Maspalomas: Guided Camel Ride in the Maspalomas Sand Dunes

Maspalomas has a wonderfully odd way to begin a holiday: you walk toward the dunes and find a line of camels waiting beside the sand. The 30-minute ride takes you over rolling dunes on a gentle camel, with a Saharawi guide leading the group and helping you mount and dismount.

I like two things right away. First, you sit in a two-seater saddle, not directly on the camel’s hump, which makes the ride far less intimidating for first-timers. Second, the camels appear to be handled with care, and guides know them by name. The main drawback is that this is a short ride, and the first-come, first-served system can mean waiting before your turn.

Key points to know before you go

• Camel ride in Maspalomas dunes: A simple way to see the sand from a new height.
• Two-seater saddle: You can ride beside a companion rather than balance alone.
• Thirty-minute outing: Long enough for a memorable taste of camel riding, but not a full desert trek.
• Saharawi guides: Staff provide support in Spanish, English, and German.
• Family-friendly setup: Children under 3 can ride free with a parent, though the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.
• Good value at $21: Insurance is included, but transport, food, drinks, and photos cost extra if you choose them.

Meeting the camels beside Maspalomas

The camel station is near Charca Maspalomas. From the Charca, continue for about five minutes along Oceania Street, and you should find the station on the right-hand side. The entrance can feel a little easy to miss because it sits close to the dunes rather than on a large, obvious attraction strip.

I would allow extra time to get there. One useful approach is to follow the location on Google Maps and walk along the street beside the dunes. If you are taking a taxi, ask for the camel ride or camel station near the Maspalomas dunes, then expect a short walk from the drop-off point.

The experience begins at the station, where you check in and wait for your turn. The process can feel less tidy than the ride itself, particularly at busy times. Arriving about 20 minutes early is sensible, since the rides are handled on a first-come, first-served basis. You may be assigned to the next available camel group rather than a precise departure time.

That matters because the booking information gives you a duration, but not necessarily a guaranteed minute-by-minute start. Check the available times when booking, then build in patience at the station. The activity ends where it begins, so you can continue walking around Maspalomas afterward.

Sitting safely in the two-seater saddle

Mounting a camel is the most unusual part of the experience. The animal kneels, you climb into the saddle, and the camel rises in stages. This movement can catch you off guard, so follow the guide’s instructions and keep a firm hold until the camel is fully upright.

The two-seater saddle has a wooden frame and padding for the riders. You sit above the camel’s back rather than directly on its hump. That arrangement is useful for couples, parents with children, and anyone who feels uncertain about riding alone.

The saddle is comfortable enough for a short outing, although the steady rocking can become noticeable. One practical point is that extra padding would make the ride easier on some riders, especially if you are sensitive to bouncing. This is not a smooth carriage ride. The camel walks at a calm pace, but your body still moves with each step.

Guides remain close and help with both getting on and getting off. That hands-on support is especially useful for families with small children. The activity information says children younger than 3 can ride free with a parent, but the adult must be able to sit securely and manage the child during the ride.

Thirty minutes among the Maspalomas dunes

Once the camel train leaves the station, the route follows the rolling sand of Maspalomas. You are not racing across the dunes. The pace is a slow stroll, which gives you time to look around, take in the silence, and see the shifting curves of the sand.

The dunes offer a striking contrast to the built-up resort areas nearby. For half an hour, your view is mainly sand, sky, camels, and the line of riders ahead. It is a small taste of desert travel rather than a long expedition, but that is part of the appeal. You can fit it neatly between a morning at the beach and an afternoon elsewhere on Gran Canaria.

Do not expect a long stop at a scenic viewpoint. The ride keeps moving, and the route is designed as a short circuit. Some riders wish there were more time to stop for photographs. If taking pictures matters to you, keep your phone or camera secure and ask the guide when it is safe to take one.

The quiet pace also makes this a pleasant choice for families. Children get a memorable animal experience without committing to a full-day activity. Older children may enjoy the novelty of sitting high above the sand, while younger ones may need reassurance during the camel’s rise and fall.

What the guides add to the experience

Saharawi guides lead the camel train and support riders throughout the outing. They speak Spanish, English, and German, so basic instructions should be accessible to a broad range of visitors.

The guide’s role is practical as much as informational. You need help when mounting, dismounting, settling into the saddle, and keeping children comfortable. The staff also take photographs at times, and good-quality souvenir photos may be available to purchase afterward.

The experience has a personal touch because the camels are known by name. Two riders particularly enjoyed camels called Raul and Santiago. You may not ride those exact animals, but the detail gives you a sense that the camels are treated as individual animals rather than interchangeable props.

