Camel Riding in Maspalomas Dunes

The best part of this outing is the odd, memorable view: you sit high on a calm camel while it pads across the Maspalomas Dunes, with Gran Canaria’s rocky desert country opening around you. The ride is gentle, guided, and short enough for first-timers.

I like the flank-mounted two-seat saddles, which spare you from balancing on a hump, and the friendly staff who help nervous riders and take photos. The main catch is timing. You cannot book a precise departure, and a 30-minute ride can follow a much longer wait, especially later in the morning.

Key points to know before you book

• Ride beside the hump: Two-seat saddles sit on the camel’s flanks, making the experience easier for first-time riders.
• Arrive early: Rides begin about every 20 minutes from 9:00 to 11:00, but late-morning waits can stretch to 30 minutes, an hour, or longer.
• Expect a short outing: The camel ride itself lasts about 30 minutes and returns to the starting point.
• Prepare for sun: Bring water, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and a hat. The dunes offer little shade.
• Check the weight rule: Passengers over 100 kilograms or 220 pounds cannot ride.
• Good family value: Children younger than 3 can ride free with a parent, and most people can take part.

A 30-minute ride through the Maspalomas Dunes

This is a simple experience with one clear purpose: you ride a camel through the Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas. There is no long route through several sights and no full-day program. You meet the camels, settle into the saddle, follow a guide into the dunes, and return to the same meeting point.

That simplicity is part of the appeal. You are not signing up for a demanding trek or a lesson in camel handling. The camels do the walking, and the guides manage the line. Your job is to sit back, hold on during the camel’s rise and descent, and enjoy the unusual view.

The ride moves through pale sand and rocky desert surroundings. You may see broad views over the dunes and the surrounding coast, though the exact scenery depends on the route and conditions. One practical point is worth keeping in mind: the route is enjoyable for the experience itself, but some riders find the immediate area less scenic than expected.

The camels are described as calm and easy to ride, and several riders were paired with individual animals they remembered fondly, including José, Sambuca, and Jamie. The staff also help people who feel nervous. That matters because the camel’s movement can feel unfamiliar at first, especially when it stands up or kneels down.

Getting onto the camel and finding your seat

You do not sit directly on the camel’s hump. Instead, the saddle is fitted across the animal’s back with seats positioned on either side. Each saddle holds two people, so you share the camel with a companion or another participant.

This design makes the ride far less intimidating than many people expect. You get a defined seat rather than a bare animal beneath you, and the two-person arrangement is useful for families. A parent can ride with a young child, and children under 3 are allowed to ride free with their parents.

The boarding process may take some patience. You might walk from the meeting point toward the camels, wait for your number, and then board as groups are called. The operation can handle a maximum of 70 people, so this is not a private desert ride. It is a group activity with a steady flow of riders.

If you are nervous, tell the staff. One especially useful detail is that the guides have been attentive to frightened riders and helped them feel secure. That personal help can make the difference between a fun family memory and an uncomfortable half-hour.

Passengers over 100 kilograms or 220 pounds cannot ride, due to comfort and safety concerns. Check this rule before paying, particularly if one member of your group may be close to the limit. A partial refund problem has been reported when a person was refused at the ride, so it is better to settle the question before arrival.

The Maspalomas Dunes route and what you actually see

The route takes place inside the famous dune reserve, where wind-shaped sand rises and falls between the resort area and the sea. From camelback, you see the dunes from a higher angle than you would on foot. The slow pace gives you time to notice the curves of the sand and the wide, open feel of the reserve.

The views are panoramic rather than packed with landmarks. You are not passing a string of monuments or stopping for a guided nature talk. The pleasure comes from the setting, the gentle movement, and the novelty of crossing the dunes on a camel.

That distinction helps set the right expectation. If your priority is photography of the most dramatic dune scenery, you may prefer to spend extra time walking in the reserve as well. The camel ride gives you a different way to see the area, but it does not replace a longer visit to Maspalomas.

The ride lasts about 30 minutes. For many people, that is just right. You get the main experience without committing to a long trek in the heat. Others may wish the route lasted longer, particularly after waiting to board. At about $21.63 per person, the price is reasonable for a short, unusual activity, but its value depends heavily on your expectations.

I would think of it as a compact holiday experience, not a major half-day excursion. You pay for the camel, saddle, guide, insurance, and access to a memorable setting. You are not paying for food, drinks, hotel transport, or a long visit to several parts of the island.

Timing matters more than the advertised 30 minutes

The biggest practical issue is the lack of a bookable timetable. Rides start about every 20 minutes from 9:00 to 11:00, but you cannot choose a precise departure time in advance. At the desk, you receive a time and number, then wait for that group to be called.

Arriving early is the best way to protect your morning. Some riders arrived around 8:30 and made the first ride. Others who arrived around 11:00 were given much later slots, including one reported time of 2:15 p.m. Waits of 30 minutes, an hour, and even two hours have also been reported.

