REVIEW · SAN JOSE DEL CABO
ATV Tour, Camel Ride, Tequila Tasting and Mexican Buffet Lunch
Book on Viator →Operated by Cabo Adventures · Bookable on Viator
Want desert thrills and tequila in one stop? This Cabo combo pairs an automatic ATV ride through cactus-dusted terrain with a camel beach ride beside the Sea of Cortes, then caps it with tequila tasting and an unlimited Mexican buffet. It’s the kind of day trip that saves you planning, since the riding, food, and tasting stay together in one smooth flow.
I especially like the small-group feel (max 14) and the way the guides—people like Juan, Margarita, Nelly, Miguel, Jorge, Aleman, Erica, and Alaina show up repeatedly—keep things fun while also focusing on safety and instructions. One key consideration: plan for extra costs at check-in (a $25 park fee and a $35 ATV collision fee), and the optional photo package can get expensive.
In This Review
- Key highlights you will feel fast
- The core idea: one 5-hour day, lots of variety
- Tierra Sagrada start: gear, helmet, then the automatic ATV
- You might get grouped by riding comfort
- Desert thrills turn into ocean time on the camel beach ride
- Photo rule affects your plan
- Tequila tasting happens oceanfront: what’s included and what to expect
- Mexican buffet lunch with vegetarian options
- The price reality check: base tour price plus check-in fees and photos
- Photo packages can change your overall value
- Pickup, timing, and what to do with your day
- Safety and who should skip this one
- Tips that make the difference (and save money)
- Should you book this ATV, camel, tequila, and buffet combo?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- Is pickup included?
- How long is the tour?
- What’s included in the price?
- Are park entrance fees included?
- Is there an additional ATV collision fee?
- Do I need a driving license for the ATV?
- What are the age and fitness limits?
- Are vegetarian options available?
- What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?
Key highlights you will feel fast

- Two big activities in one day: ATV desert riding plus a camel beach ride
- Oceanfront setting for tequila and lunch: tastings and buffet happen facing the Sea of Cortes
- Automatic ATV, safety gear, and guided routes: good for first-timers who want structure
- Small-group cap (14 people): more attention from the team
- Extra check-in fees are real: budget for the park entrance and collision fee
- Phone and camera limits during the camel portion: photos are handled by the staff, with pricey add-ons
The core idea: one 5-hour day, lots of variety

This is built for people who want a hands-on Cabo day without stringing together multiple tours. You start at the Sacred Ranch (Tierra Sagrada), get geared up, ride an ATV, then slow down for the camel beach ride. After that, you switch from action to eating and sampling regional spirits.
The best part of this format is pacing. You get adrenaline first, then calmer ocean time, then food and tequila. If you like variety more than a single long activity, this tour matches that mindset.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in San Jose del Cabo.
Tierra Sagrada start: gear, helmet, then the automatic ATV

Your day begins at Tierra Sagrada, a secluded ranch setup with a friendly team of guides. Once you’re kitted out in full protective gear and given a standard-size helmet, you hop on a powerful automatic ATV for a guided desert route.
A few practical notes matter here:
- You’ll need a valid driving license.
- You should have moderate physical fitness for the riding and getting on/off the ATV.
- There is a maximum weight limit of 265 lbs / 118 kg per person.
- Expect a safety-first approach, and be ready to follow the guide closely.
The ride route is described as open desert with shallow canyons and cactus-lined trails. That mix is exactly why this works as a “Cabo desert” experience instead of just going in a flat loop.
One more detail that pops up in the on-the-ground experience: your ATV portion can feel short if you were imagining a long, nonstop ride. A common strategy if you’re hoping for lots of time behind the wheel is to treat this as a guided introduction—fun, structured, and photo-heavy by design—rather than a full-day ATV expedition.
You might get grouped by riding comfort
Some riders describe a split by experience level, with faster routes for more comfortable drivers. If you want a calmer ride, tell your guide during the start briefing. If you’re comfortable moving quicker, say so too. Either way, the goal is to keep the group together without turning the day into chaos.
Desert thrills turn into ocean time on the camel beach ride
After the ATV, you transition to the camel ride—one of the tour’s signature moments. The camel beach ride is positioned as a chance to pass by strong ocean waves on a deserted stretch, which is a nice change from inland desert driving.
This is also where your expectations should be set. Camel rides can be memorable, but they are not a spa experience. A few riders note that it isn’t the most comfortable seating for long stretches, and the ride can feel more like a scenic loop than a long, winding trek.
Another real-world point: during the camel portion, personal phones or cameras are not permitted, and the staff takes the photos for you. That’s great for safety, but it also means you’re relying on their package if you want images from the ride. If you hate relying on someone else for pictures, this part of the tour might test your patience.
Photo rule affects your plan
You’ll want to think about photos before you show up. If taking your own pictures is a must, you might be happier on an ATV-only or beach-only option. If you’re fine letting the staff do it, then budget for the photo upsell (and know that pricing is often the biggest source of frustration).
Tequila tasting happens oceanfront: what’s included and what to expect

