Maspalomas: Guided Camel Ride in the Maspalomas Sand Dunes

Maspalomas gives you a rare European desert scene: sweeping golden dunes beside the Atlantic, crossed at a slow pace on a gentle camel. This 30-minute ride is less about speed or thrills and more about seeing Gran Canaria from a calm, unusual vantage point.

I like the comfortable 2-seater saddle, which means you sit in a wooden seat rather than directly on the camel’s hump. I also like the attentive Saharawi guides, who help riders mount and dismount and keep watch along the route. The main drawback is the short duration, and the ride can feel bouncy if you need extra back support.

Key points to know before you go

• A genuine dune setting: You ride among the rolling sands of Maspalomas rather than around a fenced attraction.
• Two people can share one saddle: The 2-seater design works well for couples, parents, and children.
• Saharawi guides lead the ride: Support is available in Spanish, English, and German.
• The outing lasts about 30 minutes: It is easy to fit into a beach day or afternoon in Maspalomas.
• Arrive prepared for sun and wind: Bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and comfortable clothing.
• The camel limit is 100 kilograms: The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or people with vertigo.

What the Maspalomas camel ride is really like

This is a short, organized camel trek through the dunes, not an all-day desert expedition. You arrive at the camel station near Charca Maspalomas, meet the staff, and wait for your turn before joining a small camel train into the sands.

The camels carry a 2-seater wooden saddle with padding beneath it, so you are not perched on the animal’s hump. That makes the ride much more approachable for first-time riders. You sit upright beside your companion while the camel walks at a steady pace.

The camels rise and kneel one at a time, which creates the most noticeable movement of the trip. The guides assist with getting on and off, an important detail if you are riding with a young child or feel unsteady. Once the group is moving, the pace is gentle and the ride is easy to follow.

The route takes you over the rolling dunes, where the view changes as the sand rises and falls. You get a good sense of the unusual setting: Gran Canaria can feel almost North African here, even though hotels, roads, and the resort area are close by.

Do not expect a long trek or a detailed natural history lesson. The main pleasure is the combination of quiet movement, open sand, and the novelty of riding a camel in the Canary Islands.

Starting at Charca Maspalomas

The meeting point is close to Charca Maspalomas. From there, continue for about five minutes along Oceania Street, and the camel station is on the right-hand side.

The entrance can be easy to miss because the station sits by the dunes rather than presenting itself like a large roadside attraction. Use the stated meeting point carefully, and allow extra time to find the last stretch on foot. The activity ends back at the same place, so you do not need to arrange transport from a different finish point.

You are not given hotel pickup or drop-off. That matters if you are staying outside Maspalomas or carrying beach gear. A taxi can take you close to the camel ride, followed by a short walk, but the activity itself does not include a transfer.

Arriving early is smart. The ride operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so a last-minute arrival may leave you waiting for the next departure. Some booking times may show a starting hour while the station operates across a wider part of the day, so check the current availability details before setting out.

The waiting area and the camels

Before riding, you wait at the station while the staff organize the next group. The waiting point is described as spacious and shaded, which is welcome in the strong Maspalomas sun. It is still worth bringing your own water and wearing sunscreen, since the sand reflects heat and light.

The camels are a major part of the appeal. They are fitted with padded saddle cloths and wooden seating, and the guides know the animals by name. Raul and Santiago are two camels that riders have particularly enjoyed, but the assigned animal depends on the day and the group.

The staff appear to take animal care seriously. The camels have breaks between rides, and the guides handle them calmly. You can also feed the camels at the station in some circumstances, although feeding should follow the staff’s instructions rather than being treated as an automatic part of the ticket.

That care matters to me because a camel ride is only enjoyable when the animals look calm, clean, and properly managed. Here, the working setup is plain and practical, but the camels are not treated as props. The guides watch them closely and keep the loading process orderly.

Mounting, riding, and seeing the dunes

Mounting is the part where you need to pay attention. A camel rises in stages, and the change in angle can catch you off guard if you are not holding on. Listen to the guide, keep your feet secure, and wait for the animal to settle before relaxing into the saddle.

Once the camel train moves away from the station, the experience becomes quiet and slow. You pass through sand ridges and open stretches of the Maspalomas dunes, with the camels’ steady walk setting the pace. This is a good time to put your phone away for a few minutes and watch the scenery change.

The dunes are not just a backdrop. Their curves make the ride feel more remote than it really is. One moment you are aware of the resort, and the next you are looking across an open sweep of sand with little sound beyond the group and the animals.

The 30-minute length works well for families and first-time riders. It is long enough to feel like a proper outing, but not so long that children become restless or uncomfortable. It also leaves time for other Maspalomas activities, such as the beach, the lagoon area, or a meal nearby.

