Maspalomas: Guided Camel Ride in the Maspalomas Sand Dunes

Maspalomas has a curious trick: within minutes of the resort, the Canary Islands turn sandy and silent. This 30-minute camel ride carries you through the rolling dunes on a gentle animal, giving you a desert-style outing without leaving Gran Canaria.

I like the comfortable 2-seater saddle, since you sit in a wooden seat rather than directly on the camel’s hump. I also like the calm handling by the Saharawi guides, who help children and nervous riders mount and dismount. The main drawback is the short ride, and the seating can bounce enough that some people may wish for extra padding.

Key points to know before you go

• A real ride through the Maspalomas dunes: You travel by camel along the sandy tracks instead of only posing beside the animals.
• Two people share one saddle: The wooden 2-seater setup is more stable and approachable than riding on a hump.
• Saharawi guides stay with the group: They assist with the ride and help make boarding safer for children.
• A low-cost 30-minute activity: At about $21 per person, it is an easy add-on to a day in Maspalomas.
• Arrive early and plan for sun: Bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or scarf, then allow extra time to find the station.
• Important limits apply: The maximum weight is 100 kilograms, and the ride is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or people with vertigo.

From Charca Maspalomas to the camel station

The meeting point is near Charca Maspalomas, a well-known spot at the edge of the dunes. From there, continue for about five minutes along Oceania Street. The camel station is on the right, beside the dunes.

That final detail matters. The entrance can feel tucked away, and it is easy to walk past or get turned around if you expect a large roadside attraction. Use the marked map point, follow the street along the dunes, and give yourself time to find the station.

I would arrive around 20 minutes before your planned ride. The ride operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early can reduce waiting. Some booking times may show 9:00 as the starting time, while the activity may run at intervals through the day, so check the current availability and ask at the station if you are unsure.

There is a waiting area with shade, which is welcome in the strong Gran Canaria sun. Still, this is an outdoor activity beside warm sand, not a cool indoor attraction. Put on sunscreen before you arrive, carry water, and wear clothing that allows you to sit comfortably.

Boarding a camel with help from the guides

Before the ride begins, you are paired with a camel and shown to your seat. Each camel carries a 2-seater saddle with a wooden frame, so you do not need to climb onto the animal’s hump. That makes the ride less intimidating for first-timers and gives two people a simple way to sit together.

The most important moment is getting on and off. A camel rises and kneels in stages, which can catch you off guard if you have never ridden one. The guides stay close and help riders through the process. This is especially useful for families with young children.

Children younger than three can ride free with a parent. The activity is also suitable for families with older children, provided everyone meets the weight and mobility requirements. One useful family tip is to seat a child securely and listen closely to the guide during mounting and dismounting, when the camel’s movement is greatest.

The camels are given padded saddle coverings, and the animals are handled in a calm, orderly way. You should still understand that camel riding is not a smooth horse ride. The gentle swaying and occasional bouncing are part of the outing. If you have back problems, balance concerns, vertigo, or discomfort with height, this may not be the right choice.

Thirty minutes among the rolling dunes

Once the group sets off, the camel train follows sandy routes through the Maspalomas dunes. You get a fresh view of Gran Canaria here: pale sand, open sky, and the slow rhythm of the animals beneath you. The setting feels far removed from the hotels and promenades nearby.

The ride is not a long trek or a demanding expedition. It is a short sightseeing outing, and that is part of its appeal. You can fit it into a morning or afternoon without giving up most of your day. It works well alongside a walk around Maspalomas, time at the beach, or a visit to the nearby resort area.

The route appears designed for steady movement rather than speed. You ride in a group with the guides nearby, so the mood is relaxed. The silence of the dunes can be more memorable than the riding itself. You are not racing from one attraction to another. You are sitting high above the sand, watching the camel’s careful steps and the curves of the dunes unfold.

You might wish for more stops for photographs. The ride offers good scenery, but the supplied details do not promise a dedicated photo stop. If you want pictures, ask the staff what is possible before setting off. Staff may also take photographs during the activity, and photos can be available to buy afterward at an additional cost.

Bring sunglasses and a hat, but secure anything loose. Sand and wind can be bothersome, especially on a brighter or breezier day. A scarf is a sensible extra, both for sun protection and for blowing sand. Insect repellent is also listed as something to bring.

What the camel ride feels like in practice

The best way to picture this outing is a slow, swaying procession across the sand. The camels are not there for tricks or speed. They walk at an even pace while the guides monitor the group.

That gentle pace suits the setting. You have time to look around, take in the wide views, and enjoy the unusual feeling of being in a desert-like place in Europe. The Maspalomas dunes are the star of the outing, while the camels provide a memorable way to see them.

