9
If you love horses and beaches do this
I had a great ride, well kept and safe to ride. I have an experience rider and had a few good colours across the sand. It’s an amazing experience. The staff were friendly and helpful.
Horse Riding in Sal Island - Cabo Verde
+7 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 1–2 hours
- Price from
- $60 / person
- Location
- Santa Maria
- Rating
- 4.9 / 5 · 548 reviews
- Languages
- PT, EN, IT, FR
- Group
- Small group, up to 8
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- Hotel pickup
- Available
- Confirmation
- Within 24h
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Santa Marilha Horse Excursions
Description
Uncover Sal Island on horseback with a savvy guide. Whether you are an experienced rider seeking a high-level experience, or a complete beginner, you will feel at ease with our gentle, well-trained horses. Ride along the white sandy beaches of Sal Island, wander through the Salt Mines, and leave your tracks across the desert landscape. The 1-hour trail is best suited for beginner riders, as the entire experience is conducted at a relaxed walking pace, ensuring comfort and safety. The 1.5-hour and 2-hour trails are also suitable for beginners; however, more experienced riders will have the opportunity to canter along the beach segments. All rides start and finish at our stables, where you’ll have time to meet your horse and get comfortable before setting off. Our small-group format, with multiple guides on horseback, ensures a safe and personalized experience tailored to different riding levels. Hotel transfer service, helmets, and insurance are all included in the price.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Santa Marilha Horse Excursions
Meet our driver at the reception for the transfer to the stables set into the Botanical Gardens Viveiro. At the riding centre lockers will be at your disposal to leave your belongings and CE certified riding helmets will be given to you prior the ride (mandatory). The group of max 8 riders will be lead by several guides on horseback (1:2 ratio) to make sure that the ride will be tailored on your respective riding skills. Now the adventure can start! Leave your tracks on the sand dunes and you will arrive at the "Big Salt Mines of Santa Maria". If you are taking part on the 1,5h or the 2h trails, you will leave the Salt Flats behind and you will head up to Kite Beach. An endless golden sand beach trek awaits you and the most experienced riders will have the chance to gallop through the surf. Less experienced riders or those who just want to relax and enjoy the landscape will ride gently along the shore at walking gait with the assistance of the guides.
What's included
Included
Use of bum bags
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Use of lockers
Professional guide
Use of helmet
Local taxes
Insurance
Not included
Gratuities
Pickup Locations & Times
Meet our driver at the reception. Please note that the pick-up time is always prior to the activity start time. The exact schedule depends on your accommodation and is communicated in advance via Viator chat.
Traveller Ratings
4.9
548 reviews
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- The 1-hour trail is best suited for beginner and novice riders, as the entire experience is conducted at a relaxed walking pace, ensuring comfort, safety, and enjoyment for those with limited riding experience.
- Weight limit: 90kg per participant
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Horse Riding in Sal Island - Cabo Verde take?
Horse Riding in Sal Island - Cabo Verde lasts about 1–2 hours. The itinerary has 1 stop.
How much does Horse Riding in Sal Island - Cabo Verde cost?
Prices start at $60 per person for this Santa Maria experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 4 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel Horse Riding in Sal Island - Cabo Verde for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Meet our driver at the reception. Please note that the pick-up time is always prior to the activity start time. The exact schedule depends on your accommodation and is communicated in advance via Viator chat. Pickup points include Hotel Riu Funana, Melia Tortuga Beach.
What languages is Horse Riding in Sal Island - Cabo Verde offered in?
The experience is available in PT, EN, IT, FR, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 8 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Confirmation is sent by the operator within 24 hours of booking.
Is Horse Riding in Sal Island - Cabo Verde worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 548 verified reviews; it is run by Santa Marilha Horse Excursions.
Reviews(548)
O
King the horse !
