A camel ride through the jungle sounds unreal. This one in Puerto Morelos pairs a 45-minute camel caravan with beach-club downtime at El Dorado Maroma, plus round-trip transportation from select Cancun hotels. You also get short instructions, required safety gear, and optional professional photos you can buy afterward.

I really like the calm, docile nature of the camels, and how the guides run a clear safety briefing before you mount. I also like that the activity comes with beach-club access and simple fuel like snacks and bottled water, so you do not feel stuck right after the ride.

One big consideration: you cannot use your cell phone during the camel activity, and the professional photo pricing can feel steep when you are trying to make your memories last.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group feel: this tour caps at 3 travelers, which usually means less waiting for your turn.
• Safety comes first: protective helmets are mandatory, and you get a short safety and equipment talk before mounting.
• 45 minutes on the camel: the ride time is the headliner, with a separate 15-minute instruction period before you start.
• Pro photos are optional, phone use is not: the staff takes photos during the experience, and cell phones are not allowed during activities.
• Beach club time is part of the deal: you get access to El Dorado Maroma’s facilities, with a later drop-off if you ask.
• Timing depends on your hotel: pickup schedules vary, and the full day can run long even if the ride itself is under an hour.

Puerto Morelos and El Dorado Maroma: the setup you are actually buying

This excursion is designed as a simple, easy day trip from Cancun. You start with pickup in a sanitized shared van, head to an exclusive beach club area at El Dorado Maroma, and then you do the camel portion before settling into the beach-club atmosphere.

The tour is built around two moods: the animal interaction outdoors, and then a stretch of relaxed downtime by the water. That combo is a big part of why people love it, especially if you want something different from the typical beach routine.

Price and what it means for your day

The price is $165 per person, and the math comes down to this: you are paying for a complete package, not just camel time. You get round-trip shared transportation, a guided ride, required safety gear, bilingual guiding, and beach-club access.

That said, your expectations should match the pacing. Even with a scheduled duration listed around 2.5 hours, multiple schedules can still feel like a big day because transportation and on-site time matter. The camel ride itself is 45 minutes, so if you are only shopping for animal time, you may feel the rest of the day is slow.

If you are the kind of traveler who likes one easy “headline activity” plus some beach time, this price can feel more fair. If you want multiple stops and tight pacing, you will want to plan around the reality that this is mostly one focused outing.

Pickup in Cancun: shared vans and timing that varies

Your pickup is offered from select hotels. If your hotel is not on the list, you are told to contact the company so they can confirm the correct meeting point and time by mail or text. The key practical point is that schedules vary by hotel, so your day hinges on that confirmation.

Also, this is not a private taxi situation. It is shared transportation with set pickup windows, which means you should leave flexibility in your schedule for any real-world delays. If you are trying to connect this day with something else later, keep it loose.

Finally, note the group limit of 3 travelers. That can help the vibe feel more personal, but it does not magically remove travel time. Plan for a chunk of your day.

The 15-minute instruction and mandatory helmet rules

When you arrive, you check in at El Dorado Maroma and head to where the camels are located. Before you ride, you get a short 15-minute briefing covering safety measures and the equipment you must use.

Protective helmets are mandatory. That detail matters because it sets the tone: this is not a casual petting zoo. The guides explain how the ride works, how to stay positioned, and what to expect during the caravan.

The guides are also bilingual, so you should be able to follow along without guessing. From the tone of past experiences shared by riders, the guides tend to be friendly and hands-on, not just “here are the rules, good luck.”

The 45-minute camel caravan: Mayan jungle views to the beach

Once instruction is done, you start your 45-minute camel caravan tour. The promise is a ride that includes rainforest and beach views, with you walking along the area as an organized group.

This is one of those experiences where the setting does a lot of work. You feel the change from shaded greenery toward open beach air, and the whole thing has a “slow safari” rhythm. You are not doing a full-day trek, so the ride stays approachable even if you are not super outdoorsy.

One more reality check: weather can affect what the route looks like. The experience requires good weather, and poor weather can mean changes or cancellations. If you are traveling during a rainy stretch, treat the ride as more weather-dependent than you might expect from the description.

Meet the camels the right way: docile, handled, and cared for

A big theme in positive experiences is that the camels are treated as calm, manageable animals. Riders consistently describe them as gentle and well taken care of, which makes a huge difference on a first-time camel ride.

During the event, you typically get interaction like petting and feeding with provided treats. The point is to make the animal part feel safe and respectful, not rushed. Some riders also get personal moments like learning camel names, with examples like Tati and Chey mentioned by past participants.

If you are coming for the novelty of camels, this interaction helps it feel more meaningful than just sitting upright and moving forward.

