Gran Canaria: Camel Ride at Camel Safari Park

A camel ride through a 300-year-old palm oasis is an unusual way to see Maspalomas. At Camel Safari Park La Baranda, you sit above the palms for 30 minutes, then have time to visit the animals and tropical garden at your own pace.

I like the peaceful setting and the fact that your ticket includes more than the ride itself. You can feed some animals, see donkeys and peacocks, and finish with a fresh tropical juice on the terrace, though the drink and animal food cost extra. The main drawback is the short riding time, and the park can be awkward to find if you miss the entrance signs.

Key points to know before you book

• The camel ride lasts 30 minutes, making it an easy add-on to a Maspalomas day.
• The Oasis of the 1,000 Palms is more than a backdrop, with palm trees growing in a garden said to be over 300 years old.
• Park admission is included, so you can see donkeys, goats, peacocks, ducks, birds, and possibly baby camels.
• The setting is calm and scenic, with time before or after the ride to feed animals and walk through the tropical garden.
• The price is $23 per person, with drinks and animal food priced separately.
• You need a passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, and a hat. The ride is not suitable for pregnant women or anyone over 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms.

Riding through Maspalomas’ Oasis of the 1,000 Palms

The main attraction is simple: you climb onto a camel and ride through a palm-filled oasis near Maspalomas. The ride lasts 30 minutes, so this is not an all-day safari or a long expedition into the countryside. It is a short, gentle experience built around the setting.

That short format can work well for you if you want something different without giving up half a day. It also makes the activity easier to fit between time at the beach, a meal in Maspalomas, or another local outing.

The oasis is described as more than 300 years old, and the palm trees give the ride its sense of place. You are not simply circling a bare enclosure. The appeal comes from moving through an established garden with tall palms and quiet paths.

You should expect a slow ride rather than a fast animal adventure. The camel is the means of seeing the garden from a higher seat, and the palm-filled surroundings do much of the work. If you are hoping for dramatic desert scenery or a long route, this may feel limited.

For many people, that is the point. The peaceful pace lets you look around, take photographs, and enjoy a side of Maspalomas that feels removed from the resort streets. Several recent comments praise the scenery and the relaxed mood, with one describing the park as peaceful and scenic.

What your 30 minutes on the camel are like

Your camel ride begins at the park after check-in at the reception. The available starting times vary, so you will need to check the schedule when choosing your date. The activity provider offers assistance in Spanish, German, and English.

The supplied information does not give a detailed riding route or explain how many people share each departure. I would keep your expectations practical: the experience is a brief organized ride through the oasis, not a private trek. If the exact departure time matters to your day, check availability before booking.

A camel can feel unusual to sit on, especially when it rises or lowers itself. Hold on as instructed and wear shoes that stay securely on your feet. Comfortable footwear matters more here than stylish footwear, since the park also includes paths and a garden to explore.

A hat is a smart choice in Gran Canaria’s strong sun. You will be outside for the ride and for the animal park, and shade may vary along the route. Bring your passport or ID card as requested for the activity.

The ride itself is included in the $23 price. That is a fair cost if you value the palm oasis and plan to spend time in the park afterward. It is less convincing if you only want a quick camel photograph and intend to leave as soon as the ride ends.

The animal park adds useful time before and after the ride

Your ticket includes entry to the wider park, which helps make the short ride feel like a fuller outing. You can see donkeys, goats, peacocks, ducks, and birds. The animals you see can depend on the season, and young camels may be present at some times.

You may also be able to feed some of the animals while waiting for your ride. Animal food is not included, so you will need to pay extra if you want to do this. That small detail matters for families, since feeding animals may become one of the most memorable parts of the visit.

The park offers a more varied experience than the camel ride alone. You can watch the animals, walk through the grounds, and take your time instead of finishing everything in 30 minutes. A recent visitor specifically noted being able to feed animals, including younger ones, while waiting for the scheduled ride.

I would allow extra time for the park even though the advertised ride lasts only half an hour. The exact amount depends on how long you want to stay, but the included admission gives you a reason not to rush back to your hotel or the beach.

Animal care is an important consideration with any activity involving camels. The available feedback describes the camels as well cared for, and the general tone points to a friendly, calm setting. You should still remember that these are working animals, so follow the park’s instructions and avoid treating the ride like a theme-park stunt.

The tropical garden and terrace

The tropical garden gives you another reason to visit beyond the camel ride. The park presents the garden as part of the experience, not just a waiting area, and the palms create the most distinctive visual feature of the site.

I like this combination because it gives you two different ways to enjoy the visit. The camel ride is the structured part, while the garden lets you slow down, look around, and take photographs without watching the clock.

