Did you know that some of the most memorable moments on any trip are the ones you don’t expect?
As a guy who’s been married for years and has four kids, I know how important it is to find those quiet, special moments with my wife.
In Cabo, it’s easy to find a party, but the real magic is in the peaceful experiences away from the crowds.
That’s why I’m so excited to share one of my favorite romantic things to do in Cabo.
It’s an experience that feels like it was made just for two people in love: a sunset horseback ride along a deserted stretch of beach. Let me show you why it’s perfect for your honeymoon.
Why a Horseback Ride is the Ultimate Romantic Escape
My wife and I have been doing this whole marriage-and-kids thing for a while now. With four of them running around, “romance” usually means we both managed to drink our coffee while it was still hot.
But in Cabo, we have a rule. We always plan at least one experience that’s just for us.
And I’m telling you, nothing beats a horseback ride on a quiet stretch of beach. It’s one of the most genuinely romantic Cabo activities you can find.
This isn’t just about the incredible views; it’s about slowing down and actually connecting. It’s a chance to remember you’re not just parents or planners—you’re partners on an adventure.
Putting the Phones Away (For Real This Time)
We all say we’re going to disconnect on vacation, right?
But then a work email pops up, or you want to post that perfect beach photo, and suddenly you’re scrolling again.
The magic of being on a horse is that you almost have to put the phone away. You’re holding the reins, you’re taking in the scenery, you’re present.
For an hour, there are no notifications, no distractions, no “hey dad, can I have a snack?”.
It was just us.
It was just the gentle rhythm of the horses walking on the sand and the sound of the Pacific waves crashing nearby. It’s amazing how much you can talk and reconnect when the world finally gets quiet.
An Adventure You Actually Share
Let’s be honest, sometimes one person’s “adventure” is the other person’s “I’ll wait at the bar.”
My wife isn’t exactly thrilled with the idea of a 5 AM fishing trip, and I can only handle so much shopping. But a horseback ride? That’s something we both genuinely love.
It’s one of the few Cabo excursions for couples that is both breathtakingly beautiful and incredibly gentle. There’s no pressure, no competition. The biggest decision we had to make was who got the horse with the cooler name.
You’re side-by-side, sharing the same view, feeling the same warm breeze. It’s simple, and that’s what makes it so perfect.
The Scenery is the ‘Third Wheel’ You Actually Want
You’ve seen the pictures of Cabo, but they honestly don’t do it justice.
Riding on a trail on the Pacific side is like stepping into another world. You have these massive, ancient cardon cacti on one side and the deep, powerful blue of the ocean on the other.
It’s a huge part of our vacation planning in Los Cabos—making sure we get time on these wild, empty beaches.
One time, we were riding in January and our guide pointed out a whale spout way out on the horizon. We just stopped the horses and watched. You can’t schedule that kind of magic. It was a moment that felt like it was created just for us.
These are the cheat codes I’m talking about. Forget the crowded beaches for an afternoon and find an experience that lets Cabo’s nature do the heavy lifting.
If you liked this, wait until you see what we did next in Cabo… I’m talking about the specific tour we take that includes a little tequila tasting at the end.
Not Just Any Trail: Finding a Truly Private Beach Path
Okay, let me tell you about a rookie mistake we made years ago.
We were so excited for a romantic ride that we just booked the first flashy tour we saw advertised in town. Big mistake.
We ended up in a line of about 20 other horses, literally nose-to-tail, walking down a stretch of beach that was packed with people. It felt less like a romantic escape and more like being in a parade we didn’t know we’d signed up for. We spent more time trying not to bump into the horse in front of us than looking at the ocean.
That’s when we learned the most important lesson for vacation planning in Los Cabos: not all tours are created equal. For a honeymoon or a special date night, you have to find the hidden gems.
The Secret is a Private Ranch
The key is to find a tour operator that has exclusive access to a private ranch.
These aren’t places you can just drive up to. You head down a dusty, unassuming road and arrive at a stable that feels like a piece of old Baja, not a tourist trap.
This means the trails you ride on are completely secluded. You won’t see a single other person, no beach vendors, no crowds. It’s just you.
Finding these Cabo excursions is the difference between a good vacation and an unforgettable one. It feels like you’ve been let in on a local secret, because you have.
A Great Guide Knows When to Disappear
The guides at these smaller, private ranches are a different breed. They’re often true rancheros who have a deep love for the land and the animals.
And they have a sixth sense for romance.
A great guide knows exactly when to share a cool fact about the desert plants and, more importantly, when to hang back and give you your moment.
