Riviera Maya: Camel Ride, Jungle Trek & Maroma Beach Club

Summary

Ride camels by Caribbean dunes then unwind on Maroma Beach

You’ll sway through Riviera Maya’s jungle on a gentle camel ride, hear stories from your local guide, feel ocean breezes on Maroma Beach, and snack under palms before heading back. It’s a mix of laughter, new rhythms, and small surprises that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t actually believe I’d end up riding a camel in Riviera Maya. It just sounded too random — camels, here? But there we were, bumping along in the van from our hotel in Playa del Carmen, half-laughing and half-wondering what we’d signed up for. The air was thick and sweet with that green smell you only get after rain. Our guide, Luis, grinned as he handed out helmets and said something about “the chillest camels in Mexico.” He wasn’t kidding — mine blinked at me like he’d seen it all before.

The first few minutes felt wobbly (I clutched the handle tighter than I’d admit), but then it turned sort of hypnotic. We moved slowly through patches of jungle, the leaves brushing my legs now and then, then out onto these pale sand dunes where the wind picked up. You could hear the ocean before you saw it — that low hush behind everything. Luis pointed out some weird fruit trees (I forgot the name already) and told us how camels ended up here in the first place. There was this moment when my camel stopped to sniff a bush and wouldn’t budge until Luis coaxed him on; everyone laughed, even the couple from Monterrey who barely spoke English.

When we finally reached Maroma Beach, I slid off feeling taller somehow. The sand was cool underfoot — not hot like I expected — and we all just stood there for a second looking at the water. Someone took photos of us with our camels (I look ridiculous but whatever). After that, we sat under some palm trees with tortilla chips and beans, salty from the sea breeze. Honestly, I still think about that snack sometimes — maybe because everything tasted brighter after the ride. Heading back to the van felt too soon; I kept glancing over my shoulder at those lumpy shapes against the white sand.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Camel ride and beach relaxation

• Hotel pickup in Cancun or Riviera Maya
• Receive safety briefing and equipment
• Begin 45-minute camel ride through jungle
• Ride along white-sand dunes and beach
• Take photos and relax at the beach
• Enjoy snacks and non-alcoholic drinks
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long is the camel ride in Riviera Maya?

The guided camel ride lasts about 45 minutes through jungle trails and sand dunes near Maroma Beach.

Is hotel pickup included for this camel tour?

Yes, round-trip transportation from hotels in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Riviera Maya is included.

What age can kids join the camel ride?

The minimum age to participate is 8 years old; each child must ride their own camel with an adult also participating.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, after your ride you’ll get tortilla chips with refried beans and hot sauce plus bottled water or soft drinks.

Is this Riviera Maya camel tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, this activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with certain health conditions or limited mobility.

Do guides speak English on this tour?

Yes, live commentary is provided in both English and Spanish by local guides throughout the experience.

Where does the camel expedition take place?

The tour takes place near Maroma Beach in Riviera Maya with access included as part of your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip shared transportation from your hotel in Cancun or Riviera Maya to Maroma Beach, all necessary safety equipment for your guided camel tour along jungle trails and sand dunes, live bilingual commentary from local guides throughout your adventure, access to Maroma Beach itself for relaxing or taking photos after your ride, plus snacks like tortilla chips with beans and cold drinks before heading back home.