About this tour
When Charlie from our team headed out to Maspalomas, we saddled up for a straightforward 30-minute camel ride across the dunes of Gran Canaria. It's a touristy pocket of desert on a holiday island — you'll share the landscape with other riders and the occasional family group, but the rolling sand and ocean backdrop deliver the goods for a quick desert fix. The flexible start times mean you can slot it around your day without fuss.
Highlights
- Desert views from camel-back across genuinely impressive Maspalomas dunes
- Rides depart every 20 minutes, so minimal queue stress
- Professional guide included, knows the dunes and the camels well
- Works for families — littlies under 3 ride free with a parent
- Flexible timing, no rigid group booking hassle
- Insurance bundled in, covers your ride
What to expect
You'll pitch up at the Maspalomas dune site and meet your guide, who'll pair you with a camel and brief you on basics — it's low-intensity, more sightseeing than adventure. The 30 minutes moves at a gentle pace across the sand; the camels know the track well, so there's little drama. You'll catch views of the landscape rolling away and, depending on when you go, the Atlantic glinting on the horizon. It's genuinely relaxing, though the camel's gait takes a moment to get used to.
The area itself is busy — it's a popular Gran Canaria stop — so don't expect solitude. You'll share the dunes with other tour groups, families, and the odd photographer. The sand shifts underfoot, and the sun bounces hard off it, which is why the hat and sunscreen matter. By the end, most riders feel chuffed they've done it; it's not profound, but it's a tidy experience.
What travellers say
- Beginner-friendly camel experience, no prior skill needed
- Flexible scheduling fits your itinerary without rigid bookings
- Professional guide and insurance included in the price
- Excellent value for families — under-3s ride free
- Quick, achievable 30-minute commitment
- Weight limit of 100kg excludes some riders unfairly
- Busy dunes mean crowds and limited peace or quiet
- No hotel transport; you arrange your own way there
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
If you've never ridden a camel, this is a no-pressure way to tick it off. The short duration suits people who want the experience without committing half a day. Insurance is included, guides are switched-on, and the flexible timing genuinely helps when you're juggling holiday plans. Families with kids get excellent value — under-3s ride free with a parent.
Riders over 100kg won't be able to join, so it's worth checking that box early. The dunes are popular and busy, especially mid-morning; if you crave tranquillity, you won't find it. You'll need to get yourself to Maspalomas — there's no hotel pickup included. Morning sun is intense; a hat, sunscreen, and water are non-negotiable, not optional. The camel's motion can feel awkward if you have balance issues or back problems.
Wear loose, comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes. Bring a decent hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and at least 500ml of water. Rides run 09:00–11:00, departing every 20 minutes; you don't book a specific slot, just show up and wait your turn. Small groups, typically 4–8 riders per guide.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.