Gran Canaria: Camel Ride at Camel Safari Park

A camel ride through Maspalomas’ 300-year-old Oasis of the 1,000 Palms gives you a slower, greener side of Gran Canaria. The 30-minute route passes beneath tall palms, and your ticket also lets you visit the animal park and tropical garden at Camel Safari Park La Baranda.

I like the peaceful setting and the fact that the experience is more than a quick ride. You can feed some of the animals, look for seasonal baby camels, and finish with tropical juice on the terrace, though drinks and animal food cost extra.

The main drawback is the short ride. At $23 per person, the price is fair if you plan to spend time in the park, but less compelling if you only want a longer camel trek. Pregnant women and people over 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms, cannot take part.

Key points to know before you book

• The camel ride lasts 30 minutes and follows a route through the Oasis of the 1,000 Palms.
• Park admission is included, with access to the animals and tropical garden before or after your ride.
• The animal collection changes with the season, but may include donkeys, goats, peacocks, ducks, birds, and baby camels.
• The setting is calm and scenic, with plenty of palm trees and space to pause on the terrace.
• The $23 price works best as a small half-day outing, not as a stand-alone long ride.
• Bring your ID, comfortable shoes, and a hat, and remember that food for animals and drinks are not included.

A camel ride beneath Maspalomas’ palm trees

Camel Safari Park La Baranda is in the Maspalomas area, but the experience is not about racing across open sand. The ride takes place in an oasis planted with roughly 1,000 palms, an unusual setting that gives the activity a garden feel.

The oasis was constructed more than 300 years ago. That detail matters because the palms provide a sense of place, rather than serving as simple decoration around a modern attraction. During the ride, you are looking at old palms, shaded paths, and tropical greenery from the back of a camel.

You should expect a gentle outing rather than an adventurous expedition. The ride lasts 30 minutes, enough time to enjoy the setting and take photographs, but not enough for a long trek or a full morning in the saddle.

The calm pace suits families, couples, and anyone looking for a quiet break from the busier resort areas. It also gives you time to notice the animals and garden instead of spending the entire visit focused on the ride itself.

What happens when you arrive at La Baranda

Your meeting point is the reception at Camel Safari Park La Baranda. Clear entrance signs make the venue reasonably easy to find, and on-site parking is available, although the parking area is not clearly marked.

That is a small practical point, but it can save some head-scratching when you arrive. There is plenty of space when the park is not busy, so look for the entrance signs and allow yourself a little time to get oriented.

The host or greeter can assist in Spanish, German, or English. No specific guide names are provided, so do not book this expecting a named historical guide or a formal cultural talk. The focus is the animals, the ride, and the setting.

If you arrive before your scheduled ride, use the waiting time to see the animals. You may be able to feed some of them, including younger animals, though food for the animals is not included in your ticket.

The 30-minute route through the Oasis of the 1,000 Palms

The ride itself is the central part of the visit. You sit on a camel and follow a route through the palm oasis, taking in the trees and views at a steady pace.

For many people, the appeal is the setting rather than the riding technique. Camels move differently from horses, and the motion can feel unusual when the animal rises or sits down. Hold on as instructed and wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

You should also bring a hat. The palm trees offer shade in places, but the information provided does not promise full cover along the route. Gran Canaria sunshine can be strong, so a hat is useful even for a short ride.

The 30-minute length is a sensible choice for first-time riders and families who do not want a long commitment. It also keeps the cost manageable. On the other hand, experienced riders looking for a substantial trek may find the route too brief.

The ride provides opportunities for photographs, especially with palms around you. Keep your camera secure and be ready for the camel’s movement. The activity is scenic, but it is still an animal ride, not a sightseeing bus with a fixed viewing position.

The animals you can see before or after riding

Your ticket includes admission to the park, which adds real value to the outing. You are not simply paying for a 30-minute ride and then leaving.

The park has donkeys, goats, peacocks, ducks, and birds. The exact selection can vary with the season, and baby camels may be present at some times. That seasonal element means the animal area will not be identical on every visit.

You may also have a chance to feed some animals while waiting for your riding time. Food is not included, so check the arrangements at the park rather than assuming feeding is part of the ticket price.

This extra time is particularly useful for families with children. If one person is less interested in riding, the animal area and garden give the visit more variety. It also means you can enjoy the park at your own pace instead of squeezing every moment into the camel route.

The park is not presented as a large zoo, and you should not expect a full day of animal exhibits. Think of it as a compact animal area attached to a camel ride, with a relaxed pace and a changing seasonal mix.

