Camel Riding in Maspalomas Dunes

The best part of this Maspalomas outing is its simplicity: you sit beside another rider in a broad saddle while a gentle camel carries you through the dunes. The ride lasts about 30 minutes, long enough for a taste of the desert without taking over your day. I especially like the easygoing camels and the chance to see the dunes from a low, unhurried viewpoint.

I also like the low price of $21.63, especially for families looking for one memorable activity. Staff members are often described as kind and helpful, and some will take photos for you. The main catch is timing. You cannot book a specific ride time, and late arrivals may face a long wait in the heat.

Quick facts for planning your ride

• You ride in a two-person saddle: The seat rests on the camel’s flanks, so you do not sit directly on the hump.
• The outing lasts about 30 minutes: It is a short activity, best treated as a fun addition to a Maspalomas day rather than a full excursion.
• Arrive early: Rides begin about every 20 minutes from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., but demand can create waits of 30 minutes, an hour, or even longer.
• The route stays in the Maspalomas Dunes: You get broad views of the sand and rocky desert scenery, though the exact route is not designed as a sightseeing tour with multiple stops.
• The weight limit is 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds: Anyone above that limit will not be able to ride.
• The ride returns to its starting point: There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, and food and drinks are not included.

What the 30-minute camel ride is really like

This is a short, gentle circuit through the Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas. You meet the camels, settle into the side saddle, and follow a guide across the sandy area. The pace is sedate rather than thrilling, which is exactly why the ride works well for families and first-time riders.

You are not expected to control the camel yourself. The guide leads the group, allowing you to concentrate on the views and the unusual feeling of moving through the dunes on a tall, swaying animal.

The saddle is important. Two people sit side by side on a padded seat positioned on the camel’s flanks. You do not have to balance on the hump, and that makes the ride easier for people who might feel nervous about climbing onto a camel.

Getting on and off still requires care. The camel’s movement when it rises and kneels can feel abrupt, so listen closely to the staff and keep a firm grip. One nervous rider was given extra attention by the guides, which is reassuring if you are unsure about the experience.

Crossing the Maspalomas Dunes

The dune route is the whole attraction. You will see the pale sand rising and falling around you, with wide views over the rocky desert scenery. The height of the camel gives you a different angle than walking through the dunes, and the slow pace lets you take photographs without rushing.

Do not expect a long trek deep into empty desert. Thirty minutes passes quickly, and some people will wish the route lasted longer. The scenery can also feel less dramatic than the photos suggest, especially if you arrive expecting a major wilderness expedition.

I would think of this as a brief, pleasant ride with a distinctive setting. It is not a substitute for spending time on foot in the dunes, visiting the nearby lagoon, or walking toward the lighthouse. In fact, the wait can be useful if you plan to explore those places before or after your ride.

The experience has a relaxed feel. The camels generally move at a calm walking pace, and the guides stay nearby. You may be offered a chance to have your picture taken, with photos available as a keepsake. That can be a nice extra for a family trip or anniversary, but it is not part of the ticket price.

Why an early start matters

The biggest practical issue is the lack of a precise timetable. You can purchase a ticket, but staff assign you a ride slot and number rather than letting you choose an exact departure. Rides begin roughly every 20 minutes between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

The published opening hours are 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., from Monday through Sunday. The early morning period is still your best bet if you want a prompt ride. Arriving around 8:30 a.m. has allowed some people to take the first outing, while arriving at 11:00 a.m. has sometimes meant a wait of 30 minutes or more.

The waiting system can work smoothly when the operation is organized, but it can also feel confusing. You may receive a paper with a number and a time, then wait for that number to be called. At busy periods, waits of an hour or two are possible. One report described a two-hour wait, and another described a delayed start in the morning.

The heat makes this more than a minor nuisance. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Comfortable clothing is sensible, and you will want shoes suitable for walking across sand. There is little reason to arrive late and spend the hottest part of the day standing around.

Finding the meeting point

The meeting point is Maspalomas Dunes dromedary, at C. Oceanía, 13, 35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Las Palmas, Spain. The ride ends at the same place.

Finding it can take a little patience. Signage on the side roads is not always clear, and the busy surroundings can make the final approach less obvious than expected. Allow extra time, especially if you are driving or arriving from another part of the island.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to make your own way to the meeting point, and the excursion is not especially convenient if you are relying on a cruise-port transfer. Public transportation is nearby, but no transfer from the port is included.

Once you have checked in, keep your ticket information available on your phone. The tour uses mobile tickets, and confirmation is sent when you book.

