Camel Riding in Maspalomas Dunes

Slow travel, with a very unusual taxi. This 30-minute camel ride through the Maspalomas Dunes gives you a calm way to see Gran Canaria’s sandy, rocky desert setting without a strenuous walk. I like the gentle pace and the comfortable two-person saddles, which sit on the camel’s flanks rather than directly on its hump.

I also like the friendly staff, easy English service, and low price of $21.63 per person. The main drawback is the uncertain waiting time. You cannot choose a precise ride slot, and people arriving late in the morning have sometimes waited from 30 minutes to two hours.

• Two-person side saddles: You sit comfortably beside the camel’s hump, rather than on top of it.
• A short route in the Maspalomas Dunes: The ride lasts about 30 minutes and returns to the same meeting point.
• Early arrival matters: Rides begin every 20 minutes from 9:00 to 11:00, but spaces can fill quickly.
• Family-friendly setup: Children under three can ride free with a parent.
• Simple desert views: Expect broad sandy and rocky scenery, not a long expedition into untouched wilderness.
• Practical limits: Passengers over 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds, cannot take the ride.

What the Maspalomas Camel Ride Actually Feels Like

This is a short, gentle outing rather than a full-day adventure. You meet at the Maspalomas Dunes dromedary facility at C. Oceanía, 13, in San Bartolomé de Tirajana. From there, staff organize the groups, pair people with the camels, and lead the procession into the dunes.

The camels are described as calm and easy to ride. That matters if you feel nervous around large animals. One particularly useful detail is the seating arrangement: the saddles are built for two people and rest on the camel’s sides. You do not need to balance on the hump.

The camel’s rising motion can still feel surprising, especially for a small child or anyone uneasy with heights. Staff are reported to help nervous riders and make the mounting process manageable. If you are worried, tell the guide before you get on. The staff have been praised for being patient and helpful, including with people who needed extra reassurance.

Once the group sets off, the pace is sedate. That is part of the charm. You are not racing across the sand or handling the camel yourself. A guide leads the animals while you sit back, watch the dunes, and take photographs when the group pauses or moves slowly enough.

Crossing the Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas

The route takes place in the Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas, one of southern Gran Canaria’s best-known natural areas. The dunes are shaped by wind and open toward the coast, creating a striking change from the resort buildings and busy roads nearby.

You will see wide sandy rises, low rocky sections, and a dry desert setting. The views are panoramic in places, but keep your expectations sensible. This is a 30-minute circuit, not a long ride across the full reserve. One useful criticism is that parts of the route may feel less scenic than expected, especially if you have already walked around the dunes or visited the nearby coast.

Still, the camel gives you a different view. On foot, you concentrate on sand, heat, and where you place your feet. From the saddle, you can look outward across the dune shapes and watch the group move through the open space. I think this is especially appealing for families, first-time camel riders, and anyone who wants a light activity between beach time and sightseeing.

The tour finishes back at the meeting point. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, and food and drinks are not included, so plan this as a standalone activity.

Why You Should Aim for the First Morning Ride

Timing is the biggest practical issue. The listed opening hours are 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, but rides are stated to start every 20 minutes from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. You cannot reserve a specific timetable in advance.

People who arrive early have had the best experience. Some reached the site around 8:30 and joined the first ride. Others arrived at about 11:00 and were given a much later time, including one booking allocated for 2:15 PM. That makes early arrival more than a minor tip. It can decide whether this feels like a quick half-hour activity or a large part of your morning.

The process can involve receiving a paper with a number and ride time. You then wait for your number to be called. At busy periods, the system may work well, but it can also feel disorganized. One early arrival reported waiting until about 9:45 despite a planned 9:00 start, while another person waited more than an hour.

I would arrive before 9:00 if your schedule allows. This gives you the best chance of joining an early group and avoids the strongest midday heat. Waiting near the dunes can be pleasant, but there may not be much at the facility itself to occupy you for hours.

A nearby beach, the coast, the lighthouse, and the lagoon can help fill time if you receive a later slot. Even so, do not book this activity immediately before another fixed appointment. The ride itself lasts 30 minutes, but the total visit can be much longer.

Heat, Clothing, and Comfort on the Sand

Gran Canaria’s southern coast can become hot, bright, and exposed. Wear light, comfortable clothing and bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. These are not decorative extras. You will be sitting outdoors in a sandy area, and shade may not cover the full waiting period.

Closed, comfortable footwear is a sensible choice for walking across sand to reach the camels. The provided information does not specify a dress code, but loose holiday clothing and shoes you do not mind getting sandy are practical.

The ride is short enough for most people to manage. The saddle is designed for two, and the slow pace makes this easier than a long horseback-style excursion. If you have back, hip, or balance concerns, consider how you feel about climbing onto a large animal and handling its movement as it stands up and sits down.

Children younger than three can ride free with their parents. Since the saddle is for two people, a parent should expect to share the seat with a small child. The experience has been particularly popular with families, but you should still prepare children for the camel’s size and sudden movement when it rises.

