Camel Safari through the Dunes of Maspalomas

Ride camels through Maspalomas dunes.

This 30-minute camel safari is a simple, sun-soaked way to see a totally different side of Gran Canaria, with two riders per camel so couples can ride side by side. It also works well for families, since the ride is short, calm, and built for a straightforward morning stroll.

I like that the whole experience stays focused on the ride and the dunes, not a long parade of stops. The main consideration is timing: if you arrive later in the open hours, you can lose a lot of time to queues and then still only get the fixed ride window.

Key Takeaways Before You Go

• Two seats per camel makes this feel made for couples, not just individuals.
• Maspalomas Dunes are the point: you get a real change of scenery for a small chunk of time.
• Plan your arrival for 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM to reduce waiting.
• The ride is short at about 30 minutes, so don’t expect a long excursion.
• Animal setup is visible (including metal muzzles and rope harnesses), which matters if you are sensitive to animal equipment.
• Photo add-ons exist so you may want a few extra euros if you want a souvenir.

Maspalomas Dunes on a Camel: What This 30-Minute Safari Really Feels Like

Picture the Maspalomas sand dunes, not from a viewpoint, but from the back of a calm dromedary. That is the whole idea here, and it works. The ride is about 30 minutes, which means you get the “wow” moment without turning your holiday morning into a long project.

The two-seater setup is a big deal. If you are traveling as a couple, you are not forced into awkward spacing or separate camels. You can sit together, share the same views, and keep the vibe relaxed. It also helps families. If you have kids, the short duration makes it easier to manage nerves, heat, and attention spans.

The dunes themselves do the heavy lifting. Even if you’ve seen sand before, Maspalomas has a special, shaped look, and the camel ride gives you a moving perspective. You’re not just walking in a sand lot, you’re gliding over the same terrain while it’s still warm, still golden, and still very “Gran Canaria.”

One more thing to keep expectations realistic: the activity is designed around a set ride window. So if you show up late, waiting time can eat into the fun.

Where You Start, and How to Beat the Morning Line

You meet at Camel safari, C. Oceanía, 35100 Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so it’s easy to fit into a morning plan without complicated transfers.

Operating hours run from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with availability listed for Monday through Sunday during 05/01/2025 to 12/10/2026. The key practical note is arrival timing. Arrive between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM if you want to avoid a long queue.

I’ll be blunt about why this matters. The ride itself is fixed at around 30 minutes, so the only thing that can stretch the day is waiting. More than one account points to long lines if you arrive later, and then you can feel like you waited a lot just to get a brief ride.

So, if you want the most enjoyment per minute, plan for an early start, then keep the rest of your day flexible. Wear shoes that can handle sand and heat. And yes, sunscreen matters here. The dunes do not forgive sun exposure.

How the Ride Works: Station Time, Camel Care, and the Dune Route

The experience is straightforward: you get checked in, then you’re led to the camels at the station. From there, you ride through the dunes for about 30 minutes, with admission included.

The walking pace is typically calm. That’s part of the appeal, especially if you have kids or someone in the group who gets nervous around animals. The ride is meant to feel like a relaxed stroll across sand, not an adrenaline activity.

You will also notice the way the camels are equipped. Some people love the “old-school” look. Others think certain gear looks rough. Based on what’s been seen, the harness setup can involve handmade rope harnesses and metal muzzles. That is not a side detail, because it affects how you feel about the animal welfare side of the experience.

A balanced way to look at it: the setup may be designed for safety and control, and multiple accounts say the camels look well cared for. At the same time, the equipment is visible and some people find it uncomfortable-looking. If that kind of thing bothers you, consider whether a camel ride is your style before you pay.

Animal Equipment and Comfort: What You Might Notice Up Close

This is the part you should think about before you commit, especially if animal comfort is a top concern for you.

From available descriptions, you may see:

• Metal muzzles on the camels
• Rope-based harnesses rather than more padded, western-style tack

Some accounts are positive, saying the camels are well cared for and appear calm and healthy. Other accounts raise concerns about equipment feeling uncomfortable and mention visible marks on the animals.

So here’s my practical approach. If you go, do it with eyes open. Watch how the camels behave. Calm, steady movement usually says more than equipment details alone. And if you have questions, ask the staff directly at the station. The operator includes insurance, and that usually signals they take operations seriously, but it won’t change how the equipment looks.

If you are strongly opposed to any visible restraint type, you may want to skip this one and choose an animal experience that uses less visible equipment. If you are okay with it and mainly want the dunes experience, this can still be a fun, family-friendly way to travel through sand.

