Camel Riding in Maspalomas Dunes

Maspalomas Dunes are best known for their shifting sand, but a 30-minute camel ride gives you a different way to see this protected stretch of Gran Canaria. You sit in a two-person saddle on the camel’s flank, while a guide leads the group through the reserve.

I like two things here: the ride offers a change of pace from the beach, and the side-by-side seats mean you do not have to balance on a hump. The guides also get praise for helping people feel at ease, including nervous riders and families with children.

The main drawback is the uncertain wait. Rides start in groups, and busy periods can mean anything from a short pause to a much longer one. The short route may also feel modest if you expect a long trek into the countryside.

• The ride lasts about 30 minutes, a compact way to see part of the dunes without committing to a long outing.
• You ride in a two-seat saddle beside the camel’s hump, so you can share the ride with a companion.
• Guides lead the camels through the Maspalomas reserve, with views over sandy and rocky terrain.
• Arrive early if you can. Waits have ranged from little or none to more than an hour.
• The ride costs $21.63 per person, with insurance and a professional guide included.
• Check the schedule before making firm plans. The stated ride-start information and listed opening hours do not fully match.

A camel’s-eye view of Maspalomas

Maspalomas Dunes are a striking natural feature on Gran Canaria’s southern coast. A camel ride gives you a low, slow-moving view of the reserve, quite different from a walk across the sand or a look from a nearby road. The route is short, but it makes the dunes themselves the focus rather than treating them as a quick backdrop between other stops.

This is a guided outing, not an independent ride. You travel in a small group behind a handler, with the camels following a set route through the reserve. The ride is described as a gentle stroll, so expect an easygoing pace rather than a fast trek or a demanding adventure.

The saddles are set on the camels’ flanks, with room for two people. That arrangement makes this a practical choice if you want to ride beside a friend, partner, or child. You do not need to sit astride a hump, which can sound reassuring if the thought of mounting a camel feels more daunting than fun.

What the 30-minute route feels like

The activity begins at the Maspalomas Dunes dromedary meeting point on C. Oceanía, in San Bartolomé de Tirajana. From there, you head into the Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas. The route takes you across the sandy reserve, with panoramic views over the rocky desert terrain.

The short duration is part of the appeal. Thirty minutes gives you time to settle into the swaying motion and take in the setting, but it does not turn the ride into a major physical commitment. If you are travelling with children or fitting the outing between beach time and other plans, that limited length may suit you well.

Keep your expectations in proportion. This is a pleasant, unusual way to see the dunes, not an extended expedition through every corner of the reserve. One rider found the area less scenic than expected, while others enjoyed seeing the dunes from camelback. Your view will depend partly on what you expect: the ride offers a different angle on the terrain, not a full tour of Gran Canaria’s countryside.

When the ride ends, you return to the same meeting point. That keeps the outing straightforward, but there is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You will need to arrange your own way there and back.

The camels, saddles, and guides

The camels are described as calm and easy to ride, and the two-person saddle is the key practical detail. You sit alongside your companion in a seat fitted to the camel’s flank, rather than trying to balance on the animal’s back. The guides help riders get settled and, in particular, can help if you feel nervous.

Some riders have recalled camels by name, including José, Sambuca, and Jamie. Those names are individual animals, not a promise that you will be paired with a particular camel. The useful point is that the animals and staff often become part of the memory, especially for children and anyone who enjoys meeting animals up close.

The staff receive strong praise for being friendly and helpful, and some riders appreciated having photos taken as a keepsake. Photo service and prices are not specified, so ask at the site if you are interested rather than assuming it is included. The tour price covers insurance and a professional guide, but not food or drinks.

There is an important animal-welfare consideration. Many riders felt the camels were well cared for and calm, but one account raised serious concerns about injuries and equipment. I cannot verify either account from the information available. If animal welfare is a deciding factor for you, look closely at the animals and their handling when you arrive, and decide whether you are comfortable taking part.

Timing, queues, and the best time to go

Arrive early if you want to reduce the chance of a long wait. Some people arrived before the first ride and got on promptly; others who arrived around late morning waited about 20 to 30 minutes, and a few reported waits of an hour or longer. Another person was assigned a much later time after arriving at 11 a.m. There is no guaranteed wait time, especially when the site is busy.

The supplied operating information needs a little care. The listed opening hours run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., every day, but the ride-start note says rides begin every 20 minutes from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Other accounts refer to rides later in the day. Since those details do not line up neatly, confirm the current schedule directly before planning around a particular departure time.

