Camel riding in the dunes of Maspalomas

Maspalomas is not the Sahara, but from the back of a slow-moving camel, its golden dunes offer a memorable change from the beach and resort strip. This 30-minute ride follows a set route through the Maspalomas nature reserve, with handlers guiding a line of camels across the sand.

I like the low price, $21.69 per person, and the simple format: you arrive, get assigned a place, and take a short ride without committing half a day. I also like the early start, since a morning ride means cooler temperatures and a better chance of avoiding the long queue.

The main catch is that your booked time does not necessarily mean an immediate departure. Places are generally assigned in person on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving at 10:00 may still mean waiting until early afternoon. Animal welfare is another fair consideration, since the camels carry two people in chair-style seats and travel in a close line.

Key points before you book

• Arrive between 9:00 and 11:00: The station is open until 2:30 p.m., but early arrival is strongly advised.
• Expect a short, gentle route: The ride usually takes about 25 to 35 minutes and returns to the same meeting point.
• This is a queue-based activity: You may be assigned a later departure instead of riding at the moment you arrive.
• The dunes are scenic but not endless: You ride through a small section of Maspalomas, with scrub and low dunes in places.
• The weight limit is 110 kg: Anyone over 110 kg or 220 pounds cannot take the ride.
• Bring sun protection and sensible shoes: The sun can be strong, and the camel station has the smells and mess you would expect around animals.

What the Maspalomas camel ride is really like

The activity begins at Camel Safari, on C. Oceanía in Maspalomas. It is near public transportation, and the ride ends back at the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup or find your way out of the dunes afterward.

The route takes place in the Maspalomas dunes, an unusual stretch of sand beside one of Gran Canaria’s busiest resort areas. You are not heading into a vast desert. Instead, you follow a planned track through the reserve, crossing sandy sections and passing low bushes. Depending on your expectations, that can be either pleasantly manageable or a little underwhelming.

I would frame this as a short introduction to camel riding, not an expedition. The camels move at a calm walking pace, and the ride is generally easy for first-timers. Children often enjoy the gentle rocking motion, while adults may appreciate the novelty more than the physical challenge.

The camels travel together in a line, guided by handlers. The seats are raised above the animal’s back and designed for two people. Handlers reportedly adjust the arrangement or add weight to help balance the riders, which matters when the camels stand up or kneel down.

Pay attention during those moments. Getting on and off is the least graceful part of the activity, since the camel lowers and raises its body in stages. Hold the seat securely and listen to the handler rather than trying to shift around. One rider described being thrown off while dismounting from a nervous camel, so this is not a moment for casual movement.

Why arriving early matters so much

The practical rule is simple: get there early. The station operates from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with listed opening hours from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The clearest advice is to arrive between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m., with 9:00 being the safest choice during busy periods.

Online booking helps secure the day you want, but it does not appear to guarantee a private departure time. On arrival, you check in and receive a place in the day’s queue. If the next available group is full, you may be given a later departure.

That system creates a strange split between booking and boarding. A morning arrival can mean a quick ride, while a 10:00 a.m. arrival may lead to a wait of several hours. One person arrived at 10:00 and was assigned a 1:00 p.m. departure. Another arrived at about 9:30 and waited only a short time.

This is not necessarily wasted time. The nearby dunes and beach give you somewhere to go while waiting, and you can use the break for lunch or a walk. Still, do not schedule an airport transfer, dinner reservation, or another fixed activity close to your expected ride time.

Summer is especially important. July and August bring heavy demand, and the number of camels limits how many people can ride. The maximum group size is listed as 70 people, though the number of camels and departure groups controls the actual pace.

The ride through the dunes

Once your group is ready, the handlers organize the riders and help everyone take a seat. The camels may be paired, with two people sitting together. Their names are sometimes used by the handlers, and the animals are described as calm and well trained by many participants.

The ride itself is slow. That is a strength if you want photos, a relaxed family activity, or a first try at camel riding. It is less appealing if you expect a thrilling trek or a long route toward the sea.

The route moves through the Maspalomas reserve, but you should not expect to ride all the way to the beach. Some sections contain bushes and smaller dunes rather than uninterrupted waves of sand. The best views come from the contrast between the pale dunes, the blue sky, and the nearby resort area.

The advertised duration is about 30 minutes. Actual rides have been described as roughly 25 minutes, 30 minutes, or 35 minutes, depending on the group and conditions. That is a fair amount of time for the price, though it can feel brief if you have waited hours beforehand.

There is not much commentary during the ride. If you want a lesson about camel biology, local ecology, or the reserve, you may be disappointed. Some handlers point out small creatures or things found along the route, but this should not be treated as a guided nature talk.

That quiet format suits some people. You can simply watch the camels’ rhythm and the dunes passing by. For others, the lack of explanation makes the activity feel like a basic circuit rather than a cultural or educational outing.

Comfort, heat, and what to wear

Maspalomas can be hot, even with a breeze. A sunny day around 25 C can feel comfortable, while temperatures above 30 C make the ride and queue less pleasant. Morning is the sensible choice for both comfort and shorter waiting.

