Aruba: Horseback Ride to Little Natural Bridge & Wariruri Beach

Summary

Horseback riding Aruba nature trails cactus birds beach views

You’ll saddle up at Rancho Amistad for an easy horseback ride through Aruba’s rugged landscape, spotting cacti, bright birds, and wild lizards along the way. With a local guide leading you to Wariruri Beach and Little Natural Bridge, expect salty breezes, photo stops, and plenty of quiet moments to soak it all in.

What’s the experience like?

You know that hollow clop of hooves on dry earth? That’s how it started at Rancho Amistad, just outside Oranjestad — the horses were already saddled up, flicking their tails like they’d done this a hundred times. Our guide, Miguel, handed me the reins and grinned, “Don’t worry, she’s gentle.” I was nervous (haven’t been on a horse since summer camp), but honestly, the horse seemed more patient than I deserved. The air smelled dusty-sweet from all those cacti, and there were these twisted Dividivi trees everywhere — like something out of a Dr. Seuss book.

We headed out toward Wariruri Beach, and I kept hearing little chirps and flutters in the brush. Miguel pointed out a Kinikini bird — bright yellow belly — and then a Trupial that looked almost neon against the rocks. There was this one moment when we paused so someone could adjust their stirrup (I pretended mine were fine), and I noticed tiny lizards darting between stones. The sun was high but not brutal; there was always this salty wind coming off the sea. It felt good just to be quiet for a second, listening to nothing but horses breathing and waves somewhere ahead.

The last stretch before Little Natural Bridge got sandy and you could smell the ocean before you saw it. The bridge itself isn’t huge — more like a hidden arch where the surf crashes through — but standing there with everyone’s hair blowing wild in the breeze felt kind of cinematic. Miguel offered to take our photos (he has opinions about angles), and we all tried not to squint too hard into the sun. I still think about that view sometimes — sky so wide it made my worries feel small. We drank cold water straight from our bottles before heading back; no one rushed us.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback ride to Little Natural Bridge

• Start tour at Rancho Amistad
• Ride through nature landscapes
• Observe local trees and wildlife
• Arrive at Little Natural Bridge
• Enjoy scenery and sea breeze

Top questions

How long is the horseback riding tour in Aruba?

The horseback riding tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Where does the Aruba horseback ride start?

The tour begins at Rancho Amistad near Oranjestad.

Is bottled water included on this tour?

Yes, bottled water is included for all participants.

Are there weight restrictions for riders?

Yes, there is a weight limit of 230lbs for riders.

What animals might I see during the ride?

You may spot Kinikini birds, Trupials, lizards, and iguanas along the route.

Is this horseback tour suitable for beginners?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; guides provide support.

Does this Aruba horseback tour include pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at Rancho Amistad.

Are pregnant travelers allowed on this tour?

No, pregnant travelers are not recommended to join this activity.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided horseback ride from Rancho Amistad out to Wariruri Beach and Little Natural Bridge with plenty of time for photos or just taking in the view along the way. Bottled water is provided so you can stay refreshed while exploring Aruba’s unique landscapes by horse.