REVIEW · GRAN CANARIA
Camel Riding in Maspalomas Dunes
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Maspalomas dunes feel otherworldly on camelback. This short, guided ride takes you into the Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas for a gentle, sandy stroll with big panoramic views. It is a simple add-on to your day in Gran Canaria that does not need any riding experience.
I love how low-stress it is: you do not have to balance on a hump, because the camels use comfortable two-seater saddles on their flanks. I also like the relaxed pace of a 30-minute loop, guided by someone who can help you settle in and even organize quick photo moments on the way.
One thing to think about: the ride is animal-based, and while most feedback is positive, there is at least one serious report about camel condition. If animal welfare matters a lot to you, arrive early and take a quick look at how the animals are being cared for before you climb on.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth knowing
- How the 30 minutes on camelback really works
- Entering the Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas
- Camels, comfort, and what makes this feel easy
- Timing and waiting: the biggest make-or-break factor
- Meeting point in Maspalomas: where to go and how to find it
- What you should bring (and why)
- Price and value: is $21.63 worth it?
- Animal care concerns: how to handle the one big red flag
- Who should book this camel ride in Maspalomas
- Should you book a camel ride through Maspalomas dunes?
- FAQ
- How long is the camel ride?
- Where is the meeting point, and is hotel pickup included?
- Do I need experience riding a camel?
- Is there a weight limit?
- Can I choose my ride time?
- What should I wear or bring?
- Are food and drinks included?
- Is English available, and is insurance included?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key highlights worth knowing
- 30-minute dune time that fits easily into a hot-weather schedule
- Two-seater, no-hump riding that makes it feel much more comfortable than many expect
- Panoramic desert views over the rocky, desert-like part of Maspalomas
- Professional guide + insurance included for peace of mind
- Short ride slots every 20 minutes between 9:00 and 11:00, so plan around set start waves
- Price-friendly at about $21.63 for a guided excursion (but no hotel pickup, no drinks)
How the 30 minutes on camelback really works
This is a straightforward experience. You show up, get your spot, and then you ride for about 30 minutes through the dunes. The camels walk, you sit, and the guide keeps the group moving at a calm pace. It feels like a moving way to experience Maspalomas that you cannot replicate on foot in the same way—especially when your goal is dunes plus a little “wow” factor without doing a long hike.
The dune path is soft and sandy underfoot, so it is not the kind of activity where you need footwear designed for technical terrain. Still, expect your ride to involve some slow stepping and gentle turns, like you are traveling through a natural sand maze rather than cruising along a paved track.
The group size is capped (up to 70 travelers), and because rides depart on a regular rhythm, the experience tends to be organized in waves. That said, the actual time you spend waiting depends heavily on when you arrive.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Gran Canaria.
Entering the Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas
Your ride happens inside the Las Dunas de Maspalomas protected dunes area. That matters because it is not just a random sand patch. You are in the famous Maspalomas dune field that gives Gran Canaria its dramatic, desert-meets-ocean feeling.
What you get in practice is the mix of soft sand under you and the contrast of the rocky desert-like surroundings around it. Even in a short ride, that contrast reads clearly from the camel’s vantage point—higher than you would be walking through the sand, but still close enough to feel the dunes.
You should also know the scenery is not always equally “pretty” from every angle. One common type of feedback is that the route is relaxing but not always the most scenic. That does not mean it is not worth doing; it means this is more about the sensation of riding the dunes and seeing the area than about a nonstop sequence of postcard views.
Camels, comfort, and what makes this feel easy
The big comfort win here is the saddle setup. You do not need to ride on the hump. Instead, the camels have comfortable two-seater saddles located on their flanks. That detail is huge if you were picturing something more awkward or bumpy than it really is.
Most of the positive feedback focuses on how calm the camels are and how friendly the staff are. People also mention that the staff speak good English, which makes it easier to understand what to do and how to get your bearings fast.
That said, comfort has two practical limits:
- Weight limit: passengers weighing over 100kg / 220lbs cannot experience the camel ride due to comfort and safety.
- Your comfort will also depend on where you sit and how you handle the sand (some riders find sand texture fine, others want to plan for it with the right clothing).
Timing and waiting: the biggest make-or-break factor
The ride schedule is built in waves. You cannot pick a specific timetable in advance. Camel rides start every 20 minutes from 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and the activity itself is listed as operating 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
So here is the practical advice: go early if you want to minimize waiting and ride while it is still comfortable outside. A lot of the best experiences are tied to arriving early. People who show up later have reported waits ranging from around half an hour to longer stretches, including cases where it took well over an hour.
