Camels, sand, and jungle—this is a fun twist on Cancun. You’ll do a 45-minute camel caravan through the area’s rainforest views and then head to the beach at El Dorado Maroma.

I like that the tour is built around clear safety structure—including a mandatory helmet and a short instruction before you mount up. I also like the payoff: after the ride, you get access to an El Dorado Maroma beach club with time to relax.

One thing to consider: during the activity, your phone is off-limits, and the professional photo setup can turn into a pricey sales moment.

Key Highlights to Know Before You Go

• Hotel pickup and round-trip transfers at select properties, using sanitized vans
• Mandatory helmet + safety gear and a short species-focused briefing
• 45 minutes on the camel with a guided caravan feel, jungle-to-beach scenery
• Beach club included (use of facilities and time to unwind afterward)
• Small group size (max 3 travelers), which helps the day feel less chaotic
• Cell phones not allowed during the activity, so photos are mostly handled by the staff

Getting to El Dorado Maroma: Transportation and Real Timing

This tour is designed to feel easy: you’re picked up from your hotel (if you’re in the pickup zone) or a nearby meeting point, then transferred to the camel area at El Dorado Maroma. The van ride is shared, so you don’t control the exact route or the order of pickups. Your pickup time can also shift depending on where you’re staying, and the last shuttle back leaves at 4:30 pm, so plan your schedule around that.

Here’s the practical truth: even though the experience is listed at about 2 hours 30 minutes, the day can stretch out. Shared transport and check-in can add waiting time. Some people have felt like the bus time and the on-site waiting didn’t match the quick “ride time” expectation. If you’re trying to fit this into a tight itinerary, give yourself a buffer.

Tip that will save your mood: confirm your pickup spot and timing in writing (mail or text if that’s how it’s sent), and arrive a few minutes early at the lobby. Also, carry something small to snack on for the ride if you’re the kind of person who hates being hungry (the tour highlights simple snacks and bottled water, but your main meal isn’t included).

The 15-Minute Brief + Mandatory Helmet: Safety First

Before you mount up, you’ll get a 15-minute instruction and safety briefing. That includes the equipment you need and the basic rules for being on the camel caravan. A protective helmet is mandatory, and you’ll be given safety gear to use.

What I like about this setup is that it doesn’t pretend you can figure it out on the spot. If you’re nervous about riding (or if this is your first camel experience), having that short structure first helps you feel steadier once you’re up there.

A few other rules to be aware of:

• Cell phones are not allowed during the activities, which means you should mentally switch from filming to enjoying the ride.
• The tour requires moderate physical fitness. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable with climbing on and off and sitting upright for the ride.
• There’s a clear weight limit: 100 kg / 220 lbs per rider.

If you want to feel extra prepared, wear closed-toe shoes and avoid anything you hate losing grip on. Think “secure and practical,” not “outfit for photos.”

The 45-Minute Camel Caravan: Jungle-to-Beach Scenery

This is the main event: a 45-minute guided camel ride through the Mayan jungle area and then along the beach. The vibe is part nature walk, part “wow, I’m really doing this,” with guides from the start helping you understand what’s going on.

Once you check in, you’ll be brought to the camel area and given that short safety talk. Then the caravan begins, and you’ll move slowly enough to take in the surroundings. Reviews and descriptions consistently point to the same feeling: the camels are handled carefully and the ride is designed to be calm.

One cool moment you should expect: at certain points, you’ll stop to take pictures with the camels. People also mention opportunities to pet and feed the camels treats, which adds a more personal, hands-on connection beyond just sitting on top.

If weather has been a factor lately, know that conditions can affect the exact route. The ride is meant to go jungle-to-beach, but rain from the days before can change what’s possible. That’s not in your control, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you’re chasing a very specific visual.

Photography Reality Check: No Phones During the Ride

The biggest “buyer beware” item here is the photo system. The tour prohibits cell phones during the activities, and staff capture the moments for you—especially when you arrive at the beach and during key points of the camel walk.

That means you’ll likely be paying for a professional photo package if you want polished memories. Prices can be all over the place depending on what package you choose. Based on reported experiences, single photos have been mentioned around the $35–$40 range, and full sets have been reported much higher (including examples like $150 for two people and $200 for a couple in one case). Some people felt the pricing was reasonable, but others felt it was too aggressive.

My advice is simple:

• Decide ahead of time whether you want the photographer’s version of the memory.
• If you’re the type who hates being pushed, plan to pass. You can still enjoy the moment without owning every photo.
• If you buy photos, double-check delivery timing and contact details. A few people reported delays or communication issues after purchase.

Also, the “no phone” rule means you won’t be able to grab your own candid shots during the ride. You can still take photos before/after, but the core experience happens under staff capture.

