Camel rides through a palm ravine beat the beach. If you want something different in Gran Canaria, this 1-hour camel ride through the Oasis of the 1,000 Palms delivers real scenery and a calm, almost time-warp feel. I like how the safari is built around a living nature reserve, not just a quick photo stop, and I also like that you get a guided walk through tropical gardens where you can see fruit trees and farm animals up close. The one catch is shade and heat: the ride area sits in a canyon, and full-sun sessions can feel intense, so come ready for sun and warm temps.

The optional tapas upgrade is the other big reason to book. You’ll eat in a museum-like setting with antique farm implements of the Canary Islands, with tapas and drinks served at the end of the visit. Add the transport option and it’s a simple day out from the Maspalomas area, including Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, San Agustín, and Bahia Feliz.

Oasis of the 1,000 Palms Camel Ride: What It Feels Like on Gran Canaria

This is a camel safari in Fataga built around a specific spot locals love: the Valley of the Thousand Palms in Camellos. The star moment is the ride through the oasis, which was created over 300 years ago. Even if you’ve seen palms in Tenerife or Morocco, this one has a different mood because you’re moving through a natural ravine with gardens that feel sheltered, even when the air outside is blazing.

You’ll get a safety briefing before you start. Then you mount up and do the main 60-minute ride as part of a guided program. The time matters here: one hour is long enough to settle in and actually enjoy the rhythm, but short enough that most people don’t feel worn out (as long as you plan for the sun).

One practical point: the ride path can be rocky. It’s not described like a theme-park track, and that’s part of the charm. The camels step along, and the ground will remind you you’re in the real outdoors.

Camel Safari Park La Baranda: Arrival, Animals, and the “Park Pace”

The action starts at Camel Safari Park La Baranda, and the vibe is more “workday ranch” than “show.” When you arrive, you’ll be guided around and oriented before you saddle up. In plain terms, you’ll learn how the camels are handled and what to do during the experience, which helps if you’re a first-timer.

Then comes the animal time. This isn’t just a camel photo line. The oasis runs to about 10,000 square meters, and you’ll also see other farm animals in the reserve. The experience includes opportunities to interact—at the very least, you’ll be close enough to observe how the animals behave in the environment.

A couple of details that stick with me from what I know about how places like this operate on Gran Canaria:

• Camels look and act calmer when the staff is consistent. When people talk about being able to feed and interact, they usually mean the handlers keep things controlled and gentle.
• You’ll want to watch your footing and stay aware around animals. It sounds obvious, but in a canyon garden you’re stepping on uneven ground.

Small add-ons can appear. The experience doesn’t include camel feeding treats as standard, and photos and videos aren’t included either. In this kind of setting, you might see extra charges for things like feeding or getting a paid photo package.

Feeding the Gardens: Papaya, Mango, Guava, and 10,000 Square Meters of Green

After the camel portion, you shift from riding to exploring. The guided component turns into a tour of the oasis gardens and fruit trees, where you’ll spot items like papaya, mango, and guava. This is a big reason the tour feels more complete than a simple camel outing.

Why it matters: it changes the experience from thrill-first to learn-and-walk. Instead of being seated on an animal, you’re moving through the environment at human pace. Your guide points out plant life and explains what you’re looking at as you go.

You also get more time with the reserve animals. Depending on how the visit runs, you can spend time feeding or interacting, though any extra feeding treats may cost extra. One thing I’d expect you to notice right away is that the oasis feels different from the typical beach-side tourist view of Gran Canaria. It’s quieter, and the canyon walls give the gardens that sheltered feel.

Fun detail: there can be playful wildlife around the park—someone even mentioned a funny parrot moment. That kind of small scene is why I love reserving time for the walk portion, not just the ride.

Tapas Upgrade in a Museum-Like Setting: Local Food Without the Long Wait

If you choose the tapas option, your safari ends with a meal that’s meant to feel connected to the farm. You’ll get tapas with drinks (included when you pick the package), served in a museum-like space that features displays of antique farm implements from the Canary Islands.

This is not a five-course dining event. It’s a casual, satisfying finish that fits the morning-or-afternoon schedule. And the value is in the pairing: you’re paying a bit more, but you’re also avoiding the “now where do we eat?” scramble afterward.

A realistic tip: don’t plan a super-tight schedule immediately after. Even when the tour is well organized, food timing and transport can mean you might sit a bit longer before heading back. One person described it as waiting about an hour after finishing food. It wasn’t a deal-breaker for them, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you have a late pickup constraint or a flight.

Food quality is usually the make-or-break. Here, people describe the tapas as tasty and locally sourced, and the selection tends to include items that feel more like farm staples than tourist snacks.

