Camel Riding Tour at El Tanque, Tenerife

Camel time in El Tanque beats beach stops. I like that you get healthy, well cared for camels and a ride through quiet working farmland on Tenerife’s north side, with animals like Canarian goats, donkeys, and ponies along the way.

The main catch, though, is time. Even though some descriptions mention up to 30 minutes, the core experience is about 20 minutes on the camel, so don’t expect a long, dramatic trek.

Key things to know before you go

• Working-farm route in El Tanque: you’ll ride along trails through agricultural areas and protected spots.
• Kid-friendly, if rules fit: children must ride with an adult, and there’s a strict weight limit.
• Small group size (max 20): it helps keep the experience moving.
• On-site facilities: toilets, a shop, and a restaurant are available at Camello center.
• Optional extras may change the experience: costume and optional pickups with tastings can add value.
• Photo and timing pressure can happen: plan for upsells and a ride that feels quick.

Why El Tanque Camel Rides Feel Different From Other Tenerife Tours

El Tanque is not the resort strip. It’s a mainly agricultural town in the northwest part of Tenerife, with fields for potatoes, cereals, and grapes, plus everyday farm life that keeps things calm. This tour uses that setting well: you’re not just on a path near a viewpoint, you’re moving through working farmland trails with native flora and protected natural areas in the mix.

One big reason I like this kind of stop is variety. Tenerife is known for the coast and the big viewpoints, but the north side has a more grounded feel. Here, you’ll spend your time in a quieter corner where palm trees, banana plantations, and traditional farm buildings show up as you ride. If you want a “different angle” on the island, this is a practical way to get it without spending half a day in transit.

The Real Meeting Point Test: Camello center on TF-82

This tour starts at Camello center (paseos en camello y restaurante), Carretera General, TF-82, km 10,2, 38435 El Tanque, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you don’t need to worry about a drop-off elsewhere.

Here’s the practical tip: rely less on live map signals and more on the address. Some people have had trouble finding the meeting place, especially when mobile data is weak and Google Maps does not guide cleanly. I suggest you save the exact pin and address before you go, and be there a little early so you’re not sprinting around a rural road.

Also note the operating window listed for Monday is 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The dates shown run from 05/01/2023 to 12/09/2026, so it’s worth checking the calendar for your travel dates at booking time.

The Camel Ride Itself: What a 20 Minute Session Is Like

The included experience is an approximately 20-minute camel ride. That time matters, because it’s the entire product you’re buying. You’ll mount the camel and follow the route through farmland trails and native plant areas, with species you can recognize along the way.

The ride isn’t described as a long trek. Some descriptions mention 30 minutes, and optional costume can add extra time. But if you’re coming from a place where you picture a long desert-style journey, adjust your expectations. Think short and sweet, plus the chance to see the animal handling and the farm setting up close.

One more detail that affects comfort: camel seating. Some riders find the saddle style can be rigid, and that can translate into an uncomfortable ride for sensitive backs or hips. If you know you’re picky about seating, wear supportive footwear and keep your posture easy, not stiff.

Farmland Details You’ll See, Including La Rambla de Castro

Even with a short ride, the itinerary is trying to give you “more than just animals.” The route is described around El Tanque and through the area of La Rambla de Castro, where you may see palm trees and banana plantations, plus farm buildings like La Hacienda de los Castro and the old water lift of La Gordejuela.

What’s useful about these named places is that they connect the ride to Tenerife’s north-side agriculture, not just an amusement setup. You’re learning the island’s working rhythms by passing them at walking pace speed. If you enjoy seeing how locals farm, this part is where the tour earns its value.

The Animals and the Care Standard You Want

A huge part of camel tours is animal welfare and handling. I look for signs the animals are healthy and calm, because that’s what makes the ride feel safe for kids and adults.

You should expect to see native and farm animals along the route or in the facility area, including the Canarian goat, Pelibuey sheep, donkeys, and ponies. That mix matters because it turns the experience from a one-note ride into a small animal encounter.

And yes, it can be emotional in a good way. Several visitors highlight that the camels appear well taken care of and healthy, and that the staff handling feels attentive. That’s the kind of detail I care about, because a camel ride should feel boring in the best way, meaning steady and safe.

Optional Costume and Photo Sales: Fun for Some, Annoying for Others

Costume is listed as optional, and that’s a genuine plus if you’re traveling with kids or you just want a silly family memory. Some visitors describe dress-up moments like tunics and turbants, and even themes that add laughs during mounting and dismounting.