I’ll never forget our guide on our last anniversary trip. He’d lead us to a breathtaking viewpoint, make sure we were comfortable, and then just quietly ride about 50 yards ahead. He gave us the gift of space, making it feel like we had the entire coastline to ourselves. It was the most thoughtful, professional touch.
Getting That Photo Without the Crowds
You know the photo you want. The one with the two of you on horseback, silhouetted against the incredible Cabo sunset.
Well, on a crowded tour, that photo usually includes about five other people’s heads in the background. Good luck cropping that.
On a private beach path, the entire landscape is your photo studio. The views of the Pacific horizon are completely unobstructed. As the sun starts to dip, the light turns that magical shade of gold, and there’s no one around to walk through your shot.
Here’s my pro-dad tip: hand your phone to the guide. They know the exact moment the light is perfect, and they are masters at getting that epic shot. It will be the one you frame, I promise.
Okay, so you’re sold on finding a private ride. But what should you actually expect on the day of the tour? Keep scrolling — the next tip saved us from a total rookie mistake that could have ruined the entire romantic vibe.
The Golden Hour: What Makes a Cabo Sunset Ride So Magical
There’s a reason people in Cabo stop what they’re doing to watch the sunset. It’s a full-on event here.
But experiencing it on horseback, away from everything, on a quiet beach? That’s another level entirely.
They call it the “golden hour” for a reason. The light does something absolutely otherworldly, and it’s a moment my wife and I still talk about long after we’ve returned home to the chaos of daily life with four kids. It’s pure magic.
A Sky That Looks Like a Painting
You’ve seen pretty sunsets before. But a Cabo sunset over the Pacific is something different.
Because you’re on a private trail, there are no buildings or city lights to interfere. You get the full, unobstructed show.
The sky starts to soften from a brilliant blue to a warm, liquid gold that covers everything. Then, just as the sun touches the horizon, these streaks of electric orange, deep purple, and soft pink start to appear. It seriously looks like someone turned up the saturation on the sky.
It’s one of those core-memory romantic Cabo activities where you both just fall silent because there are no words.
That Perfect ‘Ahhh’ Moment When the Heat Breaks
You know that feeling in Cabo around 5 or 6 PM?
The intense heat of the day finally breaks, the sand starts to cool, and a gentle, warm breeze rolls in off the ocean. It’s that perfect moment of relief.
Now imagine feeling that while you’re on your horse, gently riding along the shoreline. It’s the most comfortable and peaceful feeling in the world. All the stress of the day just melts away.
Here’s one of my most important Cabo San Lucas travel tips: always bring a light sweater or a wrap, even if it was scorching hot all afternoon. Once that sun dips below the horizon, the temperature can drop surprisingly fast. You’ll be so glad you have it on the ride back.
The Photo That Ends Up on the Mantle
This is your chance. This is when you get that photo.
The one you’ll frame. The one you’ll use for your Christmas card. The one that will make all your friends back home insanely jealous.
During the golden hour, the light is soft and perfect. As the sun gets low, it creates those jaw-dropping silhouettes. The dark shape of you and your partner on your horses against a blazing orange sky is the kind of epic shot that defines a Cabo honeymoon.
We have one of these photos on our wall at home, and our kids think we look like movie stars in it. For a couple of tired parents, that’s a pretty big win. It’s a beautiful reminder of that quiet, perfect moment we shared.
But a perfect experience is about more than just a pretty sky. You have to be prepared. Keep reading, because I’m about to share my checklist of what to wear and what to bring (and what to absolutely leave at the hotel).
More Than a Ride: What to Expect from a Top-Tier Experience
When my wife and I finally get a night away from the kids, the last thing we want is to feel stressed or rushed. We want to feel taken care of.
A true honeymoon-worthy experience isn’t just about the 60 minutes you spend on the horse. It’s about the entire memory you’re building together, from the moment you leave your hotel to the moment you get back.
The best tour operators in Cabo get this. They know they’re in the business of making memories, and it’s the thoughtful touches that make all the difference. Honestly, this is where it’s worth it to spend a few extra dollars.
The Last Thing You Want to Do is Drive
Let’s be real. Navigating a rental car down bumpy, unmarked dirt roads while trying to get a cell signal for your map app is not my idea of a romantic start to the evening.
Look for tours that include hassle-free transportation.
Imagine this: you’re dressed and ready, and you just walk out of your hotel lobby into a clean, cool, air-conditioned van waiting to pick you up. No stress. No arguing over which turn to take.
