Aruba: Horseback Ride Desert to Sea with Pickup & Local Guide

Summary

Ride Aruba’s wild side from cactus trails to sea spray

You’ll ride gentle horses from Aruba’s cactus-filled wilderness down to hidden stretches of Caribbean coastline, guided by locals who know every trail twist. Feel ocean spray on your face at Urirama Beach Cove and learn small island stories along the way. Includes pickup and bottled water so you can just focus on the ride itself — moments linger long after.

What’s the experience like?

Hooves on gravel — that’s the first thing I noticed, a kind of steady crunch under me as we left the ranch behind. The horses seemed half-asleep at first, but our guide, Miguel, just grinned and told us they wake up once they smell the sea. He spoke in this easy mix of English and Papiamento, pointing out prickly pear cacti and these weird rock stacks people leave for luck. I tried to remember the name for one but gave up. There was a warm breeze — not hot, just enough to keep sweat from sticking — and honestly, I was glad I wore long pants like they suggested.

The landscape surprised me. You think of Aruba as beaches, right? But we rode through this dry wilderness first, all dusty golds and sharp greens, iguanas darting off when the horses got close. Miguel told us about how the land changes with the rain — sometimes it’s all brown and brittle, other times it goes green almost overnight. My horse (her name was Luna) kept trying to nibble at some spiky bush until Miguel laughed and gently nudged her along. He said she likes to test new riders. I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed after a while; something about the rhythm of riding makes your brain go quiet.

Then we started hearing waves before we saw them — that low hush-and-crash you get near real open water. Suddenly there was blue everywhere, salt in the air mixing with dust, and you could see Urirama Beach Cove down below like a secret spot only horses could reach. We stopped for photos (I’m still not sure my hair survived the wind), but honestly I just wanted to sit there a bit longer. The horses seemed happy too, ears twitching at every sound.

I keep thinking about that moment when we turned back inland and everything felt slower again — like time stretched out between each hoofbeat. If you’re looking for something loud or fancy this isn’t it; it’s more about little details: sand in your shoes, sun on your arms, someone local telling you stories as you ride between desert and sea.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback ride through Aruba landscapes

• Receive horse riding instructions
• Ride through Aruba's protected wilderness
• Experience desert and green lush landscapes
• Descend to coastline by Caribbean Sea
• Ride along pristine coastal waters
• Stop for photo at Urirama Beach Cove

Top questions

How long is the horseback riding tour in Aruba?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect a half-day outing including transfers and riding time.

Is hotel pickup included for this Aruba horseback ride?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Are beginners or kids allowed on this tour?

Yes, beginners and kids (minimum age 5) are welcome; guides walk alongside for extra support if needed.

What should I wear for horseback riding in Aruba?

It’s recommended to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes for comfort and safety.

Is bottled water provided during the ride?

Bottled water is included for all participants.

What is the maximum rider weight limit?

The maximum weight allowed per rider is 250 lbs (113 kg).

Can cruise ship passengers join this Aruba horseback tour?

Yes; cruise guests must provide their ship name and docking times when booking.

Are helmets required or provided?

Helmets are available upon request but are optional for adults.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere on Aruba, all necessary saddle equipment (Western style), bottled water along the trail, an experienced local guide who matches your pace whether you’re new or confident on horseback, plus helmet use if you want it — so you can just focus on enjoying both desert paths and salty coastal air without worrying about logistics.