Horseback riding in Aruba is fun and one of the many ways to explore this island. This small Dutch Caribbean Island is filled with white sands, natural pools formed by the Caribbean waves, and never-ending turquoise oceans.
You don’t need to be an experienced rider to join the tours, with all these sites offering knowledgeable guides and well-trained horses.
Riding through the picturesque Aruba countryside is nothing like you’ve ever experienced before.
Aruba’s terrain is vast. While some areas are arid and desert-like, the countryside is vibrant and filled with varied vistas.
While there’s an array of activities on the Island, horseback riding is among the more popular.
Read on to find out everything about horseback riding in Aruba.
What To Know About Horseback Riding In Aruba
The horses in Aruba aren’t the same size as the ones in the US and Europe. While most horses in the US are Quater horses, horseback riding in Aruba is done on the Paso fino and Trocha.
Despite the horse’s size difference, you can expect some of the most comfortable ridings you’ve ever encountered.
You can expect intense care, attention to detail and immense fun, whether riding western or English, at these horseback riding sites.
Minimal to zero traffic on these trails. Most of these riding sites are located five minutes or on the coastline, meaning zero traffic and zero chances of your horse getting spooked.
The Gold Mine Ranch
Located on the northeast coast of Aruba, it’s a horseback riding experience unlike any other.
Taking you on a tour of Aruba’s pristine beaches, you can be assured of gentle horses and incredibly knowledgeable staff who ensure you are paired with the right horse for your riding ability and age.
Horseback Riding Tour To Secluded Andicuri Beach
This ride charges $175 and goes through desert trails over national bridges ending at some of the most beautiful yet secluded beaches in Northeast Aruba.
Private Horseback Tour
The duration of the ride is approximately 2 hours and charges $160. Departure times are 9 am, 10 am, and 4 pm.
Exploring Aruba has never been easier. It provides you with amazing views, and you learn about the history of the land.
Regular Morning Ride
This morning ride is charged at $95 and is perfect for children and adults looking for a bit of adventure to kick start their day. The duration of the ride is 1.5 and departs at 9 am.
Cool Paradise Tour
Whether an adult or a child, the excellent paradise tour provides incredible sights on beautiful beaches, dunes and the ocean. The duration is 1.5 hours, and departure is at 4 pm. Charges are $95 per adult and $85 per child.
Need To Know
- The maximum weight is 230lbs per person
- Height restriction is 6’26’2
- Helmets are recommended for adults and mandatory for children
- One water bottle per person is included in the price of the tour
- Transportation to and from the hotel /cruise terminal is included
Website: https://www.thegoldmineranch.com/
Address: Matividiri 60, Paradera, Aruba
Phone: +297 586 4954 (297) 585-9870
Email: info@thegoldmineranch.com
Rancho La Ponderosa
For an unforgettable experience, consider heading down to Rancho La Ponderosa.
Founded by an experienced horseman with over 30 years in the horse industry.
Rancho La Ponderosa goes above and beyond to ensure that all customers have a memorable experience, whether new to trail riding.
Offering trail riding on one of their sure-footed horses to one of Aruba’s most beautiful beaches.
The course takes you over hills and small mountains and finally to the wide-open beach inhabited by the Arawak Indians long before.
Before enjoying the pristine nature of the wild coast, riders are matched to a horse according to their ability. In addition, instructions are given accordingly.
They currently offer four different tours;
- Wariruri Beach morning tour -$105 per person
- Private morning tour -$180 per person
- Wariruri Afternoon tour -$105 per person
- Private afternoon tour -$180 per person
So what else does Ponderosa offer?
Lessons for both novice and advanced riders, horse boarding, horse shows and training of show horses
Need To Know
- The weight limit is 250lbs
- Children must be six years and older to ride
- Water is included in the rates
- They offer complimentary drop-offs and pick-ups
Website: https://horsebackridingaruba.com/
Address: Papaya 30, Paradera, Aruba, DWI
Email: reservations@ponderosaaruba.com
Phone: +297 594 8884
Rancho Notorious
Named after the 1954 Hollywood movie Rancho Notorious and specializing in small groups and private tours, Rancho Notorious has been offering horseback rides since 1996.
With a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the ranch is home to some of the most gentle, well-taken care of horses with some fun names.
A few horse names are Al Capone, Billy the Kid, and Bonnie and Clyde, who make for great trail riding.