But there’s a downside to be aware of: photo upsells can take over the moment after the ride. Some people report that the photo sales process can feel pushy, or that they felt annoyed about how it played out. Others are totally fine with it, especially if you treat the photo as a bonus and not a requirement.

My advice is simple. If you want the photo, buy it immediately and then move on. If you do not want it, be kind but firm. Also, check what’s included in any costume offer, because descriptions and expectations can differ from person to person.

Pickups and Tastings in La Quinta, Turquesa, and Teneguía

The highlights mention optional pickups in La Quinta, Turquesa, and Teneguía, and those pickups include tastings. The food and drink detail given is specific: you might try wine with tapas like honeyed cheese, sauces, and potatoes.

This is one of the few ways the tour can stretch beyond “just riding camels.” If you’re already in an area like La Quinta or Turquesa and you hate the hassle of getting to El Tanque, a pickup that bundles tastings can be good value.

One caution: pickup service is listed as not included, so it may cost extra. Treat it as an add-on worth confirming at booking.

Price and Value: What $18.07 Really Buys

The price is $18.07 per person, and the experience includes the approximately 20-minute camel ride plus an entrance ticket. That’s straightforward. You’re not paying for a show, a long route, or a big meal.

Where the value can improve is in the add-ons. If you choose optional pickups, tastings are part of that experience. If your group includes kids, the short ride can be exactly the right length. Families often prefer activities that do not swallow the whole morning or afternoon.

Where the value might disappoint you is the ride duration and scenery expectations. Some people feel the ride was shorter than advertised or that it ran on a less scenic route than they hoped. Others also mention that the camel ride can include a lot of stopping points and sales talk, rather than long, uninterrupted riding.

So here’s the balanced takeaway: if you want a quick family activity with calm animals and a farm-side taste of north Tenerife, the price makes sense. If you want a long, scenic adventure, you may feel you paid for something that moves faster than you imagined.

Timing, Groups, and How to Avoid Stress

This is a small-group activity, with a maximum of 20 travelers. That usually helps the staff keep things organized and keeps the waiting time down.

Still, plan around a short window. The ride is roughly 20 minutes, and there’s time spent before and after mounting. If you arrive right at the start of an operating block, you’ll likely have the smoothest flow.

If you’re sensitive to wait times with kids, arrive early enough to park, find the center, use the facilities, and get everyone settled. The meeting point sits near public transportation, but rural routes still benefit from buffer time.

Who This Tour Fits Best, and Who Should Skip

This experience is marked as suitable for most travelers, and it’s specifically described as a good family activity. It does come with real limits, so check them.

• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• This activity is not recommended if you have back problems.
• Maximum weight per rider is 120 kg.

If you’re traveling with kids who love animals and short adventures, this can be a winner. The ride is long enough for laughter and photo moments, but short enough that it does not turn into a full-day ordeal.

If you have mobility issues, especially related to back comfort, I’d think twice. Even when animals are well cared for, the saddle feel is not something you can fully control. Some riders report the seats can be rigid, which is exactly the kind of factor that can make a ride unpleasant.

The Bottom Line: Should You Book This El Tanque Camel Ride?

Book it if you want a short, family-friendly camel experience tied to Tenerife’s working farm side. You’ll get a focused animal encounter, a ride through agricultural trails in El Tanque, and you might add costume or tastings if those options fit your day.

Skip it or adjust expectations if you’re chasing a long scenic journey. This is closer to an animal-centered activity with a short time on the camel than a multi-hour trek. Also, go in knowing that photo sales can be part of the process, and that some people find the ride can feel quick.

If you’re balancing cost and fun, this is one of the better “simple wins” on Tenerife, especially when you want something different than beaches and viewpoint lines.

FAQ

How long is the camel ride?

The ride is listed as approximately 20 minutes. Some descriptions also mention a 30-minute camel ride if you add the optional costume, so confirm what length you’ll receive when booking.

Where is the meeting point in El Tanque?

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

Is pickup service included?

Pickup service is not included. The highlights mention optional pickups in La Quinta, Turquesa, and Teneguía that include tastings, so you would need to check whether that option is available for your booking.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Your ticket includes the approximately 20-minute camel ride and an entrance ticket.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What language is the experience offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

Are there limits for children and riders with health issues?

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

How many people are in a group?

The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy and what happens in poor weather?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.