Camel Riding Tour at El Tanque, Tenerife

If you want a Tenerife experience that feels calmer than the beach and bigger cities, this camel riding tour in El Tanque is a great fit. It runs through rural farm paths, where you can spot native animals in a small, family-focused setting.

I especially like the chance to see Tenerife’s quieter agricultural north-west side up close, plus the ride is short enough that kids do not lose patience. I also like that the operator keeps things organized, and you might meet friendly staff by name, like Marcelo or Daniella, who come across as welcoming and hands-on.

One drawback to consider is that the experience can feel short if you expect a long, scenic caravan. Also, the meeting point can be tricky if your phone signal is weak, so you will want your directions ready before you arrive.

Camel Riding in El Tanque: The Quick Version of Tenerife Farm Life

30-ish minutes of total fun, with around 20 minutes in the saddle

Farm paths with native animals like Canarian goat, sheep, donkeys, and ponies

Optional costume, including themed tunics people describe on-site

Small group size, max 20 travelers, so it stays manageable

Optional pickup points can include tastings with wine and tapas

El Tanque Camel Ride: Why This Short Tour Works in Real Life

This is not a full-day outing, and that is exactly why it is appealing. You get a genuine change of pace in Tenerife, trading traffic and tour buses for a farm setting where you can watch animals and move through protected natural areas at a slow, steady pace.

For many people, the sweet spot is the timing. The tour description puts the ride around 20 minutes, and several comments also align with a ride that usually lands around the low 20s minutes. If you want “one fun activity” that does not eat your whole afternoon, this fits your schedule.

It also helps that it is built for families. The site has the kind of simple flow that gets you up and moving without drama, and the staff focus on keeping the moment light and safe.

The Setting Around Camello Center, TF-82, km 10,2

The tour meets at the Camello center (paseos en camello y restaurante) on Carretera General, TF-82, km 10,2, 38435 El Tanque. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you do not have to solve transportation once you are dropped off.

One practical detail matters a lot here: navigation. Some people reported trouble finding the meeting point because the connection was spotty and Google Maps did not help. My advice is simple. Save the address in advance, download maps offline if you can, and give yourself a little extra time so you are not rushing when the group is ready to go.

Also note the operating window: the hours provided include 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Monday. The site is listed as operating over a longer range of dates, but day-by-day hours beyond Monday are not spelled out in the info you have here. If you are planning outside Monday, double-check your day and time when you book.

The Camel Ride Itself: What You Actually See and Where It Goes

The heart of the experience is the camel ride on farmland trails. You are not just sitting in place and watching scenery from a distance. You travel through working routes that include native flora and protected natural spaces, which makes the ride feel more connected to the area than a plain out-and-back track.

The tour description calls out multiple animals you can see along the way and at the site. Expect encounters with Canarian goat, Pelibuey sheep, donkeys, and ponies. This is a big reason families like it. It gives kids something to watch beyond the camel itself.

A few reviews also mention that the camel route can feel less scenic than the ideal “wow” imagination people bring to camel tourism. So here is the honest expectation-setting: you are riding through an agricultural setting, not a cinematic desert panorama. If what you crave is dramatic views, you may find it more about the novelty of the ride and the animal interaction than sweeping scenery.

Timing: 20 Minutes on the Camel, and Why Some People Felt It Was Too Short

The listing puts the ride at 20 minutes approximately. Other comments suggest the camel time often lands around 20 to 25 minutes for many departures, while a smaller number of people felt it was closer to 10 to 15 minutes.

So how do you protect yourself from disappointment? Think of it like this. You are paying for a quick, controlled ride with safety and staff attention, not a long guided trek. If you want a longer activity, this is not the tour to choose.

On the upside, the short duration is also practical. It makes the experience easy to slot in around other Tenerife plans, and it keeps the event manageable for a max 20 travelers group. You are not stuck for hours, which matters if you are traveling with children.

Optional Costume: Silly Fun Without the Pressure

There is an optional costume element. The info says there is an optional costume, and some comments describe tunics and turbante-style outfits. Even if you do not dress up, the ride still has the animal element plus the farm-path setting.

If you do take the costume option, treat it as a light add-on for photos and laughs. Keep it practical. Wear something you do not mind getting a little dusty, and plan to rinse off afterward if you are headed straight to dinner.

Animals Are Part of the Value, and Care Shows

One of the most praised aspects is the condition of the animals and the way staff handle them. Multiple positive comments highlight that the camels look well taken care of and healthy, and that the team is friendly and attentive.

That matters because camel riding is not just a photo moment. It is a hands-on animal interaction. If you care about animal welfare, look for that energy on-site, calm handling, and a staff approach that feels focused on the animal and the rider.

You should also expect the overall farm atmosphere. The tour is centered around a small agricultural place and the animals are part of that daily life. One review even mentions being able to feed the animals afterward, which suggests there may be time for extra interaction once the ride is done. That is not stated as guaranteed in the core info, so treat it as a possible bonus.

La Rambla de Castro and Farm Landmarks Along the Way

The ride area is described as showing the fertile north coast and the protected area of La Rambla de Castro. You may pass by palm trees, banana plantations, and older buildings such as La Hacienda de los Castro and the old water lift of La Gordejuela.

