Gran Canaria: Camel Ride at Camel Safari Park

First time you see camels in a palm oasis, it clicks fast. The Camel Safari Park La Baranda in Maspalomas pairs a short ride with a peaceful visit to a 300-year-old Oasis of the 1,000 Palms, plus time to wander and meet other animals. I like how the experience stays relaxed rather than rushed, and you can spend extra moments feeding animals and strolling the tropical garden. One drawback to think about is the ride itself is only 30 minutes, so if you are craving a longer camel adventure, this will feel short.

You start at the reception, then you are free to explore the park while you wait for your slot. Expect a calm, sunny hour overall, including admission to see the animals, while the ride is the main event. If heat bothers you, plan your timing and bring a hat and comfortable shoes.

Camel Safari Park La Baranda: key highlights worth your time

• Oasis of the 1,000 Palms: a palm-rich route laid out over centuries, with shady pockets where you can pause and look around
• 30-minute camel ride: enough time for views and photos without turning the day into a half marathon
• Animal encounters beyond camels: donkeys, goats, peacocks, ducks, and other birds are part of the park experience
• Tropical garden stroll: you can walk, relax, and take in the setting after your ride
• Small extras on-site: tropical juice is available on the terrace, but it is not included in the price

Camel Safari Park in Maspalomas: the Oasis is the real star

Gran Canaria can be big, bright, and busy. This is the opposite vibe. At Camel Safari Park La Baranda in Maspalomas, your camel route passes through a palm oasis that is said to be built over 300 years ago, an unusual setting for a quick ride.

What I like about this kind of stop is the way it changes your pace. You are not just sitting on an animal for a photo, you are moving through a real garden space that feels like it was designed for wandering. The palm trees give you shade, and the route through the oasis makes the experience feel more than a simple transfer from A to B.

The park also gives you something to do before and after the ride. If you arrive early, you are not stuck waiting with nothing to look at. You can check out the other animals and the tropical garden while you wait for your camel turn.

What the 30-minute camel ride is actually like

The headline is simple: a 30-minute camel ride through the oasis. That short duration is the whole design. You get the experience of being up on a camel and seeing the oasis from a different height, without committing your entire day.

During the ride, you are traveling through the 1,000 palms setting. The oasis layout matters because it is not just open sand or a straight track. You get a slow, scenic movement that suits people who want something gentle and not overly intense.

You can also expect the park to have seasonal variations. The animals you see can change depending on the time of year, and there may be baby camels in season. That is one reason I think this activity still feels fresh even if you have seen camels on other islands.

One practical thought: bring your patience. Even though the ride is short, the experience works best when you accept a little waiting time in the park as groups cycle through. It is not a problem, it just sets expectations.

Feeding animals and strolling the tropical garden

Your ticket includes park admission, so after you check in, you can spend time seeing animals and walking the grounds. The park experience is built around that idea of a calm visit, not a strict one-way route.

Here is what you might encounter in addition to camels: donkeys, goats, peacocks, ducks, and birds. The park also offers a chance to feed the animals, though details matter. Animal food is not included, so you will likely need to buy it on-site if you want to participate fully.

That feeding option is a big value add because it turns the visit into an interaction, not just observation. And if you are traveling with kids, it gives them a task, something to look forward to, and a reason to pay attention while you wait for your ride.

After the ride, the tropical garden is where you slow down again. This part is especially good if you want a break from the stronger tourist energy you can find elsewhere in Gran Canaria. It is a place to cool off a little, take photos at your own pace, and enjoy the palm-filled setting without any pressure.

The terrace and juice: a small add-on to plan for

The park has a terrace in the tropical garden area, and there is tropical juice available there. The key detail is that drinks are not included, so you should budget for whatever you choose.

I like small add-ons like this because they let you tailor the day. If you are heat-sensitive, you can pick a refreshing option after your ride. If you are trying to keep costs tight, you can skip it and bring only what you need.

If you tend to get thirsty on sunny afternoons, I would plan to have a plan for hydration. The information you get for this activity emphasizes a hat, and that is a clue you should dress for sun and comfort.

