Camel Riding in Maspalomas Dunes

A camel ride through the Maspalomas Dunes gives you a very different view of Gran Canaria. You sit high above the sand, sway along at a slow pace, and look out across the rocky desert scenery toward the coast. The ride lasts about 30 minutes, with a guide leading the camels through the Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas.

I like the gentle pace, which makes this easy for first-time riders and families. I also like the practical two-person saddles, positioned on the camel’s flanks rather than directly on its hump. The main drawback is timing: you cannot reserve a precise ride slot, and waits can become long if you arrive late in the morning.

Key points to know before you go

• The saddle sits beside the hump: You ride in a two-person seat designed for comfort rather than on top of the camel’s hump.
• The ride lasts about 30 minutes: This is a short introduction to the dunes, not a long desert expedition.
• Go early: Rides begin every 20 minutes from 9:00 to 11:00, but your exact departure is assigned at the meeting point.
• The route stays in the Maspalomas Dunes: Expect broad sand, rocky desert scenery, and open views rather than a long countryside journey.
• The price is modest: At about $21.63 per person, the experience offers an affordable novelty, especially for families.
• The service has limits: Children under 3 can ride free with a parent, but passengers over 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds, cannot ride.

A slow ride through Maspalomas’ desert scenery

The Maspalomas Dunes are one of Gran Canaria’s most recognizable natural areas. From camelback, you move through the sand at a steady, unhurried pace. The camels do the work, while you take in the open views and the unusual contrast between desert-like dunes and the nearby coast.

This is not a high-adrenaline activity. The appeal is the change of viewpoint. Walking across loose sand can be tiring, especially under the strong island sun. From the saddle, you get a raised view and a more relaxed way to cross part of the dunes.

The route is based at the Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas. The ride does not take you on a long tour of Gran Canaria’s interior, despite the broad countryside feel of the setting. It is a focused outing in and around the dune reserve, with the camel train following its guide and returning to the same starting point.

The scenery can be impressive, but keep your expectations sensible. The dunes are the main attraction, not a series of changing viewpoints. One short ride may feel repetitive if you are hoping for a full sightseeing tour of the island.

What the 30-minute itinerary feels like

You begin at the dromedary meeting point on Calle Oceanía, 13, in San Bartolomé de Tirajana. After checking in, you receive your assigned ride information and wait for your group to be called. The camel ride starts every 20 minutes during the main morning period, but you cannot choose a specific timetable when booking.

Once seated, you travel in a two-person saddle placed on the camel’s side. This arrangement matters. You are not balancing directly on the hump, and you can sit beside your companion in a more supported position. For anyone nervous about riding an animal, the broad seat and slow pace make the experience less intimidating.

The camels are described as calm and easy to ride, and the staff help people settle into the seats. One particularly useful detail is that guides have helped nervous riders feel at ease. If you are uncertain, tell the staff before you set off. A little reassurance can make a big difference.

The movement is gentle, though you still need to hold on and follow instructions when the camel stands up or sits down. That change in height can feel more dramatic than the ride itself. Wear clothes that let you sit comfortably, and avoid arriving without water or sun protection.

During the route, the guide leads the group over the dunes. You will have time to look around, take photographs, and enjoy the unusual setting. Some staff offer to take pictures for you, and photographs are available to buy separately. Food and drinks are not included.

At the end of the 30 minutes, the activity finishes back at the original meeting point. There is no hotel drop-off, and you need to arrange your own way there and back.

Why arriving early matters so much

The clearest practical advice is simple: arrive early. The operating hours listed for the activity are 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., but rides are scheduled every 20 minutes from 9:00 to 11:00. Since you receive a place on arrival rather than selecting a guaranteed time, early arrival gives you the best chance of riding soon.

Later in the morning, the wait can become uncomfortable. Some people have been assigned a much later slot, while others have waited around 30 minutes or longer. In especially busy periods, the delay may reach an hour or two. That changes the value of a $21.63 activity. The ride itself is reasonably priced, but a long wait in the sun can make the outing feel less attractive.

There is a useful way to handle this. The area is near the beach, and you can use waiting time for a walk toward the lighthouse or lagoon. Still, do not assume you can fill several hours with facilities at the camel station itself. Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen, and plan your day around the possibility of a delay.

The meeting point can also be a little hard to spot. Allow extra time for finding Calle Oceanía, especially if you are driving or unfamiliar with the Maspalomas area. More signs would make arrival easier, so do not cut it close.

Calm camels, helpful staff, and animal welfare

The strongest part of the experience is the combination of calm camels and friendly staff. The handlers are described as helpful, patient, and comfortable speaking English. That is especially useful when a child is anxious or an adult is mounting an animal for the first time.

Several individual camels have become memorable companions, including José, Sambuca, Jamie, and others with their own names. You may not ride a particular camel by request, but the personal approach helps make the outing feel less mechanical.

Animal welfare deserves a careful note. Many people find the camels well cared for and well behaved. Staff are reported to manage large groups efficiently, with enough camels to accommodate busy periods. At the same time, at least one serious complaint describes visible injuries and concerns about muzzles and care. I cannot verify the condition of every animal on every day, so you should look closely when you arrive.

