Camel riding in the dunes of Maspalomas

Camel Riding in the Dunes of Maspalomas: An Honest Look at This Unique Experience

If you’re eyeing something a little different during your trip to Gran Canaria, a camel ride in the iconic Maspalomas dunes might catch your interest. From what we’ve gathered, it’s a popular activity that many visitors enjoy, but like all experiences, it has its highs and lows.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the chance to see the vast, desert-like landscape in a relaxed way is pretty special. Second, the well-organized nature of the ride and friendly guides seem to add comfort and safety, especially for those new to camel riding.

On the flip side, a potential concern is the short duration of the ride, which might leave some people wanting more. Plus, the experience’s animal welfare aspect has raised questions among a few visitors, so if that’s a top priority for you, keep that in mind.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a straightforward, scenic adventure with a touch of novelty, and those who don’t mind a brief ride that offers good photo opportunities. It’s especially suitable for first-timers or people looking for a fun activity that’s easy to fit into a day of sightseeing.

Key Points

• Easy booking and flexible timing make it accessible for most travelers.
• Affordable price point offers good value for a 30-minute experience.
• Guides are praised for their professionalism and safety practices.
• The scenery in the dunes is stunning and makes for memorable photos.
• Signage and walking instructions could be clearer, especially upon arrival.
• Animal welfare debates are part of the conversation, so consider your values.

What to Expect from the Camel Ride in Maspalomas

This tour takes you into the famous sand dunes of Maspalomas, a landscape declared cultural heritage of the region. The experience is designed to be straightforward—about 30 minutes of riding, with the opportunity to take in the sweeping views of the dunes and surrounding nature reserve. The price is around $21.34 per person, which many reviewers find reasonable given the setting and ease of access.

If you book online in advance, you’ll be able to select your preferred time slot, usually between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. We recommend arriving early—preferably before 11:00 AM—to avoid queues and ensure you don’t miss out on your ride. The activity is open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with the last rides typically starting around 2:30 PM.

The designated meeting point is in Calle Oceanía, easily reachable if you’re already exploring the southern part of Gran Canaria. The tour operates daily, with a maximum group size of 70 people, which helps keep things manageable and personal.

The Experience Itself

Once you arrive, you’ll notice that the camel station is well-organized, and the staff appear to care for the animals, with many camels having names. The walk from the bus stop or parking area to the actual riding area is brief—some reviews mention signage could be better, but it’s generally a short, manageable walk.

The ride itself is described as gentle and safe, with guides keeping a close eye on participants. Many travelers mention that the camels are well cared for, and the guides are attentive to safety, which is reassuring. You’ll follow a route through the dunes that’s planned in advance, designed to give you a good overview of the landscape without overextending the animals or the riders.

A lot of reviews highlight how enjoyable it is to sit atop a camel while taking in the scenery, especially for first-timers. The ride’s pace is slow and steady, making it suitable for most ages, although the actual experience of riding might be a bit uncomfortable for some, especially if you’re not used to sitting upright on a moving animal.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Reviewers seem to have mixed feelings about the duration—many agree that 30 minutes is enough for a quick snapshot of the dunes but not much more. One traveler shared, “It was a beautiful day, and we made our way to the camel rides,” noting the ease of access and friendly staff. Others appreciated the professionalism of the guides, with comments like “The guides are always practicing safety,” adding a layer of confidence during the ride.

That said, some reviews express concern about animal welfare, with critics mentioning the muzzling of camels and the fact that some animals are muzzled while carrying two people, which raises ethical questions. One reviewer felt guilty about participating, describing it as animal labor, which is worth considering if animal rights are important to you.

Another common theme is that the experience is short and somewhat superficial. Travelers like Miriam felt it was “nice but quick,” wishing for more educational content about the camels or the environment. If you’re after a deeper understanding of the animals or the landscape, this might not fully satisfy.

The Practicalities: Booking, Group Size, and Duration

Booking online is straightforward, and the tickets are valid for a window between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Arriving early is highly recommended, especially during peak months like July and August when the activity is in high demand. This way, you’ll avoid long waits, as some reviews point out that if you arrive late, you might need to wait quite a while for your turn.

The tour is relatively short—about 30 minutes—which is perfect for a quick, fun experience but might leave some craving a longer ride. The group size is capped at 70, so it’s not overly crowded, but during busy times, you should expect a queue and plan accordingly.

Pricing is fair for what you get, especially considering the scenery, the comfort of the guides, and the novelty of riding a camel. Many reviewers feel it’s good value, especially if you’re on a budget but still want that memorable experience.

The Downsides and Considerations

While most reviews are positive, a few concerns do come up. The experience can feel rushed—some wish it lasted longer or included more info about the camels and the area. The signage and directions upon arrival could be clearer, which might cause some initial confusion.

Ethical concerns also surface about the treatment of the animals. A few reviewers pointed out that the camels are muzzled and carrying two people, which they felt was uncomfortable or inhumane. If animal welfare is a priority for you, this is something to keep in mind.

Weather is another aspect—since the activity is outdoor and exposed, it can be quite hot in summer, so bringing water, sunscreen, and a hat is advisable. The short duration helps minimize fatigue, but still, protection from the sun is essential.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?

This camel riding experience in Maspalomas offers a quick, scenic taste of the iconic dunes at a reasonable price. If you’re someone who enjoys easy, laid-back activities with great photo ops and a bit of adventure, you’ll likely find this fun and worth the cost. It’s ideal for first-time visitors or those curious about camel riding without committing to a longer or more expensive tour.

However, if you’re particularly concerned about animal welfare or seeking a more in-depth experience, you might want to explore other options or do additional research. The ride is simple and straightforward, but it doesn’t explore the animals’ stories or the environment in depth.

This tour strikes a balance between accessibility, affordability, and fun, making it a good option for most travelers wanting a taste of the desert landscape in a relaxed setting. Just plan to arrive early, keep your expectations in check regarding ride length, and enjoy the views.

FAQs

How long is the camel ride?
The ride lasts approximately 30 minutes, giving you a quick glimpse of the dunes and a fun experience without overdoing it.

Can I book the tickets online?
Yes, booking online is recommended and easy, with tickets valid between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Early arrival helps avoid long waits.

What is the best time to go?
Arrive before 11:00 AM to ensure you get your ride and to avoid queues, especially during July and August when demand peaks.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Travelers praise the guides for their professionalism and safety practices, making the experience comfortable and reassuring.

Is the experience suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the ride’s gentle pace is generally suitable for most ages, but always consider your child’s comfort with animals.

What about the animal welfare?
Some reviews express concern about the muzzling of camels and the short rides, raising questions about the treatment of the animals involved.

How much does it cost?
The tour is around $21.34 per person, which many see as fair for a scenic activity in a unique landscape.

What should I bring?
Wear sun protection, bring water, and arrive early. The outdoor setting means it can get hot, especially in summer.

If you’re after a fun, straightforward way to experience the famous Maspalomas dunes and don’t mind a short ride, this tour offers a charming taste of desert life, complete with photos and memories to cherish. Just keep your expectations aligned, and you’ll likely enjoy this quirky adventure.