REVIEW · CABO SAN LUCAS
Cabo Shore Excursion: Beach Horseback Ride & Tequila Tasting
Book on Viator →Operated by Tours Mexico · Bookable on Viator
Cabo is famous for its views, but this one comes with hooves. You’ll ride through desert scenery dotted with cacti and then end up on the white-sand shoreline of Playa Migrino, where the ocean is close enough to feel. Two things I really like: the way the guides match horses to your comfort level (beginner-friendly pacing is a big theme), and the chance for wildlife sightings like dolphins and sea turtles along the coast.
One thing to plan for: the base tour price is $70, but there’s also a Migriño Park admission fee of $25 per person you’ll pay on the ground. On top of that, be ready for onsite upsells (like photos and upgrades), so bring a clear budget before you go.
If you want a shore excursion that feels like an outdoor day in Cabo rather than a rushed photo bus stop, this is a strong pick—especially with a small group size (max 14).
In This Review
- Key points you should know before you go
- Why horse + beach at Playa Migrino is such a good Cabo mix
- How the ride actually flows: desert out, beach back
- The Los Cabos and El Arco stops: what to expect from the sightseeing time
- Horses and guides: where comfort and safety are handled well
- Price and logistics: the $70 ticket plus the Migriño Park fee
- Getting to the start: where you meet and how pickup tends to work
- Tequila tasting at the end: what you’re likely to get
- Photos and upgrades: how to enjoy the day without getting steamrolled
- What weather can change (and why you should be flexible)
- Who this tour is best for in Cabo
- Should you book Cabo Shore Excursion: Beach Horseback Ride & Tequila Tasting?
- FAQ
- What is the total cost once the Migriño Park fee is included?
- How long is the horseback ride experience?
- Do I need to pay for park admission separately?
- Is this horseback ride beginner-friendly?
- Will I definitely see sea turtles, dolphins, or whales?
- What should I know about the tequila tasting?
- Are pickup and transportation included?
- Do they take photos and offer them for sale?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
Key points you should know before you go

- Playa Migrino is the star: you ride out to the beach and follow the water’s edge.
- Expect real desert terrain: inclines and uneven ground are part of the fun.
- Wildlife and whales are seasonal: sea turtles and dolphins are possible; gray whales are tied to January–March.
- Guide-led pacing matters: horses can be matched to beginners, and guides may swap horses if needed.
- Small group feel: up to 14 travelers means you’re not swallowed by a huge herd.
- The $70 ticket isn’t the full cost: factor in the Migriño Park fee right away.
Why horse + beach at Playa Migrino is such a good Cabo mix

Cabo shore days can go one of two ways: either you spend most of your time in a vehicle, or you get outside and actually move. This horseback ride is the outside option, and you feel it from the start.
First, the setting is built for photos and awe without being fake. You go from desert terrain—cacti, dry ground, open views—to the contrast of sand and shoreline at Playa Migrino. Second, the guide role is practical. You’re not just thrown onto a horse and told good luck. Guides focus on safety and keeping the pace comfortable, which matters a lot if you’re new to riding.
I also like that the experience is framed as nature-first. The route is designed around the geography, so it doesn’t feel like you’re repeating the same flat path. If you’re the type who wants an authentic “I’m really here” Cabo moment, this delivers.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cabo San Lucas.
How the ride actually flows: desert out, beach back

You’ll start your tour and head out to Playa Migrino. The riding itself is the main event, and the route has the kind of variety that keeps everyone awake.
On the desert side, the horses move through uneven terrain while you take in the wide views. It’s a good reminder that Cabo isn’t just “resort coastline.” Even if you’ve been to the tourist strip before, this part feels different because the land is rougher and more open.
Then comes the beach. When you reach the shoreline, the mood changes fast. The ocean is right there, and you get that rare sensation of riding on sand with the water nearby. Expect long-picture moments along the edge—especially if you like the contrast of horses against ocean waves.
About wildlife: Cabo can be hit-or-miss depending on the day and conditions. Still, the experience is set up with the possibility of sightings like sea turtles, dolphins, and seals near the shore. If you’re traveling January through March, gray whales are part of the seasonal story, so the timing is worth considering.
The Los Cabos and El Arco stops: what to expect from the sightseeing time
The tour includes stops labeled Los Cabos and El Arco. In plain terms, think of these as scenery moments during your transportation time, not long museum-style visits.
El Arco is the kind of place where even a short pause can feel like a win. You’ll get a look at one of Cabo’s signature natural landmarks, and it helps round out the day so it’s not only horses and beach.
If your day is tight (like many cruise shore schedules), you’ll appreciate that the tour has built-in sightseeing without forcing you into a full-day tour length. Just keep expectations realistic: the horsepower part is the main attraction, while these stops add the “Cabo postcard” angle.
Horses and guides: where comfort and safety are handled well

What makes or breaks this tour for many people is the horse situation and how the guide handles riders who have never been on horseback.
A big pattern in the experience is that guides adjust the ride for ability. If you’re new, you can end up on a more steady horse that follows behind the guide. If you’re more confident, you might be placed with horses that are responsive and keep the group moving.
Names that show up in guide stories include Victor, Reyes, Jose, Aaron, George, and Arturo. It’s a good sign that multiple guides are praised, not just one standout. One practical detail: if a horse isn’t a great fit for a rider, a guide may swap horses so the ride stays smooth for everyone. That’s not something you can count on every tour in every country, so it’s worth calling out.
Also, plan for the physical reality. Even if the ride is beginner-friendly, horseback riding uses muscles you don’t use every day. One common theme is sore bums by the end, and that’s normal. Wear long shorts for comfort, and bring water.
Price and logistics: the $70 ticket plus the Migriño Park fee

