ENJOY UNIQUE CAMEL RIDE in Puerto Morelos with Transportation

A camel caravan beside the Caribbean is not an everyday Cancun activity. This outing takes you from a Mayan jungle setting to the beach at El Dorado Maroma, where calm camels pause for feeding, petting, and posed photographs. You get a short but unusual animal experience rather than a long expedition.

I like the gentle, well-cared-for camels and the guides’ friendly approach. I also like the easy hotel transportation and the chance to use a beach club after the ride. The main catch is value: the camel time lasts 45 minutes, while transfers and waiting can consume much of your day.

Key points to know

• The camel ride lasts 45 minutes, with a 15-minute safety and equipment briefing beforehand.
• The route combines jungle and beach views, although heavy rain can change the route.
• You cannot use your phone during the activity, so photos must be purchased from the on-site photographer.
• Hotel pickup is offered at set times, but schedules vary by hotel and transportation delays have occurred.
• The current price is $165 per person, before food, drinks, lockers, and photographs.
• Riders must be at least 8, and anyone under 16 must share a camel with a paying adult.

A Camel Ride Between Jungle and Caribbean Beach

The appeal is simple: you sit high on a camel, move in a slow caravan, and see a side of the Riviera Maya that is different from the usual catamaran, zip line, or ruins outing. The route is designed to pass through a rainforest setting and continue toward the beach, giving the ride two distinct moods.

Do not picture an open desert safari or hours of independent riding. This is a guided caravan. The camels travel together, and a guide leads the group on foot. The ride itself covers a fairly short distance, according to the experience details shared by past customers, so the pleasure comes from the animals, the setting, and the novelty more than speed or adventure.

The camels are repeatedly described as gentle and calm. That matters if this is your first time on one. You are not expected to handle a fast-moving animal, and younger riders share with an adult rather than riding alone.

The route can change with conditions. Rain has prevented the jungle portion on some departures, leaving a shorter beach or property route. If the weather has been wet, ask at check-in what path is operating that day.

What Happens at El Dorado Maroma

Your day begins with pickup from a select Cancun or Riviera Maya hotel, or from a designated meeting point. The ride to the beach club is shared, and the exact pickup time depends on your hotel. The operator sends the confirmed details by email or text, so read those messages closely rather than relying only on the original booking time.

At El Dorado Maroma, you check in before walking to the camel area. A bilingual guide gives about 15 minutes of instructions, covering safety, the equipment, and how to behave around the animals. A protective helmet is mandatory.

This briefing is useful, not filler. Camels are large animals, and the guide needs to explain mounting, sitting, and staying calm while the caravan moves. Follow the instructions carefully, especially if you have never ridden before.

The activity has a maximum of three participants. That can make the ride feel more personal than a large excursion, but it also means transportation may involve combining your small group with other departures or waiting for a scheduled shuttle. Ask how the return transfer works before you begin.

The 45-Minute Caravan

Once the briefing ends, you spend about 45 minutes on the camel route. The caravan heads through the property and, when conditions allow, toward the beach. The forest section gives you shade and a jungle setting, while the shoreline provides the most striking photo backdrop.

The movement is slow and steady. I would rate this as an easy animal encounter with some physical effort, not a demanding riding activity. You still need enough balance and mobility to mount, sit upright, and dismount. A moderate fitness level is required.

The ride includes a stop where you can feed and pet the camels. This is one of the strongest parts of the experience because it gives you time to look at the animals up close instead of simply sitting on one. The guides explain details about the camels and their habitat, and several customers have praised their patient, friendly manner.

You cannot use a cell phone during the activity. This rule is presented as a safety measure, and it means you should not expect to record the ride or take casual photos from the saddle. Professional photographers work along the route and take pictures with the camels, especially at the beach stop.

That photography policy is important to your decision. If you want personal photos, you will need to buy the photographer’s package. Several people found the prices high, with reports ranging from about $35 to $50 for one image and around $150 to $200 for larger packages. Other customers considered the photos reasonably priced and bought the full set, so the cost may depend on the package offered that day.

Ask for the current price before posing for a long series of pictures. Also confirm how and when digital images will be delivered. Some customers received their photos without trouble, while others reported delays or missing files.

Beach Club Time After the Camels

After the caravan, you can relax at the beach club and use its facilities. This gives the outing a little breathing room, especially if you want to sit by the water after the ride rather than return immediately.

There is an important limitation. Access for this excursion may not include every area or service available to VIP resort customers. One customer found that the beach club was primarily reserved for VIP use and that the available dining option was an all-day buffet costing $70 per person. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

The supplied details describe simple snacks and bottled water as part of the experience, while the formal inclusion list says food and drinks are not included. I would treat this as a reason to confirm exactly what will be provided before departure. Bring money for additional food and drinks if you plan to stay.

If you want to remain at the beach club, tell the front desk so a later shuttle can be arranged. The final shuttle leaves at 4:30 p.m. Do not assume you can leave whenever you wish. Return transportation runs on a schedule, and a long wait can turn a short activity into most of a day.

A $10 locker and key fee applies, with the amount returned at the end of the tour. This is useful if you need to store belongings, but remember that the camera-phone restriction means you should carry only what is allowed for the activity.

Transportation Can Shape the Whole Day

Round-trip transport is the tour’s biggest convenience and its biggest risk. You do not need to arrange a taxi to a distant beach club, and pickup is available from select hotels. For a first visit to Cancun or the Riviera Maya, that simplicity has real value.

The schedule is less simple. Pickup times vary by hotel, and one delayed departure can affect the rest of the day. Past customers have reported late pickups, unclear meeting points, itinerary changes, and waits of up to two hours at the property. One person spent about six hours on the complete outing for 45 minutes with the camels.

