Camel riding through the dunes of Maspalomas is a must-try for adventure-seekers visiting Gran Canaria. This cultural experience immerses travelers in the stunning natural landscapes, offering a unique perspective on the local ecosystem and traditions. With guided tours operating daily, visitors can embark on a 30-minute journey through the breathtaking sand dunes. Online reservations are recommended to secure a spot and avoid long wait times. Though the experience is undoubtedly memorable, there’s more to uncover about this captivating activity and the surrounding area.
Key Points
- Camel riding tours in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, Spain offer a 30-minute guided experience through the scenic sand dunes, a UNESCO cultural heritage site.
- Tours run daily from 9 AM to 11 AM, with online reservations recommended to avoid long wait times of up to 4 hours.
- Camel rides have a maximum capacity of 70 people per tour and are not wheelchair accessible, with a weight limit of 110 kg per passenger.
- Additional fees apply for photo opportunities with the camels, and bringing water is advised during hot weather exceeding 30°C.
- The camel riding experience has an average rating of 4.0 out of 32 reviews, with mixed feedback on wait times and organization.
Overview of the Activity
What’s the activity like? Visitors can enjoy a 30-minute camel ride through the sand dunes of Maspalomas, a cultural heritage site in Gran Canaria, Spain, offering a unique desert-like landscape.
The camel tours operate daily from 9 AM to 11 AM, and online reservations are recommended to secure preferred dates. The meeting point is located at C. Oceanía, 35100 Gran Canaria, Las Palmas.
While the tours aren’t wheelchair accessible, the site is near public transportation. Travelers should arrive early to avoid long queues, as the tours have a maximum capacity of 70 people.
For an additional fee, visitors can take photos with the camels.
Duration and Meeting Point
The camel rides through the sand dunes of Maspalomas last 30 minutes, and the meeting point for the activity is located at C. Oceanía, 35100 Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain.
The experience operates daily from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, making it a convenient option for visitors. To ensure a seamless experience, online reservations are highly recommended to secure preferred dates.
Plus, travelers should keep the following in mind:
- Arrive early to avoid long queues, as some visitors have reported waiting up to 4 hours despite having pre-purchased tickets.
- Bring water, especially during the hot summer months when temperatures can exceed 30°C.
- The slow-paced nature of the ride can be enjoyable for children.
- Consider exploring the surrounding areas while waiting for the camel ride to begin.
Operating Hours and Booking
The camel riding experience in Maspalomas operates daily from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, offering visitors a convenient opportunity to enjoy this unique cultural activity.
To secure preferred dates, online reservations are highly recommended, as this can help avoid long queues that some travelers have reported facing.
The operating hours run until August 12, 2025, allowing plenty of time for visitors to plan their trip.
Whether you’re looking to capture the perfect photo with a camel or simply learn about the desert-like landscapes, booking your ride in advance is the best way to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Experience Highlights
Exploring the Maspalomas nature reserve, visitors can embark on guided tours through the desert-like landscapes, seeing the cultural heritage site.
The camel riding experience offers several highlights:
- The opportunity to witness the stunning sand dunes that characterize the region’s unique geography.
- A maximum of 70 travelers per tour, ensuring a more personalized and intimate experience.
- The chance to capture memorable photos with the camels for €5 each, creating lasting souvenirs.
- A guided journey through the protected nature reserve, providing insights into the local ecosystem and cultural traditions.
The camel riding adventure offers a truly immersive and memorable experience for visitors to Maspalomas.
Accessibility and Weight Limit
While the camel riding experience in Maspalomas isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s conveniently located near public transportation options.
Importantly, the activity does have a weight limit, as passengers over 110kg (220lbs) can’t ride the camels. This restriction is in place to ensure the safety and comfort of both the riders and the animals. Visitors should keep this weight limit in mind when booking their camel riding adventure.
Despite the lack of wheelchair access, the activity remains an appealing option for many travelers seeking a unique cultural experience in Gran Canaria’s stunning desert-like landscape.
Careful planning and preparation can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable camel ride for all participants.
Arrival and Cancellation
To ensure a smooth experience, it’s recommended that visitors arrive early, by 9 AM, to avoid long queues for the camel riding activity.
Plus, the experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, providing flexibility for travelers.
Some key considerations when planning your visit include:
- Arriving early can help you bypass extended wait times reported by some visitors.
- Bringing water is advisable, especially during hot weather when temperatures can exceed 30°C.
- The camel ride itself is generally a slow-paced affair, which can be enjoyable for children.
- While waiting, you can explore the surrounding Maspalomas nature reserve to make the most of your time.
Reviews and Feedback
The camel riding experience in Maspalomas has garnered an average rating of 4.0 based on 32 reviews, with both positive and negative feedback from travelers.
On the plus side, visitors have enjoyed the cultural heritage and desert-like landscapes, as well as the friendly staff and well-maintained camels.
However, some have expressed dissatisfaction with the long waiting times and lack of informative guides. The overall organization of the tours has also been a point of contention for a few.
Despite these issues, the camel riding remains a popular activity, offering a unique opportunity to explore the Maspalomas nature reserve.
Travelers are advised to arrive early to minimize wait times and enhance their enjoyment of this cultural experience.
Recommendations and Tips
Arriving early is crucial to minimize waiting time, as some travelers have faced delays of up to 4 hours despite having pre-purchased tickets.
Bringing water, especially during hot weather when temperatures can exceed 30°C, is highly recommended. The camel ride is generally slow-paced, which can be an enjoyable experience for children. While waiting, consider exploring the surrounding areas to make the most of your time.
Here are some additional tips:
- Arrive by 9 AM to avoid long queues.
- Take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.
- Be mindful of the weight limit of 110 kg (220 lbs) per passenger.
- Capture memorable photos with the camels for just €5 each.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Camel Ride?
Riders can’t bring their own food or drinks on the camel ride. The experience provider doesn’t allow outside items, likely for safety and cleanliness reasons. However, participants can purchase refreshments on-site before or after the ride.
Is There an Option to Customize the Camel Ride Length?
The camel ride experience offers a standard 30-minute duration. However, there’s no option to customize the length. Travelers must book the pre-set tour and cannot extend or shorten the ride time to their preference.
Do the Camels Have Any Special Requirements or Care Instructions?
The camels require special care and feeding to ensure their well-being. They need access to ample water and shade, and their handlers must monitor their health and behavior closely during the rides.
Can I Ride the Camel Without a Guide or Do I Need Supervision?
Riders cannot ride the camels without a guide. Supervision is required for the camel ride experience. The camels are well-cared for, and guides ensure the safety and comfort of both riders and animals.
Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available for the Camel Ride?
The operator doesn’t currently offer any discounts or package deals for the camel ride. However, online reservations are recommended to secure preferred dates and avoid long queues. The tour’s pricing is a flat rate per person.
Recap
Camel riding in the Maspalomas dunes offers an unforgettable adventure through Gran Canaria’s stunning landscapes.
It’s a 30-minute guided tour where visitors can learn about the local ecosystem and culture.
Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, and the experience includes photo opportunities with the camels.
Overall, it’s an immersive and memorable activity for travelers seeking a unique cultural experience.