One of the easiest ways to slow down on Gran Canaria is on camelback. At Camel Safari Park La Baranda in Maspalomas, you ride for 30 minutes through the Oasis of 1,000 Palms, an old palm sanctuary that feels cool and quiet compared with the big beach areas. The warm welcome and laid-back pace make it feel more like a relaxed stop than a rushed attraction.

Two things I particularly like for real-world value: first, the setting. You are not just walking past camels, you are passing through a dramatic palm oasis. Second, the animal area is compact enough to explore without eating up your whole day, and the animals you can see tend to look well cared for, with an overall calm vibe.

The Main Thing to Think About First

The main drawback is simple: this is a short ride in an animal park, so it will not replace a bigger adventure. If you are sensitive to animal smells or crowds, you should expect a working animal environment, and the park is not suitable for pregnant women or people over 264 lbs (120 kg).

Key Points Before You Go

• 300-year-old Oasis setting: your ride follows an old palm layout, not just a loop.
• 30 minutes on the camel: short enough to fit almost any plan in Maspalomas.
• Park entry included: you can extend the experience by exploring after the ride.
• Animal interaction is possible, but food is extra: bring your patience, and plan for the cost of animal feed.
• Peaceful, scenic, and easy to find: clear signage helps you get in without fuss.
• Seasonal animals and baby camels: what you see can vary depending on the time of year.

Camel Safari Park La Baranda, Maspalomas: What You Are Really Paying For

At around $23 per person, this is a straightforward, no-fuss activity. You are paying for a specific experience: a camel ride through a palm oasis, plus entry to a small animal park and garden area. That makes it good value if you want something charming and different from the usual beach-and-bus routine.

The duration matters too. 30 minutes is long enough to enjoy the novelty and take in the views, but short enough that you do not have to build your entire day around it. For many people, that is the sweet spot on Gran Canaria, especially if you also want time for sand, sunsets, or a quick inland drive.

The 30-Minute Camel Ride Through the Oasis of 1,000 Palms

Your ride is the heart of the experience. You will go through the Oasis of 1,000 Palms, a palm-filled route that’s described as being built over 300 years ago. Even if you do not go deep into history, the atmosphere is the point: shaded palms, a calmer feel, and better photo angles than you get in open, exposed areas.

You will also notice the park’s design is meant to keep you moving at an easy pace. This is not a high-adrenaline, bumpy ride. It is more of a gentle animal experience paired with garden scenery, and that makes it a good fit for families who want a fun memory without exhausting everyone.

What you might spot along the way

The oasis and the surrounding area support more than camels. The park includes other animals like donkeys, goats, peacocks, ducks, and birds, and the number and mix can change by season. Sometimes you might even see baby camels, depending on what the park has at that time.

That seasonal variation is a plus. It means you are not guaranteed the exact same set of animals each visit, so it stays interesting even if you have already seen camels in other places.

Feeding the Animals and Exploring the Tropical Garden

The included park admission is where you stretch the experience beyond the saddle. After your camel ride, you can walk the grounds, visit the animal areas, and enjoy the tropical garden setting.

Feeding is one of the fun parts, and it is worth planning for. Food for animals is not included, so you will need to buy it on site if you want to do that part. The upside is that the wait for your ride slot can be a good time to catch some animal moments up close, including younger animals when they are around.

A note on the “peaceful” feel

More than one detail points toward a calm park atmosphere. People also highlight that the surroundings feel relaxed, sunny, and not chaotic. That matters because it changes the whole experience. A camel ride that happens in a noisy, crowded maze is less enjoyable than one that sits in a quiet palm garden.

If you are checking for comfort, wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat. You will likely spend time walking the grounds before and after the ride, and the island sun is not shy.

The Terrace and the Juice Moment (Not Included, but Worth Budgeting)

There is a terrace in the garden area where you can get a tropical juice, and it sounds like a lot of people like the simple refreshment after the ride. Just note this: drinks are not included.

Think of it as a bonus, not a core part of the cost. If you want to keep the budget tight, you can skip it. If you want a small post-ride reward, set aside a little extra so you can enjoy that garden refresh moment without stress.

Finding Camel Safari Park La Baranda: Practical Arrival Tips

The meeting point is at Camel Safari Park La Baranda reception. Location-wise, it is in Maspalomas, which makes it a workable choice if you are already in that side of the island.

One practical thing to know: signage is described as clear for the entrance, and parking is available on site. However, parking is not always marked in a super obvious way. This is not usually a big problem because the lot has room, but it is a good reminder to arrive a few minutes early so you can park and settle in.

What to bring

Keep it basic and functional:

• Passport or ID card
• Comfortable shoes
• Hat

That is it. You do not need complicated gear, but you do want comfortable footing because you will likely walk on paths around the oasis and garden areas.

Who This Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This is a great pick if you want a short, scenic animal experience with a garden setting. It is ideal for people who:

• want something unique that is not just another tour bus stop
• like animals but do not need a long program
• prefer a calm, easy activity that still feels special

It may not fit if you:

• are pregnant (the park states it is not suitable)
• weigh over 264 lbs (120 kg)
• want a long, multi-stop adventure with lots of driving and stops (this is purposely short)

If you are traveling with kids, it can work nicely because it is not too long. Just remember that there is waiting time depending on your slot, and you will want that hat and shoes for the walking portion.

Booking Value: Is $23 Really Fair for 30 Minutes?

Here is the real value question. If you look at only the camel ride, it is still a fair price for a 30-minute experience in a scenic setting. But the bigger value comes from the included entry to the park afterward.

You are getting:

• the camel ride time
• admission to see the animals
• access to the tropical garden area

Then you have optional add-ons like animal feed and juice. That’s a good structure because you control the extras. If you want a budget version, you can keep spending low. If you want the full animal interaction, you can add feed and enjoy the terrace drink.

Also, the activity has a solid average: 4.1 from 217 reviews. That does not guarantee perfection, but it usually means the experience hits the mark for most people who book it.

Photo and Comfort Tips That Make the Ride Better

You will likely want photos. The oasis route through the palm trees offers better framing than you get with open beach backdrops. For comfort, do not underestimate the basics:

• wear shoes you can walk in comfortably
• bring a hat for sun protection
• plan to spend a little time on your feet in the garden area

If you are sensitive to animal environments, expect that you are visiting a working park. Still, the overall feedback points toward a well-managed, peaceful feel, not an unpleasant one.

Should You Book Camel Safari Park La Baranda?

Book it if you want a scenic, calm, short camel ride that also includes time to explore the animal and garden areas. It is an especially good match if you are staying near Maspalomas and want a break from the usual beach routine.

Skip it if you are looking for a longer excursion with multiple big stops, or if it does not fit your physical needs based on the park’s stated limitations. If you have those constraints covered, this is one of those activities that is easy to say yes to. A palm oasis, a camel ride, and a small animal park is a simple recipe for a satisfying day.

FAQ

How long is the camel ride?

The camel ride lasts 30 minutes.

Where do I meet for the activity?

Meet at Camel Safari Park La Baranda reception.

Is park entry included?

Yes. Your ticket includes entry to the park to see the animals and visit the tropical garden.

Can I feed the animals?

You can feed animals, but food for animals is not included.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included. Tropical juice is available on the terrace (not included).

What should I bring?

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

Is the activity suitable for pregnant women?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. It is not suitable for people over 264 lbs (120 kg).

What languages do the staff speak?

Spanish, German, and English.

Is free cancellation available?

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