Two desert rides, one Cabo sunset. This private side-by-side + camel adventure in Cabo San Lucas strings together Baja race trails, an animal sanctuary stop, and close-up camel time—all with a guide who stays with your group start to finish. You also get the kind of gear-and-comfort planning that makes the day feel smoother than the usual chaos of tours.

I especially like the personal attention: you get your safety protocols, the pace feels tailored to your group, and the guide’s presence matters when you’re bouncing over desert paths. And I love the overall combo payoff—after the ride, you’re not stuck with just looking. You get to meet the camels closely and enjoy that big, hug-and-kiss moment at the sanctuary.

One thing to plan for: your $162 price is only part of the total. There’s a mandatory $25 government fee per person, and at check-in you may be offered optional collision insurance unless you choose the card-on-file option. Also, confirm shuttle timing for the ride back so you don’t lose hours waiting.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Private, guide-led combo with only your group participating
• Baja race trails on a side-by-side, before you head to the sanctuary
• Helmet, goggles, and bandana included so you’re not scrambling for basics
• Locker access on-site to change, stow, and freshen up after the rides
• Real camel interaction (meet, hug, and kiss) plus pictures available for purchase
• Mandatory $25 government fee plus optional collision insurance at check-in

How This Private Combo Feels Different From the Usual Cabo Tours

Cabo can be loud—big resorts, bus loads, and the same photo stop on repeat. This experience goes after a different vibe. You’re out in the desert doing something active, then you shift gears into a camel sanctuary encounter that feels more personal than a quick drive-by.

Because it’s a private tour, the day doesn’t feel like a conveyor belt. Your guide keeps the safety briefing tight, answers questions without rushing, and stays focused on your group once you’re moving. Guides like John (known for a great, fun ride energy) and Chocolate (praised for being sweet and funny) are the kind of personality that can turn a bumpy trail into a day you’ll remember.

And the structure matters. You’re not just “doing two activities.” You’re doing one that prepares your appetite for the other—adrenaline first, then calmer, close-up animal time.

Side-by-Side Readiness: Gear, Safety, and What You Should Bring

Before anyone hops on, you’ll go through safety protocols. That part isn’t just paperwork; it sets expectations for how you’ll handle the vehicle and how the group moves on the trails. If you’re a little nervous, this is where you get to ask questions and get comfortable with the rules.

You’ll also get security gear: helmet, goggles, and a bandana. That means you can pack light. It’s one less thing to buy at the last minute. It also helps with the desert reality—dust, sun, and wind that can make even a short ride feel rough if you’re not protected.

What I’d bring (because it’s practical, not fancy):

• Closed-toe shoes you don’t mind getting dusty
• Sunglasses (goggles are included, but you might still want a backup)
• A small water bottle
• A dry set of clothes if you hate feeling gritty after tours

The tour includes locker access, which is a big deal. When you finish the riding part, you can store gear and freshen up rather than carrying everything around wet, sandy, or tangled.

The Main Event: Playa Migrino and the Baja Trails Ride

Your day starts at Playa Migrino. From there, you head out onto Baja race trails—fast enough to feel exciting, but guided enough that you’re not white-knuckling the whole time. The desert routes have a way of making even short distances feel like an adventure, especially when you’re moving with a guide who understands the terrain.

The view is part of the “why this combo works.” One of the standout memories tied to this ride is the chance to experience the scenery with a sense of momentum—people describe camel riding along the Pacific Ocean at sunset as particularly beautiful, and the side-by-side portion sets that mood.

If you’re the type who expects a boring drive, adjust your expectations. This ride is meant to be active. In other words: wear footwear you trust and hang on with confidence.

Time reality check: the whole experience is about 3 hours. That’s long enough to do both activities without feeling rushed, but short enough that you’ll want to treat it like a full event—show up ready, not snack-hunting or changing outfits for an hour.

Camel Sanctuary Time: Hugging and Kissing Without the Awkwardness

After the ride, you head to the camel sanctuary. This is where the day shifts from motion to connection. You meet, hug, and kiss a camel—so it’s not just a glance from a distance.

This part is also where the guide’s role really helps. Animal encounters can get awkward if you’re unsure how to stand, what movements are okay, or how long you’ll have. Having a guide keep the flow makes it feel safe and respectful, and it helps you get the full moment instead of rushing through it.

