A camel safari in Cancun sounds quirky, and this one is actually well organized. You get pickup, a short safety talk, then 45 minutes on camelback through the area aimed at jungle views and beach scenery.

The two best parts for me are the mix of authentic animal time with a real nature setting, and the fact that you’re not left to figure out logistics, since round-trip transfers run on set pickup windows. One thing to think about before you go: the photos are a big sales focus, and your phone use is restricted during the activity.

Quick Highlights Before You Go

• Small activity group (max 3 travelers), which can make the ride feel less hectic.
• Helmet required and safety gear provided, with a guided 15-minute instruction beforehand.
• 45-minute guided caravan plus a short moment on arrival for photos with the camels.
• Beach club access at El Dorado Maroma, with facilities for relaxing after the ride.
• Professional photos available to buy, but multiple reviews call out that pricing can sting.
• Good weather matters, because the experience can change if conditions are rough.

Puerto Morelos Camel Ride, the Real Promise

This tour sells a simple idea: ride camels through the Mayan jungle area and then along the beach. In practice, the ride tends to be a short safari style loop, and what you see can vary with conditions. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it is why you should treat the day as an animal experience first, scenery second.

The time commitment is also the key. The actual camel ride is 45 minutes, but your total experience is closer to a longer day when you include pickup, travel, check-in, and beach club time. Several people liked the activity enough to recommend it, while others felt the schedule stretched their day too far for the short time on the camel.

Hotel Pickup and the Trip to El Dorado Maroma

Your day starts with pickup in a sanitized van, either from your hotel or a nearby meeting point. It’s a shared transportation service with specific pickup times that vary by hotel, and you confirm the exact schedule by email or text after booking.

This part matters more than you might think. If your pickup window is early or unclear, the whole day feels longer. A couple of reviews mention miscommunication about pickup location or timing, including one instance where people waited and no one arrived. It’s rare, but still: if you’re going, watch your confirmation messages closely and give yourself a buffer for being ready on time.

When you arrive, you check in and then move to the camel area. From there, the pace becomes more controlled, because the tour uses a short briefing before you mount up.

The 15-Minute Briefing That Sets Expectations

Before you ride, you get a 15-minute announcement and safety briefing. Expect to hear how to handle the situation, what equipment you’ll need, and the basic rules around keeping everyone safe. A protective helmet is mandatory, and it’s not optional.

This is also where guides set the tone. Reviews repeatedly call out that the guides were friendly and professional, and they often share info about camels and their care. One review even name-drops a guide called Benard, and mentions a tip request. Whether you love or hate the moment, the broader theme is clear: guides lead you through the experience, not just “walk with you.”

The 45-Minute Camel Caravan: What It Feels Like

The main event is a 45-minute camel caravan tour. You’re guided while you pass through the area described as jungle views and then toward the beach scenery. The camels are generally described as docile, calm, and well cared for, with people feeling safe during the ride.

One thing I’d flag based on reviews: some days don’t play out exactly like the marketing photos, especially if weather changes the route. A few visitors mention rain affecting whether they could go through the jungle section, turning the experience into a shorter, less scenic loop.

During the ride process, you may also get moments that break the monotony, like stopping for pictures and potentially petting or feeding. One review calls out being able to feed the camels treats, and another mentions the camels being named Tati and Chey, which adds a personal touch if your guide leans into storytelling.

Phones, Photos, and the Pricing That Can Upset People

Here’s the part that splits opinions: the photo setup.

The tour uses professional photographers and takes pictures during the activity. But you cannot use cell phones during the activities, and multiple reviews say that you can end up feeling shut out from taking your own photos for memories.

Then come the prices. Different reviews report very high costs for photo packages, like a single photo around the $35 to $50 range, and a full set for two that could reach about $150. One review says they paid about $200 for pictures. Another says a photo they bought was never emailed to them. The pattern is consistent: people who buy photos usually describe the service as well done, while people who don’t buy photos describe it as expensive pressure.

My practical advice: if you want photos, decide in advance what you consider a fair price. If you’re not sure, you can still take your own photos when you’re allowed to, but you must respect the cell phone rule during the ride itself. Also, keep an eye on what gets included in the price, because reviewers mention confusion about frames and package options.

Beach Club Time at El Dorado Maroma, and the Real Schedule

After the ride, you get free time at the beach club where the camels are located. You can relax and use facilities, but you don’t stay forever by default. The tour states that if you want to stay longer, you can ask the front desk, and they can schedule a later drop-off. The last shuttle leaves at 4:30 pm.

