Camels in Gran Canaria? Yes.

This short ride takes you into the Maspalomas dunes world, a totally different side of the island than beaches and roads. You get a 30-minute camel safari with a simple flow: check in, ride, then head back where you started.

I especially like the two-up seating—it’s made for couples and it keeps kids calmer when they aren’t riding solo. And the overall vibe can be genuinely friendly, with staff who help you get settled and get moving.

One big thing to consider: timing. Even with a 30-minute ride, queues can eat time, and some sessions feel slower than you’d expect—so go in with a little patience and arrive early.

Key highlights worth knowing before you go

• Two riders per camel: built for couples and family groups
• Maspalomas Dunes ride: a real change of scenery in about half an hour
• Early arrival helps: aim to be there between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM
• Short, not complicated: one main stop—camel station and ride
• Max 90 travelers: it can still bottleneck at check-in if you arrive late
• English offered + mobile ticket: easy to manage on the day

Maspalomas Dunes by Camel: what a 30-minute ride is really like

This is a “do it and feel it” experience. The core of your time is the camel ride itself—around 30 minutes through the dunes area near Maspalomas, starting and ending at the same camel station. There’s no multi-part itinerary with lots of stops. You’re there for the ride, and everything else is basically setup.

What makes it fun is the change in pace and view. On foot, dunes are slow and sandy. On a camel, you get a different rhythm—steady, swaying, and very “different day on Gran Canaria.” It’s the kind of outing that works well if you want something active without turning it into a whole day commitment.

The ride length can feel about right for most people, but don’t assume the calendar time you book equals your total time on-site. If check-in and waiting take longer, your day gets longer. For a short activity, that matters.

Two riders per camel: couples, families, and the 100 kg limit

Each camel seats 2 riders, which is a big deal for comfort and logistics. If you’re traveling as a couple, you won’t need to swap in the saddle or take turns on separate animals. If you’ve got kids, two-up seating often feels easier because you’re not juggling a lone rider who’s nervous or unsure.

It’s also suitable for the whole family, but use common sense about nerves and comfort. A camel is calm, but it’s still a large animal, and the movement can be surprising at first. If someone in your group is sensitive to height or movement, I’d plan on a slower start and give them a minute to settle.

There’s one firm rule: for camel comfort, passengers weighing over 100 kg can’t make the ride. If that affects anyone in your group, you’ll want to sort alternatives before you get there.

Where you meet and how to dodge the long wait

Your start point is at Camel safari, C. Oceanía, 35100 Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. The location is described as near public transportation, which is helpful if you don’t want to fight parking or taxis for a short outing.

Opening hours run 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, every day, within the seasonal window listed for 2025–2026. The key practical tip is arrival timing: it’s best to arrive between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM to avoid long queues.

Here’s the reality check: some people have had to wait an hour (or more) just to get to the front, and then wait again before the ride begins. That’s not ideal, but it’s exactly why your arrival time matters. If you roll in at 12:00 PM, you may still get on—just with less control over how long you stand around.

If you want this experience without turning it into a line-standing contest, do this:

• Go earlier in the opening window than you think you need
• Keep your expectations focused on the ride, not the waiting time
• Bring water, and plan for sun if you’re there in the morning heat

Inside the camel station: staff, photos, and equipment to look at

The station setup is straightforward. You check in, then you’re guided to your camel and onboard for the dunes portion. The experience includes insurance and covers the camel ride time (about 30 minutes), and you’ll get an admission ticket included as part of the ride.

You’ll also notice that many people rate the staff highly for being friendly and helpful. The best runs tend to feel calm and organized, with staff focusing on getting riders settled and moving along.

At the same time, there’s a recurring detail you should be aware of: the camels use muzzles made of metal. Some riders find this equipment totally acceptable, while others think it looks uncomfortable or not great for animal welfare. I can’t tell you which is “right” from a distance, but I do think it’s reasonable to use your eyes. If you’re uncomfortable with how the animals are fitted, that’s your cue to ask questions on-site or reconsider whether this is the experience for you.

You may also see handmade rope style elements in the tack/harness area, along with the muzzle. Again, some people are fine with this. Others would prefer more standard harness designs. If animal welfare is a top priority for you, don’t ignore this part—your comfort and your standards matter.

Photo-wise, there’s an option to buy pictures (one report notes a photo cost around 5 euro). If you like having a souvenir, you might want to keep a bit of cash or be ready to pay on-site.

Value for $21.63: what’s included and what costs extra

At about $21.63 per person, you’re paying for a short camel ride plus the practical basics. The included items are: all fees and taxes, the 30-minute camel ride, and insurance. That’s a solid deal for a themed outdoor experience where so many costs get tacked on separately.

Not included: coffee and/or tea. That’s not surprising, but it’s still worth planning. If you’re meeting in the morning, you may want to grab a drink nearby before you go, especially if you don’t want to wait on-site.

This is one of those activities where the “real value” depends on your timing. If you arrive early and the ride runs smoothly, it feels like good money for a fun change of scenery. If you arrive late and your waiting time stretches out, the same price can feel less satisfying.

Weather and comfort: when conditions matter

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. For outdoor dunes, weather isn’t just about comfort—it affects ground conditions and overall safety, so I treat the weather rule as a sign of responsible operations, not a random excuse.

Comfort also includes how you plan your morning. A few people noted it can get very hot, so if you’re going during warmer months, consider that your “waiting time” could be in direct sun. Wearing sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes can make the difference between a fun memory and a sweaty one.

Who should book this camel safari (and who might skip it)

This is a great fit if you want a short, family-friendly activity that shows you the dunes side of Gran Canaria without a big travel plan. Couples will like the two-up seating. Families often like it because it’s simple: arrive, ride, done.

It’s also a good choice if you don’t want a long hike. You’ll still feel like you got out and did something—just not something that wipes you out.

You might skip it if:

• You strongly dislike waiting around in lines
• You have a passenger over the 100 kg limit
• You have strong concerns about the tack/equipment style (especially the metal muzzle and harness setup)

If you’re on the fence because of animal-welfare concerns, I suggest you treat this as a “watch closely” activity. Stand where you can see how animals are handled and how equipment fits. You’re not being dramatic—you’re being responsible.

Should you book Camel Safari through the Dunes of Maspalomas?

If your priority is a quick, fun change of scenery and you can arrive early, I’d call it worth considering. The ride is included, insurance is included, and the whole thing stays manageable at around half an hour of riding time.

Book it with eyes open. Go in expecting that your total time on-site can run longer than the ride duration, and pay attention to how the animals are equipped and handled. If you want the dunes experience but hate the idea of long waits, aim for the earliest part of opening hours. If that’s not possible, you may still enjoy the ride—but you’re more likely to feel like you paid for a short moment inside a longer wait.

If you want, tell me your travel month and group type (couple, kids ages, and whether anyone is close to the 100 kg limit). I can suggest the best time window and how to plan around heat and lines.

FAQ

How long is the camel ride?

The camel safari includes an approximately 30-minute camel ride.

How much does it cost?

The price is listed as $21.63 per person.

How many people ride on each camel?

Each camel seats 2 riders.

What’s included in the price?

All fees and taxes, the 30-minute camel ride, and insurance are included.

Is coffee or tea included?

No, coffee and/or tea are not included.

Where does the activity start and end?

It starts at Camel safari, C. Oceanía, 35100 Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain and ends back at the same meeting point.

What are the opening hours?

The listed opening hours are Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. Passengers weighing more than 100 kg will not be able to make the ride for the comfort of the camel.