Camel Safari through the Dunes of Maspalomas

REVIEW · GRAN CANARIA

Camel Safari through the Dunes of Maspalomas

  • 3.573 reviews
  • 30 minutes (approx.)
  • From $21.63
Book on Viator →

Operated by Camello Safari Duna Oasis · Bookable on Viator

You can trade pavement for sand in half an hour. This camel safari in Maspalomas is a simple, family-friendly way to see a totally different side of Gran Canaria, and it’s built for easy sharing since each camel seats two riders. I also like how the staff comes across as genuinely friendly, and that you might even hear camel names like Daniel; one traveler called out a smooth ride and great care. The main drawback is logistics: if you show up late, you could lose serious time in queues before your ride.

For couples, it’s one of those rare tours where the format naturally supports being together, not split up. And for kids or first-timers, the ride is short enough to feel fun instead of tiring, even when temperatures get up there. Still, there’s an animal-equipment conversation worth knowing up front, since some gear details (like metal muzzles and rope harnesses) can look odd and may not match what you expect.

Plan smart and you’ll enjoy it more. Try to arrive between 9:00 and 11:00 to avoid long waits, and note the camel comfort rule: riders over 100 kg can’t participate. On top of that, the experience depends on weather, and the ride length is what it is—30 minutes—so you’ll want to go in expecting a quick taste of the dunes, not a long outing.

Key things to know before you step into the dunes

Camel Safari through the Dunes of Maspalomas - Key things to know before you step into the dunes

  • Two riders per camel makes it naturally couple- and family-friendly
  • 30 minutes on the camel is short, so timing and expectations matter
  • Arrive 9:00–11:00 to reduce the risk of a long queue
  • Max group size 90 means it can feel busy at peak times
  • Riders over 100 kg can’t ride (camel comfort rule)
  • Weather matters; if conditions are poor, you’ll need an alternate date or refund

Where you ride: Maspalomas dunes, not city streets

This camel safari takes place in the Maspalomas Dunes area of Gran Canaria, where the setting is all about sand, open space, and that slow-motion feeling you just don’t get back in town. The whole activity is designed around one main chunk: get to the camel station, ride through the dunes, then return to the same place.

The meeting point is Camel safari, C. Oceanía, 35100 Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain, and the activity ends back there as well. There’s also a note that it’s near public transportation, which is handy if you’re not renting a car or you don’t want to fight parking.

You’ll find the experience runs daily during the main operating window, roughly 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Dates listed run from early May into October, and the provider notes that the ride needs good weather.

A few more Gran Canaria tours and experiences worth a look

The simple itinerary: one station, one ride, back again

Camel Safari through the Dunes of Maspalomas - The simple itinerary: one station, one ride, back again
The schedule is straightforward: you reach the camel station in Maspalomas, and then you’re set up for a 30-minute camel ride. There’s no shuffle through multiple stops, no long bus ride between viewpoints, and no long sit-around segment built into the plan.

So what makes the ride worth it? It’s not about a lecture or a complex route. It’s about the change in pace and texture—sand underfoot, a new perspective on the dunes, and a relaxed rhythm that’s easy to enjoy even if you don’t speak much Spanish.

The tour ticket includes admission and covers the camel ride portion, so you can treat this like a compact activity you can plug into a morning. A lot of people seem to do it as a break from beach time, especially because the dunes feel like another world compared to the usual resort scenes.

Price and value: what $21.63 actually buys you

Camel Safari through the Dunes of Maspalomas - Price and value: what $21.63 actually buys you
At $21.63 per person, this is priced like a small, practical experience—not a big excursion. The good news is that it includes key pieces:

  • the 30-minute camel ride
  • insurance
  • all fees and taxes

That matters, because “cheap” tours sometimes turn into a surprise list of extra payments. Here, your main baseline cost is the one you see.

What’s not included is coffee and/or tea. So if you want a caffeine hit, you’ll likely need to plan for that on your own.

There’s also a small optional add-on that came up: a photo for 5 euros. If you like having a keepsake without fuss, it’s one of those add-ons that won’t derail your budget. If you don’t care about photos, you can skip it and still get the full value out of the ride itself.

One more value detail: the tour lists a maximum of 90 travelers. That’s not tiny, but it helps explain why queues can form—this is more like a managed line than a private safari.

Timing reality: why 9:00 to 11:00 is your friend

This is the part that can make or break the day: arrive between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. The reason is simple—shorter lines and a smoother flow to your turn.

If you come later, you’re risking more waiting time. One negative experience described a late arrival and then long waits before the ride finally started, plus a slow pace during the ride. You don’t need to panic over it, but you do want to respect the queue risk.

The opening hours run from 9:00 AM onward, so you’ve got a built-in window where you can win. If your schedule allows, I’d treat this like an early-morning activity, even if you’re on vacation and want to sleep in a little. You can always do a beach afternoon after.

Also note: the ride depends on weather. If conditions are rough, the provider may cancel and offer a different date or a full refund. That means it can be smart to keep this activity flexible when planning your day.

What you’ll feel during the ride (and what to expect about pacing)

This ride is short by design. You’re on the camel for about 30 minutes, so there’s a natural limit to how much you can see and how much narration you’ll get.

In a positive version of the experience, the camels are described as well cared for and the ride as smooth. In a less positive account, the pace felt unbearably slow and the guide spent a lot of time on a phone instead of offering info. That tells you something important: you’re not buying a high-touch guided nature walk. You’re buying time on a camel with dunes around you.

