Camel Riding Tour at El Tanque, Tenerife

A camel ride through Tenerife’s agricultural northwest is a curious change of pace from the island’s beach resorts. You’ll follow farm tracks around El Tanque, with a chance to spot goats, sheep, donkeys, and ponies. I like the contrast with Tenerife’s busier holiday areas, and the chance to meet animals beyond the camels.

I also like that the ride is short and easy to fit into a family day out, with a farm and restaurant at the center. The main caution is the timing: the ride is described as about 20 minutes in the booking details, though another feature calls it 30. Some visitors feel it goes by quickly, so plan for a brief novelty rather than a substantial excursion.

• Rural Tenerife: El Tanque is a farming town in the island’s northwest, known for potatoes, cereals, and grapes.
• A short camel loop: Expect a ride of roughly 20 minutes, not a long trek across the island.
• More animals on site: You may also see Canarian goats, Pelibuey sheep, donkeys, and ponies.
• Costume option: Some rides offer robes and turbans, but dress-up is not guaranteed.
• Pickups and tastings cost extra: Optional arrangements mention pickup in La Quinta, Turquesa, and Teneguía, with wine and tapas.
• Check the route expectations: The ride starts in El Tanque, while the scenic description also names several north-coast sights. Confirm what you can actually see during the short loop.

A quick ride into El Tanque’s farm country

The camel center sits on the TF-82, near El Tanque, a town in Tenerife’s northwest. This is a more agricultural corner of the island, where potatoes, cereals, and grapes are grown. That setting gives the experience its strongest appeal: you are not just climbing onto a camel for a photo, but getting a brief look at a quieter part of Tenerife.

The ride follows farm tracks through native plants and protected natural spaces. The route is described as passing animals including Canarian goats, Pelibuey sheep, donkeys, and ponies. These extra encounters can make the visit more engaging for children, especially if they are keen on animals and not only the camel ride.

There is a geographic detail worth clarifying before you go. El Tanque is the stated starting point, but the scenic description also names La Rambla de Castro, La Hacienda de los Castro, and the old water lift at La Gordejuela. A short ride of about 20 minutes may not take you to all of these places. Ask the operator which sights are visible from the actual route, rather than expecting a tour of the wider north coast.

What the camel ride feels like

Mounting and dismounting are part of the fun. A camel’s movement as it stands up can surprise first-timers, and families often find that moment as memorable as the ride itself. The camels travel in a small procession through the farm area, giving you a different vantage point over the trails and nearby animals.

The seating deserves realistic expectations. Some visitors describe a side seat attached to the camel, and one complaint mentions a rigid seat with metal pressing against the back. If you have back problems, this activity is not recommended. Even without a back issue, a short ride can feel less comfortable than a padded saddle, so this is not the best choice if comfort is your top concern.

Costumes may add a playful touch. Some visitors have been given robes and turbans, while others report that no outfits were provided. Treat the costume as an optional extra, not a guaranteed part of the ticket. If dressing up matters to you, check with the center before setting out.

Farm animals, handlers, and the overall feel

The animals are a major part of the visit, not just background scenery. In addition to camels, the center has been described as a small farm with goats, sheep, donkeys, and ponies. That gives children something to look at before or after the ride, though the camel loop itself remains brief.

The strongest positive theme is the staff’s friendly, attentive manner. Daniella and Marcelo are among the staff members singled out for being welcoming, especially with children. Other comments praise the handlers for helping families and keeping the ride moving. Good staff can make a short activity feel relaxed rather than rushed.

Animal care is also an important part of the experience. Many accounts describe the camels as calm and in good condition, while a small number raise concerns about handling or equipment. Since animals and seating are central to the outing, take a moment to look at both when you arrive. If you are uncomfortable with what you see, you can decide not to ride.

How long to allow, and what you get

The basic activity includes admission and a camel ride of approximately 20 minutes. The experience is also promoted in one place as a 30-minute ride, and reported ride times vary, with some people describing something closer to 10 or 15 minutes and others saying 20 to 25. Treat the duration as an estimate, not a promise of a full half-hour in the saddle.

That difference matters when weighing the price. At the stated price of $18.07 per person, the ride can be a reasonable family treat if you value the novelty, the animals, and an easy activity at one location. It is less compelling if you are looking for a long scenic excursion or expect extensive access around the farm. The ride is short enough that you should not travel a long way solely for the duration without checking current arrangements.

The center has been described as having toilets, a shop, and a restaurant. Lunch is not included in the ticket, but the restaurant may make it convenient to stay for a meal. Some visitors praise its generous portions and low prices, though food is a separate purchase.

Optional pickup, wine, and tapas

The basic ticket does not include pickup. Optional pickup arrangements are listed for La Quinta, Turquesa, and Teneguía, with tastings that may include wine and tapas such as honeyed cheese, sauces, and potatoes. This adds a distinctly local food element to what would otherwise be a short animal activity.

Because pickup and food are not part of the included ticket, confirm the price and exact details before you book. Do not assume that the $18.07 price covers transport, wine, or a meal. If you are staying nearby, driving yourself to the center may be simpler, but the meeting point is on the TF-82 and a weak mobile signal has caused difficulty finding it. Save the address in advance: Carretera General, TF-82, km 10.2, 38435 El Tanque.

Price, timing, and practical details

The activity is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket. The maximum group size is 20, so it is not a large coach outing, though the size of your actual ride group may vary. The listed hours are Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check the time that applies to your visit when booking, particularly if you are planning around other stops.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The maximum weight per rider is 120 kilograms, and the ride is not recommended for people with back problems. Most people can participate, but the raised, moving seat and the camel’s motion are worth considering if you have mobility or comfort concerns.

The stated price is per person, and lunch and pickup are excluded. Prices or packages at the center may differ from the online offer, so check the total before paying. If the main attraction for you is the camel ride, compare the final cost with the short duration. If you also want to see the farm animals or eat at the center, the visit may feel better value.

Is the El Tanque camel ride right for you?

I’d consider this a light, family-friendly stop rather than a must-do Tenerife excursion. It suits children who are excited by animals, adults who want a funny first camel ride, and anyone already exploring the northwest. The animals and friendly staff are the most reliable reasons to go; the scenery and costume can add to the fun, but neither should be treated as guaranteed highlights.

I would skip it if you want a long ride, a detailed countryside tour, or a firm 30 minutes on the camel. Before booking, confirm the expected ride length, any costume arrangements, and whether your preferred north-coast sights are actually visible from the El Tanque route. If those details line up with what you want, this can be a cheerful short break from the island’s usual beach-and-pool routine.

FAQ

How long is the camel ride?

The included ride is described as approximately 20 minutes. A separate feature describes it as 30 minutes, and reported experiences vary, so confirm the expected duration before booking.

How much does the tour cost?

The stated price is $18.07 per person. Pickup and lunch are not included, and optional extras may have a separate charge.

Where does the activity start?

It starts at the camel center on Carretera General, TF-82, km 10.2, 38435 El Tanque, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is pickup included?

No. Pickup is not included in the basic ticket. Optional pickup is mentioned for La Quinta, Turquesa, and Teneguía, with tastings, so check the extra cost and details.

Are food and wine included?

No. Lunch is not included. Optional arrangements mention wine and tapas, but these are not part of the basic ticket.

Can children take part?

Yes. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Are there weight or health restrictions?

The maximum weight per rider is 120 kilograms. The activity is not recommended for people with back problems.

What happens if bad weather cancels the activity?

If poor weather causes the activity to be canceled, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time.