Staffing and the Info You Get (and Don’t Get)

Staff friendliness comes up again and again. People describe a helpful, welcoming team and a calm atmosphere at the station. That matters because your time there sets the tone.

What you should not count on is a detailed guided lecture. A few notes describe guides spending time focused on their phone rather than giving much narration. Translation: if you want history lessons about dunes and camel life, you may need to bring your own curiosity and ask questions.

That said, the experience still works because it stays simple. You check in, ride, and get your souvenir photos if you want them.

One detail you might appreciate if you like personal touches: one review mentions a camel named Daniel. So you might even hear the animals referred to by name during your wait.

Value for Money: Is $21.63 for 30 Minutes Worth It?

At $21.63 per person for about 30 minutes, this isn’t a budget toy. It’s a paid experience that gives you:

• The camel ride
• All fees and taxes
• Insurance
• English offered
• A mobile ticket option

What you do not get included is coffee and/or tea. If you want a drink, plan to buy it separately.

The math of value here is simple. You are paying for a short, memorable activity: sitting on a camel and moving across the Maspalomas dunes. If you arrive on time and the line moves, it feels fair. If you arrive late and wait a lot, the value drops fast because the ride duration doesn’t stretch.

That also explains the mixed feedback. A few people want more ride time or more information, and at a set 30 minutes, the experience can feel brief. On the flip side, others see it as the perfect length for families and for people who want a quick “different Gran Canaria” moment without exhausting themselves.

If you are on a tight schedule, this is one of those experiences that can fit neatly into a morning. Just protect the time you can control: arrive early.

Practical Tips for a Comfortable Camel Ride in the Dunes

This is a sun and sand outing, so plan like it is.

Bring:

• Sunscreen (more than you think you need)
• Water (even though coffee/tea is not included)
• Closed-toe shoes you can stand in on sand

Dress smart. Loose clothing helps. Avoid anything that will tangle. Sand gets everywhere, and the dunes are a windy place.

Also think about ride comfort:

• There is a weight restriction: passengers weighing more than 100 kg cannot make the ride. If you are close to that limit, check before you go.
• The activity is described as suitable for most people, but this restriction is the big one to take seriously.

Timing matters. If you go in hot weather, the dunes can feel intense. Some accounts mention extreme heat and suggest thinking about timing when the sun is lower. Practically, that means you should still follow the 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM arrival advice for shorter queues, but also dress for heat and protect yourself with shade when possible.

Finally, consider photo planning. One review notes a photo option for 5 euro, so if photos are part of your memory-making, bring a little cash or check what payment methods are accepted on site.

Who This Camel Safari Is Best For (and Who Might Skip It)

This camel safari works best if you want a short, scenic animal ride without travel hassle. It’s especially good for:

• Couples who want a shared experience on the same camel
• Families needing a calm activity with a manageable time commitment
• People who want a different Gran Canaria moment that does not require a full-day excursion

You might skip it if:

• You need a longer ride than 30 minutes to feel like it’s worth your time
• You strongly dislike visible animal restraints or equipment, like metal muzzles
• You are going to arrive late and cannot afford the waiting time risk

It’s also worth remembering this activity has a maximum group size listed at 90 travelers. With that many people, crowd energy and waiting lines are possible, even if the staff is organized.

Should You Book the Camel Safari Through Maspalomas Dunes?

If your goal is a simple, scenic change of pace, I think this is an easy yes. The two-seater camels, the focused 30-minute ride, and the chance to see the Maspalomas dunes up close make it feel like a fair trade for most short on-time itineraries.

Book it if:

• You can arrive between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM
• You want a calm family-friendly ride
• You are comfortable with the visible camel equipment that comes with this type of safari

Skip it or look for an alternative if:

• The idea of queues stresses you out
• You need lots of guide narration
• Animal equipment details are a dealbreaker for you

In other words, this is best treated as a quick, memorable desert-style experience. Go early, protect yourself from the sun, and you’ll likely come away feeling like you did something properly different in Gran Canaria.

FAQ

How long is the camel safari ride?

The camel ride is about 30 minutes, with the overall activity lasting around 30 minutes.

What is included in the price?

The price includes all fees and taxes, the 30-minute camel ride, and insurance. Coffee and/or tea are not included.

Where does the camel safari start?

The meeting point is Camel safari, C. Oceanía, 35100 Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What are the opening hours?

The activity runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Sunday.

Is there a weight limit for passengers?

Yes. Passengers weighing more than 100 kg will not be able to make the ride.

What should I do if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.