Maspalomas: Guided Camel Ride in the Maspalomas Sand Dunes

Desert scenery, just minutes from the resort. This 30-minute camel ride gives you an easy, memorable way to see the Maspalomas dunes without hiking across hot sand. I like the comfortable two-person saddles, and I like the calm, careful handling of the camels by the Saharawi guides. The main drawback is the short ride: you get a taste of the dunes, not a long expedition.

At $21 per person, this is one of the more accessible unusual activities in southern Gran Canaria. It works especially well for families, first-time camel riders, and anyone who wants a simple outing between beach time and lunch. You should arrive early, bring water and sun protection, and allow extra time to find the station.

Key points to know before you go

• The ride lasts 30 minutes: Long enough to enjoy the dunes, but brief enough for young children and first-time riders.
• Two people share each saddle: You sit in a padded, wooden-framed two-seater rather than directly on the camel’s hump.
• The camels are handled carefully: Guides assist with getting on and off, and the animals are given breaks between rides.
• The station is near Charca Maspalomas: Walk about five minutes along Oceania Street, then look for the camel station on the right.
• The weight limit is 100 kilograms: This is a firm participation rule, and the ride is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.
• Morning can be especially pleasant: A 9 a.m. ride offers sun without the harsher heat of later in the day, though starting times depend on availability.

From Charca Maspalomas to the camel station

The meeting point is near Charca Maspalomas, the lagoon area at the edge of the dunes. From there, continue for about five minutes along Oceania Street. The camel station is on the right-hand side, close to the dunes.

This sounds simple, but the entrance can be easy to miss. The station sits beside the sand rather than presenting itself like a large attraction with a grand entrance. I would use the map carefully and leave extra time, especially if you are walking with children. One useful bit of advice is to follow the location on Google Maps and walk up the street along the dunes.

You do not receive hotel pickup or drop-off, so getting there is your responsibility. If you are staying farther from Maspalomas, a taxi may be the easiest choice. Ask to be taken to the camel ride, then expect a short walk from the drop-off point.

Arriving early is smart. Some riders suggest being there about 20 minutes before you want to go, since the first-come, first-served arrangement can mean waiting for the next group. Some bookings may show a 9 a.m. starting time even though rides can operate between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Confirm the available times when you book, then check the local process when you arrive.

Waiting under shade before the ride

The waiting area provides a useful pause before you climb aboard. It has been described as spacious and shady, which matters in Maspalomas, where standing in direct sun can quickly become tiring.

This is also where the practical side of the activity becomes clear. You are not joining a long guided safari with a packed schedule. You are taking a short ride in a working camel operation, with staff organizing people, matching riders with camels, and preparing the animals.

The organization may feel a little loose at first. Ticket checking and waiting arrangements can be somewhat messy, especially if several people arrive close together. That is the trade-off for a simple, low-cost activity rather than a tightly timed private tour. If you are patient and arrive before your preferred departure, the wait should be easier to manage.

The guides speak Spanish, English, and German. Their help is most useful when you are getting onto the saddle, settling children, and climbing down at the end. Families with small children have found the staff particularly helpful during these moments.

Climbing onto a two-person saddle

The camels use two-seater saddles, so you do not sit directly on a hump. Instead, the saddle has a wooden structure for the riders and padding beneath it for the animal. Two people share the seat, making this a practical option for an adult and child or for two adults traveling together.

The mounting and dismounting are the moments when you need to pay attention. A camel rises in stages, and the sudden movement can surprise first-time riders. The guides assist with these procedures, including children as young as three who ride with a parent for free.

Once the camel is standing, the ride is generally calm. Still, the motion is not perfectly smooth. One minor comfort issue is the bouncing, and some riders would prefer additional foam padding on the back of the seat. If you are sensitive to jolting, sit securely, hold the support, and keep your expectations realistic.

Wear comfortable clothing. Loose, practical clothes are better than anything delicate, and closed shoes or sturdy sandals are sensible for a sandy setting. Bring sunscreen, water, sunglasses, and a hat. A scarf can also be useful if the wind picks up.

Riding through the Maspalomas dunes

The route takes you through the rolling dunes of Maspalomas, where pale sand rises and falls around the camel train. You are not crossing a vast wilderness, but the dunes create a striking setting that feels far removed from the nearby hotels and promenades.

I like the contrast here. Gran Canaria is known for beaches, resorts, and dramatic volcanic scenery, yet Maspalomas offers a dry, sandy world at the island’s southern edge. From a camel’s back, you see the dunes at a slower pace than you would on foot. The ride becomes less about speed and more about watching the shapes of the sand, the line of camels ahead, and the open sky.

The pace is gentle. This is suitable for people who want a relaxed introduction to camel riding rather than an active adventure. The guides stay with the group and provide support throughout the outing.

You should not expect frequent stops for photographs. The ride continues through the dunes, and one of the few criticisms is that there may not be a dedicated photo stop. If photographs matter to you, keep your camera or phone ready, but take care with it in the sand and avoid distracting yourself while the camel is moving.

The 30-minute length is both a strength and a limitation. It is enough time to enjoy the setting and try something unusual without committing half a day. For a young child, that shorter duration can be ideal. If you are hoping for a serious trek with long pauses and a larger route, this will feel brief.