There is a strict weight restriction. Passengers over 100 kilograms or 220 pounds cannot ride because of comfort and weight limits. Check this before booking, especially if more than one person in your group is close to the limit. A partial-refund concern appears in the available feedback, so it is wiser to confirm eligibility before you pay than to rely on a refund afterward.

Friendly Staff, Calm Camels, and Animal Welfare

The strongest praise goes to the staff and the camels. People describe the animals as calm, well behaved, and easy to ride. Staff members are often described as friendly, helpful, and able to communicate well in English.

Some camel names have become part of the experience. José, Sambuca, Jamie, and another camel called Jamie appear in personal accounts, with riders remembering individual animals fondly. Staff also offer to take photographs, and reasonably priced photo packages have encouraged many people to buy a keepsake.

Animal welfare deserves a careful and honest note. Several people felt the camels looked well cared for and organized, while one serious complaint described injuries and poor treatment. I cannot verify either account independently, so I would not dismiss the concern or treat it as proven fact. If animal care is central to your decision, look closely at the camels and ask staff questions when you arrive.

The facility handles a large number of people, with a stated maximum of 70 participants. That helps explain the orderly, group-based nature of the activity, but it also means this is not a private encounter. You will ride as part of a line, with other groups nearby.

Is $21.63 Good Value for 30 Minutes?

At $21.63 per person, this is reasonably priced for a short, unusual activity in a major resort area. The fee includes insurance and a professional guide, which removes two costs you might otherwise need to arrange. It does not include transport, drinks, food, or photographs.

The value depends on what you want. If you see the camel ride as a fun family memory and a new way to view the dunes, the price is fair. The slow ride, staff assistance, and included guide make it easy for first-timers.

If you measure value by time alone, the activity may feel expensive. Thirty minutes passes quickly, and the route is not especially long. Several people wished it lasted longer, while others felt the price was worth it because the experience was different from an ordinary beach or walking tour.

The waiting time can also affect value. A 30-minute ride after a short check-in feels like a bargain. A 30-minute ride after a two-hour wait feels less so. Arriving early is the simplest way to protect the value of your booking.

Finding the Meeting Point and Getting There

The meeting point is Maspalomas Dunes dromedary, C. Oceanía, 13, 35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Las Palmas, Spain. It is near public transportation, but the exact facility can be hard to find because signage on the side roads is limited.

Give yourself extra time for navigation. The area can be busy, and one account specifically noted that the lack of signs made the entrance difficult to locate. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not provided, so you must arrange your own way there.

The location may be inconvenient if you are coming from a cruise port. One person found the site far from the port and noted that there was no direct bus connection. If you are visiting by cruise ship, check the journey time carefully and leave room for delays. A rental car can help with access, but a same-day overbooking complaint shows why you should avoid building an entire day around this one ride.

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the ticket is mobile, so you can show it on your phone at the meeting point.

Who Should Book This Experience?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Families with children who want a simple, memorable activity
• First-time camel riders who prefer a slow, guided outing
• Couples looking for a relaxed experience with photographs
• People already staying near Maspalomas who can arrive early
• Anyone curious about seeing the dunes from a higher, slower viewpoint

I would be more cautious if you dislike waiting, have limited time, or expect a long desert expedition. It is also a poor fit if you cannot meet the weight requirement or if you want a private ride with no other groups.

The activity is accessible to many people because the side saddles are easier to use than a narrow seat on the camel’s hump. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. The supplied details do not give further information about wheelchair transfers or other specific mobility arrangements, so contact the provider before booking if you need assistance beyond ordinary seating help.

Booking Advice and Cancellation Terms

The experience is often booked about 12 days ahead, so reserving in advance is sensible during a busy holiday period. Since you cannot select an exact ride time, book it on a morning when you can remain flexible.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted. The experience is offered in English and operates from January 5, 2025 through March 2, 2027, according to the supplied schedule.

FAQ

How long is the camel ride?

The camel ride lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Where does the activity take place?

It takes place in the Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas in Gran Canaria.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at Maspalomas Dunes dromedary, C. Oceanía, 13, 35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Las Palmas, Spain.

Can I choose a specific ride time?

No. A specific timetable cannot be booked. Rides are stated to begin every 20 minutes from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

What are the listed opening hours?

The listed operating hours are Monday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, from January 5, 2025 through March 2, 2027.

Are children under three allowed to ride?

Yes. Children younger than three can ride free with a parent.

Is there a weight restriction?

Yes. Passengers over 100 kilograms or 220 pounds cannot take the camel ride.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Food and drinks are also excluded.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s local start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded.

Should You Book the Maspalomas Camel Ride?

Book it if you want a short, gentle, family-friendly outing with friendly staff and an unusual view of the dunes. The camels are generally described as calm, the side saddles are practical, and $21.63 is a fair price for a guided 30-minute experience.

Arrive early, bring water and sun protection, and leave plenty of time in your schedule. If you do that, this can be a pleasant holiday memory. If you arrive late, dislike uncertain queues, or expect a long ride through remote desert, choose another activity or treat this as a brief novelty rather than a major Gran Canaria excursion.