After the Camel Ride: Beach Club Time at El Dorado Maroma

After the camel caravan, you get a break—free time to relax at the El Dorado Maroma beach club. Access to the beach club facilities is included, so you’re not just dropped off at a roadside lot and sent on your way. People like this part because it gives you a “real Mexico day” feeling: you ride something unusual, then you cool down by the water.

One timing note matters: if you want to stay longer, you can ask the front desk to schedule a later drop-off. But the last shuttle back is 4:30 pm, so don’t assume you can linger indefinitely.

Now, the balanced part: some people have felt the beach club situation wasn’t fully as expected, especially if the property is running reserved areas for VIP-style access. That doesn’t erase the value of having a beach club option, but it does mean you should treat the post-ride time as relaxation and amenities—not as a guaranteed private beach bubble.

Food is not included as a full package, and the highlights mention simple snacks and bottled water. Some visitors also found the on-site restaurant pricing steep when they did decide to eat there. So budget for drinks and a meal if your plan is to spend several hours at the club.

Price and Value: What $165 Really Buys

At $165 per person, you’re paying for more than “just a camel ride.” This price includes:

• Round-trip shared transportation (from select hotels/meet points)
• A bilingual guide (English is offered)
• Local medical insurance
• Safety gear with a mandatory helmet
• A 45-minute guided camel ride plus instruction
• Beach club access and facilities

That’s why I think this tour can be good value for the right person. If you want something structured, safe, and logistically easy—plus a scenic beach add-on—this price can make sense. The small group size (max 3 travelers) also helps. Fewer people can mean less waiting around for your turn and a smoother day.

But the trade-off is how the time adds up. When a tour takes most of your afternoon (or even longer) to squeeze in shared transport and check-in, the “45 minutes on the camel” can feel small compared to the hours spent getting there and waiting. If you’re trying to maximize beach time elsewhere, you might feel like you lost a chunk of the day.

The photo cost is the other big variable. If you buy photos, your day becomes more expensive fast. If you skip photos and just enjoy the experience, your budget stays closer to what you expected. Either way, go in with eyes open.

Who This Camel Tour Fits (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour makes sense if you:

• Want a unique ride that feels like more than a quick tourist photo stop
• Like structured guidance (the brief + helmet + rules help you relax)
• Prefer small groups over big bus loads (max 3 travelers)

It’s less ideal if you:

• Have back problems, recent surgery, heart conditions, or other limitations that affect your ability to sit, mount, or handle basic physical activity. This tour is specifically not suitable for pregnant women and people with these medical concerns.
• Need to hold your phone in your hand during the main activity. Cell phones are not allowed while you’re riding.

Age rules are straightforward:

• Minimum age to participate: 8
• Minimum age to ride on your own: 16 (a handling test is required)
• Minors 6 to 15 ride on a shared basis with a paying adult

If you’re traveling with kids, this is worth planning carefully. The tour isn’t framed as a “drop the child in, everyone chill” type of outing.

Also, just for comfort: wear sturdy shoes and avoid loose items. The ride is calm, but you’ll be moving and adjusting while on the camel.

Should You Book This Camel Ride in Cancun?

I’d book it if you want a simple day with hotel pickup, a guided camel ride, and a real beach club reset afterward—and you’re okay with the phone-free photography rules.

I would think twice if your priority is saving money or taking your own photos during the ride. The professional photo setup is a major part of the experience, and reported pricing ranges from fair to painfully expensive depending on what you choose. If you hate upsells, plan to pass on photos and treat this as a memory you carry in your head.

Quick decision checklist:

• You’re excited to ride a camel through jungle-and-beach scenery.
• You can handle a shared-transport schedule and possible extra waiting time.
• You’re comfortable following the helmet and cell phone rules.
• You have a plan for your photo budget (or you’re okay skipping).

If those boxes are true for you, this is a fun, safe, and genuinely unusual way to spend a chunk of time in the Cancun–Riviera Maya area.

FAQ

How long is the camel ride?

The guided camel ride portion is 45 minutes, after a short 15-minute instruction and safety briefing.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Round-trip transfers are included via shared transportation from select hotels or meeting points. If your hotel isn’t listed, the provider will contact you with the correct pickup place and time.

Do the guides speak English?

Yes. The tour offers a bilingual guide, including English.

Do I need to wear a helmet?

Yes. Safety gear is included, and a protective helmet is mandatory.

Can I take photos or videos with my phone during the ride?

No. For security measures, cell phones are not allowed during the activities.

What are the minimum ages for this tour?

Minimum age to participate is 8. The minimum age to ride on your own is 16 (with a handling test). Minors aged 6 to 15 must participate on a shared basis accompanied by a paying adult.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for pregnant women or people with recent surgeries, heart conditions, or back problems.

Is there a weight limit per rider?

Yes. The maximum weight per camel is 100 kg / 220 lbs.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.