Camel Riding in Maspalomas Dunes

The unusual part of this Maspalomas outing is not simply sitting on a camel. It is the chance to move quietly through the Maspalomas Dunes on a broad side saddle, with the rocky desert of southern Gran Canaria opening around you. The ride lasts about 30 minutes, long enough to feel like an outing without taking over your day.

I like the calm camels and kind staff, especially for first-time riders or families with children. I also like the price: at $21.63 per person, this is a fairly easy way to add something different to a beach holiday. The main catch is timing. You cannot reserve a precise ride time, and waiting can stretch from 20 minutes to two hours during busy periods.

Key points to know before you go

• Two-seat side saddles: You sit beside the camel’s hump rather than directly on it, which makes the ride less intimidating and easier for many beginners.
• A 30-minute route: The outing passes through the Maspalomas Dunes and ends back at the starting point.
• Arrive early: Ride times are assigned on arrival, and late-morning demand can create long waits.
• Best in cooler weather: Bring water, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and a hat. The sand offers little shade.
• Good for families: Children under 3 can ride free with a parent, and the gentle camels suit many first-time riders.
• A small ethical question: Most comments describe calm, well-kept animals, but one serious complaint raises concerns worth considering before booking.

What the Maspalomas camel ride is really like

This is a short, simple outing rather than a full-day desert expedition. You meet at the dromedary point at C. Oceanía, 13, in San Bartolomé de Tirajana, then wait for your assigned group and walk over to the camels.

The camels carry two people in comfortable seats positioned on the flanks. That detail matters. You do not have to balance directly on the hump, and you can share the ride with a child or companion. The seating also makes the experience less daunting for anyone who is nervous about animals or has never ridden before.

Once everyone is seated, the camel handlers guide the group into the dunes. The animals move at a slow, steady pace. Expect a gentle procession rather than a fast ride or a chance to control the camel yourself.

The route takes about 30 minutes and returns to the same meeting point. You get broad views over the pale sand and rocky desert, along with an unusual look at one of Gran Canaria’s best-known natural areas. The setting does much of the work here. The ride itself is calm and repetitive, which some people will find relaxing and others may find a little too basic.

Entering the Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas

The only listed stop is the Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas, the protected dune area beside the resort town of Maspalomas. The dunes are the reason to book this outing. They give the camel ride a desert feel without requiring a long journey into the island’s interior.

From camel height, you see the sand in broad folds and the surrounding dry, rocky terrain. The view is open rather than packed with attractions. That is part of the appeal, but it also explains why one rider found the route less scenic than expected. The dunes are attractive in a spare, natural way, not like a theme-park set with constant sights.

You should not expect a guided nature lecture or a long stop for exploring on foot. The guide leads the group through the area, but the supplied details do not promise a detailed explanation of the dunes, local plants, or wildlife. Think of this as a scenic ride with a guide, not a natural-history tour.

The walk to the camels can also be part of the experience. Some people enjoy crossing the sand before the ride, while others may find it tiring in the heat. If you have time before your assigned slot, the nearby coast, lighthouse, and lagoon provide a useful way to fill the wait.

Why the side saddle makes a difference

Camel riding can sound uncomfortable until you understand the seating. Here, the two-person seats sit on the camel’s sides, so you are not perched directly over the hump. This gives you a wider, more secure-feeling position and lets two people share one animal.

The ride is still not perfectly still. A camel’s rising and sitting movements can feel surprising, especially when you first climb on or dismount. The staff help with this part, and the animals are described as easygoing and well behaved in many accounts.

The arrangement works particularly well for families. A small child can ride with a parent, and children under 3 are allowed to ride free with their parents. Older children can enjoy the novelty without needing previous riding skills.

There is a firm weight restriction: passengers over 100 kilograms or 220 pounds cannot take the ride. Check this before paying, especially if you are booking several places together. One person had trouble obtaining a partial refund after a companion was refused, so it is wise to confirm the rule before arriving rather than treat it as a minor detail.

Timing matters more than the 30-minute ride

The ride lasts around 30 minutes, but your total visit may take much longer. There is no option to choose a precise timetable in advance. The operation assigns a number and a ride time when you arrive, and groups set out roughly every 20 minutes during the stated morning period from 9:00 to 11:00.

The published opening hours are 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. from Monday through Sunday. However, the information about ride departures specifically refers to starts every 20 minutes between 9:00 and 11:00. If you hope to ride later in the day, confirm the current schedule before setting out.

Go early whenever you can. Several people arrived around 8:30 and made the first ride, while others arriving at 11:00 were assigned a much later slot. One person was given a 2:15 p.m. time after arriving at 11:00, and another waited two hours. A separate account describes a 30-minute wait around 11:00.

This system can feel disorganized at opening time. One early arrival reported that the ride did not begin until nearly 9:45 a.m. On the other hand, the staff appear able to handle large numbers once the groups are moving. The maximum group size is 70 people, so this is not an intimate private ride.

If you arrive early and still have time to spare, the coast and nearby sights can make the wait less frustrating. Do not assume the camel point will have a full range of activities around it. Bring something practical for the gap, and allow extra time if you have a restaurant booking, bus connection, or cruise departure.

The staff, guides, and photo opportunity

A professional guide and insurance are included. The activity is offered in English, and the staff are often described as friendly, helpful, and able to communicate well in English.

