Horse Back Ridding Tour on the Pacific Ocean & Desert

If you’re considering adding a horseback riding adventure to your Cabo San Lucas itinerary, this tour offers a unique way to experience the area’s rugged beauty. It promises a ride along sandy beaches with sweeping ocean views and explores the desert landscape nearby, all in the company of friendly bilingual guides. While it’s not a high-adrenaline activity, it’s a relaxing and visually rewarding experience suitable for many travelers.

What we love about this tour is its combination of natural scenery and cultural insight — you get both the stunning Pacific coastline and a taste of local history, all from the back of a well-behaved horse. Plus, the round-trip transportation from your hotel makes it hassle-free. On the flip side, the $25 USD land conservation fee and the overall length might mean this isn’t ideal for those seeking a shorter, more intense ride or with tight budgets. It’s best suited for families, casual riders, or anyone eager to enjoy a scenic, laid-back adventure.

Key Points

• Scenic horseback riding along Cabo’s beaches and desert landscapes
• All experience levels welcome—guides prioritize safety and comfort
• Includes transportation from your hotel, making logistics easier
• Authentic local guides provide cultural and natural insights
• Cost includes some bottled water, but expect to pay extra for fees and extras
• Great for families and those wanting a gentle, scenic ride

What to Expect from the Cabo Horseback Riding Experience

This tour is designed to give you a three-hour escape from the hustle of Cabo San Lucas, focusing on scenery, easy riding, and cultural exploration. It starts with a convenient hotel pickup, with transportation arranged to the ranch located about 15.5 miles north of downtown Cabo. Once at Margaritas Ranch near Migriño, you’ll meet your guide, who ensures everyone feels comfortable, regardless of riding experience.

The Itinerary

Pickup and Transfer: Your day begins with a round-trip hotel pickup — a real boon in Cabo, where parking and navigating can be tricky. The ride to the ranch takes roughly 30 minutes, during which the guide offers some background and sets expectations.

Arrival at Margaritas Ranch: Here, you’ll meet your horses, which are described as “easy” and well-cared-for in reviews — important for riders of all skill levels. The guides are bilingual, making communication straightforward for international visitors.

The Riding Experience: The core of the tour is a guided ride along the beach and into the desert. Expect to spend a good chunk of time on the sandy shoreline, where the Pacific’s waves crash nearby, and your horse moves at a relaxed pace. Guides will share insights into the natural environment, the area’s history, and the local flora and fauna.

Scenic Highlights: You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean and the desert landscape, with some reviews mentioning the ride atop a cliff overlooking the beach, which makes for stunning photo opportunities. The combination of mountain, desert, and ocean views offers a varied backdrop that keeps the experience interesting.

Concluding the Tour: After the ride, you’ll return to the ranch, then hop back into the transportation for your hotel. Some tours include bottled water, helping you stay hydrated after the ride.

Authentic Experiences and Guided Insights

Our favorite aspect is the knowledgeable guides who not only keep the group safe but also share stories about the area’s past settlers and natural life. One reviewer mentioned that their guide, Gabriel, “kept a careful engaging watch over us,” which reassures those who might worry about riding with less experienced companions.

The guides’ bilingual skills also make the experience accessible to a wider audience, ensuring everyone understands the commentary and safety instructions. Many reviewers note that the guides foster a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, making the adventure enjoyable even for first-timers.

The Scenery: Beaches, Desert, and Beyond

The main draw here is the scenery. Picture yourself riding along soft, sandy beaches with the sound of waves in your ears, and then switching to the arid desert landscape dotted with cacti and native plants. Some reviews highlight the beautiful views on and around a cliff on the beach, which provide perfect photo ops.

The natural scenery is complemented by the historical context shared by guides—stories about the early settlers and local lifestyle add depth to the ride, making it more than just a sightseeing excursion.

Group Size, Duration, and Practicalities

This tour is capped at 15 travelers, fostering a more intimate experience compared to larger commercial outfits. The duration is approximately three hours, which includes pickup, transportation, riding, and return. This length strikes a good balance — enough time to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

The cost is $85 per person, which covers the ride, bilingual guide, and round-trip transportation. It’s worth noting the $25 USD land conservation fee is added on-site, which supports local environmental efforts. This fee isn’t included in the initial price, so budget accordingly.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with a maximum weight limit of 120 kg (265 pounds). The no experience necessary promise makes it accessible, but if you’re an experienced rider, you’ll still enjoy the relaxed pace and natural beauty.

What the Reviews Say

Two recent reviews are particularly positive:

“Really a great time. The beach was beautiful and the horses were easy. Our guide, Gabriel, kept a careful watch over us.” — Dennece_K, July 2025

“If you love riding horses and like ‘hidden gems’ versus the larger, more commercial outfitters, this is your tour. The views on and around a cliff on the beach were stunning.” — Martha_O, July 2024

Both reviewers appreciated the friendly guides and the beautiful, less-crowded scenery, making it clear this tour offers a more authentic, personal experience.

Pricing and Value Analysis

At $85 per person, the price seems reasonable given the three-hour duration, round-trip transportation, and guided instruction. The additional land conservation fee slightly bumps up the overall cost but supports local efforts. If you’re looking for a relaxing, scenic ride rather than a high-energy adventure, the value is solid, especially considering the personalized nature and small group size.

The Sum Up

This horseback riding tour in Cabo San Lucas offers a peaceful yet scenic way to experience the region’s natural beauty. It’s best suited for families, casual riders, or anyone eager to enjoy the coastline without the need for prior riding experience. With friendly guides, stunning views, and the chance to see local flora and fauna, it provides an authentic taste of Cabo that’s both relaxing and visually rewarding.

The hotel pickup makes logistics simple, and the moderate price point offers good value for a memorable outdoor experience. While it might not satisfy adrenaline junkies or those seeking a quick ride, it’s a perfect choice for travelers who want to slow down and enjoy nature’s canvas on horseback.

If you love gentle rides through varied scenery and appreciate guides who blend storytelling with safety, this tour is worth considering. Just remember, to respect the land conservation fee and be ready for a leisurely, beautiful adventure along Cabo’s coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup offered for this tour? Yes, round-trip transportation from your hotel is included, making the experience more convenient.

Can beginners participate in this horseback riding tour? Absolutely. No experience is necessary, and guides focus on making everyone feel safe and comfortable.

How long is the tour? The total experience lasts about three hours, including pickup, riding, and return.

What is the maximum group size? The tour is limited to 15 travelers, creating a more personal experience.

What should I bring? Bottled water is included, but bringing sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable clothes suited for outdoor activity is advisable.

Are there any additional fees? Yes, a $25 USD land conservation fee is payable on-site and is not included in the initial price.

Is there a weight limit? Yes, the maximum weight per person is 120 kg (265 pounds).

What scenery can I expect? Expect a mix of beach and desert landscapes, with views of the ocean, mountains, and cliffs.

Is this tour suitable for children? While the tour is family-friendly, it’s best for children who can comfortably handle a gentle ride and follow safety instructions.

What makes this experience special? Its blend of natural beauty, personalized guiding, and the opportunity to ride along a less-crowded beach make it stand out from more commercial options.

This horseback riding tour on the Pacific Ocean and desert combines scenic beauty, relaxed pace, and local flavor. Whether you’re a first-time rider or just looking for a scenic, cultural afternoon in Cabo, it’s worth considering.