Pickup and Mountain Drive From Maspalomas: How Logistics Actually Affect Your Day

The transport piece is one of the most important practical questions, because Gran Canaria distances can surprise you. This tour includes pickup and drop-off if you select the transfer option, with pickup from hotels in Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, San Agustín, and Bahia Feliz or a nearby location.

Once you’re picked up, you’ll drive to the park. Expect a scenic mountain route. Some people mention roads can feel a bit twisty, but they also praised drivers for being safe—one driver named Javier was specifically praised for the experience and for taking good care of the group.

How this affects your experience: when pickup is smooth, your time at the reserve feels less rushed. When pickup waits happen (like after the meal), at least you’re not searching for buses or transfers right when you’re sun-warmed and ready to relax.

The total experience length is listed as about 3 hours, but your actual day time can stretch depending on your pickup slot and whether you chose tapas. In other words, treat it as a half-day activity.

Sun, Shade, and What to Wear: Your Most Important “Packing List”

This tour runs in a canyon setting with limited shade. I’d treat that as the number-one thing you need to get right. If you go at the wrong time of day, the sun can feel relentless.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (you’ll walk in uneven ground)
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Light layers for warm weather; warmer clothes in winter
• A hat if you’re even slightly bothered by heat

People explicitly warned about long sleeves and pants because you can get burned fast. If you’re thinking, I’ll just use sunscreen and be fine, I’d still add coverage. One of the most common mistakes in Gran Canaria canyon spots is assuming you’ll get a breeze like you do at the coast.

Also note what’s not allowed: drones are not permitted.

Value Check: Is a $50 Camel Safari Worth It?

At about $50 per person, this sits in the “worth considering” zone rather than the “cheap and forgettable” zone. Here’s why I think it can be good value.

What you’re paying for:

• A real ride time (the main camel segment is about an hour, not 10 minutes)
• A guided walk through tropical gardens with fruit trees
• Animal interaction in a nature reserve environment (not just a fenced corner)
• Optional tapas with drinks, which can turn the activity into a complete outing

Where value can slip:

• If you’re only there for the ride and not the gardens, the walk portion matters more than you might expect.
• Extras can add up. Photos/videos aren’t included, and camel feeding treats aren’t included as part of the base. People have mentioned small extra costs for items like feeding and photos.

For many people, the best deal is the package with tapas plus transport, because it wraps food and logistics into one price. If you’re staying in the Maspalomas area anyway, pickup saves you time and makes the day easier.

Who Should Book This Camel Safari (and Who Should Skip It)

This works especially well if you want a short, guided nature experience that feels different from beach time. It also tends to land well for families because it’s structured, paced, and offers activities for kids and adults.

You should skip it if:

• You’re pregnant (not suitable)
• You’re over 275 lbs / 125 kg (not suitable)

Otherwise, it’s a solid choice for:

• First-time camel riders
• People who like animals and gardens
• Anyone who wants a half-day plan that doesn’t require reservations all over town

One more human note: some people feel nervous at first, but staff support can help. The experience is set up to be guided and controlled, not chaotic.

Should You Book the Camel Safari With Optional Tapas and Transport?

I’d book it if you’re in the south of Gran Canaria and you want a genuine nature-reserve afternoon with a real ride and a guided walk. The Oasis of the 1,000 Palms is the main draw, and the tapas option is a smart add-on if you don’t want to plan dinner afterward.

Book with extra caution only if:

• You hate sun with no shade
• You have a very strict schedule after the activity
• You don’t care about the garden-and-animals portion and want only a ride

If you’re flexible, bring sunscreen, wear good shoes, and pick the option that includes tapas and transfer, you’ll likely end up with the kind of day that feels like a story—not just another bus tour.

FAQ

How long is the Gran Canaria camel safari?

The experience is listed as about 3 hours. Your total time can vary depending on pickup timing and whether you add tapas.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Pickup and drop-off are included if you select the transport option. Pickup is offered from hotels in Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, San Agustín, Bahia Feliz, or a nearby location.

What is included with the camel ride?

You get a 60-minute camel ride, a camel visit, and a visit to the tropical gardens.

Is tapas included?

Tapas with drinks are included only if you choose the tapas option.

Are photos or videos included?

No. Photos and videos are not included.

Can I feed the camels during the tour?

You can interact with the animals, but camel feeding is listed as not included, so any feeding treats may be an extra add-on.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

It is not suitable for pregnant women, and there is a weight limit of 275 lbs (125 kg). Drones are also not allowed.

You Might Also Enjoy

From Can Picafort: Dolphin Watching and Cave Boat TripLa Pedrera-Casa Mila Admission Ticket with AudioguideBarcelona: Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya Entrance TicketPrado Museum Small Group Tour with Skip the Line Ticket