Camel riding in the dunes of Maspalomas

Imagine cruising atop a gentle camel as you glide across the iconic sand dunes of Maspalomas. This experience, officially recognized as cultural heritage in the region, offers a unique way to explore Gran Canaria’s surreal desert landscape. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or simply seeking a memorable outdoor activity, a camel ride here provides a charming and accessible introduction to the area’s natural beauty.

What sets this tour apart? It’s mainly the chance to enjoy the expansive sand dunes in a relaxed way, guided by knowledgeable locals who know the terrain well. The 30-minute rides are designed to be light-hearted and fun while also giving you the chance to snap some great photos and take in the scenery.

One thing to keep in mind: The ride is quite popular, especially during the busy months of July and August, meaning early booking and arrival are strongly recommended to avoid long queues. This activity is best suited for those looking for a laid-back, family-friendly experience that doesn’t require any prior riding experience but still offers an authentic taste of Gran Canaria’s landscapes.

Key Points

Authentic Cultural Experience: Recognized as regional heritage, this camel ride blends fun with cultural significance.
Ideal for Families and Friends: The gentle ride and scenic route make it accessible for all ages.
Pre-Booking Essential: Secure your spot online ahead of time, especially during peak months.
Timing Matters: Arriving early (before 11 am) helps you avoid queues and ensures a smoother experience.
Value for Money: At roughly $21, the ride provides a memorable activity at a reasonable price.
Guides and Safety: Well-informed guides focus on safety, making the ride enjoyable and secure for most travelers.

What to Expect from the Tour

Starting from the Camel Safari station on C. Oceanía, the activity runs daily from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, with the best window for avoiding queues being before 11:00 am. When you arrive, you’ll notice the friendly staff ready to greet you and guide you through the process. The tour lasts approximately 30 minutes, giving you enough time to enjoy a leisurely ride across the dunes, soak up the landscape, and take plenty of photos.

The route is pre-planned by knowledgeable guides who are particularly attentive to safety. Many reviews mention the guides’ professionalism and their genuine care for the animals. For example, one reviewer appreciated the “well cared for camels,” and another highlighted that “guides are always practicing safety,” which adds confidence for those concerned about animal welfare and safety.

The Meeting Point and Timing Tips

The meeting spot at C. Oceanía is conveniently located near public transportation options. The station opens at 9:00 am, and travelers are advised to arrive before 11:00 am. This arrival window not only helps you avoid long queues but also ensures you get a spot on the tour before it fills up, especially during the busy summer months.

From the reviews, some travelers found the signage could be clearer, but the walk from the bus stop is only a few minutes, which isn’t a big deal. Arriving early also allows you to enjoy the surrounding areas, such as nearby beaches, before or after your ride.

The Ride Itself: What You’ll Experience

Once it’s your turn, you’ll climb onto a traditional saddle or seat mounted on a camel, with most camels having names and being visibly well cared for. The actual ride is described as gentle and relaxing—definitely not nerve-wracking, even for first-timers. Reviewers like Stacy_L mentioned, “the ride is not scary,” and the camels are “so sweet.”

The scenery is the star of the show here. The dunes stretch out around you, creating a surreal, almost otherworldly atmosphere. The wide-open spaces give you a chance to breathe and enjoy the views, with some reviewers noting the landscape’s “desert-like” charm.

However, some reviews point out that the ride can be rather brief—about 30 minutes—which some might find a bit short if you’re craving a longer adventure. One reviewer said, “It was over quickly,” but many still felt the value was fair considering the price.

The Guides and Animal Welfare

One of the most praised aspects is the professionalism of the guides. Several reviewers appreciated guides like Juan or Miguel for their friendly approach and safety consciousness, which makes the entire experience more enjoyable. The camels themselves seem to be well looked after, with one reviewer noting they had “names,” and others observing that the animals appeared calm and well cared for.

On the flip side, some reviewers raised ethical concerns about the use of muzzles on camels and the fact that some rides involve multiple people on the same animal. There’s also criticism about the animals being muzzled and carrying multiple riders, which can evoke some guilt for animal lovers. It’s worth keeping this in mind if animal welfare is a top priority for you.

Practical Details: Price, Booking, and Group Size

At around $21.34 per person, this activity is quite affordable, especially considering the memorable photo opportunities and the chance to experience authentic desert scenery. The tour is operated by Camello Safari Duna Maspalomas and is open from early morning to mid-afternoon, accommodating up to 70 travelers at a time, which helps keep groups relatively manageable.

Booking is straightforward through online platforms, with mobile tickets available. Many reviewers praised how easy it was to secure tickets online, with some mentioning they booked days in advance to guarantee a spot.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a lighthearted, family-friendly activity that offers a taste of the local landscape without requiring any riding experience. It’s especially suited for those interested in cultural heritage, scenic photo ops, and a relaxed outdoor activity. If you love animals and are concerned about their treatment, it’s worth investigating the welfare practices beforehand, but most reviews suggest the camels are well cared for.

Potential Drawbacks

While the experience is charming and well-organized, some critics point out the ride might be too short for those wanting a longer adventure. Also, ethical concerns about animal treatment are mentioned by a few reviewers, and the signage could be clearer to help visitors navigate the location more easily. Lastly, during peak months, it’s essential to arrive early to avoid long waits.

This camel ride in Maspalomas is a lovely, authentic activity that offers a gentle introduction to the region’s iconic dunes. It’s a good value for money, with knowledgeable guides ensuring your safety and comfort. Families with children will find it particularly appealing because of the calm, non-intimidating ride. It also suits travelers who want a quick but memorable highlight during their stay, capturing those postcard-worthy photos of the dunes.

However, those looking for an extended or more immersive experience might find it slightly lacking in duration. Also, if animal welfare is a significant concern for you, it’s wise to approach with awareness of the critiques shared by some reviewers.

Overall, if you’re after a fun, scenic, and budget-friendly activity that combines cultural significance with a bit of adventure, this camel ride in Maspalomas is worth considering—just be sure to book early and prepare for a short but sweet journey.

Is booking required for the camel ride?
Yes, booking online in advance is recommended, especially during July and August, to secure your preferred date and time.

What are the opening hours?
The camel station is open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm daily, with the best time to visit being before 11:00 am to avoid queues.

How long does the ride last?
The ride lasts approximately 30 minutes, which many reviewers find just right for a quick scenic adventure.

Can I participate if I weigh over 110kg?
Most travelers can join, but those over 110kg (220lbs) might be unable to experience the ride due to comfort and safety considerations.

Is the ride suitable for children?
Yes, the experience is family-friendly, and many reviews highlight how suitable it is for kids and beginners.

Are the camels well cared for?
According to numerous reviews, the camels appear to be well looked after and are visibly calm and named, indicating good animal care.

What should I wear or bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable clothes. Since the ride takes place in the dunes, wearing closed shoes and sunglasses can be helpful, though specific gear isn’t mentioned.

This camel riding experience in Maspalomas offers a charming, budget-friendly way to see one of Gran Canaria’s most iconic landscapes. It’s a simple yet authentic activity that provides a good mix of scenic views, cultural touchpoints, and fun for all ages. Just remember to book early, arrive on time, and keep ethical considerations in mind.