ENJOY UNIQUE CAMEL RIDE in Puerto Morelos with Transportation

Camel riding meets the Caribbean. This unusual outing takes you from Cancun toward El Dorado Maroma, where you ride a gentle camel through wooded paths and beside the beach. I like the friendly, patient guides and the chance to feed and pose with the camels. I also like that shared hotel transport and beach-club access are included.

The main catch is value. At $165 per person, the actual camel ride lasts about 45 minutes, while transport and waiting can stretch the day far beyond the advertised 2 hours 30 minutes. Add costly photographs and possible pickup confusion, and you will want to read the fine print before paying.

Quick take: what matters most

• The camel ride lasts 45 minutes: Expect a guided caravan, not hours in the saddle.
• The route mixes jungle and beach: Rain can change the wooded section, so the scenery is not guaranteed.
• The animals receive the strongest praise: They are described as calm, gentle, friendly, and well cared for.
• Phones are not allowed during the activity: Staff photographers take the pictures, which you can purchase afterward.
• Transport needs careful checking: Pickup times vary by hotel, and delays have caused serious frustration.
• The maximum group size is three people: That makes the riding portion more personal than a large coach excursion.

What the $165 price really buys

The price covers more than the camel itself. You receive shared transportation from a selected hotel or meeting point, a bilingual guide, local medical insurance, safety equipment, a 15-minute safety briefing, the 45-minute ride, and access to the beach club.

That package has real convenience. You do not need to arrange a taxi to a beach property outside Cancun, and the transfer returns you to your hotel. For a first visit to the Riviera Maya, having the transport handled can be worth something.

Still, I would judge the price against the time spent riding. The central activity is 45 minutes, and the total advertised duration is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. Several accounts describe much longer days, sometimes because of a long drive, a delayed shuttle, or waiting at the property.

That makes this a better purchase for someone who places a high value on doing something unusual than for someone seeking the most activity per dollar. You are paying for the camel encounter, the setting, the transport, and the novelty. You are not buying a full-day adventure.

Food and drinks are not included. Simple snacks and bottled water are mentioned as part of the experience, but you should not plan on a full meal. Lockers cost $10, with the key deposit returned at the end of the tour. Since cell phones cannot be used during the activity, a locker may be useful if you need to secure your device.

From hotel pickup to the camel corral

The day begins with pickup in a sanitized shared van. Exact times vary by hotel, and the operator sends the confirmed time by email or text. If your property is not on the standard pickup list, you need to ask for the correct meeting point rather than assume the van will come directly to your door.

This is one part I would treat seriously. Pickup delays and changes have caused some people to miss the activity or spend hours waiting. Save the final confirmation, watch for messages, and contact the operator before departure if the timing is unclear.

The drive leads to El Dorado Maroma, an exclusive beach-club setting where the camel activity takes place. After check-in, you walk to the camel area and meet guides who explain the equipment and safety rules.

The briefing lasts about 15 minutes. A protective helmet is mandatory, and the guide explains how to sit, handle the camel if you are riding independently, and follow the caravan. This is not a free-roaming ride. The camels travel together under the direction of the staff.

The small maximum group size of three can help here. You have more room to ask questions and receive attention than you would in a large line of riders. The experience is also suitable for solo participants, so you do not need to bring a partner or family group.

The 45-minute ride through trees and sand

Once the briefing ends, you set off on a 45-minute camel caravan. The route is meant to pass through the Mayan jungle and continue toward the beach, giving you two very different views in one short ride.

The wooded section is part of the appeal. You are not simply circling a paddock or walking a few steps for a photo. The route is designed to show the surrounding vegetation before opening toward the coast. Heavy rain can affect this part, though. Wet ground has led to route changes, and you may spend more time on the beach or a modified path.

The camels themselves are the heart of the outing. The animals are repeatedly described as docile, sweet, gentle, and calm. The staff also explain facts about the camels and their habitat, which gives the ride more substance than a simple photo stop.

A break during the ride allows you to pet and feed the camels with treats. For many people, this is the most memorable moment. Sitting high above the ground is amusing, but getting close to the animals and seeing their individual personalities makes the experience feel more personal.

Expect a steady, guided pace. One account described the ride as a line of camels led by a person on foot, with a relatively short distance covered. That description is useful because it sets the right expectation. This is a gentle animal encounter, not a fast horseback trek or an off-road expedition.

At the beach, the photography team takes pictures of you with your camel. The setting should make for appealing holiday images, especially for birthdays, couples, and family trips. You cannot use your own phone during the activity, so decide in advance how much the photos matter to you.

The camera rule and the real cost of photos

The no-phone rule is one of the biggest points to understand before booking. For safety reasons, phones and other personal devices are not allowed during the activity. That means the official photographer controls the visual record of your ride.

The policy is understandable around large animals, but it changes the value calculation. You may finish with no personal photos unless you buy the package. Individual prices reported in the supplied information range from roughly $35 to $50, while packages for two people have reached about $150 and larger purchases have reached $200.

Prices and packages may change, so ask before the ride begins. Do not wait until checkout to learn that one picture costs more than expected. If pictures are essential to you, include that expense in the original budget. If they are not, enjoy the ride without expecting to document every moment yourself.

