Gran Canaria: Camel Ride Safari w/ Optional Food & Transport

Camel safari in a palm canyon sounds made up.

It is real, and it’s one of the easiest ways to get out of the resort zone while still feeling like a proper activity. I love the 60-minute camel ride through the 300-year-old Oasis of the 1,000 Palms, with a guide showing you how the oasis works and what grew there over time. The setting is a ravine-like pocket of green, so the experience feels different from the usual beach-and-boutique rhythm.

I also like how the visit goes beyond just the ride, with a guided walk through the tropical gardens and fruit trees like papaya, mango, and guava, plus up-close animal moments in the reserve. Your optional add-on tapas meal is served with drinks in a museum-like setup featuring antique farm tools from the Canary Islands, which turns the food into part of the story, not just a stop to refill you. The main thing to consider is the sun exposure, since you can be in full light with limited shade depending on the time slot, so plan clothing and sunscreen carefully.

Key points to know before you go

• The ride is about 60 minutes, so you get enough time to enjoy it without feeling rushed.
• Oasis of the 1,000 Palms is the star, including the long-used oasis path and palm-filled ravine feel.
• Tropical gardens and fruit trees are part of the guided experience, not just photo stops.
• Farm-animal encounters are included, but the feed itself may cost extra.
• Tapas are optional, and the setting uses antique Canary farm implements for extra atmosphere.
• Pickup can be included from several resort areas around Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, San Agustín, and Bahia Feliz.

Camel Safari Park La Baranda, your shortcut into the Fataga nature reserve

Gran Canaria’s interior can feel far away if you only do the coastline. This half-day safari is a practical fix. You meet your group and head up toward the Camel Safari Park La Baranda, with a scenic drive that helps you shift gears before you even arrive. Once there, the pace changes in a good way. You’re not bouncing between a bunch of separate attractions. It’s one concentrated experience in a real reserve area.

The setting matters. You’re not just walking through a showground. The oasis and gardens sit in a protected environment tied to the Fataga nature reserve area, with palms and fruit trees growing in a valley-like space. That is why the day feels calmer than a typical “tourist stop with animals.”

If you get nervous around animals, this is a tour style that tries to reduce that feeling. There’s a safety briefing, and the staff’s role is to get you comfortable before the camel portion. In the reviews, people consistently highlight friendly, helpful guides and staff, and that makes a difference when the experience is new to you.

Practical note: the tour is offered in Spanish, English, and German, so you’ll likely hear instructions in your language rather than relying on a quick translation.

The real event: 60 minutes on a camel in the Oasis of the 1,000 Palms

The highlight is the camel ride through the Oasis of the 1,000 Palms. This isn’t a quick spin around a pen. It’s structured as a guided experience, with time to enjoy the slow walk and time to look around.

You’ll spend about an hour riding, including time in the oasis itself. The oasis is described as being built over 300 years ago, and you can feel that age in the way the route is laid out and how the palms create that enclosed ravine mood. The route takes you through a palm-heavy area, not just open desert, so it feels like a pocket world.

What I like about this format is that the camel ride isn’t the only “wow.” Many people do camel rides where you hop on, take your photos, and leave. Here, you’re guided through an environment that feels tied to real land and old cultivation patterns. That gives the ride more meaning than pure novelty.

How it feels in practice:

• Expect a slower, steady pace. It’s not a thrill ride.
• You’ll likely come off the camel feeling warm and a little sun-blasted, especially if you’re in a midday slot.
• The walking route through the oasis and around the park areas can include rocky or uneven paths, so sturdy shoes matter.

One more thing that comes up a lot: camel rides are an hour on your body. If you’re someone who gets uncomfortable sitting for long periods, go in expecting that it’s an active hour, not a nap. Also, if you’d rather not deal with limited shade, choose a cooler time slot if you have that option.

Feeding animals and walking the tropical gardens: where the day gets personal

After the ride, the experience shifts from “mount up and go” to “slow down and look.” You visit the tropical gardens with your guide, with fruit trees such as papaya, mango, and guava. Even if you’ve never cared about fruit farming, it’s a simple, visual way to understand how people have used this land over time.

This part is also where animal interactions happen. The reserve covers about 10,000 square meters, and you’ll see and interact with a variety of friendly farm animals in the oasis setting. Some of the animal encounters you might find include camels and donkeys, and the reserve atmosphere tends to feel more relaxed than a tightly managed petting-zoo lineup.

One caution that’s easy to miss: camel feeding isn’t listed as included. That said, the experience does offer the chance to feed animals, and in real-world practice, there are often small add-ons for feed. If you care about doing the feeding moment, consider budgeting for it rather than assuming it’s included in the base price.

Also, there’s usually more than one way to spend money on-site, such as photos or small items. If you prefer not to buy extras, you can still have a full experience without adding much. Just know that the setting is designed to encourage purchases, like photos and feed, and you’ll see that rhythm up close.

