Side by Side Cabo Adventure

If you’re looking for an activity that combines adventure, scenic views, and a splash of local flavor, then the Side-by-Side Cabo Adventure might catch your eye. This 3-hour excursion offers a taste of Baja California’s wild side—think desert trails, towering sand dunes, and ocean vistas—all from the seat of a powerful SXS (side-by-side) vehicle. While it’s not a perfect experience, it offers enough thrill and authenticity to make it a worthwhile addition to your Cabo itinerary.

What we love most about this tour? First, the small group setting ensures you won’t be lost in a crowd, and the delicious tacos at the end give a tasty, local touch. Second, the easy hotel pickup and drop-off make it hassle-free, especially when you’re trying to squeeze in activities during a busy vacation. The possible downside? Some travelers have reported a mismatch between the advertised and actual duration, which can be disappointing if you’re expecting a full two-hour ride. But overall, this tour seems best suited for those craving a mix of adventure and casual sightseeing, especially if they enjoy a bit of off-road fun with a friendly guide.

Key Points

• Small group tours provide more personalized attention and a more relaxed experience.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics straightforward in Cabo San Lucas.
• The tour covers diverse terrains—desert trails, dunes, beaches—offering a good variety of scenery.
• Tasty tacos are included post-ride, giving a flavorful taste of local cuisine.
• Most travelers can participate, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors.
• Price point of around $170 per person offers a fair value considering the guided adventure and included transportation.

An In-Depth Look at the Side by Side Cabo Adventure

Booking and Pricing: Does It Offer Good Value?

At approximately $169.64 per person, this tour is priced to reflect the guided nature, transportation, and the fun of riding personal-sized off-road vehicles. When you consider that it includes round-trip transportation and a bilingual guide, it’s a pretty convenient package, especially for visitors unfamiliar with local logistics. The addition of security equipment and water enhances safety and keeps you refreshed, though food and gratuities are extras.

Some travelers might find the price slightly steep, but when you weigh it against the included hotel pickup, guide service, and the unique off-road experience, it offers reasonable value. Bear in mind that there’s an optional collision insurance fee and the $25 entrance fee to Cabo San Lucas that’s payable on-site, which should be factored into your total budget.

The Itinerary: What Will You Actually Do?

Once you’re picked up at your hotel, the first step is check-in at the tour location. Here, you’ll be assigned a locker and meet your guide, who will brief you on safety protocols—crucial when handling powerful SXS vehicles across rugged terrain. You’ll also receive security equipment to ensure your safety during the ride.

Then, it’s time to hit the trails. Expect to traverse a variety of terrains, including desert trails, sand dunes, and coastal beaches. The ride is designed to be exhilarating but also scenic, with views of the Pacific Ocean that you’ll love to snap photos of during brief stops. The tour lasts roughly 3 hours, but some reviews mention that the actual riding time may be less—around half of the advertised duration, which is something to keep in mind.

The Ride: What’s It Like?

The ride itself is likely to appeal most to those who enjoy adrenaline and outdoor adventure. The vehicles are designed for fun and rugged conditions, so expect bumpy, fast-paced trails that get your heart pounding. The guide will lead the group, ensuring safety and sharing insights about the local landscape.

One reviewer noted that the guide was good and that the beach ride was pretty, which hints at both the fun of the ride and the scenic value. However, another reviewer’s experience points to a misplacement in the group and a shorter ride than expected—highlighting that coordination and communication might vary.

Post-Ride Relaxation and Tacos

After the adventure, you’ll have time to clean up and refuel at a designated refresh spot. This is where the tacos come into play—an appreciated bonus that offers a taste of regional cuisine. A cold drink, some photos, and a chance to chat about your ride make the perfect wrap-up.

Group Size and Guide Attention

With a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour strives to keep things intimate. This allows the guide to give more attention and answer questions, which is especially helpful if you’re new to off-road vehicles or Baja’s terrain.

Practical Tips: What to Know Before You Book

• Confirmation is received immediately, but keep in mind that the tour operates weather permitting. Bad weather can lead to cancellations or rescheduling without penalty if notified 24 hours in advance.
• Most travelers can participate, but if you have mobility issues or health concerns, check with the tour provider.
• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat—the sun can be intense during the ride.
• Wear comfortable clothing suitable for dirt and dust.
• Remember, food and gratuities are not included, so plan accordingly.

Authentic Experience or Tourist Rides?

While some reviews mention less-than-ideal group coordination, the overall feel of the tour remains authentic—you’re exploring Baja’s wild landscapes in a fun, guided manner. The inclusion of local tacos and the scenic routes give this tour a regional flavor that many off-road activities lack.

The Good: Scenic Variety and Tasty Tacos

The ride’s varied terrain—from desert to beach—provides excellent photo opportunities and keeps the experience lively. The delicious tacos serve as a perfect reward after the adrenaline rush, giving a taste of local cuisine that many travelers appreciate.

The Not-So-Good: Duration and Organization

The most common complaint revolves around shorter-than-advertised ride times. Some guests felt they didn’t get the full two hours of riding, which can be frustrating if you’re expecting a longer outdoor adventure. Also, the initial group placement issues suggest that organizational hiccups can occur, so managing expectations is wise.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This adventure will suit adventure-seeking travelers, especially those who enjoy outdoor activities and are okay with a rough-and-tumble ride. It’s perfect for small groups or families with older children, looking for a fun, guided experience with scenic views and a taste of Baja life. If you’re after a relaxing beach day or cultural tour, this might not be your best fit. But if you’re craving off-road excitement with a local flavor, it’s worth considering.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

In essence, the Side-by-Side Cabo Adventure offers a lively taste of Baja’s rugged environment. You’ll get to drive or ride along in powerful vehicles across desert landscapes, dunes, and beaches—all with a guide pointing out local sights and safety tips. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off makes it convenient, and the small group size helps keep the experience personal.

The scenic variety and the delicious tacos at the end stand out as highlights, making this a fun and flavorful adventure for those who love outdoor exploration. However, the shorter ride duration and occasional organizational hiccups are worth noting, so set your expectations accordingly. It’s best suited for adventure enthusiasts or families eager for a taste of Baja’s wild side.

If you’re ready to feel the wind in your hair, enjoy Baja’s stunning scenery, and have a good laugh along the way, this might just be the tour for you—but do keep in mind the possible limitations on ride time.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, round-trip transportation from your hotel in Cabo San Lucas is included, making it easy to join without extra hassle.

Can I participate if I don’t have off-road experience? Most travelers can participate, and guides usually provide safety instructions. The vehicles are designed for rugged terrain, but beginners should listen carefully to safety briefings.

How long is the actual ride? The advertised duration is about 3 hours; however, some reviews indicate that the actual riding time may be around half that, so plan accordingly.

What should I wear? Wear comfortable, casual clothing suitable for dirt, dust, and sun exposure. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for protection.

Are food and drinks included? No, food and beverages are not included, but delicious tacos are provided after the ride as a tasty reward.

Is there an entrance fee? Yes, a $25 fee per person applies if you wish to access certain areas, payable at the location.

In summary, the Side by Side Cabo Adventure offers a fun, scenic, and somewhat adventurous way to see Baja’s landscapes, especially if you enjoy guided outdoor activities and don’t mind a shorter ride. With its focus on authentic off-road exploration and tasty local bites, it’s a memorable option—just keep an eye on expectations regarding the ride length.