Aruba Horseback Riding Tour For Advanced Riders

Aruba Horseback Riding Tour For Advanced Riders: A Genuine Adventure Through the Island’s Wild Side

Imagine riding through Aruba’s desert landscapes, with the sunlight casting shadows over cacti and rocky trails, and then splashing into the ocean breeze along a secluded beach. That’s what you get with the Aruba Horseback Riding Tour for Advanced Riders, priced at $125 per person for approximately two hours of riding. The tour starts from Rancho Notorious, located in the heart of Aruba’s countryside, and takes you on a carefully guided trail that appeals especially to those who already know how to handle a horse.

What we love about this tour is how it offers gallops along the beach—a rare treat—and the personalized guidance that makes it suitable for riders with some experience. Plus, the inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off makes it a convenient option, especially after a long day of exploring. Our second favorite part? The scenic stops—from rocky coastlines to tranquil lagoons, each offers perfect photo moments and peaceful breaks.

A potential consideration is that the ride is tailored to your riding level—which means the guide might hold back on the gallops if the group is mixed or less confident. This can be disappointing if you’re eager to push your riding boundaries, but it’s a good point to keep in mind if you’re looking for pure high-speed action.

This tour suits experienced riders who want more than just a walk, ideally those comfortable with trotting, cantering, and even galloping. It also appeals to travelers who enjoy scenic, authentic landscapes and are eager for a bit of adventure, all within a relaxed, well-organized setting.

Key Points

• Perfect for experienced riders seeking gallops and canters in Aruba’s countryside and beach.
• Includes hotel pickup and transportation, making it a hassle-free experience.
• Guides are knowledgeable and customize the ride based on rider ability, ensuring safety and fun.
• Stunning scenery along rocky coasts, lagoons, and remote beaches for fantastic photos.
• Group sizes are small, with a maximum of 5 travelers, for a more personal experience.
• Watch out for the guide’s discretion on galloping and the ride’s pace, especially if you’re eager for high-speed riding.

A Deep Dive into the Aruba Horseback Riding Experience

From the very start, you’ll appreciate the smooth logistics—the tour includes hotel or cruise port pickup, which means less worry about how to get to the ranch. You’ll be greeted at Rancho Notorious, located in Aruba’s typical countryside, where horses are happily grazing and the atmosphere is calm and inviting. The ranch setting feels authentic, adding to the charm of your adventure.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The initial stop at Rancho Notorious is where you’ll meet your guide, who will provide a quick safety briefing and instructions tailored to your riding experience. Whether you prefer English or Western tack, the guide will accommodate your preference, making sure you’re comfortable before heading out. The trail begins with an assessment of your riding ability, which is crucial because the ride is designed for advanced riders.

This riding adventure lasts about 2 hours, during which you’ll enjoy a mix of trail riding through cactus-studded landscapes and beachfront sections. You’ll traverse rocky coastlines and a quiet lagoon, where you’ll have opportunities to walk, swim (if conditions allow), or simply relax and take in the scenery.

Scenic Highlights and Unique Stops

One of the most beloved aspects of this tour is the coastal scenery. Reviewers mention how they enjoyed galloping along the beach, with one rider describing her horse Victoria Secret as “knew her commands and was a delight.” The rocky coasts and remote beaches provide ideal backdrops for memorable photos, and some riders appreciated the peaceful lagoon filled with local fauna like donkeys, iguanas, and parakeets.

The Horses and Guides

The horses are praised for being well-behaved and loved, which is vital for a comfortable ride. Several reviews mention guides like Nelson, Max, and Pilo—all of whom are described as knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. These guides not only help you navigate the trails but also share insights about Aruba’s natural environment and even entertain with singing.

Many riders appreciated that guides tailor the experience to their skill level, with some noting that even if they were experienced, the guide made room for ** trotting and galloping—when conditions permitted. Keep in mind, **the ride is not just a walk; it’s designed to give advanced riders the thrill of faster paces, though some reviews mention that the pace can be slowed down if the group is mixed or less confident.