Wear light, comfortable clothing and a hat or cap. Apply sun protection before you arrive, since you will be out in open sand with limited shade. Bring water, especially if you might wait for a later departure.

Choose closed or sturdy shoes that you do not mind getting dusty. The station has the normal barn smells and animal droppings, so flip-flops and your best holiday shoes are poor choices. The approach may also involve walking over sandy ground, depending on where you are dropped off.

The seats are considered secure by many riders, but the camel’s movement is not perfectly smooth. You sway as the animal walks, and the biggest jolts come when it kneels or stands. If you have back, balance, or mobility concerns, consider whether sitting on a moving animal is comfortable for you.

Most people can participate, but the stated limit is strict: passengers over 110 kg or 220 pounds cannot ride because of comfort and weight concerns. The activity information does not provide a separate age rule, so check directly if you have a young child or a specific mobility need.

Animal welfare is part of the decision

A fair review has to address the camels. Many people find the animals gentle and well cared for, and the handlers are often described as friendly and safety-conscious. The camels have names, appear accustomed to the routine, and are managed by people who know how to balance the seats.

At the same time, some visitors are uncomfortable with the setup. The camels may wear muzzles, carry two people at a time, and walk repeated circuits during the day. They are connected closely in a line, which keeps the group orderly but can look industrial rather than natural.

A few camels may stop, kneel, or seem reluctant to continue. That can be normal animal behavior, but it understandably raises questions about workload and care. The activity does not provide detailed information about where the camels come from, their daily routine, food, rest periods, or veterinary care.

You have to decide how that fits your own standards. If you are uneasy about riding animals for entertainment, skip this activity. If you are comfortable with a regulated short ride and want to try camel riding once, observe the animals closely and pay attention to how the handlers treat them.

The ride is not a wild encounter. It is a commercial attraction in a busy resort area. That does not automatically make it unacceptable, but it is worth knowing exactly what you are booking.

Is $21.69 good value?

At $21.69 per person, the price is reasonable for a 25 to 35-minute activity in one of Gran Canaria’s best-known natural areas. You are paying for the camel ride, the handlers, the prepared route, and the novelty of seeing the dunes from a very different height.

The value drops if you wait several hours for a short ride. In that case, the activity consumes much more of your day than the 30-minute duration suggests. Your best value comes from arriving early, riding promptly, and treating the rest of the morning as free time in Maspalomas.

The low price also explains the basic nature of the outing. Do not expect hotel pickup, a private camel, a long desert route, or a detailed talk about the reserve. The meeting point is fixed, the route is planned, and the service is designed to move groups through efficiently.

Photos may be taken during the ride and offered afterward for about €5 each. You do not need to buy one, but be ready for the possibility if you want to avoid an awkward surprise at the end.

Who will enjoy this most?

This is a good fit for families whose children are curious about camels, first-time riders, and anyone looking for a light activity between beach time and sightseeing. The slow pace makes it approachable, and the ride is short enough that you are unlikely to feel committed if camel riding turns out not to be your thing.

It also works well as a novelty stop. Gran Canaria has plenty of beach, resort, and water-based activities. A camel ride through the dunes gives you a story and a set of unusual photos without requiring a full-day tour.

You should think twice if you dislike queues, have a tight schedule, or want detailed information about the local environment. You may also prefer another activity if you expect a huge desert scene, a ride to the shore, or a more natural animal encounter.

Book only if you are comfortable with the welfare question. The activity is inexpensive and easy to arrange, but the moral concern is not a small footnote for some people.

Booking, cancellation, and meeting details

You receive confirmation when booking, and the ticket is mobile, so you can keep it on your phone. The activity is offered in English, and the starting and ending point is Camel Safari, C. Oceanía, 35100 Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local time.

The activity is listed daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The station itself is described as open until 2:30 p.m., so do not plan to arrive near closing and expect an immediate ride.

Should you book the Maspalomas camel ride?

Book it if you want an affordable, gentle, unusual family activity and can arrive early. You will get a short ride through the Maspalomas dunes, a chance to see the reserve from a camel’s back, and an easy activity to fit around beach time.

Do not book it expecting a full desert adventure or an educational tour. The queue can be long, the route is limited, the commentary is light, and the animal welfare arrangements deserve careful thought.

My practical choice would be an early weekday morning if possible, with water, a hat, sensible shoes, and no fixed plans immediately afterward. That approach gives you the best chance of making this a pleasant half-hour outing rather than a long wait for a short circuit.

FAQ

How long does the camel ride last?

The ride lasts approximately 30 minutes. Actual ride times can be around 25 to 35 minutes, and the activity returns to the starting point.

Where does the camel ride start and finish?

It starts at Camel Safari, C. Oceanía, 35100 Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What time should I arrive?

Arrive between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. to reduce the chance of a long wait. The station is open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with listed activity hours until 3:00 p.m.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. Passengers weighing over 110 kg or 220 pounds cannot take the camel ride because of comfort and weight restrictions.

How many people can join the activity?

The activity has a maximum capacity of 70 participants.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted for a refund.