Cabo Cactus Tours: Review of our Camel Ride Experience
Things to do in Cabo San Lucas with Family Looking for adventurous things to do in cabo? Cabo really surprised me with a Camel Twist?! I had no idea Cabo had Camels and after a ton of research I learned that camels were actually native to the americas?! mind-boggling, right? Camels in Baja California? We […]
saltyvagabonds
Destinations
Travel Tips
Planning
About us
Saltyvagabonds
Things to do in Cabo San Lucas with Family
Looking for adventurous things to do in cabo? Cabo really surprised me with a Camel Twist?! I had no idea Cabo had Camels and after a ton of research I learned that camels were actually native to the americas?! mind-boggling, right?
Camels in Baja California?
We decided we wanted to check this tour out and that it would be a gift for Audrey’s birthday. If you know us, you know we’re big on experiences over stuff. I was actually torn between swimming with the Dolphins or Riding Camels… but ultimately the decision was up to Audrey. When we presented the idea to her she chose the camel adventure.
I booked our Tour with Cactus Tours mostly because they had a brand new baby camel. I thought Audrey would be just as excited to see a baby camel. The tour company was safe and reliable and I strongly recommend using them.
Explore the Unique Side of Cabo San Lucas: Camel Rides and More
When you’re thinking about unique things to do in Cabo San Lucas, riding a camel might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But trust me, it’s a must-try experience that’ll add a whole new level of adventure to your trip! Cabo camel rides are an unexpected delight, offering a blend of desert landscapes, cultural immersion, and even a bit of eco-tourism.
Arriving at Cactus Tours
We had our own vehicle here with us in Baja so we drove there. Parking is located on the side of the building and was super easy to get to. There was no charge for parking, you just fine a spot in their dirt parking lot. If you’re planning to rent a car or take a shuttle from Cabo the drive is about 25 minutes and it’s a pretty one.
After walking in we were asked to check in at the counter. Here we filled out the release of liability form, had options to purchase extra insurance, got our wristbands and were paired with a guide, Jose.
Jose told us about the no phone rule out there, and showed us the lockers to store our items. He gave us time to store our items and let us know who our photographer was going to be. I was allowed to bring our GoPro because of the wrist strap feature I had attached to it (linked below). I put a fresh battery in he GoPro and our family headed outside.
The ATV and Camel Tour Experience at Cactus Tours
To our surprise we were told that they were going to have us each drive a four-wheeler so they had us pick out helmets and then Alex and I split up with the girls. We did not pick this option at the time of booking because it costed extra. Saying Alex was stoked to get to zip around in an ATV is an understatement. The drive to the camel area was beautiful and once we arrived to the encounter location we got to see the mommy and baby camel. Check out how cute they are in our YouTube video here
After our camel ride was over we were taken over to meet a stationary camel and snag a photo with her. Our whole family took turns. We still weren’t able to have our phones with us at this point, but the photographer stayed with us and took video and photos during this time.
Next up was the bird encounter. I had no idea that this was even a thing here. They give you bird seed and you can feed them from your hands.
This was both Audrey’s and Addy’s most favorite thing after the camel ride.
From here we took the ATV’s back to the main entrance. Riding the ATV’s on the beach was so much fun! This time we took the long way back, going through a cactus field and by some horses.
The Camel & ATV Tour Included Lunch & Tequilla Tasting
Once we got back to the main compound, we headed upstairs for lunch. It was an all-you-can-eat taco feast with drinks. The setup was more cafeteria-style than fancy, but the tacos were tasty, so no complaints there.
They also had a Tequila Tasting option… Although it’s best not to build up too much excitement over it. You could pick 3 flavors to sample – they’re complimentary, but as you’ll notice from the photo, the portions to sample were quite small. After that, we moved to the property’s photo area, where they offered the photos the photographer had taken of us for purchase.
Photo Package
They had several options and honestly it’s no different than any tourist area in the states trying to sell you photo packages. Here the best option for our family was to purchase all the photos and get them digitally on a USB drive.
Final Thoughts
Summing it up, we genuinely had a great time on the tour and I’d totally sign up for it again. The tequila tasting wasn’t quite my thing here. I also wasn’t thrilled about feeling obligated to buy a photo package to access pictures that I could have taken myself… with my phone.
Although, I would still have gone for the photo package because having the option to have a personal photographer is a rare treat. The overall value felt worthwhile, although I was a tad let down by the photo quality – they seemed a bit fuzzy, like they were snapped on a 12MP camera. If you’re thinking ahead, consider packing your GoPro with a hands-free setup – it’s a smart way to steer clear of extra photo costs and secure your own shots. I’m extra glad I had ours with us!
So, why should you consider a Cabo camel ride for your next family adventure? Honestly, it was one of the most memorable experiences we’ve had in Baja. Riding through the stunning Baja desert, taking in the breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline, and getting up close with these gentle giants—it was an incredible way to explore the natural beauty of the area. Plus, learning about the region’s rich history and wildlife added a whole new layer to the adventure. And let’s be real, it’s not every day you get to say you rode a camel in Mexico!
If your family’s anything like ours, you’ll love that this activity is both fun and educational. Whether you’re looking for a Cabo camel and ATV combo to pump up the adrenaline or a more relaxed Cabo camel tour focused on the scenery and culture, there’s something for everyone. And it’s perfect for families—our kids are still talking about it!
For those searching for unique things to do in Cabo San Lucas or things to do in Cabo San Lucas with kids, this is definitely a must-try. It’s not just a ride; it’s an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
This looks like it was so much!!
It really was! Hopefully next time will be in Egypt 🙂