That is not guaranteed to happen, but you should plan with caution. Ask for the exact pickup time, location, activity start, and return shuttle before the day begins. If your hotel is not on the standard pickup list, contact the operator in advance and wait for written confirmation of the meeting place.

Driving yourself may give you more control over arrival and departure, but the activity still follows its own check-in and shuttle arrangements. If you choose that option, confirm where you should park and exactly when you must report for registration.

The tour is often booked well in advance, with an average lead time of 37 days. That suggests you should reserve early for a fixed vacation date, then keep all confirmation messages handy.

Price: When $165 Makes Sense

At $165 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend 45 minutes outdoors. The price includes the guided camel ride, safety gear, bilingual guide, local medical insurance, beach-club access, and shared transportation at specific times.

I think the price makes the most sense if you place a high value on novelty and convenience. Riding a camel near the Caribbean is unusual, and the included transfer removes a separate transport problem. The smaller maximum group also helps justify the cost if your schedule is tight and the service runs on time.

The value weakens if you are measuring the experience by minutes in the saddle. The ride is short, food and drinks are not formally included, photographs cost extra, and transportation may take much longer than expected. If you are staying near El Dorado Maroma already, the included transfer is less valuable.

You should also compare the price with the rest of your vacation plans. A full day on Isla Mujeres, a beach club day, or a cenote outing may provide more total activity for similar money. This camel ride works best as a specific bucket-list experience, not as the most economical beach excursion.

Who Can Ride and Who Should Skip It

The minimum age to participate is 8. Children from 6 to 15 must share with a paying adult, and riders must be at least 16 to ride alone. Anyone riding independently must also pass a handling test.

The maximum weight per camel is 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds. This limit is easy to miss during booking, so check it before paying, particularly if your group includes larger adults.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with recent surgery, heart conditions, or back problems. A camel’s rising and dropping motion can be uncomfortable even when the animal moves slowly. If you have a medical concern, choose another outing or ask your doctor before booking.

Wear practical clothing and shoes suitable for sitting outdoors and walking around a beach property. The supplied information does not specify a dress code, but you should expect sun, sand, and contact with animals.

The Best Parts of the Experience

The strongest feature is the camels themselves. They are described as docile, friendly, and well cared for, and the feeding stop lets you build a connection with them. This is more memorable than simply posing on an animal and being led back to the starting point.

The guides also receive strong praise for being patient, informative, and attentive to comfort. They explain the animals, answer questions, and help riders feel safe. If you are nervous, tell the guide before mounting.

The beach setting adds a special touch. A camel ride through a wooded property would already be unusual, but reaching the shoreline gives you a Caribbean backdrop and a clear sense of place. The beach stop is also where the photo team takes many of its best pictures.

Solo visitors can book the experience, and the small group limit may make that more comfortable. Families with older children and couples celebrating a birthday are also a good match, provided everyone meets the age, weight, and health requirements.

The Main Complaints You Should Take Seriously

Photography causes the most repeated frustration. You cannot use your own phone, and the optional pictures can be expensive. If you do not want to buy photos, accept that you may finish with no good image of yourself on the camel.

Transportation problems are another concern. Late pickups and unclear scheduling can erase several hours of a vacation day. The operator has offered refunds when a pickup failed, but a refund does not restore lost vacation time.

The beach-club portion may not feel like a full resort day. Dining can be costly, some areas may be reserved for VIP customers, and a delayed shuttle can leave you with little to do. Think of beach access as a useful extra, not the main reason to book.

The experience also depends on weather. Rain can remove the jungle section, and poor weather may lead to cancellation, a different date, or a full refund. Keep some flexibility in your schedule if this is an important part of your trip.

Should You Book This Camel Ride?

I would book it if riding a camel is high on your personal wish list, you want a gentle and unusual animal encounter, and you can tolerate a fixed shuttle schedule. The best parts are the calm camels, friendly guides, feeding stop, and beach setting.

I would skip it if you want a full day of activity, dislike sales pressure, need reliable timing, or expect to take your own photos. At $165, the ride needs to be treated as a specialty experience, not a bargain excursion.

Before booking, confirm your hotel pickup, total schedule, photo prices, food arrangements, and return shuttle. If those details work for you, this can be a memorable change of pace in Cancun. If not, spend the day on an activity that gives you more control and more time for your money.

FAQ

Where does the camel ride take place?

The activity takes place at El Dorado Maroma, an exclusive beach club near Cancun and the Riviera Maya area.

How long is the entire experience?

The stated duration is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, though transportation and waiting times can make the total day longer.

How long do I actually ride the camel?

The guided camel caravan lasts 45 minutes, following a 15-minute safety and instruction session.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Shared round-trip transportation is offered from select hotels at specific times. If your hotel is not on the standard pickup list, you will receive a different meeting location and schedule.

What is included in the price?

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

Are food and drinks included?

Food and drinks are listed as not included. The experience information also refers to simple snacks and bottled water, so confirm what will be supplied before departure.

Can I take photos with my phone?

No. Cell phones are not allowed during the activities for security reasons. Professional photography is available to purchase.

How much do the photographs cost?

The price varies by package. Reported prices include about $35 to $50 for one image and roughly $150 to $200 for larger packages. Confirm the current price before buying.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age to participate is 8. Children aged 6 to 15 must share with a paying adult, and riders must be at least 16 to ride alone after passing a handling test.

Can pregnant women or people with back problems participate?

No. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with recent surgeries, heart conditions, or back problems. The maximum weight per camel is 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds.

Can I stay at the beach club after the ride?

Yes, if you arrange a later drop-off with the front desk. The last shuttle leaves at 4:30 p.m.