A camel ride through a centuries-old palm oasis adds instant wow factor on Gran Canaria. I love the 1-hour Oasis of the 1,000 Palms route, and I also like how your guide slows things down to show fruit trees and farm animals you can actually meet. The main drawback is the heat: much of the experience happens in open sun, so midday sessions can feel long unless you dress for it.

This is a half-day style outing built around the Camel Safari Park at La Baranda, near the ravines and palm valley area around Fataga and Camellos. You’ll start with pickup options from places like Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, San Agustín, and Bahia Feliz, then spend focused time in the gardens before heading back. If you add the tapas option, the meal comes with drinks in a more rustic, museum-like setting featuring antique farm tools.

Timing is usually smooth, but there’s one practical thing to plan for: after your food stop, you may wait a bit for the return drive. It’s rarely a deal-breaker, but it’s good to know before you build your day around tight reservations.

Key things to know before you go

• The camel ride is the headline: expect about an hour, plus time to meet the camels and settle in.
• Sun can be intense: the oasis is a canyon with limited shade, so hat and sunscreen matter.
• The gardens are part of the value: you’ll see fruit trees like papaya, mango, and guava.
• Feeding isn’t fully included: camel feeding is listed as extra, and in practice it can cost a few euros.
• Tapas are optional: if you want local bites, choose the tapas package.
• No drones allowed: plan on relying on your own phone/camera.

La Baranda and the drive into Gran Canaria’s palm ravine

This tour is designed to feel easy from the moment you’re picked up. If you choose transport, you’ll get collected at your hotel area in the south (Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, San Agustín, or Bahia Feliz, plus nearby meeting points depending on the option). From there, you head into the interior zones that connect with the Fataga/Camellos palm valley vibe.

The park itself is not some giant theme park compound. It feels like a working safari/garden reserve setting. That difference matters because the morning-to-midday pace stays simple: get briefed, drive in, meet the animals, then enjoy the oasis experience. Several people also note that the drive can involve winding mountain roads, and while drivers typically handle it well, it’s worth taking seriously if you’re prone to motion sickness.

One more detail: you’ll meet an instructor/guide who works in Spanish, English, and German. If you want a clear explanation without language stress, this multilingual setup is genuinely helpful.

The 1-hour camel ride through the Oasis of the 1,000 Palms

The core experience here is the camel ride through the Oasis of the 1,000 Palms. This isn’t a quick photo stop. You ride for around 60 minutes, and you’ll pass through a protected oasis area with palms and long-established paths that date back about 300 years.

What you should mentally prepare for: the ride includes walking/handling time and being mounted safely, not just “instant sitting and off you go.” Guides tend to keep things organized, and you’ll also have a bit of time to interact before the ride starts. People repeatedly call the camels calm and well looked after, which makes the whole thing feel less intimidating than you’d expect if it’s your first time.

Then there’s the environment. The oasis sits in a ravine-like setting, which means you’re often exposed. Even if you’re in Gran Canaria, don’t assume “it’s breezy, so I’ll be fine.” In summer conditions, strong sun is the real factor. Bring light clothing if it’s hot, but also consider long sleeves if you burn easily. A hat and sunscreen are not optional if you want comfort.

Also, your ride may be shorter or longer depending on session timing and group flow, but the tour standard is about an hour. If you’re hoping for something like a full-day trek, this isn’t that. Think “half-day, focused experience” instead.

Tropical gardens and fruit trees you can actually see up close

Between the camel time and the animal interaction, you’ll explore the tropical gardens in the oasis. This is where the experience feels less like a single activity and more like a place you’re visiting.

You’ll walk with your guide through garden sections planted with fruit trees, including papaya, mango, and guava. It’s a nice change of pace because it slows you down. You’re not just watching; you’re learning what’s grown there and how the oasis supports the animals and the farm setting.

Even if you’re not the type who reads garden labels, the walking portion is still practical. It gives you shade breaks when you can find them, and it helps explain why this site is more than just a ride route. The oasis covers about 10,000 square meters, so you’re not wandering through a tiny backyard garden either.

If you’re visiting with kids, this part often lands well because it adds variety. For adults, it adds context and makes the ride feel part of a bigger story rather than a stand-alone stunt.

Farm animals, camel encounters, and the real deal on feeding

A big part of the appeal is meeting animals beyond camels. You should expect a mix of desert-oasis farm animals, including the kind of creatures people often describe as relaxed and comfortable around handlers.

Your experience includes camel visits and interaction time. What’s not included is camel feeding. In practice, people say feeding can be an add-on with a small extra cost (one example mentioned is around €3). Photos can also be extra (someone cited €8), and videos aren’t included either.

So here’s how I’d handle it: treat the base tour as a chance to get near the animals, watch how the reserve operates, and enjoy the ride. If you love the idea of feeding, assume it might cost a bit more and decide on the spot based on what’s offered and how the session is running.

