Camel Riding in Maspalomas Dunes

Camel riding in Maspalomas dunes is a simple way to slow down. You get a gentle 30-minute ride through the Gran Canaria desert sands with a guide, plus big panoramic views of the famous dune area. I also like the setup: you don’t have to balance on the hump, because the camels use two-seater saddles designed for comfort.

The main thing to think about is timing. This runs on frequent start slots, so if you arrive late, you may trade your morning plans for a longer wait in a busy check-in area.

Key things to know before you go

• 30 minutes in the dunes with a professional guide in the Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas
• Easy on-off riding with two-seater saddles, no hump riding required
• Good for families, and kids under 3 can ride free with parents
• Morning slots are calmer, since departures run every 20 minutes from 09:00 to 11:00
• Not a full day activity, and there’s no food, drinks, or hotel pickup included

Why This Camel Ride Works in Maspalomas

Maspalomas dunes have a built-in sense of drama, but this tour keeps things relaxed. You’re not doing a long trek or trying to cover ground. Instead, you get an even, guided stroll that lets you take in the dune shapes, the open sky, and the dry, rocky feel of the area without feeling rushed.

I like that the ride is short enough to fit into almost anyone’s day. At about 30 minutes, it feels doable even if you’re also trying to beach-hop or squeeze in other sights in Gran Canaria. And I like that the focus is comfort and control: the camels are described as gentle, and the saddle setup means you’re not balancing over the hump.

One more thing, practical and important: a camel ride here is not “one size fits all.” If you’re over 100kg (220lbs), you won’t be able to ride. If that might apply to you or someone in your group, check before you commit.

The 30-Minute Ride: What You’ll Actually Experience

Here’s what your time looks like on the day. You’ll meet at Maspalomas Dunes dromedary on C. Oceanía (San Bartolomé de Tirajana, near Maspalomas), check in, and then wait for your slot. Once you’re called, you get onto your camel and start moving through the dunes with the guide.

The ride itself is about 30 minutes and is designed as a calm experience. Many people like this because it doesn’t feel intense. You’re not climbing, scrambling, or trying to keep pace. It’s more like a slow, guided way to see the dune area from a different angle.

Also, the tour is clear about comfort details: you don’t need to ride on the hump. The camels have comfortable two-seater saddles along their flanks. That matters more than it sounds. When a ride is set up for people to sit securely and comfortably, you spend less energy worrying about the ride and more energy looking around.

Entering The Reserva Natural de Las Dunas de Maspalomas

Your main setting is the Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas. This is the reason the experience feels special even though it’s short. You’re not just walking around anywhere, you’re moving through an area known for its big dune formations and protected natural character.

What you’ll notice is how the dunes change with every small shift in position. From the saddle, you get a higher perspective than you would on foot. That helps your brain “read” the dunes better, and it makes the panoramic views feel more complete.

There’s also a practical advantage here. Because the ride is guided, you’re not trying to navigate tricky sand on your own. If you’re visiting during heat, you’ll also appreciate that this is not a long exposure. The earlier start slots tend to reduce how hot you’ll feel.

One balanced note: the reviews overall are positive about the camels being calm and the staff being helpful, but there is at least one very negative review raising serious animal welfare concerns. If animal welfare is a dealbreaker for you, I’d treat this as a “watch and ask” situation when you arrive. Pay attention to how staff handle the animals and how they look, then decide based on your comfort level.

Price and Value: What You Pay For in Real Terms

The price is listed at about $21.63 per person, and the value is mostly in what’s included and what’s not.

Included:

• Professional guide
• Insurance

Not included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Food and drinks

So, you’re paying for a guided ride in a known dune setting, plus insurance coverage, not for transportation logistics or a meal. That’s actually good for people who prefer to stay flexible and control their schedule. You can combine this with beach time, a lighthouse walk, or a morning out and still keep the day simple.

Where value can feel different is timing and waiting. If you end up in a longer wait before your slot, you may feel like you bought a lot of standing around. The good news is you can reduce that risk by going early, which many reviews explicitly recommend.

Timing, Waiting, and Finding the Meeting Spot

This is where you either have an easy morning or a mildly annoying one.

