Camel Riding in Maspalomas Dunes

Camel time in Maspalomas is strangely relaxing. This is a straightforward ride through the dunes of Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas, with soft sand under your feet and panoramic views over a rocky desert feel. I like the fact it’s only about 30 minutes, so you can fit it into a day without losing half a vacation. I also like the setup: gentle camels with comfortable two-seater saddles on their flanks and an English-speaking professional guide.

The main thing to watch is timing. Start slots run every 20 minutes from 9:00–11:00, and if you roll in later you may wait around—some people report delays or long waits when they arrive close to late morning.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Short ride, big payoff: you’re out there for about 30 minutes, not hours.
• Dunes area is the star: the walk and ride focus on the Maspalomas dune terrain and wide views.
• Comfort-first saddle design: you don’t need to “ride the hump,” and you’ll sit in a two-seater saddle.
• Go early to reduce waiting: later arrival can mean a longer wait for your slot.
• Group size stays controlled: the activity caps at 70 travelers.
• There’s a weight limit: passengers over 100kg/220lbs can’t ride.

Maspalomas Dunes Camel Ride: What You’re Actually Buying

This tour is a 30-minute camel ride in Gran Canaria’s Maspalomas dunes area. You’ll meet at the Maspalomas Dunes dromedary area (C. Oceanía, 13, San Bartolomé de Tirajana) and then be guided into the protected dune landscape where camels move at a calm pace.

At this price point, you’re not paying for a long narrative tour or lots of extras. You’re paying for one simple thing: a relaxed way to experience the dune terrain on camelback, with a guide keeping things organized and safe.

Where it can feel especially good is when the dunes are hot. The ride is short enough that you can get the experience without overheating the way you might on a long outdoor activity.

The 30-Minute Flow: How the Ride Feels From Start to Finish

Most of your “tour time” is really about two parts: getting ready for your slot and then the ride itself.

First, you’ll check in at the meeting point and follow staff instructions for where to wait. The ride runs in repeated waves—camel starts every 20 minutes from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.—so your experience depends heavily on what time slot you land in.

Then comes the ride: the camels move slowly through the dunes, and you do not need to balance yourself on a hump. Instead, you sit in a two-seater saddle positioned on the camel’s flank, which is a big practical difference if you’re worried about climbing on or feeling awkward while seated.

If you’re the type who hates waiting, here’s the pattern I’d plan around: early arrival often means you’re closer to the first departures, and you can spend the rest of your morning elsewhere.

Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas: Why This Spot Works

The ride takes place in Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas, which is what you want if you’re going for dunes first, not just a “camel for the sake of camels” photo op.

What makes this place feel special is the visual contrast: dunes that look like sand desert stretching out in front of you, with a rocky, arid vibe around the edges. From the camel, you get a higher viewpoint than you’d get walking, which helps the dunes feel wider and more dramatic.

One small caution: a couple of people felt the route wasn’t very scenic. That doesn’t mean it’s bad—it just means expectations matter. You’re there for the dune terrain and the atmosphere more than for a route lined with obvious landmarks.

Camels, Comfort, and the Real-World Stuff

Let’s talk comfort, because this is where the tour either clicks or doesn’t.

The camels are described as gentle and easygoing, and the saddle setup is designed so you’re not trying to “ride the hump.” That matters for posture, confidence, and overall ease. Several reviews highlight how smooth and relaxing the ride feels, especially for families.

Two practical details to keep in mind:

• The tour has a weight limit of 100kg/220lbs. If you (or your group member) is above that, you’ll be turned away from riding.
• You’ll want to wear comfortable clothes and bring sunscreen, a hat, and water, because the dune setting is open and exposed.

Also, there’s a nice human detail: staff are reported as friendly and helpful, and in some cases willing to take pictures for you as a keepsake. The ride itself is short, so having a couple of good photos can really help you feel like you got your money’s worth.

Timing and Waiting: The Biggest Variable

This is the part I’d plan like a pro.

The ride starts in the late morning window: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with departures every 20 minutes. You can’t pick a specific timetable in advance, so you end up being assigned based on your slot and the run schedule.

That’s why waiting happens. Some people report minimal waiting when arriving early. Others mention waiting around 30 minutes, longer delays, or even disorganization when the first start didn’t happen on time.

If you want the smoother experience, aim to be there early. One review mentions arriving around 8:30 and getting on the first tour. Even if you don’t go that early, arriving well before 9:00 gives you more control over the rest of your day.

Price and Value: Is $21.63 Worth It?

At around $21.63 per person for about 30 minutes, this is priced like an experience you do once to tick a box—if the timing works—and still feels worth it.