The booking information says you cannot choose a specific timetable. In practice, you may be given a time and number to wait for, rather than boarding immediately when you arrive. Bring patience, especially if you are visiting during a busy period. One rider found the waiting area pleasant, but another noted there was little nearby to occupy the time.

Morning is also the sensible choice for comfort. The route is exposed, and the sun can be strong on the sand. Riders who went early appreciated avoiding the hottest part of the day. Wear comfortable clothes, bring sunscreen and a hat, and carry water. Food and drinks are not included.

Is $21.63 good value?

At $21.63 per person, this is a reasonably priced, guided activity with a clear novelty factor. You get a half-hour ride, a guide, insurance, and a view of the dunes from camelback. For a family or a couple looking for something different from another beach afternoon, that combination can make the price worthwhile.

The value depends on your expectations. If you want a long ride, a detailed natural-history talk, or transport from your hotel, this is not that product. The ride is short, transfers are not included, and waiting can take up a sizable part of the outing. One rider felt the price was high for what was provided, while others thought it was good value. Both reactions make sense: the cost buys a distinctive activity, not a full-day excursion.

The ride is a stronger choice if you are already nearby or can combine it with other plans in the Maspalomas area. If you are travelling from farther away, factor in your own transport and the chance of a queue. The meeting point can be hard to spot, according to some visitors, so allow time to find it rather than arriving at the last minute.

The maximum group size is listed as 70. That is a fairly large ceiling, and it helps explain why a queue can build even though rides start in regular intervals. If you prefer a quiet, private outing, this may not be the right fit.

Who will enjoy the ride most

Families are a natural match. Children can ride with a parent for free if they are younger than three, and the side-by-side saddle lets a child share the seat with an adult. The ride’s short length is also helpful if you are unsure how a young child will react to the movement or the animals.

It can also suit nervous first-time riders. Several accounts describe staff taking care to reassure people, and the slow pace and supported seating may feel less intimidating than a conventional horseback ride. Still, you will be on a moving animal, so it is not a good choice if you are uncomfortable around camels.

There is a firm weight limit: passengers weighing over 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds, cannot ride due to comfort and weight. If this applies to anyone in your party, check the terms before booking. One person reported that their companion could not ride and that a partial refund was still unresolved, so it is worth sorting out eligibility in advance rather than relying on a last-minute adjustment.

The activity is also suitable for most participants, and service animals are allowed. If you have a specific mobility concern, ask the operator beforehand. One rider described the bucket-style seats as manageable for a disabled companion, but that single account does not establish that the ride works for every access need.

Before you set out

The meeting point is Maspalomas Dunes dromedary, C. Oceanía, 13, 35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Las Palmas. The ride ends back there. Public transportation is nearby, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not provided. If you are coming from the cruise port or another part of the island, plan your own transport; one rider found the distance from the port inconvenient.

Confirmation is received at booking, and the activity is offered in English. It is usually booked about 12 days ahead, so do not assume you can always turn up and get an immediate place. The maximum group size is 70, and queue times vary.

The cancellation terms are straightforward: cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund or change. The cut-off follows local time.

Should you book the Maspalomas camel ride?

Book it if you want a short, distinctive outing, like being around animals, and are happy to let the dunes set the pace. The 30-minute route, shared saddle, friendly staff, and modest price make it especially appealing for families and curious first-time riders.

Skip it if you expect a long trek, need a tightly timed schedule, or are uneasy about the animal-welfare concerns raised by one account. If you decide to go, arrive early, confirm the current ride schedule, and bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. That small bit of planning can make a simple half-hour ride a much easier fit into your day.

FAQ

How long does the camel ride last?

The ride lasts about 30 minutes.

How much does the ride cost?

The listed price is $21.63 per person.

Where does the ride start and end?

It starts at Maspalomas Dunes dromedary, C. Oceanía, 13, 35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Las Palmas, Spain, and ends back at the meeting point.

What is included in the price?

Insurance and a professional guide are included. Hotel pickup and drop-off, food, and drinks are not included.

Can I choose a ride time?

The activity information says it is not possible to book a specific timetable. It also states that rides start every 20 minutes from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., while the listed opening hours run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Confirm the current schedule before you go.

Can young children ride?

Children younger than three can ride with their parents for free. Passengers weighing over 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds, cannot ride.

Can I cancel for a refund?

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