A short journey out to the stables from santa maria. The stables are well kept, and the horses obviously loved and cared for. Ive done 4-5 rides in my life, so not a raw beginner but still a learner. My horse was KING - a gentle colt who knows his way. I did the 8am salt flats and kite beach ride. I was the only guest so it was just me and the guide. It was a lovely gentle walk followed by a paddle at kite beach. Well worth doing this alternative excursion
Operator response
Hello Janathan, Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re delighted you enjoyed your ride with King and appreciated the peaceful experience at the salt flats and Kite Beach. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to see you again on Sal! Kind regards, Teo
5
Beautiful
Beautiful experience. For me, it was my first time on horseback! The guys are very nice and the horses are kept very well. I recommend doing it in the afternoon because the colors are better on the beach. My horse Mayo behaved very well and at one point I even managed to trot! Incredible!
Operator response
Grazie per la recensione! Siamo davvero felici che la tua prima esperienza a cavallo sia stata così positiva. È stato un piacere averti con noi e speriamo di rivederti presto a Sal. Un caro saluto da tutto il team! Teo
E
Unforgettable family experience.
Spectacular. The horses in very good condition. The guides were charming and the route was very appropriate. 100% recommended.
Operator response
¡Muchas gracias por compartir vuestra experiencia! Nos alegra muchísimo saber que disfrutasteis de un día tan especial en familia. Será un placer volver a recibiros en Sal para otra inolvidable aventura a caballo. Hasta pronto! Teo
9
I liked it so much that I signed up for an equestrian school
I liked it a lot, the guide Mateus was incredible with me, he always clarified my doubts and kept me comfortable on the horse, he was very friendly and always careful, and the rest was something very memorable that I will take with me for life
Operator response
Muito obrigado pelas 5 estrelas! Ficamos muito satisfeitos por saber que teve uma experiência tão positiva connosco e que o passeio despertou em si o interesse pela equitação. É uma grande satisfação saber que esta experiência ficará consigo por muito tempo. Agradecemos também as suas amáveis palavras sobre o Mateus. Teremos muito prazer em recebê-la novamente no futuro. Saludos, Teo
O
Nice experience for advanced & beginners
Nice experience with friendly guides & healthy horses. Thanks to the team & Teo for the smooth booking.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're really happy you enjoyed the experience. I If you have a moment, we'd also love to know what we could have done differently to earn that 5th star. Your feedback is always appreciated and helps us improve. We hope to welcome you back soon! Kind regards, Teo
I
Excellent morning ride!
What a lovely morning riding on the beach the horses are well groomed and well looked after i rode the lovely Harper would definitely do it again.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted you enjoyed your morning ride and it means a lot to hear you appreciated how well our horses are cared for. We hope to welcome you back for another ride along the beach soon! Kind regards, Teo
J
Amazing experience
Amazing experience Guides very knowledgeable and patient Easy ride across kite beach. Husband had never ridden and felt at ease Horses looked healthy and well cared for
Operator response
Hello Joanna, Thank you for your kind words! We're so happy you both enjoyed the ride and that your husband felt at ease on his first horseback experience. We hope to see you again next time you're in Sal! Kind regards, Teo
L
.
The pickup was half an hour late, and I thought I had been forgotten. The trip itself was very nice, but the horses did not get along with each other, which meant you had to pay more attention to the distance instead of being able to relax. However, the animals were very well cared for.
Operator response
Dear Lena, Thank you for your feedback. First of all, we would like to apologize for the delay with the transfer service. We have already addressed this issue with the driver who was on duty that day to help ensure our usual level of punctuality. Regarding the horses, for the safety of all participants and in accordance with internationally accepted horse-riding tourism practices, we always ask riders to maintain a safe distance between horses. This is a standard safety measure that helps prevent accidents and ensures a comfortable experience for both riders and horses. We are pleased to hear that you found the horses well cared for and that you enjoyed the ride overall. Kind regards, Teo
1
Very good
We were in a small group (2 people), which was very pleasant. The landscape was magnificent and the walk was very soothing. We did a bit of galloping and we were assisted if needed.
Operator response
Merci beaucoup pour votre gentil commentaire! Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez apprécié la petite taille du groupe, les paysages et l'expérience à cheval. Ce fut un plaisir de vous accompagner et nous espérons vous revoir bientôt pour une nouvelle balade à Sal.
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from$60
4.9(548) Free cancellation