Camel Riding in Maspalomas Dunes

Camel rides in Maspalomas feel surprisingly calm. This short trip takes you through the Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas, where the dunes stretch out like a sandy sci-fi set. I really like the soft, guided pace on calm camels, and I also love the panoramic desert views you get without needing any riding skill. One thing to plan for: the ride is brief, and waiting (especially later in the morning) can be part of the day.

The best part is how low-stress it feels. You don’t need to ride on the hump, because the camels use comfortable two-seater saddles along their flanks, and the guide keeps the line moving. I also like that you get a professional guide plus insurance with your ticket, so it’s a straightforward activity, not a scavenger hunt with animals.

Timing matters here more than you’d think. There’s no time slot you pick, since rides start every 20 minutes from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, within the site’s 9:00 am to 2:00 pm opening window. If you want cooler sand-time and a smoother start, go early—late mornings can mean extra waiting in the heat.

Key Things You’ll Love About This Camel Ride

• 30 minutes in the Maspalomas Dunes natural reserve for a real change of pace
• Two-seater saddles so you don’t have to balance or ride on the hump
• Gentle camel handling with a guide leading the group for an easy, family-friendly flow
• Rides start every 20 minutes from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, which makes arrival timing important
• A max group size of 70 helps keep things from turning into a total zoo
• Weight limit of 100 kg / 220 lbs means some people may not be able to ride

A 30-Minute Camel Ride That Feels Like a Slow Walk With Big Views

This is the kind of activity that’s short on paper and satisfying in real life. You get about 30 minutes of camel time, guided through the Maspalomas dunes, where the sand turns into a wide, rocky desert scene. It’s not an intense ride—it’s more like a moving pause where you can look around and take photos without sweating bullets.

The pace is part of the value. If you’ve ever tried to do dunes on foot in the wrong shoes (or in the wrong heat), you’ll appreciate what a camel does for you: you cover ground while staying seated and stable. For most people, it’s a comfortable, low-effort way to see something you’d otherwise need time and energy to reach.

If you love viewpoints, you’ll enjoy how the route brings you into open sightlines over the dunes. The experience is simple, but the setting has that dramatic “there’s nothing else for miles” vibe. Think sandy tones, wind-shaped forms, and a wide horizon that feels bigger than it does from the road.

Entering The Start Point: Maspalomas Dunes dromedary and Finding Your Way

Your meeting point is Maspalomas Dunes dromedary, C. Oceanía, 13, 35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana. The site is close to public transportation, which is handy if you’re not renting a car. The flip side: this area can be busy, and some visitors note that signage isn’t always obvious from every side road.

So here’s my practical advice: treat this like an early appointment. If you show up right at a starting window, you might spend time getting your bearings, especially if you’re arriving on foot from the wrong direction. If you can, arrive well before your ride begins so you can check in and relax.

Also, plan around the fact that the activity doesn’t work like a fixed “your slot is 10:40.” Instead, rides begin at regular intervals, and you’ll wait until your number/time is called. That means getting there early isn’t just about good vibes—it’s about reducing downtime.

What Happens at the Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas

Your ride takes place inside the Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas. That matters because you’re not just wandering in an amusement-zone imitation of dunes. You’re moving through an area where the dunes form the main event, and your guide keeps you in the right route and pace.

For the ride itself, you can expect the camels to move at a gentle, padded-through-the-sand rhythm. The sand isn’t a flat floor either. It’s soft and shaped by wind, which is why this feels like a different kind of motion than walking on a sidewalk. You’ll feel your body adapt slightly as the camel steps, but nothing about it should feel like a rodeo.

The experience also offers a few natural photo moments. As you rise or shift across dune shapes, the view opens up, and you get that long stretch of desert tones. If you’re the type who likes pictures but hates rushing, this is your kind of activity: you’re sitting down, moving slowly, and looking outward.

Camel Comfort: Two-Seater Saddles and a No-Hump Ride

The camels here are described as gentle, and the biggest comfort detail is that you don’t need to ride on the hump. Instead, there are comfortable two-seater saddles positioned on the camels’ flanks. That design is a big deal for first-timers, and it helps make the ride feel more stable.

From the reviews, the “easygoing camels” theme comes up again and again. Many people describe the animals as calm and the staff as helpful, which makes a difference when you’re trying to figure out how to sit and relax. If you’re traveling with kids, this is one of the main reasons the activity works: it’s not too scary, and it gives families a shared moment outdoors.

That said, there’s an important limit you should take seriously. Riders over 100 kg / 220 lbs can’t participate, due to comfort and weight. If you’re close to that line, check your situation early so you’re not dealing with disappointment at the last minute.

