A short camel ride, tuned to Tenerife calm. In El Tanque, this quick camel tour trades the busy tourist feel for farmland trails and animal-filled stops, with a fun costume option along the way.

What I like most is how the experience keeps it simple and hands-on: well cared-for animals and a ride that feels like you’re actually moving through the north side’s working countryside. I also like the added context around the route, including protected areas tied to the La Rambla de Castro area.

The main drawback to plan for: the ride is brief. If you’re hoping for a long, big-scenery trek, you might find it feels closer to a quick experience than a full excursion, especially once photo and souvenir time kicks in.

Key highlights worth noting

• A short camel ride (about 20 minutes) that works well for families and tight schedules
• Healthy, calm animals like Canarian goats, Pelibuey sheep, donkeys, and ponies
• A route through farmland trails and protected areas, not just a straight loop
• Optional costume that adds laughs and easy, memorable photos
• La Rambla de Castro details you can actually notice: palms, bananas, and historic water-lift structures
• Small group size (up to 20) that helps keep the pace friendly

El Tanque camel rides: the quieter north side of Tenerife

Most camel tours on an island like Tenerife are built to fit into a day full of stops. This one is different because the setting is mostly about everyday life in the northwest agricultural area—potatoes, cereals, and grapes—rather than big-name landmarks.

El Tanque sits on the northwest side, so you also get a sense of the north coast’s fertile feel. In plain terms: you’re not driving around for long views while you wait. You arrive, you get mounted, and you’re out on the trails.

That makes it a strong choice when you want something light and not too complicated, but still want the fun factor. It’s also a good “add-on” if you already planned time around the north coast.

Timing and the camel ride itself: what 20 minutes feels like

The tour’s core experience is a camel ride of about 20 minutes. That time matters because it changes the whole vibe. You’re not dealing with hours of waiting in layers of sun and shade. You get the novelty, you get a ride through the route, and you’re back without burning half your day.

The ride follows farmland trails with native flora and protected natural spaces along the way. You should expect to see animals connected to the property environment as you go: Canarian goats, Pelibuey sheep, plus donkeys and ponies.

A quick note on comfort: some riders mention that camel seating can feel rigid. If you’re sensitive to hard surfaces, plan for that. The experience is short, but if your back is easily irritated, the site also states it’s not recommended for participants with back problems—so take that seriously.

Also, you may see different accounts of exactly how long it feels in real time. The booking info says about 20 minutes, and that’s what to plan around.

Costume time and the photo-sell moment

There’s an optional costume element, which is a fun detail for kids and adults who enjoy playful themes. Even if you skip the costume, the site atmosphere is meant to feel like an activity, not just a ticket-and-go ride.

One practical thing to expect: after the ride, you’ll likely be in the sales zone for souvenirs, including remember-you photo options. This isn’t unusual for small activity operators, but it can shift the mood from outdoorsy to shop-focused pretty fast. If you like buying a keepsake, great. If you don’t, just decide in advance so you’re not pressured by the moment.

The site also has facilities like toilets, plus a shop and restaurant. That’s useful if you’re making a half-day out of it and want an easy place to eat without hunting for a café nearby.

Where the tour runs: La Rambla de Castro and site details you can spot

The ride route is described around La Rambla de Castro, with a mix of palm trees, banana plantations, and buildings that help explain what this part of the island has been doing for generations. When people talk about the setting, it’s not abstract. You can look for specific features along the way.

Here’s what to keep your eyes open for:

• Protected natural spaces alongside the trails, so the ride feels like it’s moving through countryside rather than paved attraction lanes
• La Hacienda de los Castro, which is one of the visible historical-style buildings referenced in the area
• The old water lift of La Gordejuela, a recognizable structure tied to water management in this type of farming landscape

If you like noticing small place-details, this tour gives you enough to look forward to. You’re not just sitting on a camel and hoping for the best. You have landmarks and farm scenery to anchor your attention.

Animals up close: seeing the property, not just the ride

A big part of why this tour gets decent marks is the animal handling and overall calm. The experience is set up as a family-friendly outing where the animals appear used to visitors.

