Camel-on-the-beach is the whole point here. You get a 45-minute camel safari plus round-trip hotel transportation to an all-you-can-hang-out beach club, with a quick species briefing to keep things calm. The vibe is great when you want something simple and fun, but the big tradeoff is that the professional photo system and sales pressure can get pricey and rigid.

I like that the tour is built around doing the activity well, not stacking in a dozen stops. You’re in a small group (max 3 travelers), you get bilingual guidance in English, and you’re supplied with simple snacks and bottled water during the activity. Still, you should plan your day carefully, because total door-to-door time can run long depending on pickup timing.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Camel time is only 45 minutes, but the full experience starts with check-in and ends with a scheduled shuttle back.
• Small group setup (max 3 travelers) means less waiting, but it can also mean stricter timing on transfers.
• No-phone rule during the activity keeps it “focused,” but it also means you may rely on the included photography process.
• Beach club access is part of the day, and it can be a good buffer if you want downtime after the ride.
• Prices for photos vary wildly by what you want, and multiple guests flagged surprise costs.
• Helmet is mandatory, and the tour is not suitable for pregnancy or certain medical conditions.

Why Camel Time Feels Special in Puerto Morelos

This tour is basically a clean, direct promise: ride camels in an area with both jungle scenery and beach access. The 15-minute pre-ride briefing matters more than it sounds, because it sets the rules early and helps first-timers feel ready. After that, the safari portion is a steady, guided walk, not a chaotic rodeo.

What makes it more memorable is how the experience is paced. You’re not just sitting on an animal and hoping for the best. You get time to admire the rainforest views and then see the beach scene up close, with a stop where the photographers step in when you arrive.

Your Actual Time Budget: 2.5 Hours on Paper, Longer in Real Life

On the schedule, you’re looking at 2 hours 30 minutes total, and the ride itself is 45 minutes. But your day can stretch because hotel pickup windows, check-in, and beach club timing add up fast. Some people reported waiting at the location and longer-than-expected transport time, while others said the day flowed smoothly.

So here’s the practical move: treat this as a half-day excursion with a “flex buffer,” not as a quick afternoon add-on. If you’re the type who hates losing chunks of time, you’ll feel it. If you’re fine with downtime at the beach club afterward, the wait is easier to stomach.

El Dorado Maroma Start: Sanitized Vans, Check-In, and the Short Briefing

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel or a nearby meeting point, using a sanitized van. Once you arrive at the beach club area, you check in and then get a short safety and equipment announcement before the safari begins.

That briefing is where the tour earns trust. You get clear guidance, and the required protective helmet helps keep everyone on the same page. The guide also covers the basics of what you should expect while riding and handling the situation around the camels.

The Camel Caravan Safari: What You Do, What You Skip, What You’ll Notice

The main event is the camel caravan tour, listed at 45 minutes. You’ll ride through the Mayan jungle area and also along the beach, with guides walking you through the route. The camels are described as docile and well cared for in multiple experiences, which is exactly what you want for a first camel ride.

You also get a built-in “human moment.” There’s a stop for photography on arrival with the camels and time to pet and feed them in some form. One guest mentioned camel names Tati and Chey, which gives you a sense that the staff really treat this as an animal experience, not just a photo ticket.

The No-Phone Rule Changes the Feel

For security measures, cell phones are not allowed during the activities. That rule shapes the whole vibe, because it removes the option to capture quick personal shots during the ride. You’re meant to let the professional team do it.

If you hate having your hands tied, this is your biggest “read this first” moment. You can still enjoy the ride, but you may leave with fewer of your own photos than you planned.

Beach Club Time at El Dorado Maroma: Relax, Eat If You Want, and Time It Right

After the ride, you get free time to relax and enjoy the beach club facilities at El Dorado Maroma. You can stay longer if you request it at the front desk, with drop-off scheduling later available. The last shuttle leaves at 4:30 pm, so you’re not guessing forever.

One thing to watch is that the beach club is a real business with their own rules. Some guests described issues with staying longer or feeling like the club wasn’t fully available to them beyond their scheduled slot. Others had a smoother experience and were happy to unwind after the camel portion.

If you want a beach break, this part can be great. If you were hoping for a guaranteed all-day beach hang, plan around the shuttle times and your assigned access.

The Photos Sale: When It’s Good Value and When It Feels Like a Cash Grab

Professional photos are a major part of this tour. During the activity, photographers take pictures with you and the camels, and buying is optional. The problem is consistency: pricing and the sales approach can feel reasonable to one person and way too aggressive to another.

Here’s what you should expect based on reported experiences:

• Single photo costs were often cited around $35 to $50 USD.
• Multi-photo packages were reported around $150 USD to $200 USD depending on what was included and how many images were in the set.