Afterward, you can buy a tropical juice on the garden terrace. It is not included in the ticket, but it offers a pleasant way to end the visit, especially on a warm day. One recent account specifically praised the welcome, sunshine, peaceful surroundings, and fresh juice.

Do not assume the drink is part of the $23 package. The same applies to food for the animals. If you want the full experience, keep a little extra money available for those optional purchases.

The garden also helps if not everyone in your group wants to ride. One person can take part while another spends time looking at the animals or sitting on the terrace. The supplied information does not confirm specific accessibility features, though, so anyone with mobility concerns should check directly with the provider before booking.

Finding La Baranda and planning your arrival

The meeting point is the reception at Camel Safari Park La Baranda. Clear signs point to the venue entrance, but parking is reportedly less clearly marked. There is on-site parking with plenty of space depending on how busy the park is.

I would look for the entrance signs first rather than relying only on the parking area. Once you reach the venue, allow enough time to park, walk to reception, and present your identification before the riding time.

The information provided does not include hotel pickup or public transport details. Plan on making your own way to the park, and confirm the route before setting out. This matters if you are combining the activity with another booking at a fixed time.

The location works best as part of a flexible day in or around Maspalomas. Since the ride is short, you can pair it with other plans, but leave a buffer for finding the entrance and for time spent in the animal park.

Who will enjoy this experience most

This activity suits you if you want a gentle, unusual outing with attractive surroundings rather than an intense adventure. The 30-minute ride is manageable for many people who are curious about camels but do not want a long excursion.

Families may appreciate the combination of animals, palms, and a simple timetable. Children can watch the camels, see goats and donkeys, and possibly feed animals while waiting. The provider does not give a specific minimum age, so check directly if you are booking for very young children.

Couples and solo visitors may like the quiet atmosphere and the garden more than the ride itself. The park seems to work best when you treat the camel ride as the central feature of a relaxed visit, not as the only thing to do.

The experience is not suitable for pregnant women or people over 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms. Those limits are important and should be checked before you pay. If you are unsure about comfort or safety, contact the provider rather than guessing.

How the price compares with the time you get

At $23 per person, the cost is reasonable for a short activity that includes both the camel ride and entry to the animal park and garden. The value improves if you stay to see the animals, walk through the palms, and perhaps buy a juice on the terrace.

The price is harder to justify if you measure value only by riding time. Thirty minutes passes quickly, and drinks and animal food are extra. You are paying partly for the setting and the included park access.

I would compare it with what you want from your day in Gran Canaria. If your schedule is already full, this gives you a compact experience with little time commitment. If you are seeking a full camel safari, a large wildlife park, or a long guided tour, you should look for something else.

The strongest value here is the relaxed combination of activities. You get a ride, animals, palms, and a garden in one stop. That mix makes the ticket more useful than a camel ride that begins and ends at a plain staging area.

Practical details that can make the visit easier

Book a starting time that leaves room before and after the ride. You may want time to feed animals, see the garden, or buy a drink, and the parking area may take a little attention when the park is busy.

Wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat. You should also carry your passport or ID card, as these are specifically requested. Sunscreen is sensible for Gran Canaria, though it is not listed as a required item.

The provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful if your plans are still shifting.

The main languages available are Spanish, German, and English. No individual guide names are provided, but you can expect support in those three languages.

You should also be prepared for normal outdoor animal-park conditions. One recent visitor reported no trouble with flies or smells, but conditions can change with the weather, season, and animal activity. The park’s setting is peaceful, though this is still a working animal environment rather than a formal botanical garden.

Should you book the Camel Safari Park?

I would book this if you want a short, calm camel ride in a distinctive palm setting, with enough extra park access to make the visit last longer than the ride. The scenery, tropical garden, animal collection, and chance to feed animals give the $23 ticket decent value.

I would skip it if you want a long safari, a highly structured tour, or a ride through open desert. The 30-minute route is modest, and optional drinks and animal food add to the cost.

For a flexible Maspalomas day, though, this is an appealing small-scale activity. Bring your ID, wear comfortable shoes, allow time to find the reception and parking, and plan to stay after the ride. That is where the visit earns its price.

FAQ

How long does the camel ride last?

The camel ride lasts 30 minutes.

What does the ticket include?

The ticket includes the 30-minute camel ride and entry to the park, including access to the animals and tropical garden.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included, although you can buy a tropical juice on the garden terrace.

Can I feed the animals?

You may be able to feed animals at the park, but food for the animals is not included in the ticket.

Where do I meet for the activity?

Meet at the reception of Camel Safari Park La Baranda.

What should I bring?

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

Who cannot take part in the camel ride?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people weighing more than 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms.