Camel rides in Cabo feel like a movie scene. You start at Rancho de Migriño, ride camels through desert and onto Playa Migriño dunes with Pacific views, then switch gears to a UTV or side-by-side off-road blast before ending with tequila tasting. A big plus is the round-trip transfer, so you are not doing the hard part of logistics yourself.

I love the combo format, because it gives you two very different thrills in one 3-hour block: calm, close-up camel time, then speed and terrain on the vehicles. I also like how the tequila stop is built into the flow, so you get a relaxing finish at the same ranch where you started. My only caution is the extras, the tour price typically does not cover the Playa Migrino entrance fee or the vehicle insurance options.

Key things that make this tour worth your attention

• Camel ride over white sand dunes at Playa Migrino, with ocean views that actually feel wide open
• High-powered UTV or side-by-side time in the Baja desert, with guides focused on safe speed
• Tequila tasting at Rancho de Migriño after the riding, so you are not rushed and dehydrated
• A strict phone and camera rule during the ride, with GoPro-style mounts allowed
• A professional photographer on hand, which can be fun, but budget for photo purchases
• Guides earn repeat praise, with names like Alvero, Juan, Andres, Ventura, Shorty, and Zintera showing up often

Rancho de Migriño: the ranch base where the day starts

Rancho de Migriño is where the whole experience gets organized, and it sets the tone. You get a safety briefing before you mount the camels, and you spend time on the property getting oriented to the desert setting around Cabo.

This is not just a quick staging area. The ranch environment is part of the experience, with big-sky views toward multiple mountain ranges and wildflowers in season, which can make the place feel more like a real stop than a parking lot.

Camel ride on Playa Migríño, dunes, and Pacific views

The camel portion is the calmer heart of the day, and it is also where the scenery does the most work. On Playa Migríño, you ride along the beach with striking white sand dunes and sweeping Pacific Ocean views.

The pace is steady, which gives you a chance to notice the camels as individuals. Guides talk about camel anatomy, their history, and their personalities, and that makes the ride more interesting than just sitting on a saddle and moving forward.

One practical note I would not ignore: phone and regular camera use can be restricted during the tour. If you want photos, plan to use a GoPro-type mount approach, or accept that your best shots may come from the official photographer.

Baja desert time on UTVs and side-by-sides

After the camel ride, the tour shifts from gentle to fast. You head into the Baja California desert for an ATV or side-by-side drive, with panoramic views of mountains and desert terrain.

This is where you feel the main value of the combo. You are not doing a short vehicle ride that barely scratches the surface, you are getting enough time on rough terrain to feel the power and the risk managed by the guide.

Vehicle details are worth checking before you go. The tour includes side-by-side vehicles for groups of two, or single ATVs if you are reserved for one, but reviews point out that some guests may end up on a stick shift setup while others get automatics. If you have a strong preference for automatic driving, confirm what you are assigned during check-in.

Sand dunes and ocean cliffs, where the views get wild

Once you are on the beach side again, you move toward sand dunes and ocean cliff areas near Migriño. This part tends to be the “wow” segment for many people, because you get speed plus big sea views.

It is a great chance for photos in your mind, even if your hands are mostly busy. The reality is that sand and sun can be intense, and with the phone restrictions, you may end up relying on the guide’s timing or the on-site photographer for clear action shots.

If you are sand-sensitive, goggles or eyewear helps. A few reviews mentioned sand getting kicked up, especially during quicker sections, so think about protecting your eyes and keeping your hair tied back.

Tequila tasting at the ranch, a short finish that still matters

Your day ends back at Rancho de Migriño with tequila tasting. It is a shorter stop, about 20 minutes, but it is intentionally placed after the physical riding so you can cool down and settle your breathing.

You learn about tequila history and how it is produced, then you sample multiple tequilas. Reviewers often describe the tasting as an enjoyable end point, with notes like organic flavored tequila being a highlight for some groups.

A safety angle is also worth knowing. One review described a breathalyzer check tied to safety standards, so do not plan to show up overly intoxicated expecting everything to continue normally. If you want to drink, treat it like part of a managed activity, not a free-for-all.

Price and extras, the math you should do before you book

The listed price is $108 per person for a 3-hour combo experience, and that sounds straightforward until you add the on-site items. The most common extra is the Playa Migríño entrance fee of $25 USD per person, which is not included.

