Camel Safari through the Dunes of Maspalomas

The striking part of this outing is the change of pace: you leave the roads and resort buildings behind and ride a camel through the sandy Maspalomas Dunes. Each animal carries two riders, so couples can share a saddle, and families can turn a short ride into a memorable island outing.

I like two things in particular: the 30-minute ride is a manageable introduction to camel riding, and the dunes offer a very different view of Gran Canaria. The main drawback is the wait. Even an early arrival has not always meant a quick start, so treat the ride time as approximate and plan some flexibility.

At a glance

• Two riders per camel: A practical fit for couples, though you may share with someone else if you are not booking as a pair.
• A 30-minute route: Long enough for a taste of the dunes, but some people find the ride short or slow.
• Early arrival matters: The station is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and queues can grow.
• A family-friendly pace: The camels move calmly, and the staff have helped nervous children feel more at ease.
• A 100 kg limit: Passengers over this weight cannot ride, for the camels’ comfort.
• Animal welfare is worth considering: Some riders have raised concerns about the metal muzzles and rope harnesses.

A slow ride into the Maspalomas Dunes

The safari begins at the Camel Safari station on C. Oceanía, in Gran Canaria’s Las Palmas province. From there, you join a 30-minute camel ride through the Maspalomas Dunes, then return to the same meeting point. The dunes are the reason to come: from a camel’s back, the sandy terrain feels like a distinct side of the island, far removed from the usual seaside holiday scene.

The ride is a gentle one, not a fast-paced adventure. That is part of its appeal for families and first-time riders, but it also shapes expectations. You will not cover a huge area or spend the afternoon exploring on foot. You get a short, guided circuit that offers time to watch the camels move and take in the dunes.

The route’s slow pace can feel restful, especially if you want a low-effort activity between beach days. It can also feel repetitive after a few minutes if you expect a lively excursion or a detailed tour of the terrain. Think of it as a brief scenic ride, not a full-day safari.

Getting settled at the camel station

The meeting point is listed as Camel Safari, C. Oceanía, 35100 Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain. One useful caution: some riders have found the address confusing, so check the location carefully before setting out. The activity ends back at the starting point, which makes it simple to plan around once you have found the station.

The attraction is open Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The practical advice is to arrive early, ideally between 9 and 11 a.m. But early does not guarantee you will be on a camel right away. People who arrived in the morning have sometimes faced a substantial queue, including waits of an hour or more.

That uncertainty matters more than the ride’s short duration. If you have another booking, a meal reservation, or a tight transfer later in the day, leave a generous gap. A 30-minute ride can take much longer from arrival to finish if the station is busy.

The activity can accommodate up to 90 people, so the maximum group size is not small. That may make the station feel busy at peak times, and it helps explain why showing up early is sensible. The ride itself is still a small-group experience on the camels, but you may share the waiting area with many others.

What the 30-minute ride feels like

Each camel has seating for two people. Couples can sit together, while solo riders may be paired with another passenger, depending on how the group is arranged. A camel named Daniel has been a memorable companion for one rider, but there is no guarantee you will meet that particular animal.

The camels move at a measured pace, and the ride is designed to be calm rather than thrilling. That can suit children or anyone nervous about riding. Parents have found the staff friendly and helpful when a child felt unsure, and the steady motion helped make the trip manageable.

The experience does not appear to be built around a long spoken tour. Do not count on a detailed explanation of camel behavior or dune ecology during the ride. One rider wished the guide had shared more information, while other comments focused on the friendly staff and the scenery. If you want a deeper account of the dunes, plan to learn about them separately.

Thirty minutes is a compromise. It is a reasonable length if you want to try camel riding without committing half a day, and the price keeps the outing accessible. But the ride can feel short if you are hoping for an extended journey. Some riders say it becomes boring after a few minutes, while others find the gentle pace and views the best part.

The dunes, the heat, and what to bring

The dunes are the star of this activity, and they give you a view of Gran Canaria that feels distinct from the island’s coastal resorts. The ride offers an easy way to see them without making the outing a long walk. If you are visiting with children, that shift in scenery and transport can make an ordinary holiday morning feel special.

Sun protection is a sensible choice. A rider specifically recommends sunscreen, and strong heat has made the ride uncomfortable for some people. The station operates in the morning and afternoon, but the supplied hours do not promise a cooler time slot. If heat bothers you, ask about current conditions before you go and avoid treating the ride as shade or shelter.

You may want to bring water and wear clothes that are comfortable for sitting on a moving animal. Coffee and tea are not included. No other food or drink is specified as part of the experience, so do not count on refreshments being provided.

Camel welfare and the equipment

Animal welfare is the most personal consideration here. Some people describe the camels as calm and well cared for, and praise staff for being kind to the animals as well as to families. Others have expressed concern about visible marks on the camels’ legs and about equipment that includes metal muzzles and handmade rope harnesses.

Those accounts do not settle the question for you, but they are worth weighing before booking. If the sight of a muzzle or rope harness would make it hard for you to enjoy the ride, this may not be the right activity. If you are comfortable making that judgment in person, take a moment to observe the animals and equipment before you decide to participate.

The weight restriction is also explicitly tied to the camels’ comfort. Passengers weighing more than 100 kg cannot ride. That is a firm limit to consider before booking, not a detail to leave until arrival.

Is $21.63 good value?

At $21.63 per person, the price is modest for a guided activity with a camel ride, insurance, and fees and taxes included. For a couple, the cost buys a shared saddle and a short, unusual way to see the dunes. For a family, it can be a memorable activity without the price or time commitment of a full excursion.

Value depends on what you expect. If you want a brief novelty, a gentle ride, and a new view of Gran Canaria, the price is fair. If you expect a long route, detailed guiding, or a seamless experience from arrival to departure, you may come away less satisfied, especially if the queue is long.

Photos may be available to buy separately. One rider paid €5 for a photo, but that is not included in the ticket price, and the fee may vary. Coffee and tea are also excluded.

Booking, timing, and cancellation

The experience is offered in English, and you receive a mobile ticket. Booking about seven days ahead is typical, though availability can vary. Booking online in advance may help you secure a place, but it does not remove the possibility of a wait at the station. If timing matters, check whether a specific start time is available before you pay.

Most people can participate, subject to the 100 kg passenger limit. The experience requires good weather. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time; cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted. If poor weather forces the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Who should book this camel safari?

I would consider this outing if you are curious about riding a camel, want a family activity that does not require a full day, or like the idea of seeing the dunes at a relaxed pace. Couples may especially enjoy the two-person seating, and the steady ride can work well for children who are comfortable around animals.

I would think twice if you dislike queues, need a tightly timed schedule, want a long ride, or expect a guide to provide a detailed natural history lesson. I would also weigh the equipment concerns carefully if animal welfare is central to your travel choices.

For the best chance of a smoother morning, aim to arrive close to opening at 9 a.m., bring sun protection, and leave room in your schedule for a wait. Book it for the unusual half hour on camelback, not for a polished, all-day excursion.

FAQ

How long is the camel ride?

The ride lasts approximately 30 minutes and returns to the meeting point.

Where does the safari start and finish?

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

How many people can sit on one camel?

Each camel seats two riders.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. Passengers weighing more than 100 kg cannot take the ride.

What are the opening hours?

The station is open Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a 30-minute camel ride, insurance, and all fees and taxes. Coffee and tea are not included.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. If the activity is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.