Two humps, zero drama.
A camel ride in Maspalomas feels like a mini desert mission inside Gran Canaria’s massive sand dunes, with Saharawi guides keeping the whole thing smooth and calm. The key appeal here is simple: you’re not wrestling for balance for a long stretch. It’s a short, guided 30-minute ride that lets you soak up the dunes without making it an all-day project.
Two things I really like: the 2-seater saddle setup so you sit comfortably (you don’t ride on the hump), and the overall vibe of safety and animal care that keeps the experience stress-free. You also get insurance with the activity, which is a nice extra for a relatively low-priced outing.
One consideration before you go: there’s no hotel pickup, and the camel station can feel a little tricky to spot at first. If you’re direction-challenged on foot, build in a few extra minutes so you don’t rush.
In This Article
- Quick hits to know before you ride
- Arriving at Charca Maspalomas and finding the camel station
- The 2-seater saddle: the comfort advantage in the dunes
- Getting on board: how the whole process stays safe
- 30 minutes through rolling sand: what the ride actually feels like
- Timing, waiting, and why arriving early matters
- What you should bring so the ride feels easy
- Who this camel ride is best for
- Who should skip it (or reconsider)
- Price and value: why $21 for 30 minutes can make sense
- Should you book Camello Safari Duna Oasis?
- FAQ
- How long is the camel ride in Maspalomas?
- How much does it cost?
- Where do I meet for the camel ride?
- Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
- What’s included in the price?
- What should I bring with me?
- Is there a weight limit?
- Can children ride?
- Is it suitable for wheelchair users or vertigo?
Quick hits to know before you ride
- 2-seater saddle means comfort for most people who want the camel-dune experience without the full-on balancing act
- Saharawi guides ride alongside and help you get on, get settled, and stay oriented
- 30-minute duration is long enough to feel the dunes, short enough to fit into a busy day
- Well-managed animal handling comes through in how smoothly the camels are prepared and managed
- Charca Maspalomas meeting point requires a bit of foot navigation (plan to arrive a little early)
Arriving at Charca Maspalomas and finding the camel station
This ride starts near Charca Maspalomas. You’ll continue about 5 minutes along Oceania Street, and the camel station is on the right-hand side.
Here’s the practical part: the entrance area can feel a bit hidden, and some people mention it doesn’t look obvious until you’re close. If you’re relying on walking only, I’d aim to be there early and give yourself time to locate the station without stress.
No matter what, you’ll end back at the same meeting point. So you’re basically adding a self-contained dune break to your day—no long transit, no complicated routes.
Other Maspalomas dunes tours we've reviewed in Gran Canaria
The 2-seater saddle: the comfort advantage in the dunes
The biggest difference between this ride and the typical one-person camel trek is the seating. The camels come with a comfortable 2-seater saddle, which means you don’t need to ride on the hump.
For me, that’s the reason this is such a good value-friendly activity for families and first-timers. You get the full dune setting and the fun of being on a camel, but with less awkwardness and less strain than the more basic setups.
That said, expect some movement. Even with decent padding, sand-dune walking has a rhythm, and one review noted the seat’s foam padding could be a bit better for bounce. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s worth knowing if you’re sensitive to bumps or just want the smoothest ride possible.
Getting on board: how the whole process stays safe
The experience is run in a way that focuses on keeping things controlled. Guides help with the get-on and get-off steps, and the ride is guided rather than chaotic.
A detail I really appreciate from the descriptions: the operation is set up so even families with small kids can handle it without turning the experience into a wrestling match. That doesn’t mean it’s stroller-friendly (it isn’t marketed that way), but it does suggest the staff is used to managing different ages and pacing.
One small tip you’ll thank yourself for later: bring a scarf in case it gets windy. It’s an easy fix for sand in your eyes or hair when the dunes kick up air.
30 minutes through rolling sand: what the ride actually feels like
The heart of the experience is the 30-minute ride through the Maspalomas Sand Dunes. You’ll be carried along gentle paths across the dunes, with guides along for support and direction.
This isn’t about speed. It’s about the feeling—slow enough that you can look around, notice how the light hits the sand, and actually take in the dune shapes. The silence and the wide open setting are part of why people remember this as a Europe-meets-desert moment.
