Camel Safari through the Dunes of Maspalomas

The appeal is simple: you sit high on a dromedary and cross the Maspalomas Dunes, seeing one of Gran Canaria’s most famous places at a slow, unusual pace. Each camel carries two people, so this works especially well for couples, parents with children, or friends who do not mind sharing a saddle.

I like the modest price, about $21.63 per person, and the short 30-minute ride. The calm pace suits families, and the camels have individual names, which helps make the outing feel less like a conveyor belt. The main drawback is the waiting time. Arriving at 9:30 a.m. can still mean an hour in line, followed by another long wait before your turn.

Key points to know before you go

• Two riders share each camel: Couples and families can sit together, but solo riders should expect to share.
• Arrive early: The best practical advice is to reach the camel station between 9 and 11 a.m., with 9 a.m. the safest choice.
• The ride lasts about 30 minutes: That is enough for a first camel ride, but some people find the slow pace repetitive.
• Heat matters: There is little relief from the sun among the dunes, so sunscreen and water are important.
• Animal equipment deserves thought: Some camels wear metal muzzles and handmade rope harnesses, an issue to consider before booking.
• Good for families: Most people can take part, but passengers over 100 kilograms cannot ride for the comfort of the camel.

A slow ride into the Maspalomas Dunes

The camel station is at C. Oceanía, in Gran Canaria’s Las Palmas area, beside the Maspalomas Dunes. You check in there, join the next available group, and return to the same point after the ride.

This is not a long desert expedition. It is a short circuit through the dunes, designed to give you a different view of a familiar resort area. The camels move in a line at an easy walking pace. You will have time to look at the sand, take photos, and enjoy the odd feeling of seeing a major holiday destination from the back of a dromedary.

The ride itself is gentle. A camel’s rise and descent can feel more dramatic than the walking part, especially for a child who has never ridden one. Once the animal is moving, the pace is steady. Staff help passengers get settled, and each camel has two seats rather than a single perch.

I would set your expectations correctly. This is a short sightseeing ride, not a guided natural-history tour. The route is attractive, but the experience may feel repetitive after a few minutes if you want constant commentary or action.

What the 30-minute route feels like

The camel ride begins at the station and heads into the dune area. You remain seated while the handler leads the animals along the sandy route. The dunes provide the main attraction, with open views and a clear change from Gran Canaria’s built-up southern coast.

The slow pace is useful for families. A nervous child has time to settle, and the camel does not rush. One family found that the calm animals made the ride manageable for a worried child. The staff are described as friendly and helpful, and the camels have names that children can learn during the visit. One camel called Daniel became part of the fun for a family group.

The same slow pace can test your patience. The handler may not provide much information about the camels or the dunes, and the level of commentary seems limited. If you want a tour full of facts, this may feel thin. Think of it as a scenic animal ride with a memorable setting, not a formal ecology lesson.

At 30 minutes, the length is a mixed blessing. It is short enough for young children and easy to fit into a morning. It also means you are not committing to a long saddle ride in the heat. Some people find it too brief, while others appreciate that the activity ends before the novelty wears off.

The real challenge is queue management

The biggest practical issue is not the camel ride. It is the wait.

The activity operates daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You are specifically advised to arrive between 9 and 11 a.m. to avoid the longest queues. In practice, 9 a.m. is the wiser target. Arriving at 10:30 a.m. or later can push your ride well into the afternoon, with one group waiting until 1:30 p.m.

Even an arrival at 9:30 a.m. may not guarantee a quick start. You could spend an hour reaching the front of the line, then wait again for a camel to become available. The maximum group size is listed as 90 people, so busy periods can feel crowded.

Book ahead if your day is tight. Advance booking is also reported to be cheaper than paying on arrival, and the experience is booked about seven days ahead on average. Still, booking ahead does not remove the need to allow extra time at the station. If the booking system offers a time choice, select one close to opening.

This matters most if you have lunch plans, a transfer, or young children who do not handle queues well. The ride is short, but the entire outing can take much longer than 30 minutes.

Price and what you receive for about $22

At $21.63 per person, the experience is fairly priced for a first camel ride in one of Gran Canaria’s best-known natural areas. The fee includes the 30-minute ride, insurance, and all required taxes and fees. You do not pay an extra admission charge for the route.

The value depends on what you want from the morning. If you want a quick, unusual family activity with a memorable setting, the price is easy to justify. Two people sharing one camel also makes it a practical choice for couples. You get a short animal ride without paying for a full-day excursion.

If you measure value by guide commentary, time in the saddle, or detailed information about the dunes, the deal is less convincing. The route can feel short, and the waiting time may take longer than the actual ride. A long queue changes the value calculation quickly.

Photos are not included. One person paid about €5 for a photo, so bring a little extra if you want a souvenir shot. Coffee and tea are also not included, though the more important preparation is water and sun protection.

