Many people dream of horseback riding on the beach, but without bringing your own steed along on a tropical vacation, how can you find a nice, well-cared-for horse to complete the dream?
We searched to find the highest-rated and well-reviewed horseback riding tours and guides in the Caribbean. All businesses listed have weight limits, safety requirements and other standards of care for their horses as of this writing. Check out the list and start planning your Caribbean horseback-riding adventure today!
Rancho Notorious, Aruba
Located in Northern Aruba, Rancho Notorious is especially great because they have tours for different skill levels.
Ride along the beach in your choice of English or Western saddle on one of their well trained and cared for Spanish Paso Fino horses. Paso Fino and other South American horses are small compared to American and European horses, so please note that they require riders to be below 220 pounds for the health of the animals. On their site they also let you know if you need to cross traffic for a particular route (not for most) and where galloping is allowed.
Arriving by cruise ship? Follow this link to a special cruise-only tour (that fits within a cruise schedule) with transportation from dock to ranch.
Full Equestrian Centre at Half Moon Hotel, Jamaica
Half Moon’s horseback riding experience in Montego Bay, Jamaica has everything you need. They have oceanside horseback rides, a Pony Park with a pony, goats, donkeys, birds and rabbits for kids, and those wanting to up their riding skills can take private lessons at the on-site Equestrian Centre.
Tropical Trail Rides, Puerto Rico
Start your day with a 9:00 am ride (don’t worry, they have an afternoon one as well if you aren’t an early riser!) on the unforgettable beaches of Isabela, on the northwest coast of Puerto Rico. Tropical Trail Rides’ horses are well cared for and their barn is top of the line, offering both group and private tours. On this tour you’ll ride through the beach and forest. Check out a nearby cave, take a dip in the ocean or take a short hike up a cliff while you give the horses a break.
Jaital Tours Beach Heritage Horseback Ride, Jamaica
Jaital Tours in Ocho Rios, Jamaica provides a variety of adventure tours, but the most memorable is the beach horseback riding where you actually get to go in the water and play in the waves with your horse! Soak in the history of places you see on your tour including historic estates and sugar factories in the hills of the north coast while your knowledgeable guide tells you about the Taino people who inhabited the island before colonization.
Provo Ponies, Turks & Caicos
Located in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, Provo Ponies is a special place because they largely use rescue horses. While their horses may have come from unfortunate backgrounds, each horse is carefully rehabilitated, well trained and cared for. For larger riders, they have a few draft horses that can carry up to 240 pounds. You can find details on each actual horse at their Meet Our Horses page, how great is that?
Tags: Caribbean