The saddle is comfortable enough for a half-hour ride, but it is not a cushioned armchair. One small complaint that can matter to you is the lack of extra foam at the back of the seat. The camel’s motion creates some bouncing, so sit upright, hold on as instructed, and avoid bringing a bag that will press awkwardly against you.

This is also not a private ride. You travel with other participants, and the first-come, first-served arrangement can mean waiting for the next group. If your schedule is tight, do not place this activity between two fixed appointments with no spare time.

Animal care and the role of the Saharawi guides

Animal welfare is an important part of deciding if a camel ride feels right for you. The camels used here are described as being in good condition, with padded saddle coverings and breaks before rides. The staff know the camels by name, and the handling is presented as calm and attentive.

The Saharawi guides accompany the group and support riders throughout the outing. They speak Spanish, English, and German, which makes instructions easier to follow for a broad range of visitors. Their help is particularly valuable when the camels kneel, rise, and move off.

You should not expect a long educational talk about camel biology or the Sahara. The main focus is the ride, with a chance to learn more about these gentle animals along the way. For many people, the simple contact with the camels is enough: seeing them up close, watching how they move, and gaining a better sense of their size and temperament.

The calm atmosphere also helps families. Children can take part with an adult, and the guides can assist with photos and boarding. Keep in mind that a respectful animal encounter still requires you to follow instructions and avoid sudden movements around the camels.

Is $21 good value for 30 minutes?

At about $21 per person, this is priced as a simple, short activity rather than a full-day tour. You receive the 30-minute camel ride and insurance. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to Maspalomas.

I think the price works well if you are already staying nearby or planning to visit the dunes. There is no long transfer, complicated equipment list, or full-day commitment. You pay for an unusual way to see one of Gran Canaria’s best-known natural areas, then you are free to continue with your day.

The value is weaker if you need private transport, dislike group activities, or expect a long ride through remote desert. A taxi may be needed from your accommodation, and you should factor that into the total cost. The ride itself is brief, but that short length can be an advantage for families and first-time riders.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity gives you some flexibility, and a reserve-now, pay-later option may be available when booking. Check the exact terms and time shown for your date before paying.

Who should book this Maspalomas camel ride?

This outing suits you best if you want a memorable holiday photograph, a gentle family activity, or a quick way to see the dunes from a different height. It is also a good choice for anyone who has never ridden a camel and wants a short introduction rather than a serious trek.

Families with children can enjoy it, especially because small children may ride free with a parent. Couples can share a saddle, and solo visitors can still take part, subject to the seating arrangements at the station.

I would think twice if you have limited mobility, use a wheelchair, experience vertigo, or weigh more than 100 kilograms. The activity requires you to get onto and off a camel and remain seated while the animal walks over uneven sand.

You should also skip it if you want a quiet private outing. The ride is group-based, and the first-come, first-served setup may involve waiting. For a short, friendly introduction to camel riding, though, the format is straightforward and easy to fit into a holiday.

Practical tips for a smoother ride

• Arrive about 20 minutes early, especially if your time is first-come, first-served.
• Check the exact operating time before you go, since available start times can vary.
• Follow the map from Charca Maspalomas and continue along Oceania Street for about five minutes.
• Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to sit securely.
• Apply sunscreen before arrival and bring water.
• Pack sunglasses, a hat, and possibly a scarf for sun and wind.
• Bring insect repellent if you are sensitive to bites.
• Keep your phone and loose belongings secure around the camels.
• Ask about photographs before boarding if taking pictures is important to you.
• Listen carefully during mounting and dismounting, especially with children.

Should you book it?

Book this camel ride if you want a low-cost, family-friendly way to spend half an hour in the Maspalomas dunes. The camels are handled with care, the guides provide close support, and the 2-seater saddle makes the activity less daunting than it may first sound.

Do not book it expecting a long desert expedition or a private tour. The ride is short, the route is shared, and waiting may be part of the process. For most visitors who are already in Maspalomas, the modest price and unusual setting make it a worthwhile add-on, provided you are comfortable with the camel’s movement and can manage the boarding steps.

FAQ

How long is the camel ride?

The ride lasts about 30 minutes and ends back at the camel station.

Where does the activity start?

It starts near Charca Maspalomas. Continue for about five minutes along Oceania Street, and you will find the camel station on the right beside the dunes.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to the meeting point, as hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What languages do the guides speak?

The guides speak Spanish, English, and German.

Can young children take part?

Children younger than three years old can ride free with their parents. The activity information also advises families to follow the guides’ instructions during boarding and dismounting.

Is there a weight or accessibility limit?

The maximum weight is 100 kilograms. The ride is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or people with vertigo.