If an animal appears injured, distressed, or poorly treated, speak to the operator before riding. Responsible animal tourism depends on clear standards, attentive care, shade, water, and proper equipment. The generally positive impressions do not erase the need for you to make your own judgment on the day.

Is $21.63 good value for the ride?

At about $21.63 per person, this is one of the more accessible animal experiences around a major resort area. Insurance and a professional guide are included, and the activity gives you a memorable 30-minute view of the dunes without requiring a full-day excursion.

The price works best for families, couples, and first-time visitors who want to try something unusual without spending heavily. Children under 3 years old can ride free with a parent, which helps families with very young children. The two-person seat also means you can share the experience rather than managing a separate saddle alone.

The value is less convincing if you measure the cost strictly by minutes. Thirty minutes passes quickly, and the route is fairly simple. One person’s main criticism was that the ride should have been longer, while another felt the price was high for what was provided. I would treat this as a short holiday activity, not a major excursion.

The wait is the other part of the value calculation. A prompt ride makes the price feel fair. A two-hour wait for half an hour on a camel is a different proposition. Arriving early is the easiest way to protect your time and your money.

Heat, clothing, and comfort in the dunes

The dunes offer little reason to ignore the sun. Wear light, comfortable clothes that allow you to sit easily, and bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. Early morning is the best choice for comfort, especially in warmer months.

The ride is outdoors and takes place on sand. You should expect heat, bright light, and some movement under you. The activity is not described as physically demanding, but climbing into the saddle and handling the camel’s movement still require basic mobility.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The operator sets a weight limit of 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds, because of comfort and safety. If you are close to that limit, confirm the policy before arriving. The information provided says passengers over the limit cannot ride, and a refused ride can create frustration if the issue is discovered only at check-in.

Children younger than 3 may ride with a parent for free. For older children, consider their comfort with animals, heat, and a 30-minute seated ride. The activity has been especially popular with families, but a nervous child may need calm preparation before mounting.

Getting there and planning the rest of your day

The meeting point is Maspalomas Dunes dromedary, at C. Oceanía, 13, 35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Las Palmas, Spain. The activity ends at this same point.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to arrange transport yourself. The location is near public transportation, but the exact journey will depend on where you are staying. If you are coming from a cruise port, allow plenty of time. The camel station may be farther away than expected, and there is no included transfer.

A car can give you flexibility, but busy conditions and limited signs may make the final approach slower. If you are driving, build in time to find the address, check in, and deal with any queue.

You can combine the outing with time around the nearby beach, lighthouse, or lagoon, particularly if your assigned ride is later than expected. I would not book a tight connection immediately afterward. The unreserved timing system makes this activity better for an open morning than for a schedule packed with fixed appointments.

The maximum group size is 70 people, so this is not a private ride. The camel train may feel busy at peak times. On the positive side, the operator appears set up to handle large numbers, with rides starting at regular intervals. On the negative side, a group experience gives you less control over the pace and seat assignment.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend the ride to:

• Families wanting a simple, memorable activity near Maspalomas
• Couples looking for a shared experience with unusual photographs
• First-time camel riders who prefer a slow route and supportive saddle
• Visitors with an open morning who can tolerate an uncertain departure time
• Anyone curious about seeing the dunes from above without walking across all of them

I would be more cautious if you want a long ride, a quiet private outing, or detailed interpretation of the dune reserve. The professional guide leads the experience, but the main focus is the ride itself, not an extended nature talk.

It may also disappoint you if you dislike animal rides or expect a wilderness trip far from developed areas. The outing is convenient and easy to add to a Maspalomas holiday, but it is still a commercial activity with assigned groups and a fixed 30-minute route.

Should you book the Maspalomas camel ride?

Book it if you want an affordable, family-friendly novelty and can arrive early. The calm camels, helpful English-speaking staff, comfortable side saddles, and unusual views make this a pleasant way to spend part of a morning.

Skip it if you need a precise start time, have limited patience for queues, or want a longer and more scenic journey. Before paying, check the weight restriction and consider the animal welfare conditions you see on arrival. With realistic expectations, this is a fun half-hour experience. It is not a full tour of Gran Canaria, but it can be a memorable small stop in a Maspalomas visit.

FAQ

How long is the camel ride?

The camel ride lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Where does the activity start?

It starts at Maspalomas Dunes dromedary, C. Oceanía, 13, 35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Las Palmas, Spain.

Where does the activity end?

The ride ends back at the original meeting point.

Can I choose a specific ride time?

No. A precise timetable cannot be booked. Rides start every 20 minutes from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and your ride information is assigned at the meeting point.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and water. Food and drinks are not included.

Are children under 3 allowed to ride?

Yes. Children younger than 3 years can ride with a parent for free.

Is there a weight restriction?

Yes. Passengers weighing over 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds, cannot take part in the camel ride.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must make your own way to and from the meeting point.