Gran Canaria: Camel Ride at Camel Safari Park

The unusual setting is the main event here: you ride a camel through Maspalomas’ Oasis of the 1,000 Palms, a palm-filled site said to have been created more than 300 years ago. I like the mix of a short, easygoing ride and access to the wider park, so you are not finished the moment you step off the camel. I also like the chance to feed the animals and pause for a tropical juice on the terrace. The drawback is the brief 30-minute ride, which may feel too short if camel riding is your main reason for booking.

I especially appreciate that the outing is peaceful rather than packed with extras. You can look around at your own pace before or after the ride, see donkeys, goats, peacocks, ducks, and birds, and perhaps spot young camels depending on the season. Just remember that drinks and animal food cost extra, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women or anyone over 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms.

Key points to know before you book

• Ride through a 300-year-old palm oasis: The camel route takes place among the palms of Maspalomas’ Oasis of the 1,000 Palms.
• The ticket includes more than the ride: You can visit the animal park and tropical garden before or after your 30-minute camel experience.
• Expect a calm, compact outing: This works well when you want a gentle activity, not a full-day excursion.
• Animal food and drinks cost extra: You can feed the animals, but food is not included. Tropical juice on the terrace is also an additional purchase.
• Bring practical sun protection: Comfortable shoes, a hat, and your passport or ID card are requested.
• Check the physical restrictions: The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people over 120 kilograms.

A camel ride among Maspalomas’ palms

Camel rides can feel like a tourist cliché, but the setting gives this one a more appealing sense of place. Instead of simply circling an enclosure, you ride through a palm oasis in Maspalomas, with the route passing through an area described as more than 300 years old.

The ride lasts 30 minutes. That is long enough to enjoy the slow rhythm of the camels and take in the palms without giving up half a day of your Gran Canaria schedule. It is also short enough to fit around a beach morning, a hotel afternoon, or other plans in the south of the island.

I would set your expectations correctly. This is not a long countryside trek or an adventurous expedition. It is a short ride in a distinctive tropical setting, followed by time in the park. The real value comes from combining the ride with the gardens and animals.

The oasis is likely to be the most memorable part for many people. The palms provide shade and visual interest, while the slow pace gives you time to look around rather than focus on a fast-moving activity. You should bring a hat anyway, since Gran Canaria’s sun can be strong, and comfortable shoes will make the walk around the park easier.

What happens when you arrive at La Baranda

The meeting point is the reception at Camel Safari Park La Baranda. Clear signage points to the entrance, and parking is available on site. The parking area is not marked especially clearly, but there is generally plenty of space when the park is not busy.

You may want to arrive with enough time to find the reception and settle in before your assigned starting time. The ride itself is only 30 minutes, so arriving at the last moment could leave you rushed. The park is not only a departure point. Your admission includes access to the animals and garden, giving you a reason to allow extra time on either side of the ride.

Bring your passport or ID card, as this is listed among the required items. Support is available in Spanish, German, and English, which is useful if you need help at reception or have questions before the ride.

The overall mood is relaxed. One practical advantage is that you can look around the park while waiting. This is more pleasant than standing around with nothing to do, especially for families or anyone arriving early.

The 30-minute camel route

Once your ride begins, the camel takes you through the palm oasis at an unhurried pace. The appeal is not speed or physical challenge. It is the unusual view you get from camel height and the chance to move through a historic palm-filled setting in a way that feels different from a standard garden walk.

I like this kind of short activity for a Gran Canaria itinerary because it adds variety. You may already have plans for beaches, viewpoints, and town visits. A camel ride offers a slower, more playful change of pace without demanding a major time commitment.

The limited duration can be a plus or a minus. If you have never ridden a camel, 30 minutes gives you a taste without making the activity feel demanding. If you already enjoy camel trekking, you may find the ride too short. The description does not promise a long route, open desert riding, or a remote setting, so book it for the oasis experience rather than for serious trekking.

The views are the star. The palm trees create a gentle backdrop, and the setting gives the ride a clear identity. I would keep your camera ready, but remember that the camel’s movement can make taking photos awkward. A hat is a sensible addition for both comfort and sun protection.

The animal park after your ride

Your ticket includes entry to the rest of Camel Safari Park, so the visit does not end when the camel ride does. You can see donkeys, goats, peacocks, ducks, and birds. The exact animals on view can depend on the season, and young camels may be present at some times.

This extra access makes the $23 price more reasonable. If the ticket covered only 30 minutes on a camel, the cost might feel high for a very short outing. Including the animal park and tropical garden turns it into a small half-day-style stop, although the ride itself remains brief.