This is also a good moment to pay attention to animal care cues. The best signs you’re in a well-run reserve are calm behavior, good handling routines, and animals that look settled rather than stressed. Multiple people highlight that the animals look well cared for, which helps reduce the “is this ethical?” question.

Tapas after the ride: local bites in a tool-filled setting

If you choose the tapas option, your meal happens after your time in the oasis and garden areas. The tapas are served with drinks, and the setting is described as museum-like, with displays of antique farm implements from the Canary Islands. That means you’re not eating in a generic restaurant corner. It’s more of a curated farm-style stop.

Food quality is a major theme in the ratings. People call the tapas delicious and note that the selection can feel generous for the time involved. Some mention favorites like olives, cheese, and a more substantial hot component. Another detail worth knowing: food served here may be light enough for hot-weather comfort, which matters in a sun-and-canyon setting.

One practical drawback is pacing. After eating, you may wait for pickup back to your hotel area. A few people report a wait of around an hour, which can feel long if you’re hungry for the return ride to start immediately. It doesn’t usually ruin the day, but it’s smart to avoid booking the next activity right after, especially if you’re the type who needs a strict schedule.

If you’re debating the add-on: the tapas package is usually the value win. You’re already paying for a themed half-day; adding food turns it into an all-in-one experience instead of “camel ride plus later meal hunt.”

What to bring, what not to do, and how to stay comfortable

This is an outdoors day in a canyon setting, so the simple list matters.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (you’ll walk on uneven paths)
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Light layers in summer, warmer clothing in winter
• A hat if you burn easily

Not allowed:

• Drones (plan on no aerial photography)

A small but important reality check: this isn’t designed for everyone. It’s listed as not suitable for pregnant women, and there’s also a weight limit of 275 lbs (125 kg). If either applies, skip it and look for a different Gran Canaria activity that matches your comfort and safety needs.

Also note: extra drinks aren’t included. Tapas with drinks are included in the tapas option, but if you want more, plan on paying separately.

Price and value: where your $50-ish ticket makes sense

The posted price is around $50 per person for a 3-hour experience, with longer “feel” depending on whether you add tapas and transport. Price on its own doesn’t tell you much here—what matters is what you’re buying:

• About 60 minutes on camel time (the main event)
• Guided exploration of the oasis gardens
• A farm-animal visit and guided context
• Optional: tapas with drinks and pickup/drop-off

If you choose hotel transport and tapas, you’re paying for convenience plus food plus the structured half-day. That combination is often the value sweet spot, because you don’t have to coordinate anything on your own once you’re in the south.

If you skip tapas and don’t need transport, the ride is still a fun change of pace. But it becomes more “activity-only,” and you’ll likely spend the rest of your day finding your own meal and timing your return.

Bottom line: for most people staying in Maspalomas/Playa del Inglés and wanting an outdoor experience that’s different from beaches and shopping, this is usually a good fit for your time and budget.

Who should book this camel safari (and who shouldn’t)

This works especially well for:

• Families who want a kid-friendly, animal-based outing with a clear storyline
• Couples looking for something playful and scenic that doesn’t require a whole day
• First-timers to camel rides who want a guided setup and structured time

You might want to skip it if:

• You’re pregnant (explicitly not suitable)
• You’re sensitive to sun heat and shade is limited for you
• You need a very tight timeline for the rest of your afternoon (there can be a return wait after tapas)
• You want a long trek or a serious horseback-style adventure (this is a 60-minute ride plus gardens, not a full marathon)

Should you book this Camel Ride Safari with optional Food and Transport?

If you want a simple half-day that mixes camel time, a real palm oasis setting, and an easy meal option, I’d book it. The best reason is balance: the ride is long enough to feel like an experience, and the garden tour gives you context so it doesn’t feel like you’re just passing through.

Choose the tapas package if you value convenience and like the idea of eating after you’ve worked up some sun energy. Choose transport if you’re staying in the main tourist areas and don’t want to figure out timing and routes yourself.

But if you’re easily overheated, plan your clothing like the sun is coming for you. Hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes make the difference between “fun and memorable” and “sunburn regret.”

FAQ

How long is the camel ride?

The camel ride portion is about 60 minutes.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Pickup and drop-off are included if you select the option with transport. Pickup is offered from hotel areas such as Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, San Agustín, and Bahia Feliz, or nearby meeting points.

What does the tapas option include?

The tapas option includes tapas with drinks. Extra drinks are not included.

Are photos, videos, and camel feeding included?

Photos, videos, and camel feeding are not included.

What should I bring with me?

Wear comfortable shoes. It’s also recommended to bring sunscreen and sunglasses and dress appropriately for season and weather.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

It is not suitable for pregnant women. There is also a weight limit of 275 lbs (125 kg).

What languages are available?

The instructor/guide works in Spanish, English, and German.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is drone use allowed?

No, drones are not allowed.