Also, the ride length is a smart choice. Thirty minutes hits the sweet spot: enough time to enjoy the scenery and the “I’m really on a camel” factor, without leaving you drained or needing a whole recovery block afterward.
If you want photos, plan on doing them quickly and safely while the ride is moving. You can also buy photo options at the site (if available when you arrive), which some people say are reasonably priced.
Timing, waiting, and why arriving early matters
Your ride time is set by availability, and the activity runs for 30 minutes. It also works on a first come, first served style for the ride itself, so you may have some waiting depending on how busy it is when you arrive.
The best practical advice: arrive earlier than you think you need. People note that being on time helps, and if you’re late you may end up waiting longer than expected. Waiting, in this case, is usually part of the plan because multiple groups rotate through.
Good news: there’s typically a shady waiting area, which helps make any downtime feel less unpleasant.
Other camel ride tours we've reviewed in Gran Canaria
What you should bring so the ride feels easy
You don’t need much gear, but a few basics make this ride a lot more comfortable:
- Sunscreen (the dunes mean sun exposure is real)
- Water (bring enough for your time on site)
- Insect repellent (especially if you’re sensitive to bites)
Also, wear comfortable clothing. Light layers work well because weather can shift along the coast.
And if you’re the hat-and-sunglasses type, pack them. Even on a shorter ride, bright glare on sand is noticeable.
Who this camel ride is best for
This is a great match for people who want the dunes experience without turning it into a full day.
It also works especially well if you’re:
- doing a family-friendly day in Maspalomas
- traveling with a mix of ages (the ride is short, and procedures are designed to be manageable)
- curious about camel life and want a guided, calm experience
One small detail that adds to the charm: some camels are named, and you might hear familiar names like Raul and Santiago from the staff while you’re there.
Who should skip it (or reconsider)
This activity isn’t for everyone. It’s listed as not suitable for:
- people with mobility impairments
- wheelchair users
- people with vertigo
It also has a maximum weight limit of 100 kilograms (about 220 lbs). If you’re over that limit, this setup won’t be a safe option.
If any of those apply to you or your group, it’s worth looking for a different Maspalomas experience that fits your needs better.
Price and value: why $21 for 30 minutes can make sense
At $21 per person, the value depends on what you want from your day.
You’re paying for three things at once:
- Access to the dunes ride (the core experience)
- A comfortable seating setup (the 2-seater saddle reduces hassle and discomfort)
- Guided support plus insurance (insurance is included, which is a nice reassurance for a low-cost activity)
Is it a long adventure? No. But it’s also priced like a short outing, not like a half-day excursion. For many visitors, this is exactly the point: you get a memorable setting and a distinctive activity without spending the whole day arranging transport and schedules.
One more value factor: the experience includes a controlled setup and appears well run, with staff described as friendly and attentive. When an animal activity is well managed, it’s easier to feel relaxed, and that matters more than squeezing in extra minutes.
Should you book Camello Safari Duna Oasis?
I’d book this if you want a simple, guided camel ride through the Maspalomas dunes and you like the idea of a 2-seater saddle. It’s a good fit for families, first-timers, and anyone who wants a short, memorable break rather than a long hike.
I’d hesitate if you don’t want to handle on-foot arrival from Charca Maspalomas (since there’s no hotel pickup), or if the ride constraints apply to you—especially mobility needs, wheelchair use, vertigo, or the 100 kg limit.
If you’re reading this while planning your Gran Canaria day, this is one of those experiences that’s easy to add, easy to understand, and likely to leave you smiling long after you’re back on solid ground.
FAQ
How long is the camel ride in Maspalomas?
The ride lasts about 30 minutes.
How much does it cost?
The price is listed as $21 per person. You should check availability for exact options.
Where do I meet for the camel ride?
You start from Charca Maspalomas, then walk about 5 minutes along Oceania Street. The camel station is on the right-hand side.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
What’s included in the price?
Included are the 30-minute camel ride (first come, first served) and insurance.
What should I bring with me?
Bring sunscreen, water, and insect repellent. Wear comfortable clothing.
Is there a weight limit?
Yes. The maximum weight limit is 100 kilograms (about 220 lbs).
Can children ride?
Children younger than 3 years can ride with their parents for free.
Is it suitable for wheelchair users or vertigo?
No. It’s listed as not suitable for wheelchair users and not suitable for people with vertigo.