This is a non-negotiable for us now. It sets a relaxing, VIP tone from the very beginning and is a key part of smart vacation planning in Los Cabos.
Feeling Like a VIP, Not Just a Number
The difference between a standard tour and a top-tier one is obvious the second you arrive.
At a cheap, high-volume place, you’re just another number in a crowd. At a private ranch, they probably know your name when you step out of the van.
The best operators welcome you with a cold bottle of water or a refreshing glass of jamaica (hibiscus iced tea). The guides take their time, give you a proper orientation, and make you feel comfortable and safe before you even get near a horse.
My wife can be a little nervous around horses, and a great guide sees that. They’ll give her the calmest, most gentle horse (“This is Gitano, he’s a sweet old man”), and offer a few extra words of encouragement. That personal touch is what makes these the best Cabo excursions for couples.
The Perfect Ending to a Perfect Ride
A basic tour ends the second your feet hit the ground. You get off the horse, and you’re herded back to the van. The end.
A truly special tour has a final chapter.
Some of my favorite tour operators surprise you with a little post-ride celebration. It might be a simple table with some amazing, freshly made salsa and chips. Sometimes, the guide pulls out a bottle of really good tequila for a smooth, celebratory sip.
And the absolute best experience? We were once led to a small, crackling bonfire on the beach as the last bit of light faded from the sky. The stars were popping out, and we just sat there for ten minutes, listening to the waves.
That is how you end a perfect date night. It’s these thoughtful surprises that turn a simple ride into a core memory, especially for a Cabo honeymoon.
So you’re ready for the full VIP experience? Excellent. Now let’s get down to the brass tacks. Keep reading for my can’t-miss, practical checklist for your perfect day.
Making it Happen: Tips for Your Perfect Honeymoon Ride
Alright, so you’re ready to make this happen. I love it.
A little bit of smart planning on the front end is what separates a good experience from an absolutely perfect one. I’ve seen it a hundred times.
As your advisor, these are the non-negotiable, must-do things I tell all my clients before they even think about booking this romantic excursion. Pay attention to this part!
Don’t Wait Until You Land to Book
I can’t stress this enough. The best, most private tours with the best guides have very limited spots. They aren’t the massive operations with dozens of horses.
They might only take out 2 or 3 couples for that magical sunset slot. That’s exactly what makes them so special.
I had a couple once who waited until they got to Cabo to try and book a ride for their anniversary, and every single quality tour was sold out for their entire trip. They were so disappointed.
For a Cabo honeymoon or a trip during a busy season (like Christmas or Spring Break), you should book this at least a month in advance. For other times, giving yourself a week or two is a safe bet. It’s one of the most essential Cabo travel tips I can give you.
The ‘Look Cute but Be Comfortable’ Dress Code
My wife is a master at this. You want to look good for your photos, but this is an actual, real-life adventure, not just a photo-op.
First, long pants are a must. I’m talking jeans, leggings, or comfortable chinos. You might see influencers riding in flowy dresses or shorts, but trust me on this one. After an hour of your leg rubbing against a leather saddle, you will seriously regret that decision.
Second, closed-toe shoes only. No flip-flops or sandals. A horse could accidentally step on your toes. Just wear a pair of sneakers. It’s a safety thing and way more comfortable.
Finally, bring that light jacket or sweater I keep mentioning! My wife always packs a nice pashmina. It looks chic and is perfect for when that cool ocean breeze picks up right after the sun disappears.
Using the Magic Words: ‘Private or Small Group’
When you book, you need to be specific. Don’t just ask for “a horseback ride.”
This is your honeymoon, your anniversary, your special trip. You want to guarantee that intimate feel. When I book for my clients, I use the magic words. I specifically say, “I’m booking for a honeymoon couple and I am looking for your most private or small-group tour available.”
A “small group” is still fantastic—usually no more than 6-8 people. A “private” tour will be just you, your partner, and your guide. Yes, it costs a bit more, but for a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, it is worth every single penny. It’s the ultimate way to experience the romance of Cabo.
And that’s it. It’s that simple. Follow these tips, and you’re not just booking an activity; you’re crafting one of the most perfect, peaceful, and romantic memories you’ll ever have.
Conclusion
So, how do you like this plan?
Can you picture it? Just the two of you, riding along a golden beach as the sun dips below the horizon. Are these activities something you and your new spouse would love to try?
This is the kind of core memory that makes a honeymoon special, and it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive to arrange.
I can help you book any of these at wholesale prices – you don’t need to overpay!
Text me or send me a quick WhatsApp and let’s create your dream Cabo vacation together!
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