Meeting the camels and learning about them

Part of the appeal is the chance to see these animals close up. The guides know the camels by name, and individual animals such as Raul and Santiago have made a lasting impression on riders. That personal connection helps the activity feel less like a mechanical ride and more like an encounter with animals that have familiar handlers.

The camels have been described as calm and in good condition. Riders also note the use of padded saddle pads and breaks between rides. Those details matter to me because animal care should be central to any experience involving working animals.

You may be able to feed the camels, depending on the operation and timing, but feeding is not listed as a guaranteed part of the experience. Do not assume it will happen every time. The main confirmed activity is the guided ride, with the guides offering support and information about the animals.

The Saharawi guides add a human connection to the outing. They accompany the group and help maintain a safe, orderly ride. Their presence is especially reassuring when a camel is standing up or lowering itself, and when parents are riding with young children.

Is the camel ride good value at $21?

At $21 per person, I consider this good value if you want a short, distinctive activity in Maspalomas. You get a 30-minute ride, a memorable setting, guide support, and insurance. There is no hotel transfer, so your overall cost will be higher if you need a taxi.

The price works best as part of a larger day. You can combine the ride with time around the lagoon, a walk near the dunes, or a visit to the beach area. Since the activity ends back at its meeting point, you do not lose time figuring out where the tour leaves you.

It is also a good value for families. Children younger than three can ride with a parent for free, and children from three upward can take part if they meet the requirements. The saddle arrangement allows a parent to share the ride with a small child, which makes the activity less intimidating.

The value is less convincing if you expect a long desert trip. Thirty minutes passes quickly, especially once mounting and dismounting are included in the overall experience. Think of it as a scenic introduction to camel riding, not a full-day excursion.

The activity has a rating of 4.4 from 3,690 ratings, which fits the experience well: it is widely enjoyed, but it is not designed to satisfy every type of adventurer. Most of the praise centers on safety, animal care, friendly staff, and the simple pleasure of riding through the dunes.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it to families with children, couples seeking an unusual holiday photograph, and first-time camel riders. It is also suitable for people who want a quiet activity rather than a demanding excursion.

The experience can work well for children because the ride is short and the pace is slow. Parents should still prepare young riders for the camel’s movement when it stands and sits. The guides assist with these steps, but children need to listen and hold on.

It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or anyone with vertigo. The 100-kilogram maximum weight limit also applies. If you are unsure about your ability to mount, balance, or dismount, choose another way to see the dunes.

This is not the best choice if you dislike direct sun, sitting in a bouncing saddle, or activities involving working animals. The dunes offer little shade once you leave the station, so water and sun protection are essential.

Practical tips for a smoother ride

• Arrive around 20 minutes early, especially if you want an earlier departure.
• Follow the map carefully because the camel station can be hard to spot from the street.
• Bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
• Add a scarf if the day is windy.
• Wear comfortable clothing that can handle sand.
• Keep your phone secure during the ride.
• Ask for help when mounting and dismounting.
• If you want a souvenir photograph, ask about the available photo service. A good-quality photo may be available at a reasonable price, but it is an optional purchase.
• Confirm the starting time when you reserve, since departures depend on availability.
• Remember that tickets are first come, first served, so a booking does not necessarily mean you can arrive at any point without waiting.

The early morning ride deserves special consideration. A 9 a.m. departure can give you pleasant light and a cooler start, though conditions change. Later rides may still be enjoyable, but the sun is an important part of the planning.

Cancellation, payment, and languages

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which is useful if your Gran Canaria plans are still changing.

Spanish, English, and German are available for instruction and support. The ride ends where it begins, so you can continue your day from the camel station without arranging a separate return transfer.

Insurance is included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your route to Charca Maspalomas before booking.

Should you book the Maspalomas camel ride?

I would book this if you want a short, affordable experience with a strong sense of place. The dunes provide the setting, the slow camel ride gives you a different view, and the guides appear to take safety and animal care seriously. The activity is especially easy to recommend for families and first-time riders.

I would skip it if you want a long trek, frequent photo stops, or a highly polished tour operation from start to finish. The waiting process may feel untidy, the saddle can bounce, and 30 minutes is over quickly.

For most visitors staying in southern Gran Canaria, though, this is a pleasant little adventure. Arrive early, protect yourself from the sun, find the station patiently, and treat it as a simple half-hour encounter with the Maspalomas dunes rather than a grand desert expedition.

FAQ

How long is the Maspalomas camel ride?

The camel ride lasts approximately 30 minutes.

How much does the camel ride cost?

The listed price is $21 per person.

Where does the camel ride begin?

It begins at the camel station near Charca Maspalomas. From Charca, continue for about five minutes along Oceania Street. The station is on the right-hand side.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What languages do the guides speak?

The guides provide instruction and support in Spanish, English, and German.

Can children take part?

Children younger than three can ride with a parent for free. Children should wear comfortable clothing and follow the guides’ instructions when getting on and off the camel.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum weight limit is 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds.

Is the ride suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, water, and insect repellent. Sunglasses, a hat, comfortable clothing, and a scarf for windy conditions are also useful based on the conditions described for the ride.