First, the activity is offered from 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM. But the camel rides begin in regular waves, starting every 20 minutes from 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM. That schedule explains why early arrivals often feel smoother. You’re stepping into an earlier flow of people.

Second, there can be waiting. Some reviews mention short waits, while others mention waits that run longer, especially later in the day. If you hate lines, prioritize the morning. If you’re fine with a bit of waiting for a unique photo and a calm ride, then you’re less likely to feel disappointed.

Third, plan for the meeting point to be a bit tricky at first. Several reviews mention the area can be hard to find because it’s busy and signage may not be great. I recommend two things:

• Give yourself extra time to locate the check-in desk.
• If you’re driving, park with a buffer so you can calmly walk in.

Also, there’s no hotel pickup. That’s normal for this kind of short experience, but it means your travel time to the dunes is part of the plan.

Camels and Comfort: Easy Riding, Clear Limits

The tour describes the camels as gentle, and the ride is designed around comfort. You don’t need to ride on the hump. You also get a two-seater saddle setup, which helps a lot if you’re traveling with kids or if you just want a stable ride.

One review notes that the staff made it easier for disabled passengers to sit in the bucket seats. That’s helpful context if you’re considering whether this works for someone in your group. The official tour info says most travelers can participate, but there are still real limits.

Here are the clear constraints you should respect:

• Children under 3 years can ride with their parents for free.
• Passengers weighing over 100kg (220lbs) cannot experience the camel ride.

If you’re in that weight range, don’t assume you can talk your way in. The rule is stated clearly.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This is a good fit if you want something different that doesn’t require heavy walking or a long time commitment.

Best matches:

• Families looking for a fun, low-stress activity that kids can enjoy
• People who want a quick nature break in Maspalomas without committing to hours of hiking
• Anyone who prefers a short guided experience with minimal logistics
• Travelers who like the idea of panoramic dune views from a higher vantage

If you’re someone who dislikes waiting, go early. If you’re only interested in a longer, more adventurous outdoor experience, this will feel short, because it’s intentionally a 30-minute ride.

Staff, Organization, and Photo Moments

A theme in the reviews is that the staff are friendly and helpful. People also mention the ride feels organized, and that staff ask if they want photos taken as a keepsake.

Photo value matters here because the dunes are visually impressive. From the saddle, you’re in a position to capture wide, open views, not just close-up sand texture. If you’re the type who wants a souvenir beyond your own phone photos, that’s where the photo add-ons can make sense.

One more small tip from the review pattern: arrive earlier rather than later. It reduces waiting, and it also makes the whole start smoother. Even if the ride itself is brief, the check-in experience can make or break your mood.

Should You Book Camel Riding in Maspalomas Dunes?

Book it if:

• You want a unique Gran Canaria experience that’s short, guided, and easy to fit into your day
• You’re traveling with kids or you want something calmer than a long hike
• You can commit to arriving early to reduce waiting

Skip it, or at least reconsider if:

• You need a strict schedule with zero waiting
• You’re sensitive to animal welfare concerns and want more assurance than what you can assess on-site
• Your group includes anyone over 100kg (220lbs), since weight limits are firm

My honest take: this is strong value for the money because you get insurance, a professional guide, and a true dune setting for a focused 30 minutes. Just show up early, plan for possible waiting, and treat the camel ride as a calm, scenic change of pace rather than a long adventure. If that sounds like your style, you’ll likely leave happy you did it.

FAQ

What is the duration of the camel ride?

The camel ride is about 30 minutes long (approximately).

Where does the camel ride take place?

It takes place in the Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas near the Maspalomas dunes.

How much does it cost?

The price is listed at $21.63 per person.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off included.

What time does the activity run?

The opening hours are 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM, with camel rides starting every 20 minutes from 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

What meeting point should I use?

Start at Maspalomas Dunes dromedary, C. Oceanía, 13, 35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Las Palmas, Spain. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Do I need to ride on the camel’s hump?

No. The tour says you do not need to ride on the hump, and the camels have comfortable two-seater saddles.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Can children ride?

Children younger than 3 years can ride with their parents for free.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. Passengers weighing over 100kg (220lbs) will not be able to experience the camel ride.