The published opening period runs from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday, from January 5, 2025, through March 2, 2027. Since the ride schedule and assigned slots can create delays, do not place this activity immediately before a flight, cruise departure, restaurant reservation, or another fixed booking.

The early start has another advantage: the sand and seats will feel more manageable before the strongest heat of the day. Several riders specifically advised arriving in the morning. By noon, the sun can make even a short wait feel long.

There is a pleasant way to use spare time if you are given a later slot. The beach, coast, lighthouse, and lagoon are nearby, and you might take a walk while waiting. Still, do not assume the waiting area will keep you entertained. One rider found little to do right beside the camels, so bring a plan.

Staff, camels, and the animal-care question

The staff receive strong praise for being friendly, helpful, and able to speak English. Guides assist with mounting, organize the groups, and can take photos for you as a keepsake. The photo service is not included, but it has been described as reasonably priced.

The camels are generally calm and easygoing. That makes this suitable for families and people who have never ridden before. A guide stays with the group, so you are not expected to steer across the dunes on your own.

Animal welfare deserves a careful, honest note. Many riders felt the camels looked well cared for and behaved calmly. One person described the operation as organized and said the animals appeared well looked after. But another rider raised serious concerns about neglected animals, metal muzzles, and visible injuries.

I cannot settle that conflict from the information available, so you should make your own judgment when you arrive. Look at the animals before boarding. If a camel appears distressed or injured, raise the concern with staff and reconsider participating. This is an animal-based activity, and that ethical question is a real part of deciding if the experience suits you.

What to wear and bring to the dunes

Keep your clothing simple and comfortable. The operator recommends comfortable clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and water. Those are not decorative suggestions. You will be outdoors in an exposed sandy area, and the wait may be longer than the ride.

A hat helps during the queue, though you should make sure it fits securely. Water is especially useful if your assigned slot is delayed. Wear footwear that you do not mind getting sandy, and avoid clothing that makes it awkward to climb into the saddle.

There is no food or drink included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also not included, so you must arrange your own way to the meeting point. The area is near public transportation, but one rider found the site hard to locate and another had difficulty reaching it from the cruise port.

The meeting point is Maspalomas Dunes dromedary, at C. Oceanía, 13, 35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Las Palmas. Allow extra time to find it, especially if you are driving. Signage has been described as limited, and the surrounding roads can be busy.

Families, nervous riders, and accessibility

This is one of the better short activities for a family that wants something different without spending a full day away from the resort. The animals move slowly, the ride is only 30 minutes, and young children can ride with a parent free if they are under 3.

The two-seat saddles also make the activity more approachable for people who dislike the idea of balancing on a camel’s hump. Some riders found the seating easy to manage, including people with limited mobility, but the supplied information does not promise a fully accessible boarding system. Contact the provider before booking if you need specific assistance.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. Still, the 100-kilogram limit is firm. Young children must ride with their parents, and anyone uneasy around large animals should speak with the guides before boarding.

The experience suits you best if you enjoy unusual transport, family outings, and short outdoor activities. It may not suit you if you want a quiet private tour, a long wilderness ride, or a detailed nature presentation.

Is $21.63 good value?

At $21.63, the price is fair for a 30-minute camel ride with a professional guide and insurance included. The camels, the dune setting, and the novelty do most of the work. For a family, it can be an easy way to add a memorable activity to a day at Maspalomas.

The value drops if you spend two hours waiting for a ride or arrive expecting a long desert expedition. You also need to budget for your own transport, food, drinks, and optional photos.

I would book it as one part of a day, not the entire day’s plan. Pair it with time at the beach, the lagoon, the lighthouse, or a walk through the dunes. That way, a delayed slot becomes an inconvenience rather than a ruined schedule.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded or accepted.

Should you book the Maspalomas camel ride?

Book this if you want a short, family-friendly camel experience and you like the idea of seeing the dunes from a slow, unusual vantage point. It is affordable, easy for first-timers, and supported by staff who generally help riders feel comfortable.

Arrive early, wear sun protection, and leave room in your schedule. If you need an exact departure time, dislike waiting, have concerns about camel welfare, or want a longer and more scenic route, this may not be the right choice.

For most visitors, I would treat it as a fun 30-minute add-on to a Maspalomas day. The experience is not elaborate, but it gives you a story, a few good photos, and a memorable ride across one of Gran Canaria’s best-known natural areas.

FAQ

How long does the camel ride last?

The ride lasts approximately 30 minutes and ends back at the meeting point.

Where does the activity start?

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

Can I choose my exact ride time?

No. You cannot book a specific timetable. Rides start about every 20 minutes from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with the exact slot assigned on site.

What is included in the price?

Insurance and a professional guide are included. Hotel pickup and drop-off, food, and drinks are not included.

Can children younger than 3 ride?

Yes. Children younger than 3 can ride with their parents for free.

Is there a weight limit?

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

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted or refunded.