Gran Canaria: Camel Ride at Camel Safari Park

A camel ride through palms beats typical tourist stops. In Maspalomas’ 300-year-old Oasis of the 1,000 Palms, you get a calm 30-minute ride that moves through shade and old irrigation-like paths, not a chaotic demo. I also love that the ticket includes time in the park to feed and watch other animals like donkeys, goats, and peacocks.

One possible drawback: it is an outdoor animal park, so expect warm weather and the normal possibility of insects around animals, and the ride is not suitable for pregnant women or people over 120 kg.

Key Highlights to Know Before You Go

• The 300-year-old Oasis of the 1,000 Palms: your ride follows an old palm oasis, right in Maspalomas.
• A 30-minute camel ride, not a half-day project: you get the experience without burning your whole afternoon.
• Animal time beyond the camel: donkeys, goats, peacocks, ducks, and other birds, depending on season.
• Seasonal baby camels: you might spot youngsters if your timing lines up with the season.
• Tropical garden strolling space: it is built for wandering at an easy pace, with a terrace where tropical juice is available for sale.

Camel Safari Park in Maspalomas: The Oasis-First Setting

Gran Canaria has plenty of big-ticket attractions, but this one feels small and specific in a good way. Camel Safari Park focuses on one simple idea: move slowly through an oasis, surrounded by palms, then hang out with the animals you meet along the way.

The standout feature is the Oasis of the 1,000 Palms, described as a palm oasis that was constructed over 300 years ago. That matters because it shifts the experience from a generic camel ride to something with texture. You are not just sitting on an animal, you are passing through a place that has been shaped over centuries for water, shade, and growth.

I also like how the park experience is layered. You are not only riding for 30 minutes and then leaving. Your admission includes entry to see more animals and explore the tropical garden, so the ride becomes the middle of the visit, not the whole point.

Where You Start: Meeting Point and Arrival Mindset

You meet at Camel Safari Park La Baranda reception. When you arrive, think “check in, then ease into the park.” This kind of experience works best when you are not rushing, because there is time to settle in, see animals, and wait for your ride slot.

Comfort beats style here. Wear comfortable shoes you can walk in around a garden and animal areas, and bring a hat if you run hot in the sun. You will also need a passport or ID card.

If you are planning your day around other activities in Maspalomas, treat this as a short block you can fit into a wider itinerary. The ride itself is 30 minutes, and the rest is flexible, based on your arrival time and how long you spend exploring the park.

Before the Camel: Feeding Animals and Wandering the Tropical Garden

Your ticket includes entry to the park, so before your ride starts, you can spend time in the grounds. This is where you get the “real park” feel, because you are not only looking at camels from a distance.

I like that the animals are part of the experience, not just a backdrop. You may see donkeys, goats, peacocks, ducks, and various birds. Depending on the season, there may also be baby camels. That seasonal element is worth keeping in mind. If you go outside peak months, you might see fewer youngsters, but you still get the core farm-and-garden mix.

There is also the chance to feed animals, but food for animals is not included. So if feeding is something you want to do, come prepared to buy what you need on site. (If you forget, you can still enjoy the animals from the paths.)

One practical upside: some visitors find the park a peaceful, calm stop. The grounds are tropical and shaded in parts, so it can feel like a reset from the busier parts of the Canary Islands.

The 30-Minute Camel Ride Through the Oasis of 1,000 Palms

Now for the main event. Your ride is 30 minutes through the oasis, moving you along the palm-lined paths in a setting described as constructed over 300 years ago. The time sounds short, but it is enough to feel like you are truly traveling through the oasis rather than just hopping on and off.

The pacing is the point. This is not a speed attraction, and it should not be treated like one. Go in expecting a steady, relaxing ride, plus the joy of looking around. You will be taking in palms, garden areas, and the overall oasis atmosphere while you sit at camel height, which gives you a different viewpoint than the ground-level walking paths.

Photos usually come easily here because you are surrounded by palms. Still, bring the mindset of “enjoy first, shoot second.” With animals and a guided ride rhythm, rushing your camera can make the experience feel more tense than it needs to be.

Also, plan your expectations around comfort. If you are sensitive to animal proximity or you do not enjoy being around animals, you may find the “close and personal” nature less relaxing. If you do enjoy it, this is exactly the kind of place where the ride becomes a memory, not just a checkbox.

What Else You Get After the Ride (And What Costs Extra)

After your camel time, your admission still gives you access to the park. That means you can keep strolling through the tropical garden at your own pace, rather than leaving the second you dismount.