You can feed some of the animals, but food is not included. Plan for an extra purchase if feeding is part of your plan. This is a useful detail to know before you arrive, especially if you are visiting with children who may assume animal food comes with admission.

The park also gives you something to do before your ride. That matters because starting times are set according to availability, and you may have a wait. Younger animals can be an especially appealing part of the visit when they are present, but you should not count on baby camels during every season.

I would treat the animal area as a pleasant addition rather than the main reason to come. The camel ride and palm oasis define the experience. The donkeys, goats, birds, and other animals give the visit more range and help justify spending extra time at the park.

A tropical garden and terrace break

The tropical garden adds a second setting beyond the camel route. After walking among the animals or returning from the ride, you can take a quieter stroll through the garden and then sit on the terrace.

Tropical juice is available from the garden, but it is not included in the ticket. This can be a nice way to end the visit, especially on a warm day, but remember to budget separately for drinks. Food is also not included.

I like that the garden gives you a chance to slow down. The camel ride is the structured part of the outing. The garden and terrace are more flexible, so you can spend a little time looking around, taking photographs, or simply enjoying a drink before leaving.

The park has been described as peaceful, and that matches the type of experience on offer. You are not signing up for a noisy show or a packed sequence of activities. The appeal is the combination of palms, animals, and a calm outdoor setting.

Is $23 good value?

At $23 per person, this is fair value if you plan to use the full admission. You get a 30-minute camel ride, entry to the animal park, and access to the tropical garden. Add time for feeding animals or having a drink, and the visit becomes more than a quick photo stop.

The value is weaker if you care only about riding a camel. Thirty minutes passes quickly, and there is no indication that the ride expands into a longer trek. In that case, you should decide if the palm oasis setting is worth the price on its own.

I see the strongest value for couples, families, and first-time camel riders who want something simple and distinctive. The park lets you combine several small experiences without paying for a full-day tour. It is also useful when you want a quieter activity between more demanding sightseeing days.

Keep extra money available for animal food and tropical juice. Those costs are not part of the $23 ticket, so the final amount will be higher if you choose both.

Comfort, restrictions, and practical details

You should wear comfortable shoes. Even though the camel ride is short, you will likely walk around the animal park and tropical garden. A hat is also specifically recommended, and it is a practical choice for a sunny outdoor visit.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women. It is also not suitable for anyone over 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms. These restrictions are important, so check them before booking rather than treating them as minor details.

The listing does not provide a group size, transfer service, or detailed information about the exact route. You should plan to reach Camel Safari Park La Baranda on your own and meet at the reception. On-site parking is available, with plenty of room reported when the park is not crowded, although the parking area is not clearly marked.

The booking terms are flexible. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule before building the rest of your day around the visit.

Who will enjoy this activity most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a light, unusual outing with a strong visual setting. The pace is calm, the ride is short, and the park adds enough extra material to make the visit feel rounded.

Families may appreciate the animals and the simple format. The opportunity to feed goats or see peacocks, ducks, birds, and donkeys gives children something to look forward to before or after the ride. Since animal food costs extra, include that in your family budget.

It also suits couples and solo visitors who want a peaceful break from busier parts of Gran Canaria. The oasis and garden provide more atmosphere than a basic ride around a small ring.

I would be more cautious about recommending it to experienced riders or anyone hoping for a long camel trek. The 30-minute duration is the key limitation. You should also choose another activity if you are pregnant or over the stated weight limit.

My call: book it for the setting, not the length

Book this Camel Safari Park experience if you like the idea of a short camel ride through an old palm oasis, followed by time with animals and a tropical garden. The palm setting, relaxed pace, and included park admission give the $23 price reasonable value.

Skip it if you want a long ride, a remote desert route, or a more adventurous day. The best way to judge this activity is to see it as a compact park visit with a camel ride at its center. Add time for the animals and garden, bring a hat and comfortable shoes, and plan to pay extra if you want animal food or tropical juice.

FAQ

Where does the camel ride begin?

Meet at the reception of Camel Safari Park La Baranda.

How long is the camel ride?

The camel ride lasts 30 minutes.

What else can I see at the park?

Your admission includes the animal park and tropical garden. Animals may include donkeys, goats, peacocks, ducks, birds, and, depending on the season, baby camels.

Is animal food included?

No. Food for the animals is not included, although you can purchase it separately.

Are drinks included?

No. Tropical juice is available on the terrace from the garden, but drinks are not included.

What should I bring?

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