Maspalomas: Guided Camel Ride in the Maspalomas Sand Dunes

Maspalomas has an unexpected desert side, and this 30-minute camel ride gives you a simple way to see it without hiking up and down the sand. You sit in a padded two-seat saddle, not directly on the camel’s hump, while Saharawi guides lead the animals through the rolling dunes.

I like the relaxed pace and the easy price of $21 per person. I also like the care taken with the camels, including padded saddle pads, shaded waiting space, and careful help when small children get on and off. The main drawback is that the ride is short, and the bouncing can feel firm if you need extra back support.

Key points to know

• A 30-minute route through the Maspalomas dunes: You get a genuine taste of the sandy setting without giving up half a day.
• Two-seat saddles: You ride in a wooden-framed seat rather than directly on the camel’s hump.
• Saharawi guides: Support is available in Spanish, English, and German.
• A calm family activity: Children under 3 can ride free with a parent, though the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility limits.
• First come, first served: Arrive early, since your ride time may depend on the next available group.
• Bring sun protection: Sunscreen, water, sunglasses, a hat, and perhaps a scarf are useful in the open sand.

Meeting the Camels Near Charca Maspalomas

The camel station is near Charca Maspalomas, about five minutes along Oceania Street. Continue from the Charca and look for the station on the right-hand side. The entrance can be easy to miss because it sits by the dunes rather than on a prominent city street, so give yourself extra time to find it.

You might find the approach less polished than the ride itself. One practical tip is to follow the location carefully on Google Maps and walk along the street beside the dunes. If you are arriving by taxi, ask to be taken directly to the camel ride. The meeting point is close enough for a short walk from the drop-off area.

The activity works on a first-come, first-served basis. I would arrive around 20 minutes early, especially if you have children or want to avoid standing in the sun. The waiting area has shade, which helps, but being early still makes the start less rushed.

At the station, you can expect a brief wait while the next camels and riders are organized. The exact flow can feel a little untidy at busy times, and you may need patience while tickets and boarding are arranged. That small bit of waiting is worth planning for, since the actual route is calm and well managed once the group leaves.

The Boarding Process and Two-Seat Saddle

Getting onto a camel is the most unusual part of the activity. Camels stand tall, and they rise in stages, so you need to listen closely to the guides and hold on as instructed. The staff help riders board and dismount, including young children riding with a parent.

You do not sit on the animal’s hump. Instead, the camel carries a comfortable two-seat saddle with a wooden structure and padded sections. Two people can share the saddle, making this a practical choice for couples, parents with children, or anyone who would rather not ride alone.

The saddle keeps you secure, but it does not turn the ride into a smooth amusement-park attraction. You will feel the camel’s movement, especially when it stands, sits, or walks over uneven sand. One small improvement would be extra foam padding on the back of the seat, particularly for anyone sensitive to bouncing.

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to sit easily. The dunes are sunny and exposed, so sunscreen and water matter. Sunglasses and a hat are sensible, while a scarf can help if the wind picks up. Insect repellent is also listed as a useful item to bring.

The maximum weight is 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds. This limit is firm, so check it before booking rather than discovering the restriction at the station.

Riding Through the Maspalomas Dunes

Once the camel line moves out, the pace is slow and steady. You follow the dunes with the open sand around you, giving the ride a quiet, old-fashioned feel. It is not a long expedition or a strenuous trek. Instead, it is a short scenic circuit that lets you experience Maspalomas from a higher seat.

The dunes are the star of the route. Their curves change as you move, and the view feels very different from the promenades, hotels, and beach areas nearby. You get a clear sense of Gran Canaria’s dry southern setting without needing to walk across loose sand.

The guides accompany the group throughout the ride. Their job is practical as much as informative: they help riders stay comfortable, keep the camels moving in line, and watch the boarding and dismounting process. The activity is offered in Spanish, English, and German.

You may learn more about the camels and their gentle nature during the visit. The staff know the animals by name, and individual camels such as Raul and Santiago can become part of the memory, especially for children. The animals are fitted with saddle pads, and regular breaks are part of the operation.

This is also a good place to lower your expectations in the right way. You are not heading deep into a remote desert. The ride stays around the Maspalomas dunes and lasts about half an hour. If you want a long riding lesson, a private route, or a serious camel trek, this is not that. If you want a memorable holiday activity that fits neatly between sightseeing and lunch, the short length works well.

What the 30 Minutes Really Feels Like

Thirty minutes sounds brief, and it is. The time includes the ride itself, not a full morning of camel care, desert walking, or extended stops. Still, the compact format is part of the appeal.

I would choose this tour when you want to add something unusual to a day in Maspalomas without committing to a major excursion. Families can fit it around beach time. Couples can enjoy the novelty without spending hours in a saddle. First-time riders get a manageable introduction.

The route does not appear to be built around frequent photography stops. You may have chances for pictures before or after the ride, and staff can take photos, but do not count on long pauses among the dunes. If photography is important to you, have your phone ready and ask about the available photo service.