Timing and Waiting: How the Every-20-Minutes Schedule Affects Your Day

This is where people either have a smooth morning or a frustrating one. Your ride starts every 20 minutes between 9:00 am and 11:00 am, and the location runs 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Because you can’t book a specific timetable, you’re planning around a schedule you don’t control.

In practice, it means you have two choices:

• Go early and likely get on a first few rides
• Go later and accept that waiting could be longer

Some reviews mention minimal waiting when arriving early, while others describe longer waits around late morning or early afternoon. A lot of that is probably crowd size, which can jump on popular days. The lesson is simple: if you don’t want to stand around, don’t treat this like a casual afterthought.

Heat is the other real factor. Maspalomas can get warm, and reviews strongly suggest going earlier to stay comfortable. Wear sunscreen, bring water, and bring a hat—this isn’t the kind of “I’ll buy it there” situation if you get delayed.

Staff, Safety, and Animal Care: What Looks Good and What You Should Watch

You get a professional guide and insurance included. That’s the practical side of safety: you’re guided, you’re not left alone with animals, and you’re covered. Staff friendliness shows up in the positive feedback too, with people describing helpful, kind operators who speak good English.

Now the balanced part. One review raises serious concerns about camel conditions—injuries and the state of muzzles are mentioned. I can’t verify details beyond what’s written, but I do think you should use that information thoughtfully.

Here’s what I recommend if animal welfare matters to you:

• Observe from a distance before boarding if you’re uneasy.
• If something seems off, trust your instincts and ask questions on site.
• Remember that most other feedback talks about calm, well-looked-after camels—so conditions might vary by day, animal, or handling.

The ride isn’t long. That cuts both ways. It can make things feel gentler and more manageable, but you also need to be paying attention right when you arrive.

Packing Smart: What to Wear for Sand, Sun, and a Seated Ride

This one’s easy to prepare for, and you’ll feel more comfortable if you plan. The essentials are:

• Comfortable clothes
• Sunscreen
• A hat
• Water

You’ll be sitting for the ride, so you don’t need fancy hiking gear. But you do want clothes that handle dry sand and sun. If you bring sandals, keep in mind you’ll still be walking on uneven ground while you wait and move between check-in and boarding. Closed-toe shoes are usually the safest bet for comfort.

A lightweight layer can also help if there’s a breeze off the dunes. And if you’re worried about photos, bring your phone fully charged—battery drains faster in sun than people expect.

Price and Value: Is $21.63 Worth It?

At $21.63 per person for about 30 minutes, this camel ride is positioned as an affordable, do-able “one special activity” in Gran Canaria. The value comes from a few concrete things you can feel immediately:

• You’re paying for the experience of riding through the dunes, not just a walk.
• You get a guided component plus included insurance.
• The saddles make it accessible for first-timers.

But there’s also a key trade-off: it’s short. If you’re hoping for a long tour with multiple stops and lots of time to explore on your own, this won’t fill the bill. It’s best seen as a focused outing—fun, scenic, and quick.

It’s also one of the better family-friendly activities when you want an outdoor change without a full-day commitment. For couples, it’s a low-pressure, memorable “we did the dunes on camelback” moment. For solo travelers, it’s a simple group activity that doesn’t require planning a route.

And if you’re watching your time, it can be a smart fit. You don’t need to build a complicated itinerary around pickup or transfers, since hotel pickup isn’t included and the ride ends back at the meeting point.

Should You Book This Camel Ride in Maspalomas?

I think you should book it if you want a gentle, short, scenic way to experience the Maspalomas dunes, especially if you like the idea of panoramic views without hiking for hours. It’s a strong pick for families, first-timers, and anyone who wants an activity that’s more relaxed than adventurous.

Skip it (or plan differently) if you:

• hate waiting and want strict control over your schedule
• need an option for riders over 100 kg / 220 lbs (this ride isn’t available for that weight range)
• care a lot about animal welfare and want extra reassurance before boarding

One more practical tip before you decide: treat this as a morning activity. Arrive early, hydrate, and you’ll stack the odds in your favor for a smoother start and a cooler ride.

FAQ

How long is the camel riding experience?

The ride lasts about 30 minutes (approx.).

How much does it cost?

The price is listed at $21.63 per person.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Where do I meet for the camel ride?

The meeting point is Maspalomas Dunes dromedary, C. Oceanía, 13, 35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Las Palmas, Spain.

What time does the activity run?

The site runs from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Monday to Sunday).

Can I book a specific start time?

No. Timetables can’t be booked, and camel rides start every 20 minutes from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.

Is there a weight limit for riding?

Yes. Due to comfort and weight, passengers weighing over 100kg (220lbs) can’t experience a camel ride.

What should I bring or wear?

Wear comfortable clothes and bring sunscreen, a hat, and water.