Expect to see:

• Canarian goat
• Pelibuey sheep
• Donkeys and ponies

Even if the ride feels short, the animal variety adds value, because you’re not repeating the same thing the whole time. This also helps families. Kids often don’t care about minutes; they care about whether they saw animals, laughed, and got to do the fun part again.

The operator also notes a couple of safety rules clearly: children must be accompanied by an adult, and there’s a maximum weight per rider of 120 kg. If you’re booking with someone in a higher weight range, don’t assume there’s an option to adjust—follow the stated limit.

Optional pickups and tastings: when La Quinta, Turquesa, and Teneguía matter

If you’re choosing an option with pickup, the tour summary says pickups in La Quinta, Turquesa, and Teneguía include tastings. Those tastings are described as wine with tapas, including items such as honeyed cheese, sauces, and potatoes.

This part can change the value of your ticket, depending on how you like to travel:

• If you enjoy trying local food and wine in small tastings, pickup plus tasting may make this feel like more than just a ride.
• If you’re the type who just wants the camel moment and back out, you might skip pickup and keep it strictly to the farm visit.

Because pickups are listed as not included in the base information, treat them as an add-on you’d decide during booking rather than something that automatically happens.

Price and value: is $18.07 a fair deal?

At $18.07 per person, this sits in the “short attraction” price category. That’s not automatically good or bad. The real question is what you get for the money.

What you do get (from the tour info):

• The camel ride (about 20 minutes approximately)
• An entrance ticket

What may add value (depending on what you choose or how the day runs):

• Optional costume
• The setting’s farm/trail context and animal viewing
• If you opt for it, pickup tastings with wine and tapas (for the pickup areas)

So how do you judge if it’s worth it? Here’s the practical math I’d use:

• If you’re happy with a quick, fun activity and you value animal interaction, the price makes sense.
• If you expect a long scenic trek or a full-day outing with major sightseeing, you’ll likely feel it’s too short for the travel time you’d normally spend getting there.

Also, since the maximum group size is 20 travelers, you’re not stuck in a giant crowd. That helps the experience feel manageable, even if the ride itself is brief.

Meeting point at Camello center (TF-82): how to avoid the stress

The tour starts and ends at the Camello center (paseos en camello y restaurante) on Carretera General, TF-82, km 10.2, 38435 El Tanque.

Two practical tips:

1. Go early enough to feel unhurried. Some people report trouble finding the meeting spot when the network signal was weak and maps didn’t cooperate.
2. Use the exact address and be ready to ask on arrival. The center is the key target, not a random road landmark.

The meeting point being near public transportation can be helpful if you’re not driving. Still, because Tenerife traffic and parking can vary by day and time, give yourself a buffer.

Who this camel tour fits best (and who should skip)

This is a good match for:

• Families with kids who want a clear activity that doesn’t drag on
• People who want a short outdoor break on Tenerife’s north side
• Anyone interested in an agricultural setting and farm animals, not just rides for the sake of riding

It may not fit if:

• You have back problems (it’s not recommended)
• You weigh over 120 kg per rider
• You’re looking for a long-distance hiking-style experience or hours of sightseeing from start to finish

If you’re traveling with multiple people, it’s also a good “everybody gets a turn” option. The ride is short enough that groups can keep moving without constant breaks.

Should you book Camel Riding at El Tanque?

If your goal is a fun, low-effort activity with a real Tenerife farm setting, I think this is worth booking—especially if you like animals and you’re okay with a short ride.

I’d say book it now if:

• You want something family-friendly and quick
• You prefer countryside trails over a long bus day
• You’re open to a light “activity stop” rather than a full excursion

I’d skip or reset expectations if:

• You want a long scenic adventure
• Hard seating might be an issue for you
• You don’t want any photo or souvenir pressure after the ride

FAQ

How long is the camel ride, and what does the ticket include?

The experience includes an approximately 20-minute camel ride and an entrance ticket.

Where is the meeting point in El Tanque?

You 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?

No. Pick up service is not included. Optional pickups are offered in La Quinta, Turquesa, and Teneguía, and those options include tastings.

Are there age, health, or weight limits?

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

What language is the tour offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

What if I need to cancel or the tour is canceled due to weather?

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

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