Included vs not included: what you pay for at $23

At around $23 per person, this experience can feel like good value because the price covers more than just the camel moments. You get:

• 30 minutes camel ride
• Entry to the park to see the animals and the garden

What is not included:

• Drinks
• Food for animals

So your money goes into the main event plus admission time. That matters because many camel experiences are either just the ride with no time to enjoy the grounds, or they add costs quickly once you are on-site. Here, you already have the park included, and you only pay extra if you want drinks or to buy animal feed.

It also helps that the duration is clearly set at 30 minutes. You can fit this into a day with other Maspalomas plans without it swallowing your schedule.

If you want the clearest picture of overall demand, the activity sits at about 4.1 out of 5 based on 217 ratings. That suggests most people leave happy, especially those who appreciate the relaxed park atmosphere.

Where to meet and how to arrive smoothly

You meet at the Camel Safari Park La Baranda reception. For an activity like this, finding the entrance fast keeps the day stress-free, especially if you are traveling with others or you are on a tight schedule.

On arrival, you will typically follow signage to the entrance area. Parking is available on-site, and there is plenty of space, though it may not be the most obvious at first glance. My practical advice: when you get close, slow down and look for venue signs before you park randomly.

The hosts and greeters can handle Spanish, German, and English. That is helpful if you want a quick explanation of when to line up for your camel ride and how the park visit flows.

Who this camel ride suits best, and who should skip it

This is a great fit if you want a gentle, scenic animal experience that feels like a mini garden break. It works especially well for:

• families looking for something fun but not exhausting
• couples who want a short, different activity in Gran Canaria
• travelers who prefer calm, shaded spaces over hectic sightseeing

There are also clear limits. This is not suitable for pregnant women and for people over 264 lbs (120 kg). If either applies, you will want to choose another activity that fits your needs and safety requirements.

Also, remember the ride is only 30 minutes. If you are expecting a long guided trek across dunes or an extended route, this may not match your expectations.

Tips that make the whole visit easier

This one is simple, but a few details make a real difference.

Bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Comfortable shoes
• Hat

Comfortable shoes matter because the park involves walking around the oasis, checking animals, and moving between areas while you wait. And since you will be in a palm oasis under sun, the hat is not optional for comfort.

If you want the best experience timing, aim to arrive with a little buffer before your ride slot. That gives you time to:

• see some animals
• walk a bit through the tropical garden
• settle in without rushing

Also, plan your spending. Since drinks and animal food are not included, decide in advance whether you want to buy animal food. It is a nice extra, but it changes the feel of your budget.

When to book this camel ride in your Gran Canaria plan

This activity fits well on a day when you want a nature and animals moment without the effort of a long excursion. Maspalomas is a place where you can spend a lot of time outdoors, so the park setting can feel like a welcome reset.

I think it is especially good if you are doing a mix of beach time plus one calm, family-friendly stop. You can keep the rest of your day flexible, then let the camel ride and garden fill the “easy” slot.

It is also a smart pick if you like experiences that include time to wander. The park admission lets you enjoy more than just the main event, which is exactly what keeps this from feeling one-note.

Should you book Camel Safari Park La Baranda?

Yes, I would book this camel ride if you want a short, scenic camel experience in a real palm oasis, and you also enjoy animal encounters and a tropical garden stroll. The combination of 30 minutes on the camel plus included park admission is the big reason the price makes sense.

Skip it if you need something more intense, longer than a half hour for the main event, or if the height and weight limits apply. And if drinks or feeding animals are priorities for you, budget a little extra since those extras are not included.

If your schedule is still changing, the activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option. That flexibility makes it easier to slot this into a Gran Canaria itinerary without overcommitting.

FAQ

How long is the camel ride at Camel Safari Park La Baranda?

The camel ride lasts 30 minutes.

Where is the meeting point for the activity?

You meet at the Camel Safari Park La Baranda reception.

What is included in the price?

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

Are drinks included?

No, drinks are not included.

Is animal food included?

No, food for animals is not included.

What animals can you see besides camels?

Besides camels, the park may include donkeys, goats, peacocks, ducks, and other birds, and the exact animals can depend on the season.

Can I feed the animals during my visit?

You can feed the animals, but you should expect that animal food is not included.

What should I bring with me?

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

Who is the activity not suitable for?

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

What are the cancellation options?

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