Optional tapas with drinks: a farm-to-table meal served like a small exhibit

If you choose the option with tapas, you get a meal after the park time. The tapas are served with drinks in a museum-like setting that uses displays of antique farm implements from the Canary Islands. That matters more than it sounds. It turns lunch into a cultural pause instead of a random restaurant stop.

The food itself gets consistently good marks in the reviews, and the selection can include things like chicken paella, olives and cheese, and potatoes, plus additional items depending on what’s served that day. Many people also say the ingredients feel tied to the reserve, which gives the meal a “we did not just drive you somewhere” vibe.

You should also know a practical detail: some people feel the tapas are a great payoff because it adds a clear finale to the camel experience. Others mention that it’s a nice light meal rather than a huge feast. So if you’re genuinely hungry and you want a big meal, check the tapas option expectations and plan accordingly.

A small bonus I like in this style of tour: you don’t just leave after eating and you don’t feel like lunch is separate from the story. The antique farm-tool setting gives the meal a visual context, which is exactly what you want on a half-day trip.

Timing, sun, and comfort: how to make the hour on the camel easier

This is a short tour, which means the “weather factor” matters more. You’re often in direct sun, and the oasis and park areas can be in a canyon-like space where shade might be limited depending on the season and time slot. If you’re going in summer, treat this as a full sun activity. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Long sleeves or light long pants can help a lot.

Comfort tips that will save you:

• Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. You’ll walk on uneven surfaces.
• Plan for heat. Even if it looks pleasant at the start, the camel hour is in open light.
• Bring sunscreen you’ll actually reapply if you need to. This is the kind of tour where you get sun without realizing it.

There can be a little waiting time at the end of the experience if your group finishes tapas and then pickup lines up. Some people report waiting for pickup after the meal. It didn’t spoil the day for them, but it’s still worth knowing so you do not build a fragile schedule around the exact minute you land back at your hotel.

If you’re worried about comfort, pick your slot thoughtfully. Reviews include mentions of midday full-sun sessions feeling less optimal, so a morning or later session (when available) can make the day easier on your skin.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for at around $50

At roughly $50 per person, the value question comes down to what you expect for that price point. You’re not paying for just a camel ride. You’re paying for:

• A guided hour on a camel
• A guided walk through tropical gardens and fruit trees
• Animal interactions in a reserve setting
• Optional tapas with drinks, if you select that package
• Pickup and drop-off service if you choose transport (or if your start option includes it)

That package approach matters. Even though the overall duration is around 3 hours, it packs multiple parts into one outing, and the guide handling the flow is part of what keeps the experience simple.

Is it “cheap”? Not exactly. But it’s also not priced like a full-day excursion with multiple stops and long drives. If you want something different from the usual resort routine, you get a memorable, hands-on activity without committing a full day.

The main place value can slip is if you care about add-ons you might want, like:

• Camel feeding extras (not included in the base listing)
• Photos (not included)
• Extra drinks (not included)

Those costs tend to stay small, but they can add up if you buy everything. If you’re budget-conscious, decide ahead of time whether you want photos and feed.

Who should book, and who might not love it

This tour is a good fit if:

• You want an easy half-day activity near Maspalomas and the nearby resort areas.
• You’re curious about living animals, gardens, and a real oasis environment.
• You want hands-on fun that works for both adults and kids, without complicated planning.

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re sensitive to sun and heat. This is often a direct-light activity.
• You want a long, deep walking tour. The camel ride portion is around an hour, and the rest is guided garden time.
• You dislike animal-activity settings that can include sales pressure. Some people mention that there are attempts to sell extras while you’re on-site. You can still have a good time, but keep your expectations clear.

There are also clear limits on suitability. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, and it’s not suitable for people over 275 lbs (125 kg). If either applies to you, skip this one for safety and comfort.

Final verdict: should you book this Gran Canaria camel safari with tapas and transport?

I’d book it if you want a short, well-structured day out that combines the one big thing, a real camel ride, with plant-filled gardens and a simple meal option that feels connected to the reserve. The Oasis of the 1,000 Palms is the reason to go, and the hour-long ride gives you time to enjoy the environment instead of rushing through it.

I would skip or think twice if you’re going in peak heat and you do not plan for sun protection, or if you hate add-on sales and uncertain timing after the meal. Also, if you want a massive meal, tapas is likely more of a light, local-style finish than a full restaurant replacement.

If you’re weighing options and want something different from the usual Gran Canaria routine, this is a solid choice. Choose your time slot wisely, wear good shoes, and if tapas matters to you, pick the tapas option so the day ends with a proper finale.

FAQ

How long is the Gran Canaria Camel Ride Safari?

The activity is listed as lasting about 3 hours.

Is the camel ride included, and how long is it?

Yes. You get a 60-minute camel ride as part of the experience.

Can I include tapas and hotel transport?

Yes. Tapas with drinks and pickup and drop-off service are offered as optional inclusions, depending on the package you choose.

What languages does the guide speak?

The instructor offers Spanish, English, and German.

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring comfortable shoes. Sun protection like sunglasses and sunscreen is also recommended, along with light clothing in summer or warmer clothing in winter.

Is it free to cancel, and how far in advance?

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