All rides are led by some of the best, knowledgable, and multi-lingual wranglers on this side of Aruba.
If you are a novice rider, before each ride leaves, riders are given instructions to make the ride as enjoyable and safe as possible.
The ranch provides the following tours.
Country Side And Hidden Lagoon
Duration -1 hour, tour times 7 am, 10 am, and 2:30 pm
Perfect for children and adults, ride through the Arubian countryside to the hidden lagoon where the parakeets, iguanas, and donkeys await your arrival.
Charges: regular $80 per person plus tax. Private ride $200 per person plus tax
Sunset Ride
From the ranch, go on a 1.5-hour ride through the rugged countryside to the Island’s northeast coast for an incredible sunset.
Tour time is 5:30 am and charges $100 for a regular ride per person plus tax and $200 for a private ride per person.
North East Coast And Sand Dunes
This ride is perfect for intermediate and advanced riders. In addition, this ride allows galloping but only for advanced riders.
The ride passes through a garden while stopping to take photos and enjoy the magnificent views.
Rates: $90 per person, private ride $200 per person plus tax
Duration: 2 hours
Urirama Cove
The perfect ride for all ages, get a taste of what the Aruban countryside and beach offer.
Duration: 1.5 hours,
Rates: $85 , private $200 per person
Countryside And Alto Vista Chapel
Duration: 2 hours
Rates: $90 per person .private ride $200 per person
Tour times: 7 am, 10 am and 2:30 pm
From the ranch, pass through the ”Cunucu” or countryside, passing by the indigenous animals and stopping at the famous Alto Vista Chapel.
In addition, galloping is allowed on this ride.
North East Coast, Sand Dunes And Lighthouse
Rates: regular ride at $155 per person and private at $200 per person
Times: 6:30 am, Mondays only
With a bit of everything, ride through the Tierra del Sol Golf course, taking in the breathtaking views, galloping over the white sandy dunes, and finally stopping at the coral plateau. This trip is suited more to advanced riders.
Combination Of beach And Countryside Ride
Duration: 2 hours, tour times:5 pm
Rates: regular ride at $120 and $200 for the private rides
Whether you’re looking to catch the beautiful Aruban sunset or pass through the hilly countryside, this ride combines amazing beach views with incredible trails. In addition, hiking and mountain biking are available for guests to enjoy.
Need To Know
- Double riding with kids under six years is allowed. However, the parent should be able to control the horse well.
- The weight limit is 220 lbs.
- Helmets are mandatory for riders under 15 years old.
Website: https://www.ranchonotorious.com/
Address: Boroncana, Noord Aruba
Phone: +(297) 6995 492
Email: info@ranchonotorious.com
Rancho Loco
When looking for the perfect place to take a step back and ride at an equestrian center dedicated to caring for and boarding horses look no further than Rancho Loco.
With its establishment in 2012, Rancho Loco provides riders with a space where safety and fun go hand in hand.
Whether you are an inexperienced rider looking for a gentle horse or an experienced rider looking for a horse with a strong personality, you can be sure that whatever your needs are, the staff and owners are up to the task.
They offer three unique tours:
Amazing Natural Pool Private Tour
Take a leisurely ride through desert landscapes to Moro Beach and the natural pool where swimming is made possible by volcanic rocks.
This ride treats the coastline and desert landscapes, where nature reigns supreme. Amazing Natural Pool Tour rates are $130.
Sunset Tour
This tour starts at the ranch, and the ride takes you down a dusty desert trail, soon arriving at Arikok Park, home to an array of flora and fauna.
Afterward, your guide takes you up a hill for 360 views of the Island and the perfect Aruban sunset.
Need To Know
- Riders should not exceed 225 lbs.
- Children must be eight years and older to ride their horse
- For a full refund, cancel rides 24 hours in advance
- They offer customizable private tours
Website: https://www.rancholocoaruba.com/en
Address: Rancho Loco Sombre 22-e
Phone: 297-5926039
Email: rancholocoaruba.ak@gmail.com
Conclusion
Aruba is a bucket list destination, not only for its pristine white sandy beaches but for the incredible terrain that can be explored in many ways, with horseback riding taking center stage.
The horses are magnificent and gentle, but they provide a different riding experience thanks to their small nature.
We hope this list helped you search for the perfect riding destination, and don’t forget to tip your guide and snap as many photos as possible.
