El Tanque camels, short and real. This is a no-stress camel ride in rural north Tenerife, running through working farmland trails and past native plants, with a small dose of local sights like La Rambla de Castro. You get a mobile ticket and you can do it in English, so you are not stuck guessing.

Two things I like a lot: the animals look well cared for, and the staff tends to be genuinely friendly and hands-on. Names that come up again and again include Daniella and Marcelo, both described as warm, helpful, and attentive while you mount and dismount.

One drawback to plan around: this is not a long, scenic expedition. The ride is roughly 20 minutes, some people felt it ran shorter, and the seats can feel rigid, so it is not a good match for back problems.

Key points to know before you go

• A quick camel experience lasting about 20 minutes, good for fitting into a tight day
• Rural north Tenerife route through farmland trails and native plant areas near La Rambla de Castro
• Healthy-feeling animals and attentive handling, so it feels safer and calmer
• Optional costumes if you want a fun, slightly theatrical moment
• On-site extras like toilets, shop, and a restaurant on the property
• Small group size (max 20), which helps things move without chaos

Entering El Tanque at the Camello center stop

This tour starts at the Camello center (paseos en camello y restaurante) on TF-82, km 10.2, in El Tanque, on the northwest side of Tenerife. If you like activities that do not chew up your whole day, this one fits. It is short, straightforward, and you are back where you started.

The site is set up like a proper little hub. You have toilets on site, plus a shop and a restaurant. Since the official meeting point is very specific, I recommend you arrive with a little buffer time. Some people reported trouble finding the meeting point, especially when mobile network signal was weak, so do not wait until the last minute to check your bearings.

This activity is offered in English, and the group stays small, with a maximum of 20 travelers. That matters because you get more personal attention when it is time to mount, get help adjusting your position, and take the first awkward step onto a camel. If you are traveling with kids, this small scale tends to feel less overwhelming.

Also, you do need good weather. If it is canceled due to poor conditions, you should expect an alternative date or a full refund.

Mounting up: what happens before the camel ride begins

At the start, you will head to the camel center and use your mobile ticket. The process is designed to move people through without drama, which helps because the actual ride window is short.

Once you sign in and get your spot, the staff generally helps with the mount. One detail I like is that the experience is timed so you are not stuck waiting forever. Some people noted little or no queue when they arrived around late morning, which is great if your day plan includes other stops nearby.

If you opt into the optional costume, this is usually where the fun layer gets added. Expect tunics and themed accessories, and the overall vibe can turn into full character mode fast. That is one reason families often enjoy it, because it turns a quick animal interaction into a mini event.

Before you climb on, pay attention to two practical things:

• The seat can feel rigid for some riders, so think about comfort even if you are not on the camel long.
• The tour is not recommended for people with back problems, which is smart. If you know sitting upright can trigger discomfort, take that seriously.

There is also a maximum weight per rider of 120 kg. If anyone in your group is close to that limit, check before you commit, since it directly affects whether you can ride.

The 20-minute farmland loop through La Rambla de Castro

This is where the tour earns its keep. The ride runs through farmland trails and passes native flora, with views tied to the La Rambla de Castro area. You are not looking at a city street parade. You are moving through working countryside.

The setting in El Tanque is mainly agricultural, with potatoes, cereals, and grapes showing up in the local mix. During the ride, you might also see palm trees, banana plantations, and the kind of farm buildings that make Tenerife feel like more than a beach postcard.

The big payoff for animal lovers is that you are not just sitting on the camel in isolation. Along the route, you may see native animals handled on the property or in the surrounding area, including Canarian goats, Pelibuey sheep, donkeys, and ponies. Even if you are not a hardcore animal watcher, seeing more than one kind of animal keeps the experience from feeling one-note.

You can also catch sights connected to local heritage points mentioned as part of the area, like La Hacienda de los Castro and an old water lift called La Gordejuela. These are the kinds of details that help you feel like you are in a real place, not just going in circles for the photo.

Timing is the key detail here. The tour duration is about 20 minutes, and most people land in that window. Still, some felt the ride was closer to 10 or 15 minutes, so manage expectations. If you want the calm thrill of camel riding with countryside views, you will probably feel it delivered. If you are expecting a long trail ride, you might feel shorted.

Also, keep your expectations flexible if you arrive during a busy period. With a maximum of 20 travelers, it stays controlled, but your exact ride timing can be influenced by how the line flows and how quickly everyone mounts.

Costumes, photos, and the little moments that make it fun

Camel riding is funny in a very physical way. You feel the camel’s movement as it walks, and the mount and dismount can get a few laughs out of your group, especially for first-timers. People often single out the moment the camel rises and settles as a highlight. It is silly, a little surprising, and it makes the short duration feel more memorable.