Here’s the value logic I’d use:

• You’re paying for a guided experience in a specific protected dune area.
• You’re not paying for extra time, hotel transport, or food. That keeps the price down, but it also means you need to plan your own schedule around the meeting point.
• Insurance is included, and you get a professional guide, which adds real safety and organization value compared with DIY riding fantasies.

Many reviews call it great value and recommend it as something different. I agree with that broad take if you arrive early enough to avoid turning the wait into most of your morning.

If you arrive late and spend an hour waiting, the “value” equation changes. The cost doesn’t change, but the experience you get becomes mostly sitting and sun-watching instead of riding.

Meeting Point and Getting There Without Stress

You start at Maspalomas Dunes dromedary, C. Oceanía, 13, 35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Las Palmas, Spain. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Two things matter here:

1. It’s near public transportation, which helps if you’re not renting a car.
2. It can be hard to spot quickly unless you arrive early and follow signage as it’s available.

One review mentions the company needs more signs on side roads. So I’d treat this like a “go early and use your phone map carefully” situation rather than a “wing it and it’ll be obvious” plan.

Also, there isn’t much nearby to fill time, according to reviews. So if you think you might wait, don’t assume you’ll have a cafe meal or easy nearby distractions.

Who This Camel Ride Is For

This is an easy activity to recommend to the right mix of people.

Families often do well here because the ride is short, calm, and designed for sitting with the saddle setup. If your kids are old enough to participate (and under the age rule below), this is a good “nature + novelty” outing.

Couples and solo travelers also tend to enjoy it because it’s not physically intense and it fits into half a day. If you want dunes, this is a simple way to add a memorable moment without booking an all-day excursion.

Good fit if you:

• want a quick break from beach lounging
• like calm outdoor experiences
• prefer guided organization over DIY planning

Not a great fit if you:

• hate waiting and arriving early stresses you out
• expect a long, scenic hiking-style route
• need hotel pickup (none is provided)

Animal Welfare: How to Think About It Responsibly

One reason I take this kind of experience seriously is animal care. Most reviews are positive about calm, well-kept camels and attentive staff. That said, there is at least one very negative report alleging poor conditions and injuries.

What you can do with this information is practical, not paranoid:

• When you arrive, look for general cleanliness and calm behavior around the camels.
• If something feels off to you, ask staff a direct question before you ride. Since the tour includes a professional guide, you’re not going into this blindly.

I’d treat animal welfare concerns as a “trust but verify” moment. The ride itself is short, so your initial assessment can help you decide if you feel comfortable proceeding.

What to Pack (and What to Wear) for Sand Dunes Comfort

This tour keeps things simple, so your packing checklist is mostly about sun and comfort.

Bring:

• sunscreen
• a hat
• water
• comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting warm in

Wear shoes you can walk in on sand. Even if the camel does the main work, you’ll still be moving around during check-in and between your wait area and the ride start.

Also, since the ride happens outdoors and in open dunes, I’d plan your timing around heat. Several reviews explicitly recommend going earlier to avoid getting too hot.

Small Details That Make the Experience Smoother

A few features can reduce friction on the day:

• Mobile ticket: you don’t need to hunt for printed paperwork, which speeds up check-in.
• Insurance included: not something you feel while riding, but it matters for peace of mind.
• Service animals allowed: useful if you travel with a companion animal.
• English offered: this helps you understand instructions quickly.
• Max 70 travelers: group size isn’t tiny, but it’s capped, which can prevent the line from getting chaotic.

Children policy is also clear: children younger than 3 ride with their parents for free. Just confirm how seating works for your child on the saddle during check-in, since the tour uses specific two-seater saddle arrangements.

Should You Book the Camel Riding in Maspalomas Dunes?

I’d book it if you want a quick, low-stress way to experience Maspalomas dunes on camelback, and you can commit to arriving early so you’re not stuck waiting in the heat.

Skip or rethink if:

• you’re likely to arrive after the rush and hate waiting around
• you or someone in your group is over 100kg/220lbs
• you strongly need hotel pickup or food included
• you’re uncomfortable about animal welfare based on what you observe on arrival

If your schedule allows an early morning start, this tour tends to deliver what it promises: a calm camel ride, dune views, and a memorable change of pace for a reasonable price.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the camel ride in Maspalomas?

The ride lasts about 30 minutes (approx.).

Where does the activity 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 same meeting point.

What time do camel rides run?

Camel rides start every 20 minutes from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The activity hours run Monday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Can I choose a specific departure time?

No. It is not possible to book a timetable; a camel ride starts every 20 minutes during the morning window.

What’s included in the price?

Insurance and a professional guide are included.

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?

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

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What should I bring for the dunes?

Wear or bring comfortable clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and water.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. Passengers weighing over 100kg or 220lbs cannot experience the camel ride due to comfort and weight limits.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes. Service animals are allowed.

What if I need to cancel?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount paid is not refunded.