My practical take: go into this expecting a calm, scenic ride rather than a story-packed tour. If you’re the type who needs constant commentary, you might find yourself wanting more. If you want a relaxing “different view of the island,” this format fits the mood.

Some people also note it can feel warm. One experience described extreme heat and suggested doing it later when the sun drops a bit. Since the ride is outdoors and the dunes can be bright, you should bring sun protection and plan your timing based on your comfort with heat.

Camel comfort and animal-equipment details you should know

Camel Safari through the Dunes of Maspalomas - Camel comfort and animal-equipment details you should know
Let’s talk about the equipment, because it matters for your trust. The information you have points to a comfort rule: riders over 100 kg can’t make the ride. That’s framed as for the comfort of the camels, and it’s a clear boundary.

On the animal-handling side, experiences include both reassurance and concern:

  • Some descriptions say the camels are well cared for and the staff is attentive.
  • Others mention equipment details that look uncomfortable, including metal muzzles and harnesses that seem more rope-based than what you might expect from horseback riding.

I’d approach this with a balanced mindset. Even if the camels appear healthy, you might still dislike the visual aspects of the gear. If animal welfare is a top priority for you, it’s worth mentally preparing for that chance that the equipment won’t match your ideal.

If you decide to go anyway, look for signs of handling that feel calm and respectful: careful lead-handling, steady pacing, and no frantic behavior. That’s the best “on the ground” check you can do once you arrive.

Staff, guides, and the human side of the dunes

The staff gets a lot of credit for being friendly and helpful. Multiple notes highlight a warm welcome at the station and supportive guidance around getting on and off.

One person even mentioned a camel named Daniel, which suggests you might hear a little personality and information from the handlers once you’re there. That kind of small interaction can make a short tour feel warmer.

At the same time, not every experience describes guidance as attentive. One critique focused on a guide looking at a phone and not giving much information while walking at a slow pace. That doesn’t mean it will be that way for you, but it does mean you shouldn’t rely on a talkative guide.

Think of this as a friendly staff experience with the main payoff being the camel ride itself, not an in-depth explanation.

Who should book this camel safari in Maspalomas

Camel Safari through the Dunes of Maspalomas - Who should book this camel safari in Maspalomas
This tour makes the most sense if you want a low-effort, quick adventure.

You’ll likely enjoy it if:

  • you’re traveling as a couple and want to ride together (two riders per camel)
  • you’re bringing kids, especially those who get nervous easily—some rides are described as smooth and manageable even for anxious children
  • you want a different side of Gran Canaria without committing to a long day

You might want to rethink it if:

  • you strongly prefer guided storytelling over a simple ride
  • you’re sensitive to animal-equipment visuals like muzzles
  • you’re arriving outside the 9:00–11:00 window and don’t want to deal with queues
  • you’re above the 100 kg limit

For families, the short duration is a plus. For couples, the “share the camel” setup is part of the charm. For anyone who wants a slow, peaceful morning outside, the dunes deliver that feel.

Practical tips to make your ride smoother

A few details can help your experience feel less like logistics and more like vacation.

1) Go early. If you can arrive between 9:00 and 11:00, do it. It’s the simplest way to reduce waiting.

2) Bring sun protection. Dunes + open sky can get intense. One note specifically recommended sunscreen.

3) Pack for a short ride. The tour is about 30 minutes on the camel. You don’t need a big kit, but you do want comfort.

4) Wear shoes you can move in. You’ll be in a station environment and then walking as you’re lined up.

5) Expect a basic experience, not a long narrative. If you want facts and stories, you may need to supplement with your own curiosity before or after the ride.

6) If you care about animal welfare, check your expectations. Equipment may not match what you picture from traditional riding gear.

These are small things, but they add up—especially if the day is hot or if queues are running slower than you’d like.

Should you book the Camel Safari Duna Oasis?

If your goal is a quick, enjoyable change of scenery, I think it’s an easy yes—especially for couples and families. The price is reasonable for what you get, the ride is compact, and the staff tone tends to be friendly.

But if you’re the type who gets irritated by lines, slow pacing, or a lack of guide talk, then schedule smarter or consider skipping. And if animal-equipment visuals make you uncomfortable, take that seriously before committing.

My decision rule:

  • Book it if you can arrive early, you’re fine with a 30-minute ride, and you’re excited about the dunes by camel.
  • Skip or adjust if you need a longer guided tour, you dislike waiting, or you’re very sensitive about equipment comfort and appearance.

If you line it up well, this is one of those straightforward “only-in-Gran-Canaria” mornings that feels like a real change of pace.

FAQ

How long is the camel ride?

The camel safari includes an approximately 30-minute ride.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Camel safari, C. Oceanía, 35100 Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain.

Is the admission ticket included in the price?

Yes. All fees and taxes are included, along with the camel ride and insurance.

What languages are offered?

English is offered.

What should I know about timing to avoid long queues?

It’s recommended that you arrive between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM to help avoid long queues.

Is coffee or tea included?

No, coffee and/or tea are not included.

Are there weight limits for riders?

Yes. For comfort of the camel, passengers weighing more than 100 kg can’t make the ride.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

More Safari Adventures in Gran Canaria

More Tour Reviews in Gran Canaria

Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Gran Canaria we have reviewed

Explore Spain