Aruba North Coast: Horseback Riding Tour with Bushiribana Ruins

Summary

Ride Aruba’s wild coast past gold mill ruins and hidden beaches

You’ll ride along Aruba’s rugged north coast with guides who know every twist of trail, passing Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins and wide-open beaches where waves crash loud enough to drown out your thoughts. Expect personal attention in a small group, plenty of stories from locals, and moments where it’s just you, your horse, and all that wild blue space.

What’s the experience like?

We started moving as soon as we left the ranch — just a few minutes of awkward shifting in the saddle (I hadn’t been on a horse since I was twelve) before our guide, Miguel, gave me a wink and said, “Don’t worry, your horse knows the way better than you do.” The air was salty and sharp, and I could hear the ocean before I saw it. There’s something about that first stretch of trail along Aruba’s north coastline — you can feel the wind pushing at your back, like it wants you to keep going.

The horses were calm but definitely not bored; mine kept flicking his ears at every little sound from the brush. We rode in a small group — just five of us plus two guides — so nobody got lost in the shuffle. Miguel told us stories about the old gold rush days as we passed the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins. You could almost imagine workers hauling ore under this same sun. The stones looked bleached and lonely against all that blue sky. I tried to take a photo while holding my reins (don’t recommend), but mostly I just stared.

When we reached Budui Beach, there was this moment where everything went quiet except for waves smacking rocks and one of the horses snorting. The sand felt softer than I expected under hoofbeats. Miguel snapped some photos for us — he joked that he’d make us look like real cowboys, but honestly, my hat kept trying to fly off so maybe not. We didn’t get off the horses at any point (they’re strict about that), but somehow it made it feel more like an adventure than a tour.

We looped back through Arikok’s scrubby brushland, sun starting to dip a little lower. My legs were jelly by then but in that good way — like you’ve actually done something with your afternoon instead of just watching it go by. I still think about that view over Wariruri Bay: pale sand, rough water, nothing between you and the horizon except salt wind and time. If you’re even half-considering a horseback ride along Aruba’s north coast, honestly? Just go for it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback ride along Aruba's north coast

• Meet guide at ranch
• Receive riding instructions
• Mount horses by experience
• Ride along northern coast with ocean views
• Pass Bushiribana gold mill ruins
• Arrive at Budui Beach
• Gallop on white sand dunes at Wariruri Bay
• Pose under baby natural bridge

Top questions

How long is the horseback riding tour on Aruba's north coast?

The tour lasts about 90 minutes of non-stop riding with short breaks at beaches for photos.

Is hotel pickup included for this Aruba horseback riding tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included if you provide your hotel information when booking.

Do I need prior horseback riding experience?

No experience is needed; riding instructions are given before mounting up.

What landmarks will we see during the tour?

You’ll pass by Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins and ride along beaches like Budui Beach and Wariruri Bay.

Are helmets provided on this Aruba horseback tour?

Yes, helmets are provided—mandatory for children and optional but recommended for adults.

What should I wear for horseback riding in Aruba?

Long pants and firm shoes are strongly advised; hats aren’t allowed during the ride.

Is there a weight limit for riders?

Yes, there is a 220 lbs (100 kg) weight limit per rider.

Can pregnant travelers join this horseback tour?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes hotel pickup if needed, bottled water to keep you cool under that Aruban sun, all necessary riding tack plus helmets (required for kids), thorough safety instructions before anyone mounts up, and personal guidance from local experts throughout your ride along Aruba’s north coastline—no need to worry about logistics or getting lost in a crowd.