Heat, clothing, and comfort in the dunes

The Maspalomas sun can be intense, especially on pale sand with limited shade. A morning ride is still warm, but it is a better choice than the middle of the day. The operating hours end at 3 p.m., and some people felt the heat was the hardest part of the experience.

Wear light clothing, apply sunscreen before you arrive, and bring water. Sunglasses can help with glare from the sand. You will want clothes that are comfortable for sitting and moving with the camel, rather than anything stiff or delicate.

The ride is suitable for most people, but the operator sets a clear weight limit. Passengers weighing more than 100 kilograms cannot take part, for the comfort of the camel. This is worth checking before you book, especially when two people will share one animal.

The activity is listed as being near public transportation. The meeting point is the camel station at C. Oceanía, 35100 Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, and the ride ends there. Because one person found the address confusing, verify the exact location on your booking confirmation before setting out.

Animal welfare: what you should consider

The camels are described as calm and, in several cases, well cared for. Staff are also described as kind toward both people and animals. Those are positive signs, but the equipment raises a genuine concern.

Some camels wear metal muzzles, and the harnesses have been described as handmade rope equipment rather than the type of padded tack used for horses. A few people noticed marks or cuts on the animals’ legs and felt the equipment looked uncomfortable. Others saw the camels as being in good condition and were happy with the care they received.

I cannot tell you to ignore those concerns. If animal welfare is central to your holiday choices, look closely at the equipment and the animals when you arrive. Ask staff questions if you need more information before riding. The operator is Camello Safari Duna Oasis, and the activity includes insurance, but insurance does not answer questions about working conditions.

This is an important part of the decision. The ride can be enjoyable and the staff can be friendly while the equipment still makes you uncomfortable. Some people will consider the short ride acceptable. Others will decide not to take part after seeing the muzzles and rope harnesses. Both reactions are reasonable.

Why families tend to enjoy it

The activity has several features that suit children. The camels are described as quiet, the pace is gentle, and the ride lasts only half an hour. Children can learn the animals’ names, and sharing a camel lets a parent sit beside a younger child.

The setting also gives children something to look at beyond the animal itself. The dunes feel different from the rest of the resort area, and the ride offers an easy way to see them without committing to a strenuous walk.

The weak point for families is the waiting. A child may enjoy the camel for 30 minutes but struggle with one or two hours at the station. Bring water, sun protection, and patience. If you can arrive close to opening, do so.

The ride is also a good first test for someone unsure about animals. It is not too long, and staff help with the basic process. Still, you should explain that the camel will stand, rise, walk, and stop. The movement can feel unfamiliar at first.

Who should book, and who should skip it

I would recommend this for couples wanting a simple shared activity, families looking for something different, and first-time camel riders who want a short introduction. It is also useful for a holiday schedule that has room for delays and does not demand a tightly timed afternoon.

I would be more cautious if you dislike queues, struggle with heat, need detailed guiding, or want a long ride. The experience is not built around deep information about the dunes. It is built around the novelty of moving through them by camel.

You should also think carefully about the equipment. If metal muzzles or rope harnesses are likely to spoil the experience for you, do not book purely because the price is low. The welfare concern is not a minor detail for some people.

Booking, cancellation, and bad weather

You receive confirmation when you book, and the experience is offered in English. It requires suitable weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund. Cut-off times follow local time in Gran Canaria.

The experience is available from May 1, 2025, through October 12, 2026, daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check your exact booking time and meeting instructions, since the address has caused confusion for at least one visitor.

Should you book the Maspalomas camel safari?

Book it if you want a short, affordable, family-friendly ride through the Maspalomas Dunes and you can arrive early. The views are unusual, the camels move calmly, and sharing a seat makes the activity particularly suitable for couples or parents with children.

Do not book it expecting a polished, tightly timed tour with a talkative guide. Build in a large buffer for queues, prepare for strong sun, and consider the concerns about metal muzzles and rope harnesses before you pay.

My call: this is a reasonable first camel ride at a fair price, but only for people comfortable with a basic setup and possible delays. Arrive at 9 a.m., bring sunscreen and water, and treat the 30 minutes on the dunes as the main event, not the whole morning.

FAQ

How long does the camel ride last?

The ride lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Where does the experience begin?

It begins at Camel Safari, C. Oceanía, 35100 Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain.

Where does the activity end?

The ride ends back at the meeting point.

How many people can sit on one camel?

Each camel seats two riders.

What are the opening hours?

The activity operates Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., for dates from May 1, 2025, through October 12, 2026.

What should I do to avoid long queues?

Arrive between 9 and 11 a.m., with 9 a.m. being the safest choice for avoiding the longest waits.

Can passengers over 100 kilograms take the ride?

No. Passengers weighing more than 100 kilograms cannot ride, for the comfort of the camel.

Is the ride suitable for families?

Yes. Most people can participate, and the calm pace and two-person seating make it suitable for families.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather cancels the experience, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.