Short camel rides are my kind of travel therapy. This one takes you from El Tanque’s agricultural backroads into a quiet pocket of Tenerife, with a 20-minute camel ride and plenty of stops for animal-spotting.

I like that the camels are treated well and the staff run a friendly, low-pressure setup at the Camello center meeting point.

The second thing I love: it’s not just a ride. You can see farm animals like the Canarian goat plus Pelibuey sheep, donkeys, and ponies, and you may even get an optional costume moment that turns the photo into a mini-dress-up scene (think tunics and turbante style). If you’re lucky, you’ll get a welcome like the ones people describe from staff including Daniella or Marcelo.

One drawback to plan for: this is a short outing, and the ride can feel more practical than postcard-perfect, with some seats that may feel rigid for sensitive backs. If you’re expecting a long scenic trail, you might feel underwhelmed.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• It’s a tight 20-minute camel ride (about 20–25 minutes in practice) that fits into almost any day.
• You’ll see farm animals close up, including Canarian goats, Pelibuey sheep, donkeys, and ponies.
• Optional costume adds fun fast, especially if you’re going with kids.
• There’s potential for optional pickups with tastings, but pickup isn’t guaranteed for every booking.
• On-site photo and food options exist, but lunch isn’t included in the base ticket.
• Max group size is 20, so the experience stays casual rather than hectic.

Camello Center in El Tanque: Finding the Start Fast

This tour starts at the Camello center (paseos en camello y restaurante), right on TF-82 at km 10.2 in El Tanque. It’s on Tenerife’s northwest side, a mainly agricultural area—so you’re trading big-city sights for working farmland and smaller-scale views.

A practical heads-up: one of the most common “gotchas” isn’t about the ride at all—it’s about arriving at the correct place. The meeting point is specific, and some people reported weak network connection when trying to navigate. My advice is simple: save the address offline and, if you can, screenshot directions before you leave town. That one step can save you the stress of circling rural roads.

You’ll also be able to use a mobile ticket, and the experience is offered in English. The opening hours listed include Mondays, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (with operating dates running through 2026). If you’re visiting on another day, your booking info should confirm the exact hours.

What the 20-Minute Camel Ride Actually Gives You

Think of this as a focused “try-it” activity: mount the camel, ride for about 20 minutes, then you’re back. This matters because expectations drive satisfaction here. If you want a quick family win, it delivers. If you want a long trek with big scenery payoffs, it may feel too short.

Most riders can participate, and the experience works well for families because it’s compact. The group size is capped at 20 travelers, so it’s not like a packed carousel. You’ll also be able to go at different times throughout the day, and the flow tends to be organized enough that you can often slip in without long waiting—especially if you arrive near the start of a time window.

Two safety items you should take seriously:

• Max weight per rider is 120 kg.
• It’s not recommended for participants with back problems.

Also, this is a good-weather activity. If weather turns, the operator will offer a different date or a full refund. In other words, check the forecast the same morning you plan to ride.

Optional costume: quick fun, not a big production

The tour includes an optional costume. People describe getting dressed in tunic-style outfits and turbante-style headwear, which is a fun way to make a short ride feel special—especially for kids. This isn’t a detailed theater show. It’s more like: put it on, laugh, ride, then take the photos if you want.

Farmland Trails and Animal Spotting Around La Rambla de Castro

Here’s where the experience makes its case: you’re not just going in a circle. The ride runs through farmland trails, with native flora and protected natural areas in the mix. The setting is quieter than the tourist hubs, which is a nice change of pace if your Tenerife days have been all beaches and big viewpoints.

You’ll also spot multiple animals during the experience. The kinds listed include:

• Canarian goat
• Pelibuey sheep
• Donkeys and ponies

That animal mix is one reason families often rate this highly: kids don’t just see one animal. They get several, and they’re close enough to feel interactive.

As the route continues, you can get glimpses of the north-coast agricultural scene and the wider protected area around La Rambla de Castro, including palm trees and banana plantations. People may also mention seeing buildings such as La Hacienda de los Castro and an old water lift at La Gordejuela. Even if you don’t know the details, it’s a memorable “you’re in real farmland” kind of moment.

A practical note on scenery expectations

One word of caution: some riders feel the route is more utilitarian than scenic. That doesn’t mean it’s terrible—it just means you should treat this as an animal-and-experience stop rather than a long landscape spectacle. If you want views for the whole ride, pair this with a longer drive or viewpoint later in the day.

