Maspalomas: Guided Camel Ride in the Maspalomas Sand Dunes

The appeal here is simple: you get to cross Gran Canaria’s famous dunes at camel pace, with sand, sky and the quiet rhythm of a small camel train around you. I like that the two-person saddle makes the ride less daunting, and that the Saharawi guides stay with the group and help riders, including children, get settled.

There’s a practical catch: this is a short ride, not a long trek with a planned photo stop. The camel ride lasts about 30 minutes, and boarding is first come, first served, so you may wait before your turn.

At a glance: what makes this ride worthwhile

• A rare way to cross the Maspalomas dunes: You travel through the sand on camelback rather than simply viewing the dunes from the edge.
• A two-seat saddle, not a bare hump: You sit in a wooden riding frame with padding, sharing the saddle with another person.
• Guides stay close: Saharawi guides accompany the group and assist with getting on and off safely.
• A compact outing: The ride itself takes about 30 minutes, making it easy to fit into a day around Maspalomas.
• A modest price: At $21 per person, it’s a reasonably priced chance to try a camel ride in a striking setting.
• A few limits to plan around: The maximum weight is 100 kilograms, and the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users or people with vertigo.

From Charca Maspalomas to the camel station

The meeting point is near Charca Maspalomas. From there, continue about five minutes along Oceania Street; the camel station is on the right-hand side. The end point is the same as the start, so you won’t need to arrange a separate pickup after the ride.

The station can be easy to miss if you expect a large entrance on a main road. Follow the location carefully, and allow time to find it rather than arriving at the last minute. If you’re taking a taxi, ask to be dropped at the camel ride, then walk the short distance to the station.

There’s no hotel pickup or drop-off included. That keeps the price down, but you’ll need to make your own way there and back. Check the exact starting times when you book, since availability varies.

Boarding, waiting and getting comfortable

The ride is first come, first served. That means your booking secures your activity, but it may not mean you step onto a camel the moment you arrive. Turning up early is sensible, especially if you have children or a tight schedule afterward. One useful tip is to arrive around 20 minutes ahead, giving yourself a buffer to locate the station and get organized.

The waiting area has been described as shaded and spacious, a welcome detail in the sun. Still, bring water and sunscreen, and consider a hat and sunglasses. Wind can pick up across the dunes, so a light scarf is also a handy option.

Before setting off, guides help riders get on and off. This matters because a camel’s movements can feel surprising if it’s your first time. The saddle is designed for two people and has a wooden frame with padding, so you’re not perched directly on the hump. A little bouncing is part of the ride, and the seat may feel firm over time.

Children younger than three can ride free with a parent. Families have used the outing with children of different ages, but the maximum weight limit is 100 kilograms per participant. If you have questions about how a child will fit in the saddle, check with the operator before booking.

Thirty minutes among the dunes

Once the group sets out, you move at the steady pace of the camel train through the rolling sand dunes. The appeal is less about covering ground quickly and more about seeing the dunes from within them. You’re low above the sand, moving with the animals, and the open setting gives this short ride a distinctly different feel from a standard bus or walking tour.

The route lasts around 30 minutes. It is a guided ride, not a private excursion, and there is no guaranteed stop for photographs. If taking pictures matters to you, be ready to use your camera while the group is moving, or ask the staff whether there will be a suitable moment. Some riders have found that staff are willing to help with photos, and a quality photo may be available to buy, but that is not part of the included ride.

The guides speak Spanish, English and German. Their role is practical as well as informative: they accompany the group, help manage the ride and offer support during boarding. You may hear them call individual camels by name; Raul and Santiago are two names associated with the camels here.

The ride ends back at the camel station, so you can continue your day from the same spot. Think of it as a memorable half-hour activity, not a full tour of the dunes or a substitute for exploring the area on foot.

What the camel ride feels like

For many people, the most memorable part is the change of pace. A camel’s slow, swaying walk gives you time to take in the sand and open sky, and the group’s movement can feel peaceful once you settle into the saddle. The shift as the animal stands or kneels may be less smooth than the ride itself, which is why it helps to follow the guides’ instructions closely.

The two-seat arrangement makes this more accessible to first-time riders than a saddle that puts you directly on the animal’s back. You can share the ride with a companion, though the ride is still outdoors and exposed to sun and wind. Comfortable clothes are a good idea, and you should avoid bringing anything you would be upset to get sandy.

The camels are often described as calm and in good condition, and care for the animals is an important part of deciding whether this activity feels right for you. The guides know the animals and handle the boarding process, but you should still pay attention to how you feel about animal rides before booking. If you do take part, treat the camels gently and follow staff directions.

Is $21 good value for half an hour?

At $21 per person, this is a relatively affordable activity for a distinctive setting. The price includes a 30-minute camel ride and insurance. You’re paying for a brief guided experience, not a long excursion, transport or a meal, so the value depends on how much you want to try camel riding and see the dunes from the saddle.

I think the price makes most sense for a first-time camel ride, a family outing or a simple activity to add to a Maspalomas day. The combination of the unusual ride and the dune setting is the main draw. If you’re looking for a long route, extended time for photos or a deeper guided exploration of the area, this short circuit may feel limited.

There are a few extra costs to keep in mind. You arrange your own transportation, and any optional photo is not included. The activity does offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available, which can be useful if your plans are still taking shape.

Who should book this experience?

This ride suits first-time camel riders, families with children and anyone who wants a short, unusual activity without setting aside half a day. The saddle is built for two, and guides assist with getting on and off, which can make the experience feel manageable for newcomers. Children under three may ride free with a parent.

It is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments, and it is also not recommended for people with vertigo. Anyone over 100 kilograms cannot take part. If you’re unsure whether the boarding or saddle will work for you, contact the operator before making plans.

The heat and exposure are worth considering, too. Bring water and sunscreen, wear comfortable clothing, and add insect repellent as advised. A scarf, sunglasses and hat can help if it’s bright or breezy. Early starts may feel more comfortable in warm weather, but check availability for the day you want.

Should you book the Maspalomas camel ride?

Book it if you want a compact, reasonably priced way to experience the dunes and you’re happy with a guided ride that lasts about half an hour. The two-person saddle, attentive assistance and unusual setting give the outing a clear purpose, especially for families or first-time riders.

Skip it if you want a long trek, guaranteed time to stop for photos or an activity that avoids animal riding. Arrive early, bring sun protection and water, and leave some flexibility in your schedule in case you have to wait for your turn. With those expectations, this can be a memorable addition to a Maspalomas visit.

FAQ

How long is the camel ride?

The ride lasts about 30 minutes.

Where does the ride start?

It starts at the camel station near Charca Maspalomas. Continue about five minutes along Oceania Street; the station is on the right-hand side.

Where does the activity end?

It ends back at the meeting point.

What languages do the guides speak?

The guides speak Spanish, English and German.

How much does the ride cost?

The listed price is $21 per person.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Can children younger than three take part?

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

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum weight limit is 100 kilograms.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, water and insect repellent. Comfortable clothing is advised.

Can I cancel my booking for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.