The Downside? Managing Expectations

While most reviews highlight the quality of the experience, a few mention that the ride might not match initial expectations—particularly for those looking for a pure gallop or trot throughout. One reviewer expressed disappointment, noting that the guide was hesitant to let the group gallop due to group comfort levels, and the ride mainly consisted of walking.

This underscores an important insight: group rides are catered to the least experienced rider. If you’re an advanced rider craving speed and control, consider booking a private ride for the full experience. Still, even with some slower moments, the scenery and the company make it worthwhile.

Comfort, Safety, and Experience

Safety is taken seriously. Participants are provided helmets, and the tour is suitable for people with moderate physical fitness. The maximum weight limit is 200 pounds, which is common for equestrian tours. The small group size—capped at five travelers—ensures you’ll receive personal attention, making it easier to communicate with guides and get the most out of your ride.

The timing of pick-ups varies, so travelers are advised to confirm their schedule as the tour can start anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes after pickup. If you’re arriving by yourself or with your own transportation, plan to arrive at the ranch at least 20 minutes early.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This ride is best suited for riders with some experience who want more than a slow walk. If you enjoy trotting, cantering, or galloping, and are eager for authentic scenery and a chance to ride along Aruba’s coast, this tour hits the mark. It’s also great for those who appreciate small-group experiences, personalized guidance, and stunning natural backdrops.

However, if you’re a beginner, or if your sole goal is a fast-paced, high-energy ride, you might find the pace too relaxed or the experience not quite what you envisioned. But for those with intermediate to advanced skills, the chance to gallop on desert trails and beachfront is a highlight.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For $125, you’re getting a well-organized, 2-hour horseback adventure that combines adventure, scenery, and personalized guidance. The small group size and expert guides ensure a more intimate and safe experience, while the diverse landscapes—from rocky coastlines to lagoons—offer a variety of photo-worthy moments.

This tour provides true value for experienced riders who want to go beyond a simple trail ride and enjoy gallops along Aruba’s beaches. The scenic beauty, combined with knowledgeable guides who genuinely care about the animals and your, makes this a standout activity.

It’s perfect for travelers who want more than just sightseeing—they want to feel connected with Aruba’s natural environment on the back of a well-behaved horse.

FAQs

• What is the duration of the tour?
  It lasts about 2 hours, including pickup, the ride itself, and return transportation.

• What is included in the price?
  The fee covers hotel or port pickup and drop-off, transportation in an air-conditioned minivan, helmet use, and the riding experience.

• Are there different tack options?
  Yes, you can choose between English and Western tack, depending on your preference.

• Can I do gallops and canters?
  Yes, galloping and cantering are available but at the guide’s discretion, based on group comfort and safety.

• Is this suitable for beginners?
  No, this is designed for advanced riders. Beginners should look for a different tour.

• What should I wear?
  Long pants are recommended, along with sunglasses and a small water bottle.

• Are helmets provided?
  Yes, helmets are included for safety.

• What is the group size?
  A maximum of five riders, ensuring a personalized experience.

• What if I am traveling alone?
  You can join a small group or opt for a private tour for a more tailored experience.

• Can I cancel if my plans change?
  Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour’s start.

In The Sum Up

This horseback riding tour in Aruba offers more than just a ride—it’s an opportunity to experience the island’s natural beauty from a unique perspective. The combination of expert guides, stunning scenery, and the chance to gallop along the beach makes it an activity for those with riding experience who want to add a bit of adventure to their Aruba vacation.

If you’re an intermediate or advanced rider, craving authentic trail riding with personalized attention, this tour will satisfy your desire for speed, scenery, and connection with nature. Those seeking a relaxing, scenic ride will also find plenty to love, especially if they enjoy photos and peaceful landscapes.

While it may not be suited for absolute beginners or thrill-seekers who want constant fast pacing, for most riders with some experience, it’s a memorable, worthwhile outing. Book ahead, confirm your pickup, and prepare for a genuine horseback adventure in Aruba’s wild and beautiful countryside.