What I like about this section is that it’s built to deliver what people actually want from a camel experience:

• Close interaction (not only photos from afar)
• Time to be present, not just pose and move on
• A guided transition from ride to sanctuary, so you’re not scrambling

And yes, you’ll be thinking about this part later when the rest of the day becomes just a story you tell. That’s the point.

Pictures and Souvenirs: Plan for the Photo Purchase

You’ll see your pictures after the camel portion. Souvenir photos are available for purchase separately, so don’t assume they’re included in the base price.

This is worth planning for because you’ll likely want a few shots where you’re actually in the frame—not just the ride chaos or the camel crowd moment. If you’re traveling with friends or family, consider deciding in advance how many photos you want to buy, so you don’t get stuck doing math in the moment.

If you’re on a tight budget, treat the photos as an optional add-on, like a nice dinner you trade off against another activity.

Price and Extra Fees: How Much This Really Costs

The headline price is $162 per person for the 3-hour experience. Value-wise, you’re paying for a private guided day that includes transportation, required safety gear, and locker access, plus both activities in one trip.

Here’s the part that can surprise people: government fees of $25 per person. That fee is mandatory and is used to restore the land after it’s used. It’s not money that goes into the provider’s pocket; it’s tied to restoration like planting native plants and land recovery.

Then there’s optional collision insurance. You may be offered it at check-in. If you decline, you’ll need to leave a card on file. That setup is similar in concept to many car rental policies: it’s about risk coverage without necessarily paying a cash fee right then.

One more practical note: people have reported that check-in can feel like a push for extra charges. The good news is that you can protect yourself by asking clearly what’s mandatory versus optional before you hand over anything. With the right questions, the day stays about the adventure—not the surprise bill.

Where Pickup Fits In: Meeting Point, Pickup Timing, and Return

The tour starts at G-Force Adventures, Carretera Cabo San Lucas, Av. La Paz Km. 106, 23473 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Pickup is offered, but timing can vary daily. You’re told to check your booking email or call to confirm the pickup time. If you’re staying at a resort or hotel, pickup is typically about 45 minutes before your activity begins, usually in front of the lobby.

Two things to keep in mind:

• Pickup routes can change daily, so don’t treat the timing as fixed.
• Shuttle return timing matters. If you’re not given clear instructions on where to meet for the ride back, it can lead to waiting.

When you check in, make it a habit to ask: Where do we stand when we’re ready to go back? What time should we expect pickup? Having those answers saved is how you protect your vacation schedule.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Want a Different Fit)

This is a private tour/activity, so it suits groups who want their own rhythm rather than sharing vehicles and timing with strangers. It’s also aimed at “most travelers,” meaning the basic experience is set up for a broad range of participants—just remember you’re doing off-road riding, so your comfort with the activity matters.

Best fit if you:

• Want a high-energy side-by-side ride with a guided plan
• Like animal encounters that go beyond a quick look
• Want a memorable combo day that’s still only about 3 hours
• Prefer private attention and a guide who stays involved

You might think twice if you:

• Hate surprise fees and want a totally fixed, no-add-ons experience
• Need super strict timing and don’t want any waiting around for a shuttle
• Are uncomfortable with active riding on desert trails

Should You Book This Cabo San Lucas Side-by-Side and Camel Adventure?

I think this is a strong book if you’re craving an active Cabo day that doesn’t turn into a cookie-cutter tour. The combination is the selling point: you get Baja race trail energy first, then a genuine camel sanctuary encounter with real interaction. On top of that, the included gear and locker access make the day feel more practical than you’d expect.

Book it with confidence if you handle the “extra cost” part smartly:

• Plan for the mandatory $25 government fee
• Ask what’s optional versus required for collision insurance
• Confirm shuttle return instructions during check-in so you’re not stuck waiting

If you want a private, guided adventure with a memorable animal moment, this one fits the bill.

FAQ

How long is the Cabo San Lucas side-by-side and camel riding adventure?

It runs about 3 hours (approx.).

Is transportation included?

Yes. Transportation is included, and pickup is offered.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at G-Force Adventures, Carretera Cabo San Lucas, Av. La Paz Km. 106, 23473 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.

What gear is included for the side-by-side ride?

You’re provided security gear, including a helmet, goggles, and a bandana.

Do I need to pay extra fees?

Yes. There is a mandatory government fee of $25 per person. Optional collision insurance may also be offered.

Is collision insurance required?

It’s optional. If you decline, you must leave a card on file.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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