The handlers do more than point you toward a camel. People who felt nervous were reassured, and staff helped riders settle into the seats. That personal attention is important because the camel’s movement can seem high and unfamiliar at first.

Photos are also part of the routine. The staff may offer to take pictures for you, and some people found the keepsake photos reasonably priced. This is not included in the ticket, so carry no expectation that photographs are free. If you want a picture, ask about the cost before agreeing.

The animals have individual names, and riders have fondly remembered camels called José, Sambuca, Jamie, and other friendly companions. Those small touches can make the outing feel less mechanical, especially for children.

Still, do not mistake a pleasant handler for proof that every animal is being treated well at all times. Most of the available comments describe calm camels and staff who appear to care for them. One detailed complaint reported injuries, neglected animals, metal muzzles, and an open wound. That is a serious concern. The information provided does not establish how widespread such problems are, so I would inspect the animals yourself and decide if the setup feels acceptable to you.

Is $21.63 good value?

At $21.63 per person, the price is reasonable for a short, unusual activity in one of Gran Canaria’s most recognizable settings. Insurance and a professional guide are included, and you get a full 30-minute ride rather than a brief photo opportunity beside a camel.

The value depends on what you want. If you are looking for a memorable family activity, a gentle first camel ride, or a different way to see the dunes, the cost is easy to justify. Several people considered it good value, and families in particular enjoyed the novelty.

If you measure value by the amount of sightseeing, the calculation changes. Thirty minutes passes quickly, and the route is straightforward. There is no food, drink, hotel transfer, or extended interpretation included. You also may spend more time waiting than riding.

The activity makes the most sense as one part of a Maspalomas outing. Combine it with time near the beach, the lagoon, or the lighthouse, and the wait becomes less of a problem. Booking it as your only reason to cross town is less attractive, especially if you have limited time.

Getting there and finding the meeting point

The meeting point is Maspalomas Dunes dromedary, C. Oceanía, 13, 35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Las Palmas, Spain. The activity ends at the same location, so there is no transfer to arrange afterward.

Finding the entrance can take some effort. Several people described the signage as limited, and one person found the busy roads confusing. Give yourself extra time, particularly if you are driving or arriving from a cruise port. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off.

The location is near public transportation, but one account specifically noted that reaching it from a cruise port was difficult and that there was no direct bus. The supplied information does not specify a particular bus route, so check your own connection before booking.

You receive a mobile ticket, and confirmation is issued at booking. At the site, expect to show your booking and receive a number or assigned slot. Keep your phone charged and have the confirmation easy to find.

What to wear and bring to the dunes

The practical packing list is short but important:

• Comfortable clothes that allow you to sit easily
• Sunscreen
• A hat
• Water

The dunes reflect heat, and the ride offers limited protection from the sun. Early morning is the most sensible choice, not just because of the queue but also because the sand can become unpleasantly hot later.

Wear shoes suitable for walking across sand. The supplied information does not specify a footwear rule, but you should expect some walking between the meeting point and the camels. Loose, comfortable clothing is more useful than anything formal.

Food and drinks are not included. Bring water, and plan meals separately. You should also bring patience. The experience is relaxed once you are seated, but the waiting process may not be.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend the ride to families with children, couples wanting an unusual holiday photograph, and first-time riders who prefer a slow introduction to camels. The side-by-side seating and steady pace make it approachable, and children under 3 can ride with a parent at no extra charge.

It also suits anyone who wants a short activity rather than a long excursion. You can experience the dunes, take a few photographs, and still have much of the day available for other plans.

People with tight schedules should be cautious. An assigned slot can push your visit well beyond the advertised 30 minutes. The same applies to anyone who dislikes queues or expects a polished, tightly timed operation.

The activity may also work for some disabled riders because the bucket-style seats are described as easy for disabled people to use. That is helpful, but the information does not provide detailed access specifications, so contact the operator directly about your particular needs.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. The weight limit remains the key restriction.

Booking, cancellation, and the final decision

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

I would book this if you want a low-cost, family-friendly novelty and can keep your schedule flexible. Arrive early, bring water, and pair it with other Maspalomas sights so a delayed slot does not ruin your day.

I would skip it if you want a long desert tour, detailed information about the dunes, or a guaranteed departure time. I would also think carefully about the animal-welfare concern and only proceed if you are comfortable with what you see on arrival. For most people who accept those limits, this is a pleasant 30-minute ride with friendly staff, gentle camels, and a memorable view of Gran Canaria.

FAQ

How long does the camel ride last?

The camel ride lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Where does the activity start?

It starts at Maspalomas Dunes dromedary, C. Oceanía, 13, 35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Las Palmas, Spain.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Can I choose a specific ride time?

No. A precise timetable cannot be booked in advance. Ride groups start every 20 minutes from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., according to the supplied schedule information.

What are the opening hours?

The stated opening hours are Monday through Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., for the period from January 5, 2025, through March 2, 2027.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and water. Food and drinks are not included.

Are children under 3 allowed to ride?

Yes. Children younger than 3 can ride with their parents free of charge.

Is there a weight restriction?

Yes. Passengers over 100 kilograms or 220 pounds cannot take the camel ride.

Is hotel transportation included?

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

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.