Optional Pickup and Tastings: How It Can Add Value

The highlights mention optional pickups in La Quinta, Turquesa, and Teneguía, and those pickups may include tastings. But the standard “not included” list also notes that pickup service isn’t automatically part of the base package.

So here’s how I’d handle it: when you book, check whether pickup is included in your option. If it is, you’re likely getting two things for the price of getting there—transport plus a small food/drink moment.

Tastings connect well with what else is offered on-site: there’s mention of wine with tapas like honeyed cheese, sauces, and potatoes. That combo fits the vibe of El Tanque: farm-first, simple, and local-leaning. If you don’t want food, skip the tastings. If you do, it can turn a 20-minute ride into a longer “food and farm” outing.

Costume Photos, Restaurant Stops, and the On-Site Reality

This place has more than camels. The meeting point includes the Camello center and restaurant facilities, and most riders note there are on-site conveniences like toilets and a shop.

Photo upsells: likely, but optional

Multiple accounts mention a strong push to buy the souvenir photo after the ride. That doesn’t have to ruin your experience, but it can affect how you feel about value. If you hate sales pressure, go in mentally prepared and decide beforehand what you’ll do if someone offers the photo.

Food: available, but not included

Lunch is not included. Still, you can eat at the on-site bar/restaurant, and some people describe good portions and fair prices. That means you can turn this into an easy half-meal plan: ride first, then eat before heading out. If you’re hungry afterward, you’re not stuck searching rural roads.

My suggestion: if you’re budgeting, don’t assume the base ticket covers food. Plan your meal the way you would anywhere else—then the on-site options become a convenience rather than a surprise expense.

Price and Value: Is $18.07 Worth It?

At about $18.07 per person, you’re paying for a short camel ride experience plus access to the setting and animal encounters. The value question comes down to two things: your expectations and how you like short, family-friendly activities.

Why it can feel like good value

• The ride is time-efficient and works for families.
• You get more than “just riding.” The animal variety and farm setting help the experience feel fuller.
• Optional costume can add a fun memory moment quickly.

Why some people feel it’s not

Because the ride is short, people expecting something long and scenic may feel they paid for a brief loop. If you’re also sensitive to seat comfort, the camel saddle feel can influence whether you call it “worth it” or “meh.” And if photo sales feel pushy, the final cost can drift upward.

So I’d frame it like this: this is a pay-for-fun, not pay-for-a-full-day-adventure ticket.

Who This Camel Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Skip)

This tour fits best if you want a low-effort, high-smiles activity in Tenerife’s north-west.

I think you’ll enjoy it if you:

• Are traveling with kids and want something simple that still feels like an event
• Like farms and animals more than you need dramatic viewpoints
• Want a short activity that doesn’t steal an entire day
• Are okay with a ride duration around 20 minutes and the rest is the farm setting and animal time

You might want to skip or choose something else if you:

• Need long, scenic walking time (this isn’t that)
• Have back issues (it’s not recommended)
• Are over 120 kg maximum weight limit
• Dislike any kind of photo sales pressure

Also, because it’s weather-dependent, I’d avoid booking this as your only outdoor activity. Keep one flexible indoor plan nearby.

Should You Book the El Tanque Camel Ride?

Yes, with the right expectations.

Book it if you’re looking for a short, friendly camel-and-farm experience that’s easy to fit into your Tenerife day, with animal spotting and optional dress-up. It’s especially compelling for families and for anyone who likes the quieter, agricultural side of the island around El Tanque.

Hold off if you’re mainly chasing a long, scenic ride or you’re worried about seat comfort. In that case, you may enjoy a different Tenerife activity more, and come back for a camel visit only if you still have time.

If you do book, do two things: arrive with offline navigation ready (rural spots can be tricky) and decide in advance what you’ll do about the souvenir photo offer.

FAQ

How long is the camel riding portion?

The ride is about 20 minutes (approximately).

Where does the tour start?

It starts at the Camello center (paseos en camello y restaurante), Carretera General TF-82, km 10.2, 38435 El Tanque, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Is pickup included?

Pickup service is listed as not included. The highlights mention optional pickups in La Quinta, Turquesa, and Teneguía with tastings, so check your booking option.

What languages is the experience offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is it suitable for children?

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Are there any weight or health limits?

Yes. The maximum weight per rider is 120 kg, and the activity is not recommended for participants with back problems.

What group size should I expect?

The tour/activity has a maximum of 20 travelers.

Is it weather-dependent?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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

If you want, tell me your travel dates and whether you’re coming from the north coast or south, and I’ll help you build a tight plan around this 20-minute ride.