This is where “fun day” can become “why is it so long?” for some people. A couple of reviews complain about long waiting times at the location and long travel time back, leading to a feeling that the day was far too stretched for a 45-minute ride. Another review says they wanted to linger but ran into access limits at the beach club, since some areas were reserved.

What you can do with this information: plan for a real block of downtime after the ride. Bring your patience, but also protect your time by asking about shuttle timing early. If you know you want out sooner, schedule it immediately when you arrive back from the camel area.

Also, the tour does not include food and drinks. You might find snacks and water provided for keeping you fueled during the activity, and you may see additional food options on site, but plan your meals separately.

Price and Value: Is $165 Worth It?

At $165 per person, this isn’t a budget excursion. It’s priced as a package, where you pay for the ride time, guide support, safety equipment, transportation, and beach club access.

When it works for people, the value case looks like this:

• You truly want the novelty of riding camels in a beach-and-jungle setting.
• You appreciate guided handling and a calm, safe experience with well cared for animals.
• You like the idea of included beach club downtime without organizing everything yourself.

When it feels overpriced, the value case usually comes down to two issues:

1. The ride time is short compared with total time spent traveling and waiting. If your pickup timing is off, or you hit a long wait at the location, the math gets ugly fast.
2. The photo costs feel like an add-on with aggressive pricing, especially since you cannot use your phone during the ride. People who don’t buy photos feel like the day is partially controlled by the sales pitch.

My take: if you go in expecting a short, guided camel moment plus relaxed beach club time, the price can feel fair. If you’re hoping for a full adventure day with lots of riding time and flexible photo options, you may feel disappointed.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This is a good fit if you want a low-effort, guided animal experience with round-trip transfers and an easy “check-in, ride, relax” structure.

It also fits families and first-timers who want reassurance. The experience has rules for ages and physical limits, including:

• Minimum age to participate is 8
• To ride on your own, minimum age is 16, with a handling test
• Minors aged 6 to 15 ride on a shared basis with a paying adult
• Moderate physical fitness is required
• Maximum weight per camel is 100 kg / 220 lbs
• You should avoid this if you’re pregnant or have recent surgeries, heart conditions, or back problems

If you’re the kind of traveler who hates surprise upsells, especially around photos, then you should go in with a plan. Decide whether you’re buying photos or skipping them, and understand the phone restriction during the activity.

A Few Common Snags to Plan Around

Based on what people said, the biggest potential snags are not about the camels themselves. They’re about timing, photos, and communication.

1. Pickup confusion or waiting

One review describes waiting an hour, and another mentions a pickup miscommunication. This is why I’d double-check your confirmation messages the day before and get ready early.

1. Long day feeling

Some people report spending far longer than expected for the 45-minute ride. Weather, check-in pacing, and shuttle timing can all stretch things.

1. Photo pressure

The professional photos are a key part of the offering. But when cell phones are restricted and prices are high, it can sour the mood for some visitors.

Should You Book This Camel Ride in Puerto Morelos?

I’d book it if your top priority is the camel experience itself, and you’re okay treating photos as optional, not expected. The guides and the camels’ calm behavior are repeatedly praised, and the setup includes transfers plus beach club access, which is handy if you want a one-and-done excursion.

Skip it or rethink it if you hate photo add-ons, you want lots of riding time, or you’re very time-sensitive. For the price, you should be comfortable with the idea that your day might feel longer than the camel segment.

If you do book, go in smart: pick a realistic shuttle plan, keep your expectations aligned with the 45-minute ride, and decide in advance what you will or won’t pay for photos.

FAQ

What is included in the camel ride tour package?

You get round-trip shared transportation between your hotel and the beach club at specific times, a 15-minute instruction and a 45-minute guided camel ride, safety gear with a mandatory helmet, a bilingual guide, local medical insurance, and access to the beach club and its facilities. Snacks and bottled water are mentioned in the tour highlights.

Are professional photos included?

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

Can I use my phone during the ride?

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

What are the age requirements?

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

What weight limit applies?

The maximum weight per camel is 100 kg, or 220 lbs.

What if the weather is poor?

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

How does pickup work if my hotel is not in the list?

If your hotel isn’t in the provided list, you should let the company know so they can contact you and indicate the correct pickup place and time. Schedules vary by hotel, and you receive the exact confirmation via email or text.