Experience

CAMEL RIDE SAFARI LOS CABOS

By Maggie Halligan

You may be thinking that this is a typo, because who would think of going camel riding on the beach in Mexico, but in fact it is a real thing.  We had the pleasure of taking part in the Outback and Camel Ride Safari put on by Cabo Adventures and it was such a wonderful experience. 

From our hotel at Grand Velas Los Cabos along the corridor, it was about an hour drive.  We were in the afternoon group, but I do recommend going in the morning if you can because otherwise this activity will really take up your entire day. I would have loved to have enjoyed some pool time in the afternoon if I would have had a choice.  However, either way it is an amazing activity. 

Upon arrival we were greeted by our guide, who was absolutely hilarious!! After having the opportunity to look around a little, we sat down to learn a bit about camels and how these particular camels came to live in the Baja Desert.  This facility is a rescue sanctuary and the tours provide funding for the care of the animals. Most of these camels were part of the circus prior to coming to this facility.

Now I grew up on a ranch and have ridden a lot of horses in the past, so I thought this would be similar.  Well I’m here to tell you that there is nothing similar about it!!!  Haha!!  First of all, it’s not like the movies where they lay down so that you can get on and then they stand up, which I was very thankful for. They actually have a platform that you walk up on and then get on the camel.  They are very wide, which makes it all the more awkward. We were given helmets to wear underneath our headscarves and you are strapped in so that you won’t fall off.     

Once the entire group was ready, we were on our way at a very slow bumpy pace.  😊 It’s definitely not a smooth ride, but it was EXTREMELY cool!  We took about a 20-minute ride and enjoyed the scenery of the Baja California Sur.  They did have a drone taking photos and you have the opportunity to obtain these later on. 

Following the ride, we had the opportunity to meet their most photogenic camel and take photos with him. It was so much fun!  He would eat carrots from your mouth to get photos looking like he was kissing you on the lips or he would kiss you on the cheek.  It was a lot of fun!

Next we were taken on a short nature walk and had the opportunity to learn about some of the local foliage.  At the end of our walk, we ended up at a the Tierra Sagrada Ranch where we were treated to an unlimited buffet, mezcal & tequila tasting, and a tortilla making demonstration.  It was such a relaxing experience to enjoy our meal looking out over the Pacific Ocean, while the other groups rode by.  I highly recommend this experience!!!

What do you need to know before you book?

  • Minimum Age:  5 years old
  • Maximum Weight: 265 lbs
  • Use of cameras, cell phones, and GoPros is restricted during the camel ride
  • This activity is not recommended for guests with back or neck problems
  • Expecting mothers may not participate in this tour

What to bring?

  • Hat
  • Cool clothing
  • Tennis or hiking shoes (not sandals)
  • Light sweater (winter months)
  • Biodegradable sunscreen
  • Insect repellant
  • Money for photos, souvenirs, etc.