You might also find the terrace worth a stop. Tropical juice is mentioned as available there, but it is not included in the price. Drinks and food are not included either, so if you want a drink break, budget for it.

This separation of included versus extra is pretty clear. Included is the ride and park entry. Not included is drinks and food, plus animal food. I like that it keeps the ticket simple, though it does mean you should not plan on the cheapest day possible by assuming drinks come with it.

Price and Value: Is $23 Worth It?

At $23 per person, this is a “small experience with a real setting” kind of activity. The value comes from two things you actually receive for that price: the 30-minute camel ride and park entry to see more animals and stroll the garden.

A camel ride can sometimes feel like a brief moment followed by a lot of waiting elsewhere. Here, the park entry keeps you engaged. Even if you treat the camel ride as the highlight, you still have a reason to hang around in a palm oasis with animals and garden paths.

Could it feel pricey if you only wanted the ride and nothing else? Maybe. If you are the type who wants attractions to run like clockwork, you may feel like you are paying for time you are not actively using. But if you enjoy petting-adjacent farm animal atmosphere, gentle walking, and scenic palm views, $23 starts to look reasonable for what you get.

Who This Camel Oasis Experience Fits Best

This is a strong match if you want an animal-and-garden experience that is not too intense or time-consuming. It is also ideal if you are in Maspalomas and want something calmer than big tours.

It is a particularly good fit for:

• families or groups who want a short, friendly activity
• people who like animals and do not mind a hands-on setting where feeding may be available
• travelers who want views of palms and a peaceful break outdoors

It is not suitable for:

• pregnant women
• people over 120 kg (264 lbs)

If you are close to the weight limit, it is worth taking it seriously. For comfort and safety, this is not the kind of activity you should try to “scale up” by adjusting expectations.

Practical Tips That Make Your Visit Smoother

Here are the details I would use to plan a smoother visit, based on the way the park operates and how people tend to experience it.

• Plan for a shaded garden walk before or after: the park setting is part of the value, so build in time to wander.
• Bring your hat and water: juice is available for sale, but water is not listed as included. Sun hits fast on islands.
• Wear closed, comfy shoes: you will move around garden paths.
• Expect signage to matter: finding the entrance is described as not difficult, with clear signage for the venue.
• Parking exists, but it may not be marked perfectly: parking is available on site, but some visitors note it is not clearly marked. Give yourself a few minutes to locate it calmly.

If you want the calmest experience, aim for a time of day when the sun is less punishing. That also makes the whole “palm oasis” theme feel more pleasant rather than purely photographic.

Booking Notes You’ll Actually Care About

This experience is designed around scheduled start times, since the duration is 30 minutes and availability drives the slots you can pick. If your schedule is flexible, you can reserve now and pay later. If plans change, free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Language support is also a plus. Staff and greeters speak Spanish, German, and English, so you can get instructions and feel comfortable without language stress.

Should You Book Camel Safari Park La Baranda?

If you want a gentle, palm-filled break in Maspalomas, I think this is a smart booking. The ride through the Oasis of the 1,000 Palms gives you something more atmospheric than a typical quick camel stop, and the included park entry makes the visit feel complete.

Book it if you:

• want a short activity that fits into a day plan
• enjoy animals and like the idea of seeing donkeys, goats, peacocks, ducks, and birds
• like the idea of seasonal baby camels showing up

Skip or reconsider if you:

• are pregnant or above the weight limit listed
• hate being around animals or would find outdoor insect and heat conditions unpleasant
• only want a fast camel photo and are not interested in any extra garden time

If your goal is a calm, scenic experience that feels genuinely “place-based” rather than purely transactional, Camel Safari Park is one of the better bets in Gran Canaria for a short, outdoorsy stop.

FAQ

How long is the camel ride?

The camel ride lasts 30 minutes.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Camel Safari Park La Baranda at the reception.

What is included in the $23 per person price?

The price includes the 30-minute camel ride and entry to the park to see animals and the garden.

Is food for the animals included?

No. Food for animals is not included.

Can I feed animals during the visit?

Feeding is part of the experience, but animal food is not included, so you would need to get food on site if you want to feed them.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included. Tropical juice is mentioned as available on the terrace, but it is not included.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, and a hat.

What languages are spoken by the host or greeter?

The greeter speaks Spanish, German, and English.

Who should not do this activity?

It is not suitable for pregnant women or for people over 120 kg (264 lbs).

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.