A tropical garden and terrace finish

The tropical garden gives you another reason to stay after the ride. You can stroll among the plants and enjoy a change of pace from the animals and camel route.

The garden is also where you can have a tropical juice on the terrace. The drink is not included, so budget a little extra if you want to sit down with something cold after riding.

I like this option because it turns the activity into a gentle visit rather than a quick photo stop. A drink on the terrace lets you take in the quiet surroundings before heading back to Maspalomas.

The garden is unlikely to satisfy someone seeking a major botanical attraction, since no size or detailed plant collection is specified. Its value is as part of the overall visit: palms, animals, a short ride, and a place to sit.

How good is the value at $23?

At $23 per person, the price is reasonable when you use the included park admission. You get the 30-minute camel ride, access to the animals, and entry to the tropical garden.

The value depends on how long you stay. If you arrive, ride, and leave immediately, you are paying mainly for a short camel experience. If you add time with the animals and a walk through the garden, the ticket feels more complete.

This is also a relatively low-cost way to add something different to a Maspalomas holiday. You do not need to commit to a full-day excursion, and the ride is short enough to fit around other plans.

Extra costs are simple but worth remembering. Drinks are not included, and neither is food for the animals. The tropical juice on the terrace can be your optional finishing touch, not part of the advertised price.

The current rating is 4.1 out of 5 from 217 ratings, which suggests a generally positive experience with some room for personal preference. That makes sense here. People who value the oasis and animal park are likely to find good value, while anyone expecting a long ride may feel the duration is limited.

The small details that shape the experience

A few practical points can make the visit easier.

Bring your passport or ID card. You should also wear comfortable shoes and carry a hat. Those are the only specific items requested, but comfortable clothing is sensible for sitting on a camel.

The ride is not suitable for pregnant women or for anyone weighing more than 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms. This is an important booking check, not a detail to discover at reception.

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

Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule for your date. The activity lasts 30 minutes, but I would allow extra time for parking, reception, the animal area, and the garden.

The venue has received praise for its friendly welcome and peaceful surroundings. One useful point is that the location has been easy to find because of clear entrance signs, while the parking itself has been less clearly marked.

Conditions can vary. Some people may notice smells or flies around an animal park, while others may not find them troublesome. If you are sensitive to those things, remember that this is a working animal setting rather than a polished indoor attraction.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend the activity to you if you want a short, easy outing with several small parts: a camel ride, animals, palms, and a garden. It is especially suitable for families, couples, and first-time camel riders who prefer a gentle introduction.

It also works well if you are staying in Maspalomas and want something that does not take up a full day. The 30-minute ride leaves room for lunch, the beach, or another attraction.

The park may appeal to children because the wait can include animal viewing and feeding. The changing possibility of baby camels adds interest, although their presence is seasonal and not guaranteed.

You may want to choose another activity if your main goal is a long camel trek, a desert-style ride, or a detailed guided tour about Gran Canaria. The supplied information does not describe a long route, transport from hotels, or a formal commentary program.

People with mobility or health concerns should check the camel-riding requirements carefully. The stated restrictions cover pregnancy and the 120-kilogram weight limit, but no broader accessibility details are provided.

Should you book the Camel Safari Park ride?

Book it if you like animal encounters, palm gardens, and relaxed activities that do not require a full day. The best version of this visit is to arrive with time to see the animals, take the 30-minute ride, walk through the garden, and decide if you want a tropical juice on the terrace.

At $23, it is a fair small outing because park admission is included. Just keep your expectations in the right place: this is a scenic, compact camel ride through an old palm oasis, not an extended expedition.

I would skip it if you want a long ride or dislike animal parks. For everyone else, the combination of peaceful surroundings, friendly service, animals, and an unusual palm-lined route makes this a pleasant addition to a Gran Canaria itinerary.

FAQ

How long is the camel ride?

The camel ride lasts 30 minutes.

What does the ticket include?

The ticket includes the 30-minute camel ride and entry to Camel Safari Park, including access to the animals and tropical garden.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at the reception of Camel Safari Park La Baranda.

Is food for the animals included?

No. Food for the animals is not included.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included. You can buy a tropical juice from the garden terrace.

What animals can I see at the park?

The park has donkeys, goats, peacocks, ducks, and birds. The animals can vary by season, and baby camels may sometimes be present.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter can assist in Spanish, German, and English.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, and a hat.

Who cannot take the camel ride?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people weighing more than 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms.