Camel riding in the dunes of Maspalomas

A camel ride through the Maspalomas dunes is one of Gran Canaria’s most recognizable holiday activities. You sit high above the sand, sway along behind a small caravan, and get a very different view of the nature reserve than you would on foot.

I like two things here: the price is modest at $21.69 per person, and the ride is easy to fit into a morning near the beach. The camels move slowly, the seats are secured, and handlers work to balance riders on each animal.

The catch is the timing. This is not a precise, appointment-style tour. You check in, enter a queue, and may wait much longer than the 30-minute ride itself. Arrive early, especially in July and August, or you could be given a much later departure time.

Key points to know before you book

• Arrive between 9 and 11 a.m.: The station operates from 9 a.m., but early arrival is the best way to reduce your wait.
• Expect a queue, not a fixed departure: Booking secures your date, but rides are generally assigned in first-come, first-served order after check-in.
• The ride lasts about 30 minutes: Actual rides can be closer to 25 minutes or stretch to roughly 35 minutes.
• Two people may share one camel: The seating is designed for paired riders, with handlers adding weight to keep the load balanced.
• The route is a short dune outing: You see the Maspalomas sand and scrub, but you should not expect a long ride to the beach or a vast open desert.
• Weight limits apply: For comfort and safety, riders over 110 kilograms, or 220 pounds, cannot take part.

Arriving at the Maspalomas camel station

The meeting point is Camel Safari at C. Oceanía, 35100 Gran Canaria, in the Maspalomas area. The station is close to public transport, though the final walk may be less obvious than you expect. Signage can be limited, and some of the approach runs over sandy ground.

Give yourself time to find the station rather than cutting it close. If your bus drops you near the dunes, the walk may take only a few minutes, but it is still worth checking your route before arrival. Sand is not kind to wheeled luggage, formal shoes, or anyone trying to hurry.

The station is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The stated camel-riding operating period runs from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with the strongest practical advice being to come before 11 a.m. The reason is simple: limited camels and high demand can create a long line.

At check-in, you are placed into the day’s queue. This is the detail that can make or break your plans. A booking gives you the date, but it does not necessarily give you an exact ride time. Someone arriving at 10 a.m. may be assigned a departure much later, particularly during busy holiday periods.

If you arrive early, you may ride with little waiting. If you arrive late, plan for the possibility of an hour or more before your group leaves. The beach and dunes are nearby, so the wait can be turned into an unplanned outing, but you should not book this activity immediately before another fixed appointment.

Meeting the camels and preparing to ride

The camels are presented as a working caravan, with handlers organizing riders and pairing people on the animals. Several accounts describe the camels as having names, which adds a small personal touch to what could otherwise feel like a purely mechanical activity.

The seats are built for stability, and handlers adjust the arrangement to balance the riders. You will need to pay attention when the camel kneels and rises. That movement can feel surprising, especially if this is your first camel ride, but the slow pace makes the experience manageable for most participants.

The activity is suitable for most people, though the 110-kilogram, or 220-pound, limit is firm. One person in the supplied feedback chose to sit out because of weight, while a companion rode. If your party includes someone close to the limit, treat it as a real restriction rather than something to negotiate at the station.

Wear comfortable clothes and sensible shoes. The station and route involve animals, sand, and the usual barn smells. You may also need to watch where you step. A cap is useful because the sun can be strong even when the breeze feels pleasant, and you should bring water on hot days.

The 30-minute route through the dunes

Once the caravan leaves, the pace is calm. The camels move in a line through the sandy area of the Maspalomas nature reserve, giving you time to take in the dunes without the effort of walking up and down them.

The setting is the main attraction. You see rolling sand, low bushes, and the open feel of southern Gran Canaria. It is a striking contrast to the nearby resort streets. Still, set your expectations correctly: this is a compact circuit, not a long journey across untouched desert.

Some riders expect the route to reach the beach or offer wide desert views in every direction. In practice, the ride remains within a limited dune area, and vegetation appears along parts of the route. That does not make it dull, but it does make the experience more like a short scenic introduction than a major expedition.

The duration is advertised at about 30 minutes. Actual times vary. Some rides have lasted around 25 minutes, while others have run to 35 minutes or a little longer. That is fair value for the price, but it also means the activity can feel brief if you have imagined a full morning on camelback.

The camels’ slow, swaying movement is part of the appeal. This is not a thrill ride. Children may find the height and motion exciting at first, then settle into it once the caravan gets moving. Older riders may appreciate the gentle pace, though anyone with back or balance concerns should consider the seating and the camel’s kneeling movements carefully.

What the handlers add, and what they do not

The handlers manage the line, help balance the riders, and keep the caravan moving. The practical focus is on safety and control. The animals travel close together, and the camels may be muzzled, a point that some people see as a sensible safety measure and others find troubling.

Do not book this expecting a guided nature talk. Information about the camels, their care, diet, origins, or the Maspalomas reserve is limited. On some outings, the handlers point out small creatures along the route, but there is no stated program of commentary or interpretation.