Some visitors have also fed the camels, but that is not listed as a guaranteed part of the ride. Treat it as something that might happen at the station, not something included in the basic package.

Animal care and what you should notice

Animal welfare is an important part of deciding if a camel ride feels right for you. The camels used here are described as calm, in good condition, and given breaks before rides. Their saddles have padding, and the guides handle the animals with care during mounting and dismounting.

You can make your own judgment at the station. Look for calm handling, attentive staff, and animals that appear rested and properly equipped. The short duration also limits the time each ride takes, though the number of daily rides and the exact rest schedule are not specified.

The guides’ familiarity with the camels is another encouraging detail. Staff knowing the animals’ names does not answer every question about care, but it suggests a working relationship rather than a purely mechanical operation.

I would still keep your expectations sensible. This is a commercial activity in a popular dune area, not a private animal sanctuary. If you are uncomfortable with riding animals, the Maspalomas dunes can also be enjoyed on foot. But if you want a brief, supervised introduction to camel riding, the setup offers useful safeguards.

Is $21 a fair price?

At $21 per person, the ride is priced as an easy holiday add-on rather than a major excursion. You receive the 30-minute camel ride and insurance. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to Maspalomas.

The value is strongest if you are already staying nearby or combining the ride with time at the dunes. A taxi, bus, or longer transfer can change the total cost, so factor transport into your budget. The activity itself is inexpensive, but it is not a complete day tour with meals, transfers, or a longer route.

For a family, the cost can still be reasonable because children younger than 3 may ride free with a parent. Older children require their own places, and the two-seater arrangement can help parents share the experience rather than watch from the side.

The short length is both a strength and a weakness. At 30 minutes, the ride is affordable and easy to fit into your plans. If you want a serious riding adventure, you will probably find it too brief. If you want something distinctive without spending half a day, the price makes good sense.

Practical clothing and sun advice

Maspalomas can be bright and exposed, so bring sunscreen and water. A hat and sunglasses are useful, although you should make sure they fit securely in the breeze. Insect repellent is also recommended.

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to sit securely in the saddle. Avoid anything that makes mounting awkward or could catch on the saddle frame. A scarf can be handy if the wind picks up and helps protect your face from blowing sand.

The sand and sun can make the experience feel warmer than the clock suggests. A morning ride may be more comfortable, especially for children, although the available start times depend on the date and booking schedule.

The station may have a shaded waiting area, which is helpful if you arrive early. Still, do not assume the whole experience takes place in shade. The route through the dunes is open, and you should prepare for direct sun.

Who should book this camel ride?

This activity suits first-time camel riders, families, couples, and anyone looking for a memorable half-hour near Maspalomas. It is also a good choice if you want to see the dunes without committing to a strenuous walk across loose sand.

Children can take part with adult support, and the slow pace is less demanding than a horseback ride or a longer outdoor excursion. The two-seater saddle also makes it easier to share the experience with a partner or child.

You should think twice if you have limited mobility, use a wheelchair, or experience vertigo. The activity is specifically not suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people with vertigo. The maximum weight limit is 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds.

If you dislike waiting, arrive early and accept that the first-come, first-served system may not move at your preferred speed. If you need a fixed departure time, confirm how the available start times work before paying.

Booking, cancellations, and small details

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which helps if your daily plans depend on weather or family schedules.

Bring your booking details, but do not assume your selected time means you will step onto a camel immediately. The exact start may depend on the station queue. Being early is the best way to reduce unnecessary waiting.

Insurance is included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not. The activity finishes at the camel station, so plan your next stop from there rather than expecting transport back to your accommodation.

Should you book the Maspalomas camel ride?

Book it if you want a short, affordable, family-friendly experience with a strong sense of place. The gentle camels, close guide support, padded two-seater saddles, and quiet route through the dunes make this more than a quick photo stop.

Skip it if you want a long desert trek, a private ride, or a precisely timed departure. The wait can be untidy, the saddle may bounce, and 30 minutes passes quickly.

For most visitors already exploring Maspalomas, I think it is a fair-value addition. Arrive early, bring water and sun protection, wear comfortable clothes, and treat the ride as a relaxed introduction to camel travel rather than a full adventure.

FAQ

How long is the camel ride?

The ride lasts approximately 30 minutes. Check availability for the starting times on your chosen date.

Where does the activity start?

The camel station is near Charca Maspalomas. Continue about five minutes along Oceania Street, and the station is on the right-hand side.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to the meeting point, and the activity ends back at the same location.

Can young children ride?

Children younger than 3 years old can ride free with a parent. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

What languages do the guides speak?

The instructors speak Spanish, English, and German.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, water, and insect repellent. Comfortable clothing is recommended, and a hat, sunglasses, or scarf can help with sun and wind.