The photographer moment: phones off, and photo prices can sting

Here is where this tour can split people into two camps: those who buy the photos, and those who feel pushed into spending.

You are taken to a photo moment with the camels while a professional photographer captures images. And during the camel activities, cell phones are not allowed. That means you generally cannot take your own video or photos during the ride portion.

Then the pricing shows up. Past riders report that single photos can land around $35 to $50, and packages can jump quickly. Examples people shared include a $40 single photo, about $75 for all photos for one person, and a package price around $150 for two people. Another experience described charges around $200 for photos.

So my practical advice is simple: decide before you feel emotionally “locked in.” If you hate the idea of surprise upsells, bring money only for a small photo set you actually want, or skip it entirely and accept that you are leaving with more memories in your head than in your camera roll.

Also keep expectations clear on delivery. Some people reported photo delivery problems or delays. It is not guaranteed to be flawless, so if photos matter a lot, keep that in mind.

Beach club time at El Dorado Maroma: use it well

After the camel portion, you get free time to relax and enjoy the beach club facilities. Access is included, so this part is not just you waiting around. You can hang out, unwind, and stretch the day into something more beach-centered.

There is also flexibility if you want to stay longer. If you want extra time at the beach club, you are told to inform the front desk so your drop-off can be scheduled later. The last shuttle leaves at 4:30 pm, so you have a hard deadline if you are planning a later departure.

Food and drinks are not included, but you should expect simple snacks and bottled water as part of the tour setup. In other words, you will not starve during the camel portion, but if you want a full meal, you will likely pay separately at the club.

One more timing tip: if you get stuck at the beach club waiting for your shuttle, bring patience. The experience is designed as one organized chunk of the day, not a grab-and-go stop.

Transportation and the reality of long waits

The tour is sold as round-trip transfers with pickup times tied to your hotel. In practice, any shared transportation experience can add time, especially if other pickups or coordination happen before and after your group.

Some past riders felt the overall day took far longer than they expected relative to the 45 minutes on the camel. That does not mean the ride is bad. It just means you should budget your schedule for a long afternoon, not a quick in-and-out activity.

If you can, plan something low-commitment for the rest of the day. Think: beach lounging, slow shopping, or an early dinner near your hotel after pickup drops you back off.

Who should book this camel ride, and who should skip it

This tour asks for moderate physical fitness. You should also know the health limits: it is not suitable for pregnant women or people with recent surgeries, heart conditions, or back problems.

Age rules are very specific:

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

There is also a weight limit per camel: 100 kg, which is 220 lbs.

If you fit those rules and you want a calm, gentle “wow moment” that mixes animals with a beach-club break, this can be a strong pick. If you have mobility limits, health concerns from the list above, or you want to stay on a tight schedule, you may want to choose a different type of activity.

Tips, respect, and how to handle the staff energy

The guide and staff interaction tends to be friendly and engaging, with people describing thoughtful attention during the ride. Still, you should be prepared for normal Mexico-tour dynamics where staff may ask for tips.

One past experience mentioned being surprised by a staff member named Benard asking for a tip. That is not a universal rule stated in the tour details, but it shows how the mood can go from “activity assistant” to “tip conversation.”

My practical approach: if you feel the service was great, have some small cash ready. If you do not want to tip, it is better to stay calm and consistent rather than getting into a debate. The ride itself is the main event, so keep your focus there.

Should you book this camel ride tour?

Book it if:

• You want a unique experience that still feels structured and safe
• You like the idea of a camel ride plus beach-club access at El Dorado Maroma
• You are okay with the fact that professional photos are optional, and your phone is restricted during the activity

Skip it or rethink it if:

• You are very budget-sensitive about photos and you hate the idea of mandatory phone-off rules
• You are only interested in the 45 minutes of camel time and cannot tolerate a long day for transportation and waiting
• You have any of the health limits listed, or you cannot meet the age and riding requirements

If you decide to go, plan one thing to protect your enjoyment: before the photos begin, mentally set your limit. Either you buy a small set you truly want, or you commit to taking no photos yourself and just enjoy the ride in real time.

FAQ

How long is the camel ride?

You get a 45-minute guided camel ride. There is also a 15-minute instruction and safety briefing before the ride.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Shared transportation is included at specific times, with pickup direct from select hotels and a return to your hotel after the activity.

Where does the tour take place?

The activity happens at an exclusive beach club area associated with El Dorado Maroma.

Are professional photos included?

No. Professional photography is available to buy, but photos are not included in the tour price.

Can I use my phone during the ride to take photos?

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

What are the age requirements?

The minimum age to participate is 8. To ride on your own, you must be at least 16 and pass a handling test. Minors aged 6 to 15 ride on a shared basis with a paying adult.

Is the tour safe for everyone with health conditions?

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

What happens if the weather is bad?

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