Esterillos & Jaco: Horseback Beach Ride with Ethical Horses

Ride calm horses along Esterillos beach with local guides and ocean air

You’ll ride calm, well-cared-for horses along Esterillos beach near Jaco with a local guide who knows every bend of shoreline—and every horse by name. Expect ocean breezes, small group company, unexpected wildlife moments, and plenty of time just listening to hoofbeats on sand. It’s more about connection than speed—and you might leave wanting to come back for sunset.

What’s included

• Your day includes a guided horseback ride along Esterillos beach near Jaco with a professional local guide who knows each horse personally.
• comfortable helmets and tack provided.
• plus photos taken by your guide so you can focus on enjoying the Pacific air instead of fumbling with your phone.

Traveler reviews

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided horseback riding on Esterillos beach

• Meet professional local guides
• Mount well-cared-for horses
• Ride along Esterillos beach
• Enjoy ocean views and wildlife
• Experience a safe, scenic ride

The Experience

The first thing I noticed wasn’t the beach or even the horses—it was the quiet. Just this soft shuffle of hooves on sand near Esterillos, and the way our guide, José, greeted each horse by name before we started out. He handed me the reins with a little nod, like he trusted me not to mess it up (I probably looked nervous). The air smelled salty but also a bit sweet—maybe from those little pink flowers growing wild by the fence. I’ve done other horseback riding tours near Jaco, but honestly? These horses just felt… different. Not jumpy or tired. More like they wanted to be here too.

We set off single file, following the curve of the beach while pelicans skimmed so close to the waves I thought they’d get their bellies wet. My horse’s ears flicked back every time José called out something in Spanish—sometimes a joke, sometimes pointing at a sloth in the trees (I missed it; everyone else saw). The sun was low enough that everything looked gold for a while. I kept thinking how easy it felt—not just physically (the saddle was actually comfortable), but just being here with these animals that clearly get treated right. At one point my horse stopped to sniff at some driftwood and José laughed, said she always does that—“She thinks there’s treasure.” Maybe there is.

I didn’t expect to feel so connected to both the place and this animal under me. There was space for silence too—just wind and hoofbeats and that far-off sound of kids playing soccer behind the dunes. We rode for maybe an hour or so (time gets weird when you’re watching light change on water), then turned back as clouds started rolling in from over Jaco. Someone in our group asked if we could come back for sunset next time; José grinned and said we’d have to race him for it.

Top questions

Are beginners welcome on this horseback riding tour?

Yes, beginners are welcome—the rides are designed for all skill levels including families and first-timers.

How long does the horseback ride near Jaco last?

The ride typically lasts about an hour along Esterillos beach.

Are helmets provided during the tour?

Yes, comfortable helmets are included for all riders.

Is transportation included from Jaco or Manuel Antonio?

No hotel pickup is included, but public transportation options are available nearby.

What’s special about these horses compared to other tours?

The horses are raised with care year-round and trained using only ethical methods—they’re calm and healthy partners rather than props.

Can children join this horseback riding tour?

Yes, families with children can join as long as everyone meets safety requirements (max weight 215 pounds).

Will there be photos taken during the ride?

Yes, your guide will take photos during your tour which are included in your experience.