Camel Riding Tour at El Tanque, Tenerife

El Tanque’s camel ride is a short, good-humored outing built around the moment a camel rises with you on its back. The route passes farmland and native plants rather than grand tourist sights, and you may also see Canarian goats, Pelibuey sheep, donkeys, and ponies at the animal center.

I like the friendly staff and calm animals, two points praised again and again. I also like the chance to see a quieter, agricultural corner of Tenerife, with potatoes, grapes, cereals, palms, and banana plantations. The catch is the ride itself: although advertised at about 20 minutes, some visitors found it closer to 10 or 15, and several felt the route was too plain for a special trip.

Key points to know before you go

• The camel ride lasts about 20 minutes, though the exact duration can feel shorter.
• El Tanque offers a rural side of Tenerife, far removed from the island’s big resort zones.
• Children usually get plenty from the experience, especially the camel’s dramatic rise and the nearby farm animals.
• Optional costumes add a comic photo opportunity, with robes and turbans available on some visits.
• The onsite facilities include toilets, a shop, and a restaurant, and some pickup packages add wine and tapas.
• The maximum rider weight is 120 kilograms, and the ride is not recommended for people with back problems.

A short camel ride in rural El Tanque

This is not a long trek across open desert. It is a brief circuit at a camel center on the TF-82, near El Tanque in northwest Tenerife. You sit on a side saddle and follow farmland trails through the grounds and nearby protected natural areas.

That setting is part of the appeal. El Tanque is mainly agricultural, with potatoes, cereals, and grapes grown in the area. You get a glimpse of Tenerife beyond hotels and beach promenades, where farm buildings, native plants, and working land make up the view.

The route is also described as offering views toward the fertile north coast and the protected area around La Rambla de Castro. Depending on conditions and your exact route, you may see palms, banana plantations, La Hacienda de los Castro, and the old water lift at La Gordejuela. Do not book this expecting a grand sightseeing circuit, though. The ride is short, and the scenery can feel modest.

The most memorable part may be the beginning and end. Getting onto a camel is an event in itself, and the animal’s movement as it stands can make children and adults laugh. The ride is slow and manageable, but the saddle can feel rigid, with one visitor finding the metal edge uncomfortable against the back.

What happens at the animal center

The activity begins at Camello Center, also described as Paseos en Camello y Restaurante, on Carretera General TF-82, kilometre 10.2, in El Tanque. The ride ends at the same place, so you do not need to arrange a second meeting point.

The center is more than a loading area for camels. You can see additional animals, including Canarian goats, Pelibuey sheep, donkeys, and ponies. Some families were also able to feed the animals after riding, although access to parts of the farm may depend on staff instructions and the package you choose.

This helps the outing feel less like a single photo stop. I would allow a little time around the ride if you are with children, since the animals may be as interesting to them as the camels. Still, keep expectations sensible. It is a small farm setting, not a full day at a major wildlife park.

Staff are one of the stronger points here. Daniela is described as warm and welcoming, while Marcelo was especially kind with a child. Other comments praise the monitors and caretakers for being attentive, amusing, and gentle with the animals. That personal touch matters on a ride where a calm explanation can make the difference between a nervous first attempt and a fun one.

The camel ride itself: funny, gentle, and brief

Once seated, you join a small caravan and follow a marked route. The camel’s slow pace gives you time to look around, but it also means the 20-minute circuit passes quickly.

The advertised duration is approximately 20 minutes. Some visits lasted 20 to 25 minutes, which most families found about right for young children. Other accounts describe only 10 to 15 minutes, so I would treat the timing as approximate rather than guaranteed.

The camels are widely described as calm and well cared for. Several people specifically noticed that the animals looked healthy and were handled well. One lighthearted moment came when a camel stopped to eat, a reminder that this is an animal activity, not a mechanical ride running to the second.

You will sit on a side saddle rather than a traditional central saddle. That arrangement lets two people ride together, but it may not suit every back. The rigid structure can press against you, especially if you are sensitive to hard seating or jolting. The experience is not recommended for anyone with back problems, and the stated maximum rider weight is 120 kilograms.

The central trick of the ride is the camel standing up and sitting down. You lean as the animal rises, then adjust again when it lowers itself. Staff guide the process, but hold on and listen carefully. This is the moment that creates most of the laughter, especially for families.

Cost and what the $18.07 price really buys

At $18.07 per person, the experience is inexpensive by Tenerife excursion standards. You are paying mainly for the camel ride and entry to the center, not for a long guided tour or a full meal.

The value is strongest if you are already visiting El Tanque or passing along the TF-82. For a family, the combination of camel ride, farm animals, toilets, shop, and restaurant can make a simple stop worthwhile. The price also keeps the outing accessible for people who want to try camel riding without committing to a half-day activity.

The value is weaker if you need to make a long special journey just for the ride. The route is short, and some visitors felt the scenery did not justify extra travel. You should also check the price before paying onsite. Several comments describe different local prices, including a lower adult rate bought at the center and a food-inclusive option. These figures may change, so use the listed online price as a guide and confirm current onsite costs.

Some optional pickup areas include La Quinta, Turquesa, and Teneguía, with tastings included. The food side can include wine and tapas such as honeyed cheese, sauces, and potatoes. Pickup and lunch are not part of the basic ride, so check exactly what is included before choosing a package.

Costumes, photos, and the playful extras

The optional costume is one of the more distinctive touches. Some riders receive robes and turbans styled as traditional Arab clothing, and families have enjoyed dressing up before or during the ride. It is silly in the best sense, particularly for children and group photos.

