.” You’re getting a quick education about why the area matters—especially connected to sea turtles.

Wear comfortable shoes. Even if the hike isn’t long, the terrain can be uneven, dusty, and warm. Closed-toe shoes are a must for comfort and safety.

Camel safari on a secluded beach: the highlight, with one catch

This is the signature moment. You’ll do a camel ride along a secluded beach, enjoying sea air and ocean views. The camel time is about 20 minutes, which sounds short until you’re sitting there and realize you’re getting the best “photo view” angles of the shoreline without it turning into an all-day animal ride.

One key rule: no cameras during the camel ride. That’s not a minor detail. If you’re the type who takes a million shots, you’ll want to plan for where you can photograph before and after the ride. Bring your sunglasses and hat for the waiting and walking parts, and consider using your phone only outside the restricted moments.

How to get the best experience:

• Expect it to feel like a guided scenic moment, not a free-for-all
• Keep your expectations aligned with the short ride time
• Use your energy for enjoying it, not for rushing to get perfect photos

Lunch with tortilla making and tequila tasting

After the beach portion, you head to a beachfront restaurant for lunch. This is where the tour becomes more than an activity—it turns into a meal experience with some hands-on culture.

You’ll get a tortilla-making lesson, which I consider one of the most “you’ll actually remember this” parts of the day. Even if your tortillas are only okay, the point is you’ll see how it’s made and you’ll taste it warm and fresh as part of lunch. It’s more meaningful than watching someone else cook and then leaving.

Then comes the tequila tasting. This isn’t just about drinking; it’s about pairing the tasting with the food and the relaxed coastal setting. It’s the right pace for a fun day without turning into a night of tequila math.

For what it’s worth, one positive review singled out the guide’s charisma—mentioning Jesus as amazing—which tells me your guide matters here, especially during the meal and tasting segments where people start chatting and relaxing.

Whale sightings: a seasonal bonus, not the main schedule

Whales are a winter seasonal possibility from the shore. That means if you’re going in colder months and the conditions cooperate, you might see humpbacks basking off the coast.

Here’s how I’d treat it: plan to enjoy the scenery even if you don’t spot whales. Then if you do, it becomes a bonus you’ll feel lucky about. That mindset keeps you from getting disappointed when nature does nature things.

Price and value check: what $99 really means

At $99 per person, this tour is positioned as an affordable “Cabo highlight” that includes the camel ride, lunch, and tequila tasting. That’s the core value story: you’re not paying separately for the camel time and then still needing to buy lunch and drinks.

But the fine print matters for budgeting:

• Park entrance fee is not included: $25 per adult, $12.50 per child.
• Some extra costs show up on-site, especially around photography.

One review called out the additional $25 in cash per person for park entry, and they felt the camel ride was fun but not worth the full price. Another positive review explained that this extra fee is for animal care and that the operation has won awards—so the intent behind the extra cost may feel different depending on how you view animal care and conservation.

Photo add-ons are another area where expectations can collide with reality. One unhappy review reported being asked $50 for one photo and $119 for a photo package, with other pricing quoted as $70 and $160. Another review mentioned paying a much larger total for entrance and photos at the end.

My advice: bring cash and decide ahead of time what you’ll do about photos. If you’re the type who buys a lot of extras, this tour can creep upward. If you just want the experience and you’re okay with a few snapshots, it stays closer to the headline price.

Hygiene and animal-care expectations: what to watch for

One low rating complained about cleanliness: flies around the food area and flies on the camels. That’s a serious complaint, and even if it’s one person’s experience, it’s worth paying attention to hygiene cues when you arrive.

On the flip side, positive feedback emphasized that the camels and the animal program are taken seriously, with one reviewer pointing to animal-care awards and stating the extra park fee supports that work.

So how do you make a smart call? Use this simple checklist when you’re there:

• Look at how food areas are managed and whether there’s staff addressing flies
• Notice how animals are handled and whether the staff seems attentive
• If something feels off, politely ask your guide what’s being done

Most importantly: don’t skip this tour assuming it’ll be a luxury resort. It’s more of a working ranch + beach setting. Those environments come with bugs. The goal is whether they handle it well enough that you feel comfortable.

Guides make the day: Jesus and Michael as examples

This tour is very guide-dependent, because you’re doing multiple segments—desert walk, camel ride, then tortillas and tequila—and a great guide keeps the pace smooth and the group calm.

Two names popped up in feedback: Jesus, described as amazing, and Michael, praised for excellent charisma. If you get a guide with strong personality and clear explanations, the experience feels bigger than its time length.

Ask questions during the desert and turtle-breeding-area portion. Ask what to look for along the coast if you’re hoping for whales. And don’t be shy about telling your guide what kind of day you want—chill and scenic, or more active.

Who should book, and who should skip it

This is not the right tour for everyone. It’s not suitable for:

• Children under 5
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with mobility impairments
• Wheelchair users
• Cruise ship guests

Children aged 5 to 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if you:

• Want an authentic-feeling day that mixes animals and food
• Like short hikes and scenic beach time
• Care about guided context, not just a ride
• Are comfortable doing a small amount of walking and standing for lunch

If you’re mobility-limited, this is the big one to consider. The camel ride plus desert walk plus beach restaurant setup may not be manageable. In that case, look for a calmer Cabo option.

Practical tips for comfort and smoother photos

A few small things can make a big difference.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (closed-toe)
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Cash (for the park entrance fee and any photo extras)
• Plan ahead for phones/cameras because cameras are not permitted during the camel ride

Also, if you hate surprises, decide before you go whether you’ll buy photos. Pricing for photos varies based on what’s offered and what you choose, and that can change the final cost.

Finally, don’t rush your enjoyment because the camel ride is short. That’s the tour’s rhythm. You’ll get more value by staying present during the desert and meal segments, not only during the camel portion.

Should you book the Cabo San Lucas Camel Safari with Lunch and Tequila?

I’d book it if you want a genuine, mixed Cabo experience: camel on a quiet beach, a desert walk with learning, then tortillas and tequila with lunch by the ocean. At $99, it’s also a good value if you keep your add-ons light and you’re okay with the park fee being separate.

I’d think twice if your main goal is a long camel ride, if you’re sensitive to on-site food cleanliness, or if you don’t want any extra cash costs. Also skip if you fall into the non-suitable categories—this isn’t built for mobility constraints or pregnancy.

If you’re flexible, bring sun protection, wear solid shoes, and go in expecting a ranch-style day (not a resort spa). That’s when it clicks.

FAQ

How long is the Cabo San Lucas camel safari tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

What is included in the $99 price?

It includes full lunch, drinks, a camel ride, safety helmet, guides, a tortilla making lesson, and a tequila tasting.

Is the park entrance fee included?

No. A park entrance fee is not included and is listed as $25 per adult and $12.50 per child.

Are cameras allowed during the camel ride?

No. Cameras are not permitted during the camel ride.

Where are the pickup and drop-off locations?

Pickup is available in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. Drop-off is also in both locations.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, and cruise ship guests. Children ages 5 to 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

You Might Also Enjoy

Los Cabos Taco, Margaritas and Sunset Combo CruiseFrom Cabo: Snorkel with Whale Sharks in La PazLos Cabos: Animal Encounter & Aqua Park AdventureSurf Lessons in CABO with Mexico Surf Champ!