Camel Expedition and Beach Club In Riviera Maya

If you’re considering adding a bit of adventure to your Riviera Maya trip, the Camel Expedition and Beach Club tour might catch your eye. While we haven’t done this specific tour ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it’s a memorable way to experience the region’s landscapes, combining a 45-minute camel ride with some relaxing beach time.

What really appeals to us about this experience is how it offers a family-friendly vibe—no previous riding experience needed—and the opportunity to explore lush jungles and sandy dunes in a small group. Plus, the included round-trip transportation from Cancun or Riviera maya hotels makes it straightforward to enjoy without the hassle of organizing your own transfer.

Of course, no experience is perfect. For some, the cost of photos and snacks might seem a bit steep, and there are a few reports of transportation hiccups. But overall, this tour seems best suited for travelers looking for a relaxed yet unique adventure, with friendly guides and a chance to see some beautiful scenery.

Key Points

• 45-minute camel ride through jungle and dunes offers a different kind of sightseeing.
• Small group sizes (up to six) ensure a more personalized experience.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics easier.
• Good for families with children over 8 years old.
• Multiple departure times available, providing flexibility.
• Pricing at $144 per person seems reasonable given the included features and scenic value.

What to Expect from the Tour

This experience kicks off with hotel pickup—offered from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Riviera Maya hotels—at a scheduled time (around 3:00 pm). The tour duration is approximately 45 minutes, and the ride itself covers a scenic route through Caribbean jungle and across white sand dunes, offering a mix of lush greenery and open landscapes that are quite Instagram-worthy.

The ride is led by professional guides, who provide safety equipment and commentary in both English and Spanish. Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced rider; this adventure is designed to be accessible to all, including kids as young as 8 years old who are comfortable on a camel with adult supervision.

The Ride Itself

Travelers have praised the calm and friendly nature of the camels, with one reviewer noting, “They were so friendly and calm.” The guides are said to be knowledgeable and friendly, making the ride a relaxed and informative experience. The views along the way include dense jungle and white sand dunes, which are surprisingly diverse and beautiful.

Post-Ride Relaxation at the Beach

Once you complete your camel trek, you’ll spend time at Maroma Beach, a renowned stretch of sand with great photo opportunities. You can take pictures, relax, or stroll along the shore. There’s also a snack break that includes tortilla chips, re-fried beans, hot sauce, and non-alcoholic drinks like bottled water and soft drinks—perfect to recharge after the adventure.

The Included Snacks and Photos

The snack offering has been well-received, but some reviews mention the photo packages can be pricey—up to $50 for a single print, with options to purchase videos. If capturing memories is high on your list, be prepared for the additional cost, or consider how much value their professional photos hold for you.

The Logistics: Transportation and Group Size

Transportation is included, with shared service pickups from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Riviera Maya. The pickup window is tight, so punctuality is important. Some travelers have reported delays or misunderstandings with pickup, which highlights the importance of confirming your time. The tour is designed for small groups—up to three people per booking—which helps keep the experience intimate and personalized.

Timing and Flexibility

You can choose from three different departure times, providing some flexibility. The tour begins at 3 pm, making it a perfect late-afternoon activity that doesn’t cut into your entire day. Since the activity is weather-dependent, it’s good to keep an eye on the forecast, as poor weather might lead to cancellations or rescheduling.

Suitability and Restrictions

This tour is not recommended for pregnant women, people with certain health conditions, or those with mobility issues, as the activity involves riding a camel. The maximum weight is 220 lbs (100 kg), and the minimum age to ride is 8. Kids will need to be supervised on their own camel, with adults signing a responsibility waiver.

What Do the Reviews Say?

The overall rating of 5.0 out of 5 based on 776 reviews speaks volumes about how well this tour is received. Many reviews highlight knowledgeable guides like Joe, Bernard, and Hugo, who go above and beyond to make the ride informative and fun. A reviewer stated, “The guides are very knowledgeable and friendly,” emphasizing the personal touch.

There’s also praise for the beautiful scenery — “Getting to ride a camel in Mexico is a unique experience,” one reviewer noted, adding that the views were scenic and unforgettable. Several reviews mention the photo opportunities as a highlight, with Hugo the photographer capturing great moments.

However, some reviews point out logistical issues, particularly with transportation. One said, “They made me very upset prior to arriving because the pickup was late or not confirmed,” but acknowledged that once at the location, the camel experience was worth it. Others felt the photo prices were high, with one saying, “$50 for one picture is outrageous,” though they appreciated the quality.

Pros and Cons Based on Feedback

Pros:
– Friendly, knowledgeable guides
– Scenic views of jungle and dunes
– Small group sizes for a more personal experience
– Well-organized, with hotel pickup included
– Opportunity to take memorable photos

Cons:
– Transportation issues reported by some travelers
– Photos and videos can be pricey
– Beach access time is limited after the ride
– Not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues

Is This Tour Worth It?

When you consider the price of $144 per person, the inclusion of hotel transfers, guides, and the unique experience of camel riding, it seems like a decent deal. The scenic diversity—jungle, dunes, beach—is a major plus, and the small group sizes help ensure you’re not just another face in a crowd.

The beach break afterward offers a relaxing end to the adventure, making it a nice combination of activity and leisure. For anyone interested in something different from the usual Cancun excursions, this ride provides a fun, lighthearted way to explore the natural beauty of the region.

However, if you’re highly concerned about cost of photos or transportation reliability, it’s worth weighing those factors. Also, if you’re traveling with very young children or pregnant, this might not be the best fit.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers looking for a unique photo opportunity and a break from typical beach days. It appeals to families with children over 8, couples seeking a memorable activity, or groups who enjoy nature and animals. If you like the idea of riding a camel in Mexico’s tropical landscapes and want the convenience of hotel pickup and small group attention, this tour ticks those boxes.

It’s also ideal for travelers who appreciate guides who genuinely care about their animals and want to learn more about them, as many reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. If you’re after beautiful scenery, outdoor fun, and relaxing beach time, this tour offers a pretty balanced package.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Riviera Maya hotels is included, making it easy to join without organizing your own transfer.

How long is the camel ride?
The ride lasts about 45 minutes, offering enough time to enjoy the scenery and get a good sense of the landscape.

Can children participate?
Yes, children aged 8 and above can ride a camel, but an adult must supervise and sign a responsibility waiver.

Are there any physical restrictions?
Yes, if you have back problems, limited mobility, recent surgery, or are pregnant, it’s recommended to choose another activity. The maximum weight is 220 lbs (100 kg).

What about photos and videos?
Professional photo packages are available, but they can be expensive—up to $50 for a single picture. Some travelers find the price high, but the quality is generally appreciated.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain or storms, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Always check the forecast before booking.

Final Thoughts

The Camel Expedition and Beach Club tour in Riviera Maya offers a fun, scenic, and family-friendly way to experience the region’s natural beauty. With knowledgeable guides, small group sizes, and the chance to ride camels through jungle and dunes, it’s a memorable activity that balances adventure with relaxation.

While there are some logistical hiccups reported, the overall positive reviews and beautiful scenery suggest most travelers find it worthwhile. The combination of camel riding, beach access, and photo opportunities makes it a versatile choice for those wanting a mix of activity and leisure.

If you’re seeking a unique experience with scenic views and don’t mind paying a little extra for photos, this tour could very well add a special touch to your Riviera Maya trip. It’s especially suited for adventurous families, couples, or groups wanting to try something different from typical beach days or snorkel trips.

Whether it’s your first camel ride or just another fun story to tell, this adventure promises plenty of memories and a dash of wanderlust.