Availability appears to vary. One person expected blue outfits and did not receive them, while others were given tunics and turbans. Treat the costume as an optional extra, not the main reason to book.

Photos are also part of the experience. Staff may take a picture while you ride or pose, and you may be offered the chance to buy it afterward. Some people enjoyed the souvenir, while others disliked the sales approach or felt the photo was taken without enough discussion.

My advice is simple: decide in advance if you want a keepsake, and ask clearly about the cost. That avoids confusion and lets you enjoy the ride without feeling pressured. The photo can be a cheerful reminder of the day, but it should not affect your view of the basic activity.

Tenerife views beyond the resort coast

El Tanque gives you a different picture of Tenerife. Instead of focusing on the island’s famous beaches or volcanic viewpoints, the ride passes through agricultural land and protected natural spaces.

Look for native plants and working farmland along the route. The area is associated with potato, cereal, and grape growing, and the north-coast setting brings palms and banana plantations into the wider view. The mention of La Rambla de Castro adds a scenic element, with historic buildings such as La Hacienda de los Castro and the old water lift at La Gordejuela.

The views are not guaranteed to be dramatic from every point of the circuit. The ride takes place close to the animal center, and the route may feel more like a farm path than a scenic excursion. If you want wide volcanic vistas, a mountain drive or dedicated viewpoint tour will serve you better.

Still, I like the change of pace. A short ride through farmland can show you how much of Tenerife remains tied to cultivation and animal keeping. It is a modest experience, but it gives context to the island beyond its tourist towns.

Is this a good family activity?

For families with children, this is probably the best match. The ride is short enough that younger children are less likely to become restless, and the nearby goats, sheep, donkeys, and ponies provide something to see before or after the camel circuit.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The staff’s patient approach is another reason families may feel comfortable here. Marcelo, Daniela, and other team members are specifically praised for being friendly with children and attentive around the animals.

The main thing to explain beforehand is the camel standing up. A child who understands that the ride begins with a sudden upward movement is less likely to be startled. You should also check the saddle position and comfort, especially if a child is small or an adult has back concerns.

The restaurant adds practical value. You can eat onsite, and some food options have been described as generous and inexpensive. Lunch is not included in the basic ticket, but a meal can turn a 20-minute ride into a more relaxed stop.

Timing, transport, and planning your visit

The listed opening time is Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The activity information covers dates through September 12, 2026, but you should confirm the current schedule when booking.

The center is near public transportation, though the exact service details are not provided. If you are driving, save the full TF-82 address before leaving your accommodation. One person had trouble finding the meeting point because mobile reception was poor and could not rely on Google Maps. That is an important warning for a rural location.

Take a screenshot of the address, download directions if possible, and keep the name Camello Center handy. The correct starting point is:

Camello Center, Carretera General TF-82, kilometre 10.2, 38435 El Tanque, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

The maximum group size is 20 people. That keeps the activity fairly contained, though the actual feel may depend on how many people arrive at once. Some families found little or no queue and were riding soon after arrival. The center may accept arrivals throughout the day, but you should not assume that every departure time will be equally quiet.

The activity needs good weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Who should book, and who should skip it?

I would recommend this to families, first-time camel riders, and anyone who enjoys small animal attractions with a local agricultural setting. It works especially well as a light stop when you are already exploring northwest Tenerife.

It is also a reasonable choice if you want a funny holiday photo and do not need a long adventure. The camel’s rise, the optional robes and turbans, and the chance to see farm animals create a simple memory without demanding a full day.

I would think twice if you are expecting a long ride, dramatic open scenery, or a carefully timed cultural presentation. The route can feel plain, the seating may be uncomfortable, and the actual ride may be shorter than expected. You should also clarify the costume, photo, food, and pickup arrangements rather than assuming they are included.

The overall rating of 3.8 from 74 reviews reflects that split. Many people praise the animals and staff, while the most common complaints concern duration, the route, saddle comfort, and extra charges. That is a fair picture of the experience: pleasant and affordable for the right visitor, but not a major Tenerife attraction in itself.

Should you book the El Tanque camel ride?

Book it if you are nearby, traveling with children, or curious to try camel riding at a low price. The animals appear well cared for, the staff can be warm and helpful, and the surrounding farm setting offers a quieter side of Tenerife.

Skip it if reaching El Tanque would take a long detour solely for a 20-minute circuit. Before committing, confirm the current price and what extras are available. Arrive with realistic expectations, bring the meeting address offline, and think of this as a short family stop with animals and a restaurant, not a full scenic safari.

FAQ

How long does the camel ride last?

The ride is approximately 20 minutes. Some visits lasted 20 to 25 minutes, while others felt closer to 10 to 15 minutes, so the exact duration can vary.

Where does the activity begin?

You meet at Camello Center, Carretera General TF-82, kilometre 10.2, 38435 El Tanque, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the activity finish?

The ride ends back at the same meeting point.

What animals can I see besides camels?

The center has Canarian goats, Pelibuey sheep, donkeys, and ponies. You may also have the chance to feed animals after the ride.

Are costumes included?

Costumes are optional, and availability may vary. Some visitors received robes and turbans, while others did not receive the expected costume.

Is food included in the basic ticket?

No. Lunch is not included. Some optional pickup packages include wine and tapas such as honeyed cheese, sauces, and potatoes.

Can children take part?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The activity is suitable for most people, but it is not recommended for participants with back problems.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather causes the activity to be canceled, you can receive a different date or a full refund.