Some riders buy a professionally taken photo afterward as a souvenir. That is optional, but it can be a good way to remember the activity because taking your own picture while seated on a moving camel is not easy.

The ride is most peaceful in good weather and early in the day. A morning departure can mean gentler sun, though starting times depend on availability. Check the available time before you book, and remember that a first-come system may require waiting for the next group.

Animal Care and How the Activity Is Run

The strongest reason I would feel comfortable recommending this ride is the apparent attention given to the camels. The animals have padded saddle areas, shaded rest space, and breaks before rides. The guides handle them calmly and appear familiar with each camel’s temperament.

That matters because a camel ride should be more than a photo opportunity. You are relying on the staff to keep the animals and riders safe, especially when a camel kneels or rises. Here, the boarding procedure includes direct assistance, and guides remain alert during the route.

The experience is not silent from start to finish. You are part of a guided camel line, and the station can have a waiting period. But once you are out among the dunes, the slow pace gives you time to notice the sand, sunlight, and animal beneath you.

Insurance is included in the price. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the Charca Maspalomas area. That is an important cost detail if you are staying farther away or planning to use a taxi.

The activity has a rating of 4.4 from 3,690 reviews, which fits the overall picture: a well-liked, affordable outing with a few practical limits. The praise centers on friendly staff, safe handling, well-cared-for camels, and good value. The weaker points are mainly the short ride, occasional waiting confusion, and firm saddle movement.

Is $21 Good Value?

At $21 per person, this is one of the easier activities to add to a Gran Canaria holiday budget. You receive a guided ride, insurance, and a memorable setting for a modest fee. Children under 3 can ride free with a parent, which makes the price even more attractive for families with toddlers.

The value depends on what you want. If you judge it as a full camel safari, the ride is too short. If you judge it as a half-hour visit to the Maspalomas dunes with a distinctive transport method, the price is strong.

You also avoid the cost and time of a larger organized excursion. There is no hotel pickup, no long transfer, and no complicated day plan. You simply reach the station, wait for your turn, ride, and return to the same meeting point.

I would budget a little extra time beyond the stated 30 minutes for finding the station, checking in, waiting, and boarding. That does not reduce the value, but it helps you plan honestly. Do not schedule a tight restaurant reservation immediately afterward.

Who Should Book This Ride?

This activity suits families, couples, first-time camel riders, and anyone curious about the dunes but not keen on a long walk through soft sand. Children old enough to follow instructions tend to get a lot from the novelty, while very young children can ride with a parent for free if they are under 3.

It also works for people who want a gentle pace. You do not need riding experience, and the Saharawi guides provide support throughout the outing. The languages available are Spanish, English, and German.

I would not recommend it for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Getting onto a tall camel and sitting in the saddle requires physical movement. It is also unsuitable for people with vertigo, since the height and rocking motion can be uncomfortable.

Anyone over 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds, cannot take part. If you are unsure about the fit of the saddle or the boarding process, ask before paying.

Small Details That Make the Ride Better

Arrive early. Around 20 minutes before your expected ride gives you time to find the station, check in, and settle before the next group is called.

Use sunscreen even if the day feels mild. Sand and open sky provide little shade once you leave the station. Water, sunglasses, and a hat are basic supplies, while a scarf can help with wind.

Keep your camera secure. You may want photos of the dunes and your camel, but you also need both hands available while boarding and riding. Ask the staff to take a picture if you want a clear shot of your group.

Do not expect a long stop for scenic pictures. The route is designed as a moving ride, and the short duration passes quickly. Enjoy the quiet and the changing shapes of the dunes instead of trying to document every moment.

Pay attention to the guides when the camel stands or kneels. The movement is slow but high, and following instructions makes the process comfortable for both you and the animal.

Should You Book the Maspalomas Camel Ride?

I would book it if you want a short, affordable, family-friendly activity with a strong sense of place. The Maspalomas dunes provide a memorable setting, the two-seat saddles make the ride approachable, and the guides offer hands-on help in several languages.

I would skip it if you need wheelchair access, dislike heights, weigh more than 100 kilograms, or want a lengthy desert adventure. You should also allow for a possible wait and accept that the saddle may feel bouncy.

For most visitors staying near Maspalomas, this is a worthwhile 30-minute addition to a day out. It will not fill an entire afternoon, but it can give you one of the more unusual holiday photos and a calm look at Gran Canaria’s famous dunes.

FAQ

How long is the camel ride?

The ride lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Where does the activity start?

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

Does the activity include hotel pickup?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach the camel station yourself.

What languages do the guides speak?

The guides speak Spanish, English, and German.

Can children under 3 ride?

Yes. Children younger than 3 can ride with a parent for free.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum weight to take part is 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds.

Is the activity suitable for wheelchair users or people with vertigo?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or people with vertigo.