Camel riding in the dunes of Maspalomas

Maspalomas looks different from camelback. You sway through its sandy dunes on a short guided route, with the camel train setting a gentle pace. The ride is a familiar Gran Canaria outing, and the dunes are part of a nature reserve and a cultural heritage site.

I like two things in particular: you get an unusual view of the dunes without committing to a long excursion, and the price is modest for a distinctive half-hour activity. The route is planned in advance, and the ride suits many first-timers, including children who may feel nervous at first.

The main catch is that your booking may not mean an immediate ride. Check-in works like a queue, and busy periods can bring long waits. The short route also offers little commentary, and some people have concerns about animals being used for rides, so it is worth weighing that before you book.

• A slow ride through the dunes: Expect a gentle camel train, not a fast or demanding outing.
• Arrive early: The station recommends coming between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. to reduce the chance of a long wait.
• No fixed departure slot: You may be assigned a later ride after check-in, even if you arrive in the morning.
• Dress for sand and sun: Bring water, wear sensible shoes, and consider a cap.
• Check the weight limit: Passengers over 110 kg (220 lb) cannot ride.
• A simple route, not a talk: The main appeal is the ride and the dunes, not an extended lesson about camels or local nature.

A camel’s-eye view of Maspalomas

This is a brief, accessible way to see part of the Maspalomas dunes from a very different seat. You ride on a secured chair while the camels follow a guide along a set route, moving at a measured pace over the sand. The trip lasts about 30 minutes, though the actual ride may run a little shorter or longer.

The setting matters. Maspalomas is known for its dunes, and the camel ride offers an easy way to cross a section of them without walking the whole route. It is not a journey across an endless desert, however. The ride follows a defined path and returns to the starting point, so keep your expectations in proportion.

The outing is also described as a cultural heritage activity in the region. That gives the ride a local identity beyond its novelty, but you should not expect a detailed history talk. The experience is chiefly about sitting high above the sand and letting the camel train carry you through the dunes.

What happens from check-in to the ride

The meeting point is Camel Safari at C. Oceanía, 35100 Gran Canaria, Las Palmas. The activity ends back there, and the station is near public transportation. Some visitors find the route from their bus drop-off less obvious than expected, so allow a little time to locate the station rather than arriving at the last minute.

At check-in, you join the day’s queue. This is the most important practical detail: online booking helps secure a date, but the departure order is handled on site. If demand is high, you may be assigned a later ride. One person who arrived at 10:00 a.m. was given a 1:00 p.m. slot, while early arrivals sometimes waited around an hour. In summer, especially July and August, demand can be high and places are limited.

The station’s stated hours are 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., while its listed opening schedule runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The practical advice is clearer than the difference between those times: arrive between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m., and preferably near the start of the day. Do not plan a tight connection or another timed activity immediately afterward.

Once your turn comes, you board the camel chair with help from the handlers. Camels rise and kneel to let riders get on and off, and this movement can feel surprising if you have never ridden one. The ride itself is slow and steady. The group follows the planned route, passes through the dunes, and returns to the station.

What the dunes ride feels like

The camel’s pace is part of the appeal. You are not covering ground quickly; you are swaying along, looking out over sand and low dune vegetation. Some people find the movement soothing, while others find the seat a little uncomfortable. For a first camel ride, the slow pace can make the outing feel manageable rather than intimidating.

The duration is listed as approximately 30 minutes. Actual rides have been described as roughly 25 to 35 minutes, so think of half an hour as a useful guide, not a promise to the minute. A few extra minutes can make the outing feel like good value, while anyone expecting a long trek may find the route short.

You may get a view of the dunes, but do not count on reaching the beach or travelling deep into the reserve. The route stays within a limited area, and some riders have found the scenery less expansive than the classic desert image suggests. If your main goal is a long walk among the dunes, exploring on foot may suit you better.

There is not much structured interpretation during the ride. The guide leads the group, but you should not book this expecting a detailed account of camel care, local wildlife, or the area’s history. A few visitors have wished for more information and time to ask questions. The activity works best when you see it as a short ride with a striking setting, not a guided nature lesson.