That absence matters. If you want to learn about camel behavior or the dune ecosystem, you will need to bring your own curiosity or visit the area separately. The experience is mainly about the physical act of riding and the scenery around you.

The staff are generally described as friendly and attentive, and the operation can run on time once your group is called. The weak point is organization before departure. Instructions about the queue, exact waiting time, and access from public transport could be clearer.

Animal welfare: an important personal decision

A camel ride is not simply a scenic activity. It uses animals to carry paying customers, and you should decide in advance how comfortable you are with that arrangement.

The camels carry two people on chairs and walk repeated routes during the day. They may be muzzled and attached closely to one another. Some riders feel the animals look calm and well cared for, while others are uncomfortable seeing camels that appear reluctant to continue or that sit down during operations.

The available information does not provide a detailed animal welfare policy, veterinary standard, daily rest schedule, or explanation of the muzzles. I would not pretend those questions are answered. If animal welfare is a central concern for you, this may be a reason to skip the activity or ask the operator direct questions before booking.

If you do go, watch how the handlers treat the animals, avoid adding pressure to a nervous camel, and accept that the experience may feel more commercial than natural. For some families, the ride is a memorable introduction to these large, gentle-looking animals. For others, the working setup removes the pleasure from the outing.

Photos, comfort, and the small extras

During the ride, staff may take photographs of you on the camel. These are offered afterward for about €5 each. The photo option is not part of the listed ticket price, so decide at the end rather than feeling you must buy one.

The route is exposed to the sun. Even on a cooler day, the sand reflects heat, and a hat, water, and light clothing will help. On days above 30 degrees Celsius, the wait can be harder than the ride itself, especially if you arrive late and have no shade.

The station has some shaded waiting space, which is useful for anyone sitting out the ride or waiting for a later departure. Families should also allow for the practical mess of an animal facility. Comfortable shoes are more useful than anything stylish.

Is $21.69 good value?

At $21.69, this is a reasonably priced way to try camel riding without committing to a long excursion. You receive a roughly 30-minute ride, a planned route through the Maspalomas dunes, and the novelty of an experience closely tied to the region’s tourist identity and cultural heritage.

The value depends heavily on your waiting time. A 30-minute ride with a short check-in is easy to recommend at this price. A one-and-a-half-hour wait for the same ride feels less impressive, though the nearby beach and dunes give you somewhere to go while you wait.

The price is also fair for families who want one unusual activity rather than a full-day tour. Children often get the most from it, and adults who have never ridden a camel may enjoy the novelty. Repeat visitors or experienced riders may find the short route too basic.

There are no included meals, extended guiding, educational talks, or major stops. Think of it as a simple local activity, not a polished safari. That keeps the cost down, but it also explains why some people leave wishing there had been more substance.

Who should book this Maspalomas activity?

I would consider it a good fit if you:

• Want a short, unusual outing near the Maspalomas beach area
• Are visiting with children who are excited to ride a camel
• Have a flexible morning and can tolerate a queue
• Like gentle animal rides more than fast adventure activities
• Want a low-cost way to see part of the dunes from a different height

I would be cautious if you:

• Need to follow a strict schedule
• Expect to ride all the way to the beach
• Want detailed information about the animals or reserve
• Dislike commercial animal attractions
• Have back, balance, or mobility concerns
• Weigh over 110 kilograms, or 220 pounds

The group limit is listed at 70 people, but your personal wait depends on the number of people arriving before you and the number of camels operating that day. Booking about eight days ahead is typical, so reserve early if your dates are fixed, then still arrive early on the morning itself.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local time.

Should you book the camel ride?

Book it if you see the ride itself as the point. Sitting above the sand, moving slowly with the caravan, and trying something associated with Maspalomas can make a pleasant holiday memory, especially for children and first-time riders.

Skip it if you want a serious nature tour, a long desert journey, or a clear animal welfare explanation. The best plan is to arrive around 9 a.m., bring water and a hat, wear practical shoes, and keep the rest of your morning open.

At this price, the experience is worth considering as a short novelty outing. Just treat it honestly: it is a simple camel circuit with a possible queue, not an in-depth tour of the dunes.

FAQ

How long does the camel ride last?

The advertised duration is approximately 30 minutes. Actual rides may last about 25 to 35 minutes.

What time should I arrive?

Arrive between 9 and 11 a.m. The station opens at 9 a.m., and early arrival helps you avoid the longest queues.

Is there a fixed departure time?

Not necessarily. After check-in, riders are generally placed into a first-come, first-served queue for the day. A booking secures the date, but you may be assigned a later ride time.

Where does the activity start and finish?

It starts at Camel Safari, C. Oceanía, 35100 Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain. The ride ends back at the same meeting point.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. Passengers weighing over 110 kilograms, or 220 pounds, cannot take part because of comfort and weight restrictions.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.