What you get for $21.63

At $21.63 per person, this is reasonably priced for a short, unusual activity in one of Gran Canaria’s best-known natural areas. You are paying for the camel, the guide, insurance, and the setting. For a family, the price can be an easy way to add something different to a beach holiday.

The value depends on your expectations. If you see it as a 30-minute experience with a memorable photo opportunity, the cost is fair. If you expect a long ride, a private guide, drinks, transport, or a full tour of the dunes, you may find it expensive for the time involved.

Children younger than three can ride free with their parents. That makes the outing more appealing for families with very young children, though the child must share the parent’s saddle.

Food and drinks are not included. Bring your own water, particularly if you are assigned a later slot. The nearby beach and coastal paths can help fill the time, but the waiting area itself may not offer enough to occupy you for hours.

Camels, staff, and comfort

The camels are generally described as calm and easy to ride. Several camel names have become part of the memory of the outing, including José, Sambuca, and Jamie. That small personal touch can make the experience feel less mechanical, particularly for children.

Staff members are often praised for being patient, friendly, and helpful. They speak English, and some guides take time to assist nervous riders. The side saddles also make it easier for people who have difficulty climbing into a narrow seat, although the supplied information does not promise a fully accessible service for every disability.

There is an important animal welfare point to consider. Many people feel the camels appear well cared for, but one serious complaint described injuries and poor conditions. Since camel rides involve working animals, look closely at the animals when you arrive. If something concerns you, raise it with staff before boarding. You should feel comfortable with the operation you support.

The 100-kilogram, or 220-pound, limit is firm. Anyone above it will not be allowed to ride, and the ticket information does not clearly promise a refund for that situation. Check this requirement before booking rather than treating it as a surprise at the meeting point.

Who will enjoy this most

This outing suits families with children, couples wanting a playful holiday photograph, and anyone looking for a gentle activity that does not require riding experience. It can also work well for a first camel ride because the guide controls the group and the saddle is designed for two people.

You will probably enjoy it if you like animals, prefer a slow pace, and want a short break from swimming or sightseeing. The experience offers an unusual view of the dunes without asking you to commit to a long trek.

It is less suitable if you dislike waiting, are sensitive to heat, want a private outing, or expect an extended ride. The 30-minute duration may feel too brief for serious horse or camel riders. You should also reconsider if you are above the weight limit or need guaranteed transport from your hotel or cruise port.

How to build the ride into your day

Plan the camel ride as one part of a Maspalomas morning. Arrive early, complete the check-in process, and take the first available slot if possible. Afterward, you can continue exploring the dunes or walk along the coast toward the lighthouse and lagoon.

If your ride is delayed, use the time carefully. A pleasant walk along the coast can fill part of the wait, and the nearby beach gives you another option. Still, do not count on a perfectly timed schedule. Keep the rest of your day flexible.

The early hours also help with comfort. The sand and open setting offer little shade, and the sun can feel harsh later in the day. Sunscreen, a hat, loose comfortable clothes, and water are basic equipment, not optional extras.

The activity is limited to a maximum of 70 participants, but that does not mean your ride will feel private. Groups may be busy, particularly during popular holiday periods. The operation can handle a large number of people, but the check-in and waiting process may slow down when demand rises.

Cancellation and booking details

You receive confirmation at the time of booking, and the ticket is mobile. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded or accepted.

The local cut-off time applies. Check your booking details carefully, particularly if you are arranging the ride around a flight, cruise departure, or another timed excursion.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. The booking information does not list a separate accessibility program, so contact the provider before reserving if you need specific assistance.

Should you book the Maspalomas camel ride?

I would book it if you want a short, affordable activity with a strong sense of place. The camels are usually calm, the staff are often helpful, and the two-person saddles make the outing approachable for beginners. Families in particular get good value from the novelty and the simple format.

I would not book it as your main Maspalomas sightseeing experience. The ride is brief, the route may feel modest, and waiting times can undermine the relaxed mood. Arrive early, bring water, and treat the excursion as a fun half-hour between the beach and the dunes, not as a major desert expedition.

FAQ

How long does the camel ride last?

The ride lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Where does the ride take place?

It takes place in the Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas in Gran Canaria.

Do I sit on the camel’s hump?

No. The camels use comfortable two-person saddles positioned on their flanks.

Can I choose an exact ride time?

No. You cannot book a specific timetable. A ride starts about every 20 minutes from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., and staff assign your slot.

What is the weight limit?

Passengers weighing more than 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds, cannot take part in the camel ride.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must reach the meeting point at C. Oceanía, 13, in San Bartolomé de Tirajana.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, 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 refunded or accepted.