The camels, handlers, and welfare question

Handlers help manage the animals and riders, and several practical details can make the ride feel orderly. The chairs are secured, and handlers may adjust the arrangement to balance riders. Camels have names, and some people find the animals gentle and the staff friendly. For nervous first-timers, that calm pace and hands-on help can make a real difference.

Still, animal welfare is a fair concern to consider before booking. Some riders have objected to the camels being muzzled, carrying two people, or working in repeated trips. Others have felt the animals appeared well cared for. Those contrasting impressions do not settle the question for you, but they do make it sensible to decide whether a camel ride fits your own standards for animal tourism.

The activity listing does not provide detailed information about the camels’ working hours, care routines, or rest periods. If those details are central to your decision, you may want to ask the operator before paying. On the day, watch how the animals are handled and follow the staff’s instructions. If the arrangement makes you uncomfortable, you can choose to skip the ride rather than feel obliged to continue.

Price, waiting time, and what you get

At $21.69 per person, this is a relatively low-cost way to add a distinct activity to a Gran Canaria visit. The price buys a short ride through the dunes, a guide-led route, and the novelty of seeing Maspalomas from camelback. It is easier to justify if you are travelling with children or have always wanted to try riding a camel.

The value depends heavily on the wait. A 30-minute ride for around $22 feels reasonable; several hours at the station can change the calculation. Since departures are assigned in person and depend on the queue, arrive early and keep the rest of your day flexible. If you are given a later time, the nearby dunes and beach may give you a way to use the gap, but do not assume you will want to spend a long stretch waiting in the sun.

Photos may be taken during the ride and offered for purchase afterward. One reported price was €5 per printed photo. Treat that as an optional extra, not something included in the ticket price.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity’s start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before are not accepted for a refund or change. The cutoff follows local time.

Timing, comfort, and who should ride

The strongest practical advice is to arrive early. The station specifically recommends 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., and early arrival gives you a better chance of avoiding the longest queues. This is especially useful during July and August, when the operator says visitor numbers rise and places are limited.

Heat can be a bigger issue than the ride itself. The route is outdoors, and the sun can feel strong even when a breeze makes the day seem pleasant. Bring water, wear a cap, and choose comfortable clothes. Sensible shoes are useful around the station and in sandy areas, where there may be animal droppings and the ordinary smells of a working animal stop.

Most people can participate, but there is a firm weight restriction: passengers over 110 kg or 220 lb cannot ride, for comfort and weight reasons. If you are booking for a group, check this in advance so nobody is surprised at the station. The activity has a maximum group size of 70, though the queue and ride assignments still shape how long you wait.

Families with children may find this a good short outing, especially if a child has been eager to ride a camel. A nervous child may settle once the ride begins, but the camel’s kneeling and rising can feel unusual. Older visitors may also enjoy the slow pace, provided they are comfortable getting on and off the animal.

Should you book the Maspalomas camel ride?

Book it if you want a short, affordable, unusual activity and are happy with a simple ride rather than a long expedition or an educational tour. The camel pace, sandy route, and chance to see the dunes from a different height are the real draw. Arrive early, leave room in your schedule, and bring water.

Think twice if you dislike animal rides, expect a deep trip into the dunes, or need a guaranteed departure time. The queue can stretch, the route is brief, and commentary is limited. For the right expectations, it can be a memorable half-hour; for a carefully timed day or a visitor uneasy about animal tourism, a walk through the dunes may be the better choice.

FAQ

How long does the camel ride last?

The ride lasts approximately 30 minutes. Actual ride times may be around 25 to 35 minutes.

How much does the activity cost?

The listed price is $21.69 per person.

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 meeting point.

What time should I arrive?

The station recommends arriving between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. to reduce the chance of a long wait.

Does booking guarantee a set departure time?

No. Check-in follows a first-come queue, and you may be assigned a later ride after you arrive.

What are the station’s opening hours?

The stated station hours are 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The listed schedule shows daily opening from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. Passengers weighing over 110 kg or 220 lb cannot ride.

How many people can join the activity?

The activity has a maximum of 70 travelers.

Is the activity suitable for most people?

Most travelers can participate, subject to the weight restriction and their comfort with getting on and off a camel.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the activity’s start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before are not refunded.