There is also a practical service risk. Some people received photos promptly, while others reported delays or difficulty getting the files after paying. Keep your receipt and confirm the delivery email before leaving. If you purchase a package, make sure the staff records your booking reference, name, date, and email correctly.

The strongest advice is simple: treat the photo package as optional, not as part of the $165 price. The camel ride should be worth considering on its own.

Beach-club time after the ride

After returning from the camel route, you have free time to use the beach-club facilities. This can be a pleasant way to slow down after the ride, especially if you want to sit near the beach rather than rush straight back to Cancun.

The shuttle schedule matters. The final shuttle leaves at 4:30 pm, and you can ask the front desk to arrange a later drop-off if that option is available for your schedule. Confirm the return time before settling in. A delayed ride back can turn a short activity into a very long day.

Do not assume that beach-club access means all-inclusive resort access. One account found that some areas were reserved for VIP use and that the available restaurant operated as a buffet at about $70 per person. Food and drinks are not included in the camel package, so the beach time can become expensive if you decide to eat there.

You may receive simple snacks and bottled water, but that is not the same as lunch. If you want to keep spending under control, ask exactly what is included and what costs extra before ordering.

Transportation is the biggest practical gamble

Shared transportation makes this experience easy when it works well. It removes the need to find the beach club yourself and gives you a planned return to your hotel.

The trouble is that shared vans run on schedules that vary by property. A late pickup can affect the whole day, and the trip back may involve waiting for a vehicle rather than leaving immediately after the camel ride.

One account described spending about six hours for a 45-minute activity because of driving and delays. Another person reported that the driver did not arrive and that the pickup time changed several times. These are not minor inconveniences if you have dinner plans, an airport transfer, or another paid activity later that day.

If you are already staying at the beach property, the value improves sharply. You avoid the long round-trip ride and can make better use of the club facilities. If you are staying in Cancun, ask for the exact pickup and return windows before committing to the day.

Driving yourself is another possibility only if the operator confirms the correct meeting instructions. One account described being told to arrive at a particular time for registration, then waiting for the activity to start. Get the check-in time, not just the ride time.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this for an adult or older child who has always wanted to sit on a camel. It is especially well suited to a birthday, couple’s outing, family milestone, or solo visitor looking for a distinctive memory rather than a packed schedule.

The minimum participation age is listed as eight. Riders aged six to 15 are described as sharing with a paying adult, which conflicts with the stated minimum age, so families should confirm the rule directly before booking. The minimum age to ride independently is 16, and that person must pass a handling test.

You need moderate physical fitness. The experience is not suitable for pregnant women or people with recent surgery, heart conditions, or back problems. Each camel has a maximum weight of 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds. These limits are important and should be checked before you pay, not discovered at check-in.

The activity may also suit you if you enjoy animals more than speed. The guides are often praised for being patient, friendly, and informative. Some specific animal names, including Tati and Chey, have even become part of the memory for returning customers.

Who should choose something else

I would skip this if you want a full day of beach time, a long horseback-style ride, or an inexpensive outing. The riding portion is short, and the transport can consume much of your day.

I would also think twice if you dislike sales pressure or refuse to pay for staged photographs. The camera policy means you cannot simply rely on your own phone, and the photo prices may feel steep beside the tour cost.

Finally, avoid booking this back-to-back with another fixed appointment. Weather can change the route, pickup times vary, and the return shuttle may not leave as quickly as you expect.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that window are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can lead to a new date, another experience, or a full refund.

Should you book this camel ride?

Book it if riding a camel is high on your personal list and you can accept a short ride, paid photos, and an unpredictable transport day. The animals and guides receive the warmest praise, and the jungle-to-beach setting gives the outing a memorable shape.

Skip it if $165 feels high for 45 minutes, if you need a precise schedule, or if you want to take your own pictures. For the best value, stay at or near the beach-club location, confirm pickup in writing, ask about photo prices, and keep the rest of your day open.

FAQ

How long is the camel ride?

The guided camel ride lasts 45 minutes. A 15-minute safety and equipment briefing takes place beforehand, while the full experience is listed at approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, not including possible transport delays.

What is included in the price?

The price includes shared transportation at specified times, a bilingual guide, local medical insurance, safety equipment, a mandatory protective helmet, the 45-minute camel ride, the safety briefing, and access to the beach club facilities.

Are food and drinks included?

Food and drinks are not included. Simple snacks and bottled water are mentioned, but you should plan separately if you want a full meal.

Can I take pictures with my phone?

No. Cell phones and other devices are not allowed during the activity for security reasons. Professional photographers take pictures that you can purchase.

How much do the photographs cost?

Photo prices are not listed as a fixed part of the tour. Reported prices include about $35 to $50 for one image, with some packages costing around $150 or more. Ask for the current prices before riding.

What is the maximum weight allowed?

The maximum weight per camel is 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds.

What is the minimum age?

The stated minimum age to participate is eight. The information also says that minors aged six to 15 must share with a paying adult, so families should confirm the correct minimum directly with the operator.

Can children ride alone?

The minimum age to ride independently is 16, and an independent rider must complete a handling test. Younger participants must ride on a shared basis with a paying adult.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather cancels the experience, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The activity requires a minimum number of participants as well, and a cancellation for that reason offers the same basic choices.