Once riding is done, the tour shifts to tequila and lunch. The tequila tasting is included, and it happens at an oceanfront restaurant tied to the ranch experience. Depending on the option offered that day, you may sample tequila and mezcal.
Here’s what to keep in mind as you plan your pace:
- It’s part of a structured day trip, so you’re not hanging out for hours.
- The tasting is a bonus included with your tour, but it’s not the same as a full distillery tour.
- Alcoholic beverages are not included beyond what’s part of the tasting.
Also, the staff may offer either tequila/mezcal tasting or the option to relax with an ice-cold beer, depending on what’s available. If you’re a tequila fan, this is a fun way to get a quick, regional flavor without needing to make separate plans.
Mexican buffet lunch with vegetarian options

Food is part of the appeal here. Lunch is an unlimited Mexican buffet served in front of the Sea of Cortes. That location choice matters: it makes the meal feel like a break with a view, not just a stop to refuel.
Vegetarian options are available, which is important to confirm in advance of your day. If you have dietary needs beyond vegetarian (like gluten-free), the data here doesn’t spell it out—so I’d email or ask when you confirm.
The buffet doesn’t try to be gourmet. It’s built for energy after riding. If you’re hungry after ATV and camel time, this part tends to land well because you’re not forced to make a complicated decision while you’re worn out.
The price reality check: base tour price plus check-in fees and photos

The listed price is $149 per person, but the final number isn’t just that. At check-in, you should plan for:
- $25 USD park entrance fee per person
- $35 USD ATV collision fee paid at check-in (tied to the ATV booking)
So even if you book at $149, your real day cost will be higher once you arrive. This is the kind of detail that can surprise people who assume the base price is all-in. If you’re comparing this to other Cabo tours, do your math before you commit.
Photo packages can change your overall value
The most consistent complaint you’ll see around this experience isn’t about the guides or the riding. It’s about the photo policy and pricing.
You generally cannot take your own photos during the camel ride, and the staff sells professional photo packages afterward. Pricing is described as high, with individual photos and framed or digital packages running into large numbers. Some riders call out that deleting photos happens if you don’t buy, so you may want to decide quickly once you see what’s offered.
My practical take: if you’re the type who buys photos no matter what, this tour can still feel worth it. If you hate surprise add-ons, you should either budget for the photo package now or accept that you might not get many ride photos.
Pickup, timing, and what to do with your day

Round-trip transfers are offered from Cabo San Lucas, and pickup happens before the tour start time. You’ll need to confirm your pickup window and location via the operator’s message link.
This matters because the day can feel “early” if you expected a clean start time only. If you hate racing the clock, build in buffer time the night before. Set your alarm and keep your phone charged for confirmation messages.
The whole outing runs about 5 hours. That’s a solid length for a combo tour—long enough for two activities plus food, not so long that you burn your entire day.
Safety and who should skip this one

This tour is active. It’s not “sit and watch” tourism.
Expect these rules:
- A standard size safety helmet must be worn
- You must have a moderate fitness level
- Expectant mothers may not participate
- There’s a 265 lbs / 118 kg weight limit
- A valid driving license is required
If you’re traveling with someone who has mobility issues or is nervous about riding, this might still be worth considering if they can participate comfortably—but that decision depends on their comfort level with the gear, the ATV, and the physical demands of boarding and moving around.
Tips that make the difference (and save money)
Small things here can keep the day smooth:
- Bring a towel. One rider notes they ran out, so it’s smart to pack your own extra.
- Dress for sun and dust. You’ll be in desert terrain and near the beach, so breathable clothes work better than slick fabric.
- Know your photo plan before you go. If you’re buying nothing, decide that upfront and focus on enjoying the ride live.
- Stick to the guide instructions on phone use and where you can stand or move. The tour is designed around controlled routes.
And if you care about the guide vibe, the names matter. You may hear frequent praise for guides such as Juan and Margarita and for the camel and tequila team members like Miguel and Jorge. That pattern suggests you’re likely to get a lively, supportive crew—especially during the instruction-heavy parts.
Should you book this ATV, camel, tequila, and buffet combo?
I think this tour is a strong choice if you want:
- a single morning/afternoon with big variety (ATV + camel + lunch + tequila)
- a small-group format with guided routes
- an oceanfront finish for food and tastings
- a willingness to follow rules about phones and cameras during the camel ride
I would skip it (or swap to something different) if you:
- hate surprise add-ons and can’t budget for $25 entrance + $35 collision fee
- want to take your own photos throughout the whole experience
- are expecting a long ATV adventure where most of the day is riding
If you’re okay with those trade-offs, this is one of the better “combo” styles in Cabo. You get action early, ocean time in the middle, and a satisfying lunch to end the day.
FAQ
FAQ
Is pickup included?
Pickup is offered. You’ll be picked up before the tour start time, and you should confirm your pickup time and location through the operator after booking.
How long is the tour?
The experience runs about 5 hours.
What’s included in the price?
Included are the camel beach ride, a single ATV desert ride, a tequila tasting, and an unlimited Mexican buffet lunch.
Are park entrance fees included?
No. There is a $25 USD per-person park entrance fee that you pay at check-in.
Is there an additional ATV collision fee?
Yes. A $35 USD collision fee is paid at check-in.
Do I need a driving license for the ATV?
Yes, a valid driving license is required.
What are the age and fitness limits?
The tour calls for moderate physical fitness. Expectant mothers may not participate, and there’s also a weight limit of 265 lbs / 118 kg per person. A helmet must be worn.
Are vegetarian options available?
Yes. Vegetarian options are available on the Mexican buffet.
What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.




