Then there is vehicle collision insurance. You have two options: a credit card hold with no charges if there is no damage, or a non-refundable insurance fee of $45 USD per vehicle for full coverage. If you are budgeting, you can treat that as a likely “add-on” unless you are comfortable with the refundable hold route.

Finally, photography and souvenirs can change your final total. The tour uses a professional photographer, and photos are available for purchase after the tour. Some reviews suggest pricing can shift depending on photo packages, and buying individual shots may not always be an option, so I would set a limit in your head before you see the bill.

My best value advice: budget the base price, add the $25 entrance fee, then decide which insurance route you prefer. If you are photo-focused, add a separate amount for photo packages so it does not feel like a surprise at the end.

Transfers, meeting point, and how to avoid time sinks

Pickup is offered, including hotel, villa, and cruise port locations in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. After booking, you confirm the pickup schedule with the supplier, and you meet at the Cactus Tours spot on Carretera Federal 19 KM 100 in Migriño.

The biggest thing to plan for is timing. One review flagged that this can be about 45 minutes each way from the cruise port, plus tender time to get to shore, so you need to be ready earlier than you think.

At the end, the ride back can feel longer than expected. A reviewer mentioned waiting 30 to 45 minutes for the shuttle to the hotel and described it as slightly disorganized under the heat with flies around. Bring water, use sunscreen, and expect you may be waiting in bright sun.

Guide power: names that came up for a reason

Guides can make the difference between a good tour and a great one, and this company seems to win on that point when you land with the right person. In reviews, I repeatedly saw praised guides like Alvero, Toledo, Andres, Ventura, Shorty, Juan, Manny, Rudy, and Zintera.

Alvero, for example, was mentioned as kind and funny, with a focus on plant info and safety, plus the confidence to let riders go fast in a controlled way. Toledo and Andres showed up with strong camel and ATV instruction, plus an attitude that keeps the group engaged rather than herded.

If you get Juan or Manny, you are likely in for a high-energy day with great hosting. Zintera was also called out for making extra spending feel worthwhile, especially in private settings.

Who should book this camel and UTV combo

This is a solid fit if you want a true “Cabo day out” instead of a single activity. The camel ride gives you something uniquely Mexican feeling, then the UTV or side-by-side brings the adrenaline that many people come to Los Cabos for.

It also works well for first-timers. You get a safety briefing before you ride, guides stay close, and you are not left to figure out the desert on your own.

But it is not for everyone. If you hate surprise fees, want to use your phone freely during the ride, or dislike off-road sand and dust, you may find the rules and extras annoying. Also note the tour has a weight limit of 274 lbs (140 kg) per person.

Should you book the Camel Ride and UTV Combo with Tequila Tasting?

I would book it if you are chasing variety and scenery, and you are willing to plan for the real extras. The camel ride plus Baja desert driving is a fun pairing, and the on-site guides get strong repeat praise by name. The tequila tasting is short but gives you a relaxing end point at the ranch.

I would think twice if your budget is tight or you hate being restricted with phones and cameras during the ride. The entrance fee, insurance choices, and potential photo costs are the difference between a good deal and an expensive afternoon.

If you do book, do three things: confirm your vehicle type (side-by-side vs single, and whether it is automatic), decide your insurance option ahead of time, and set a photo spending limit before you finish.

FAQ

How long is the Camel Ride and UTV combo tour?

It runs for about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Rancho de Migriño, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup included?

Round-trip transportation is included. Pickup is offered from hotels, villas, and the cruise port in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, and you confirm the pickup schedule after booking.

Do I have to pay an extra fee for the beach area?

Yes. Playa Migríño has an admission fee of $25 USD per person, and that fee is not included in the tour price.

Is vehicle insurance included?

Insurance is not included as part of the base price. You have two options: a credit card hold (no charges if there is no damage) or a non-refundable insurance fee of $45 USD per vehicle for full coverage.

Can I bring and use my phone or normal camera during the ride?

For safety reasons, cell phones and cameras are only allowed with GoPro-type mounts during the tour.

What is included in the tequila tasting?

You get a tequila tasting session after the riding, with guidance on tequila history and production and a variety of tequila samples.

What is the cancellation window if plans change?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.