The trade-off is that you may wish for more time. The route is designed as a short introduction to camel riding, so there is no extended stop for a picnic, no long photo break, and no wider excursion into Gran Canaria. If you want a full desert-style trek, this will feel limited.

How comfortable is the saddle?

The 2-seater arrangement is one of the best practical features. You do not need to balance on the camel’s hump, and sharing the saddle can make the experience less intimidating for children or nervous first-time riders.

Still, this is not a sofa. The ride has some bounce, and one small improvement would be additional foam on the back of the seat. If you have a sensitive back, you may want to keep your expectations modest and avoid treating the trip as a fully cushioned ride.

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to sit securely. Loose, practical clothes are better than anything stiff or delicate. Closed shoes are sensible for walking over sand, though the supplied information does not set a specific footwear rule.

Sun protection is essential. Bring sunscreen, water, sunglasses, and a hat. A scarf can also be useful if the wind picks up. Insect repellent is recommended as well, particularly if you plan to spend more time around the lagoon or dunes before or after the ride.

You may also want a small phone or camera, but keep it secure during mounting and dismounting. The station may offer photographs for purchase, giving you a chance to enjoy the ride without holding a camera the entire time.

Is it good for families?

For many families, yes. Children younger than three can ride free with their parents, and the guides can help young children during the loading process. Children around school age generally have an easier time appreciating the slow pace and unusual setting.

The 2-seater saddle is useful for a parent and child, though the adult remains responsible for helping the child sit safely and follow instructions. The ride is not a free-for-all activity, so children need to remain seated and listen to the guides.

Families should also think about heat, wind, and patience. The waiting period can be less comfortable than the ride itself if you arrive during a busy spell. An early morning outing can be more pleasant, especially in warm weather.

This is a good choice if your family wants a memorable holiday activity that does not demand athletic ability. It is less suitable if anyone dislikes animals, feels uneasy with the camel’s rising motion, or becomes dizzy on uneven ground.

Price, timing, and practical value

At about $21 per person, the ride is reasonably priced for a 30-minute organized activity in one of Gran Canaria’s best-known settings. Insurance is included, and the guides provide the support needed for a first camel ride.

The price is strongest when you treat the outing as a compact experience rather than a full tour. You are paying for the camel, saddle, staff, safety support, and access to a memorable route through the dunes. You are not paying for transport, a meal, hotel pickup, or a long guided visit.

For a couple, the cost is modest. For a larger family, the total rises quickly, but the free place for children under three helps. Since availability and loading are first come, first served, a little planning protects the value of your time.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity adds useful flexibility. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Gran Canaria schedule is still changing. These policies are worth checking at booking because operating times can vary.

The language support is practical rather than formal. Guides speak Spanish, English, and German, so basic instructions and safety help are available to a wide range of visitors.

Who should book this experience?

I would choose this ride if you want a simple, unusual way to see the Maspalomas dunes. It suits first-time camel riders, couples, families with children, and anyone who likes gentle outdoor activities more than high-energy adventures.

It is also a good add-on to a day in Maspalomas. The ride does not take over your schedule, and returning to the same meeting point makes planning easy.

I would think twice if you have limited mobility, use a wheelchair, experience vertigo, or weigh more than 100 kilograms. The activity involves walking on sand, getting onto a camel, and coping with the animal’s movement as it stands and walks.

You should also skip it if you are seeking a long, private, or highly educational tour. This is a shared camel ride with a set duration. Its strength is its simplicity.

Should you book the Maspalomas camel ride?

Book it if you want a short, affordable desert-style experience with a calm pace and helpful guides. The dunes provide the setting, the 2-seater saddle makes the ride approachable, and the camels are handled with care.

Arrive early, carry water and sun protection, and allow a little patience for the queue. If you do that, this can become one of the more distinctive half-hours of your Gran Canaria holiday, especially for children and anyone who has never ridden a camel before.

FAQ

Where does the camel ride start?

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

Where does the activity finish?

The ride ends back at the meeting point near the camel station.

How long does the camel ride last?

The camel ride lasts about 30 minutes. Check availability for the current starting times.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $21 per person.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What languages do the guides speak?

The guides speak Spanish, English, and German.

Can two people share one camel?

Yes. The camels are fitted with comfortable 2-seater saddles.

Can young children take part?

Children younger than three can ride with their parents for free.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum weight is 100 kilograms, or about 220 pounds.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, water, and insect repellent. Sunglasses, a hat, and a scarf can also be useful, and you should wear comfortable clothing.

Is the activity suitable for wheelchair users?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking may also be available.