Some guests said the prices were reasonable and that the guides were friendly during the whole process. Others said they were surprised by how much they were being pushed to buy, especially after they could not easily take their own shots during the ride due to the no-phone rule.

My practical advice before you commit

Decide in your own head before the photographer starts the final push. If you’re the kind of person who wants a full photo set, budget for it at booking time. If you just want one “proof” picture, plan to pick only what you truly want. And if you care about having your own angle, double-check whether you can take phone shots outside the activity window, because during the ride it’s clearly restricted.

Also, one review flagged a delivery problem for photos after purchase and even mentioned a fake email address, which is the kind of issue you do not want. So if you buy, get written confirmation and keep your booking reference and any receipt info.

Guides, Group Size, and the Human Side That Makes It Work

The tour is guided by bilingual staff, and the ride is limited to a very small group. That small size can make the whole thing calmer. You’re not stuck watching strangers take forever, and the guide can keep an eye on everyone.

Multiple guests praised the staff for being caring and professional, and one reviewer singled out Danielle W for great service. That kind of specific recognition matters, because it usually means the guide went beyond just reading instructions.

One downside is that some teams also do tip reminders at the end. Most guests didn’t complain, but if you’re sensitive to sales tactics, be ready for some financial pressure at the photo and checkout moments.

Rules You Need to Actually Check Before Booking

These are the non-negotiables, and they affect whether you should book at all:

• Minimum age to participate is 8.
• Minimum age to ride on your own is 16, and a handling test is required.
• Minors aged 6 to 15 ride on a shared basis and must be accompanied by a paying adult.
• Maximum weight per camel is 100 kg (220 lbs).
• This tour is not suitable for pregnant women, or people with recent surgeries, heart conditions, or back problems.
• Helmet is mandatory, and you’ll need a moderate fitness level.
• No phones during the activity.

If any of those are a mismatch, skip it. Don’t “tough it out” just because the camel ride sounds fun. The rules exist for a reason.

Price and Value: Is $165 Worth It for What You Get?

At $165 per person, you’re paying for three things: transportation, a guided camel ride, and beach club access at a defined time. You’re not paying for a long, multi-hour adventure through a bunch of landmarks. This is a focused experience.

So the value depends on how you see “camel time.”

• If you mainly want the novelty and the animal experience, the price can feel fair, especially with the short briefing, safety gear, and small group.
• If you want lots of time on the ground and you hate waiting around, the cost can sting. Reports of long door-to-door time and extended waiting at the location for a 45-minute ride are the clearest warning signs.

Then there’s the hidden cost reality: photos are optional, but many people end up buying at least one image, and the prices can jump quickly. The no-phone rule during the ride is the reason some people feel boxed in.

My simple value test: if you’re okay paying for a guided novelty ride and you plan your time buffer, it can be a fun use of your day. If you’re trying to keep costs tight and time tight, look at alternatives.

Practical Tips to Make This Tour Feel Easy

• Wear closed-toe shoes. You’ll be walking around and you do not want slick sandals.
• Bring light layers. You’re at a beach club after the ride, and weather can change fast.
• Keep your phone charged, but accept that it won’t be allowed during the ride.
• Bring cash or a card you can use for the locker key if needed. There’s a $10 USD locker key deposit that is returned at the end of the tour.
• If you care about the photo purchase, set a budget ahead of time. Decide what you would actually pay for one or two images.

Should You Book This Camel Ride in Puerto Morelos?

Book it if you want a short, guided camel ride in a small group, and you’re excited by the novelty of the jungle-to-beach route. It’s especially good for couples and families who want one memorable activity with low planning effort, and who are okay spending a little extra if they want professional photos.

Skip it if you are strict about timing, easily irritated by sales pressure, or hoping to make this a full-day beach hang without constraints. Also skip it if any medical restrictions apply, or if the no-phone rule would ruin the experience for you.

If you do book, I’d treat it like an intentional half-day: arrive ready to enjoy the ride, plan for time on both sides, and decide about photos before the photographer starts working.

FAQ

How long is the camel ride portion?

The guided camel caravan tour is about 45 minutes. You also get a short instruction briefing before you start.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered from select hotels, and you’ll also have shared round-trip transportation between your hotel and the beach club at scheduled times.

Is this tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour includes a bilingual guide and English is offered.

What is the minimum age to participate?

The minimum age to participate is 8.

Can children ride on their own?

Children can ride on their own at age 16 or older, but it requires a handling test. Minors aged 6 to 15 participate on a shared basis and must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Are phones allowed during the camel activity?

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

Is the tour suitable during pregnancy or after surgeries?

No. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with recent surgeries, heart conditions, or back problems.

Where do I go after the camel ride?

You’ll have free time at the beach club and can use the facilities. The last shuttle leaves at 4:30 pm, and you can request a later drop-off if you want to stay longer.