What you should take from that is not “there will be a perfect view for every minute.” It is that the route is grounded in real local agriculture and specific landmarks tied to how this area worked. Even if you mostly remember the camel and the animals, you can also come away with a sense of where the farm life sits in Tenerife’s north.

If you are the type of traveler who loves small details, those named landmarks give you something to picture during the ride. If you are less detail-minded, focus on the simple wins: the calm setting, the animals, and the novelty of moving slowly on a camel.

Optional Pickup Areas and Tastings: Turning It into a Mini Food Stop

Here is the feature that can change how you value this tour. Optional pickups are mentioned in La Quinta, Turquesa, and Teneguía, and those pickups can include tastings. The tastings are described as involving wine and tapas such as honeyed cheese, sauces, and potatoes.

Important reality check: your ticket info also states that pickup service is not included. So think of it as an optional extra, not something that automatically comes with your booking. If you want the food and wine element, ask about the pickup option when you reserve.

Also remember what is not included. Lunch is not included, so do not count on a full meal unless the tasting add-on covers your needs. Some comments do praise eating on-site at the restaurant, so you might have an alternative if you get hungry after the ride.

Price and Value: Where $18.07 Makes Sense and Where It Might Not

The price listed is $18.07 per person, which is genuinely reasonable for a guided animal experience. For short tours, the value often comes down to two questions: how long you ride and how smoothly the staff run the process.

On the plus side, the ride duration is short, the group size is capped at 20 travelers, and the staff are repeatedly described as friendly and organized. You also get an entrance ticket as part of the included package, which helps the math.

On the minus side, a few people felt the ride was too short, and some described parts of the route as less scenic than expected. There are also comments about photos being sold after the ride, and one complaint about pricing differences between pre-booking and buying on-site.

My practical advice: decide what you are buying before you go. If you want a quick camel ride plus animals in a farm setting, you will likely feel it was worth it. If you want a long trek or a premium, highly scenic experience, adjust your expectations or choose a different tour.

Meeting Point Comfort: Site Facilities and How the Flow Feels

This is a working site with visitor services. Reviews mention toilets, a shop, and a restaurant on site. People also describe quick boarding, with at least one comment saying there was no queue when arriving around 10:45 AM.

That tells me the operation is set up for short, repeated waves of riders. With a max group size of 20, you are not squeezed into a giant cattle-car moment.

Still, plan for the practical things that matter on any animal tour. Wear shoes that grip well on farm paths, keep your phone secure, and be ready for a bit of dust.

What to Pack and How to Stay Comfortable on a Rigid Saddle

One specific comfort note stands out in the comments: some mention that the camel seats can feel rigid, with the “iron” structure giving pressure on the back. That does not mean it will happen to everyone, but it is enough for me to put it on your checklist.

Bring or wear something that makes your back comfortable. If you are sensitive to pressure, consider a thin cushion or wear clothing that provides a little padding. Also, keep your expectations realistic. This is a short ride, not a spa day.

The tour also has a safety note you should not ignore. It is not recommended for participants with back problems, and the maximum weight per rider is 120 kg. If either applies, skip this one for safety and comfort.

Who This Camel Tour Is Best For

This tour is ideal if you want a family-friendly, animal-focused activity in Tenerife that does not require a half-day or full-day commitment. The camel time is short, the group stays small, and the farm setting gives kids extra things to watch.

It is also a good choice if you want to see the north-west agricultural side of Tenerife, including banana plantations and palms, rather than only the more tourist-heavy viewpoints.

I would skip it if you are chasing a long scenic trek. I would also skip it if animal interaction comfort is a priority for your body, because saddle rigidity has been mentioned, and back problems are a listed non-recommendation.

Should You Book the Camel Riding Tour at El Tanque?

Book it if: you want a short camel ride in a real working farm area, you like seeing native animals, and you are okay with the ride being brief. If you can also add the optional pickup tastings, the wine and tapas component can make the overall experience feel more complete.

Skip it if: you need a long, dramatically scenic route, you are very sensitive to saddle comfort, or you strongly prefer tours with minimal chance of feeling rushed. Also, if you rely heavily on your phone for navigation, save the address and prepare offline directions.

If you are making this decision today, use this rule of thumb. This is best as a fun, easy add-on day activity, not the main event that defines your trip.

FAQ

How long is the camel ride at El Tanque?

The camel ride is listed as about 20 minutes approximately.

Is pickup service included in the tour price?

Pickup service is not included. Optional pickups are mentioned for La Quinta, Turquesa, and Teneguía, and those pickups can include tastings.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at Camello center (paseos en camello y restaurante), Carretera General, TF-82, km 10,2, 38435 El Tanque, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

What time is the activity open?

The hours provided include Monday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, within the operating window listed (05/01/2023 to 12/09/2026).

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Are optional costumes included?

An optional costume is mentioned as part of the experience.

What animals can you see?

The description includes Canarian goat, Pelibuey sheep, donkeys, and ponies.

Are there limits for children, weight, or back problems?

Children must be accompanied by an adult. It is not recommended for participants with back problems. The maximum weight per rider is 120 kg.

How big is the group?

The activity has a maximum of 20 travelers.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.