Also, the dunes can get hot. A shorter ride at cooler temperatures simply feels better, and you will enjoy the ride more if you are not waiting in sun for long.
Meeting point in Maspalomas: where to go and how to find it
Your meeting point is:
Maspalomas Dunes dromedary, C. Oceanía, 13, 35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Las Palmas, Spain
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Logistics notes that matter:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you are responsible for getting yourself there.
- It is near public transportation, which can help if you are not driving.
- Some people find it a bit hard to spot, especially with heavy foot traffic. If directions feel confusing, give yourself extra time to locate the exact desk or check-in area.
If you are combining this with another morning plan, do not schedule it too tightly. Even though the ride itself is short, the human wait time can stretch your day.
What you should bring (and why)
Because this is outdoors in the dunes, bring the basics that keep you comfortable.
Plan on:
- Comfortable clothes
- Sunscreen
- A hat
- Water
Even though the ride is only around 30 minutes, you may spend time waiting for your departure slot. Water and sun protection make that waiting phase far less unpleasant.
Food and drinks are not included, so if you are going around lunchtime, have a plan for a snack or drink before you arrive.
Price and value: is $21.63 worth it?
At about $21.63 per person, this camel ride is priced like a classic low-cost, high-fun activity—especially because you are paying for a guide and insurance. The ride time is short, but it is a focused “dunes experience” rather than a long transfer-and-tour.
Here is how to judge value honestly:
- It is good value if you factor in that you get a guided ride plus insurance, and you only need a half hour on the camel.
- It is less of a deal if you expected a full-day tour with transportation included. There is no hotel pickup, and there are no food and drinks, so your total cost can creep up if you need taxis or you end up buying water on-site.
Still, for many people, the price-to-time ratio hits the sweet spot: you get a memorable Gran Canaria moment without spending half your day getting there.
Animal care concerns: how to handle the one big red flag
Most feedback is positive about calm camels and friendly, helpful staff. But there is at least one serious negative note claiming that some camels had injuries and that care looked poor.
I cannot confirm any condition from here, so the best you can do is handle it like a responsible rider:
- Arrive early so you are not rushed.
- Before you get on, take a moment to observe the animals and how they are being handled.
- If animal welfare is a dealbreaker for you, ask staff on the spot how camels are cared for and what their routine looks like.
If you feel uneasy, you can walk away. This is not a “fighting through doubts” kind of activity. If you do not trust the situation, do not pay to participate.
Who should book this camel ride in Maspalomas
This camel ride makes sense if you want:
- A short, guided outdoor activity
- A family-friendly option that does not require fitness training
- A chance to see the Maspalomas dunes reserve from a unique perspective
It may be less ideal if:
- You want a long, hiking-style experience (this is about a 30-minute ride)
- You hate waiting outdoors and arriving early is not possible
- You fall above the 100kg / 220lbs weight limit
- You need hotel pickup (because it is not included)
One more practical note: service animals are allowed, and that can make the experience easier for some visitors.
Should you book a camel ride through Maspalomas dunes?
If you are aiming for value, simplicity, and a quick “I did it” moment in Gran Canaria, I think it is worth booking—especially if you can start early. The ride is short, the camels are described as calm, and the two-seater setup removes a lot of the fear people associate with camel riding.
I would only hesitate if either of these is true for you: you cannot arrive early enough to avoid long waits, or you are strongly concerned about animal welfare and you do not see signs of good care on the day. If you feel good about what you observe, this is a decent, low-effort way to experience the Maspalomas dunes up close.
FAQ
How long is the camel ride?
The ride is about 30 minutes long (approx.).
Where is the meeting point, and is hotel pickup included?
The meeting point is Maspalomas Dunes dromedary, C. Oceanía, 13, 35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Las Palmas, Spain. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
Do I need experience riding a camel?
No experience is required. You will ride a camel with a comfortable two-seater saddle on the flanks, and you do not need to ride on the hump.
Is there a weight limit?
Yes. Passengers weighing over 100kg / 220lbs cannot ride due to comfort and weight limits.
Can I choose my ride time?
No. You cannot book a timetable. Camel rides start every 20 minutes from 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
What should I wear or bring?
Wear comfortable clothes and bring sunscreen, a hat, and water.
Are food and drinks included?
No. Food and drinks are not included.
Is English available, and is insurance included?
The tour is offered in English and includes insurance plus a professional guide.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.