The optional costume is another reason this activity works. If they offer it and you choose to participate, you might get themed outfits that can include tunics and turbants. This is where you can lean into the playful side without having to plan anything yourself.

Now, about photos. There can be photo selling at the end, and some riders feel the sales push is strong. If you like photos, grab one and enjoy the novelty. If you do not, set your boundary early, keep moving, and do not let it slow your post-ride plans.

The seats are not a comfort spa. If you have a sensitive back or you know you get sore from sitting upright, think twice. The tour is not recommended for back problems, and people also noted the rigidity of the seats. Because the ride is short, that might be fine for many people, but it is not a risk worth taking if you already feel pain while sitting.

Finally, there is often time and space on site after the ride. The grounds include a shop and a restaurant, plus toilets, so you can stretch your legs. Some people also mention feeding animals after the ride if the site offers it, so if you are there with kids, it is worth asking on the spot what is possible today.

Optional pickups and tastings: where extra value can appear

One smart part of this experience is that it can be more than just the camel ride. If your booking includes optional pickup, it may cover areas such as La Quinta, Turquesa, and Teneguía. Those pickups can include tastings.

The tastings described are built around wine paired with tapas-style bites. Expect options like honeyed cheese, sauces, and potatoes. This matters for value because it adds a food moment to a short activity, turning it into a more complete outing rather than a stand-alone animal interaction.

If you are considering the pickup option, ask yourself what you want from the day:

• If you want simple and quick, you can go with the standard meeting point and keep it lean.
• If you want a small local food add-on, the pickup tastings can make the price feel more justified.

Also, note what is not included. Lunch is not included, so if you plan to eat after, do it with the on-site restaurant or plan a separate meal.

Price and value at about $18.07 for a short ride

The price is listed at $18.07 per person, and that is the honest truth. You are paying for a short camel ride plus an entrance ticket, not a full day tour.

So is it worth it? It can be, if you match your expectations to the format. A quick camel ride through farmland gives you a different side of Tenerife than the usual hot promenade circuit. It is a fun animal experience, and because the group stays small, it tends to feel personal instead of mass-produced.

Where value can feel shaky is if you expect a long route or a dramatic, scenic walk. Some people felt the path was less scenic than hoped, and a few said the ride felt shorter than promised. That is not a deal-breaker for everyone, but it matters if you are traveling with limited time and you want maximum time in the saddle.

If you are traveling with kids, short can actually be a win. Kids usually do not need 90 minutes on a camel to have a great time, and the laughter tends to last longer than the ride itself. For adults who want a compact activity that still feels different, it can also land well.

I also like that the experience is English-friendly and near public transportation. That reduces friction, especially if you are not driving.

Who should book in El Tanque, and who should skip

This works best for:

• Families who want a simple, safe-feeling animal experience without long transit
• Animal lovers who enjoy seeing multiple species like goats and sheep, not just one display
• People who like rural Tenerife settings and want a break from the more crowded coast areas
• Travelers who want something short and flexible, with an easy return to the meeting point

It is not a great fit if:

• You have back problems, since it is specifically not recommended for that
• You need a very long ride, because the time on the camel is roughly 20 minutes
• You are sensitive to rigid seating, since comfort depends on your body and tolerance

The maximum rider weight is 120 kg, and children must be accompanied by an adult. So if you are building a family plan, count on staying within those guidelines.

Finally, because the ride is outdoors and depends on good weather, keep a weather check in mind. If conditions are not right, plans can change.

Should you book this El Tanque camel riding tour?

Book it if you want a quick, fun camel ride in rural Tenerife, and you like the idea of seeing farmland and native animals without committing to a long excursion. The combination of short timing, helpful staff, and the countryside setting is what makes it click.

Skip it if you are expecting a long scenic trail ride or a comfort-forward seating experience. Also, if anyone in your group has back issues, take the not recommended note seriously.

If you do book, arrive with a little buffer at the Camello center and set your expectations for around 20 minutes on the camel. Then you can focus on the laughs, the animals, and the quiet agricultural side of Tenerife.

FAQ

How long is the camel riding tour at El Tanque?

The ride is approximately 20 minutes.

Where is the meeting point for the camel tour?

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

Is pickup service included?

No, pickup service is not included. Optional pickups may be available in La Quinta, Turquesa, and Teneguía, and those can include tastings.

What is included in the price?

The price includes an entrance ticket and a camel ride of about 20 minutes.

Does the tour offer costumes?

An optional costume is listed as part of the experience.

Are there any age or health limits?

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

What happens if the weather is bad?

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