The listed price is $70 per person, and the tour lasts about 3 hours (approx.). Air-conditioned transport is included, and you’ll have purified water and safety equipment as part of the package.
But here’s the math you should do before you get there:
- Tour price: $70 per person
- Migriño Park admission fee: $25 per person (pay on site)
So you should expect $95 per person as your baseline total, before any optional extras.
That park fee matters because you’re riding in a protected area. It’s not just “someone wants extra money.” It’s the cost of access to where the beach riding happens. Still, the practical takeaway is simple: budget for it so you don’t get surprised at the start.
I also suggest you bring some cash just in case, even if you plan to pay by card. One story notes possible credit card processing charges. You don’t want a payment issue to mess up the flow when you’re trying to get ready.
Getting to the start: where you meet and how pickup tends to work

This tour offers pickup, but it requires you to confirm your pickup details with the team. The meeting location is listed as Real Baja tours, Pozo Cota Carretera a Todos Santos Migriño, 23473 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. The activity ends back at the meeting point.
If you’re on a cruise, you’ll likely be dealing with tender timing and a shuttle to the tour HQ area. In at least some cases, communication happens through messaging (often via WhatsApp), and pickup can be fairly prompt once your details are confirmed.
Two practical tips:
- Watch your email/messages for pickup confirmation so you don’t miss the transport.
- Plan to be early. With shore excursions, timing is everything. If you’re cutting it close at the start, you’re borrowing trouble.
Tequila tasting at the end: what you’re likely to get

The experience is branded as a tequila tasting tour, and the end portion typically includes a short tasting session.
What I like here is the pacing. You’ve already done the ride, so you can switch from physical exertion to a relaxed finale. In some accounts, the tasting is described as tasting multiple tequilas (like three small cups, or a lineup of different options). One story also says the guide tailored the tasting to what someone normally drinks, which is a nice touch because it makes it feel less like a forced sales pitch.
Just don’t build your whole day around getting a long, in-depth tasting. The ride runs the show, and the tequila part fits in after.
Photos and upgrades: how to enjoy the day without getting steamrolled

Let’s be honest: this kind of beach horseback ride often includes photography and optional add-ons. A few people report that an ATV photographer follows from a distance and takes photos/video. At the end, you can review photos on a computer and buy packages (sometimes with options like one item, a smaller set, or a larger full package).
Pricing can be high, and yes, some people describe constant upselling pressure. Others say the experience is still worth it, especially if you’re happy to buy a souvenir or two.
My advice:
- Decide your photo budget before you arrive.
- If you don’t want extras, say so calmly and move on.
- Don’t let an upgrade conversation derail the day if you’re happy with the base ride.
There’s also mention of ride-time adjustments for beginners, including scenarios where you might ride less than the full time if you’re not comfortable. If that happens, treat it as a safety and comfort choice, not a failure.
What weather can change (and why you should be flexible)
The tour requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll either be offered another date or a full refund. That matters here because horseback riding on sand and in desert terrain depends on visibility and ground conditions.
So if you’re traveling in a week with variable weather, it’s smart to keep your expectations flexible.
Who this tour is best for in Cabo
This excursion fits best if you:
- want beach time that’s active (not just lounging)
- like seeing Cabo from water-and-desert angles
- want a guide-led ride rather than a self-guided adventure
- appreciate a small group (max 14)
It’s also a good option for some beginners, since horses can be matched to rider experience and the guide stays involved. That said, if you’re totally afraid of riding or you can’t handle basic physical discomfort, you’ll probably struggle. This isn’t a gentle stroll on flat ground the whole time; there are inclines and the ride takes stamina.
If you’re hunting only for the most iconic photo stop and zero physical effort, you may be happier with a pure sightseeing tour. But if you want a real outdoors story in Cabo, this is a solid match.
Should you book Cabo Shore Excursion: Beach Horseback Ride & Tequila Tasting?
I’d book it if your dream Cabo day includes riding horses from desert to Playa Migrino, with the chance (seasonal and day-dependent) of wildlife like dolphins and sea turtles, plus a tequila tasting finish.
I’d think twice if you:
- hate paying extra on site and dislike upsells (even a $25 park fee plus photo pressure can change the vibe)
- need a long, sit-down tequila experience rather than a short tasting after the ride
- are on a super tight timeline and can’t handle minor delays
If you go in with the right budget mindset—$70 + the $25 park fee, plus optional photos—you’ll get one of the more memorable active shore excursions Cabo offers.
FAQ
What is the total cost once the Migriño Park fee is included?
The tour price is $70 per person, and there’s an additional Migriño Park admission fee of $25 per person. Plan for $95 per person as your baseline, before any optional extras.
How long is the horseback ride experience?
The tour is listed at about 3 hours, approximately.
Do I need to pay for park admission separately?
Yes. Migriño Park admission is not included, and the fee is $25 per person paid on site.
Is this horseback ride beginner-friendly?
Most travelers can participate, and the experience is often described as manageable for riders with little to no prior experience. Guides can place you on a more suitable horse and help set a comfortable pace.
Will I definitely see sea turtles, dolphins, or whales?
You might see sea turtles, dolphins, and seals near the shoreline, but sightings aren’t guaranteed. Gray whales are mentioned as a seasonal possibility from January to March.
What should I know about the tequila tasting?
A tequila tasting is part of the experience at the end. It’s described as a short tasting session with multiple tequilas, and the tasting may be adapted to what you typically drink.
Are pickup and transportation included?
Pickup is offered, and the tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle. You’ll need to confirm pickup details with the team.
Do they take photos and offer them for sale?
There can be a photographer taking photos and video during the tour, and packages may be available to purchase at the end.
What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.
If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you’re going from a cruise tender or using rideshare to the meeting point, and I’ll help you plan the timing and budget.

























