Private Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Conchal: Shell-Sand Beach

Ride shell-sand beach and tropical forest with howler monkeys in view

A 1.5-hour private horseback riding tour along Playa Conchal, where the beach's distinctive white sand is made of crushed shells and the ride passes through patches of tropical dry forest. You explore the shoreline, Pacific Ocean views, and surrounding areas home to howler monkeys, iguanas and exotic birds, with a licensed guide who speaks English or Spanish and matches horses to your riding level.

The experience

The beach itself is the draw here. Playa Conchal's white sand (made entirely of crushed shells) sparkles against turquoise water, and you ride along the shoreline for much of the 1.5 hours. The calm waves and relatively uncrowded stretch make it a serene ride, especially at sunrise or sunset. The horses are trained to handle the sand and the coastal terrain, and your guide will match the animal to your experience level so the ride feels natural rather than forced.

The route takes you slightly inland through patches of tropical dry forest where the wildlife shows up. Howler monkeys, iguanas, and exotic birds live in the canopy and along the forest edges. Guanacaste trees, iconic to the region, mark the landscape. You'll also pass rocky formations and tidal pools at the edge of the beach, and on clear days you can see the Catalina Islands in the distance across the water. The whole ride stays within the natural surroundings of the area, without the crowds that gather at more popular Guanacaste beaches.

A licensed guide leads the ride and handles the logistics. The guide speaks English or Spanish, so the commentary and any safety instructions come in your language. Horses in Costa Rica are smaller than in North America, so if you weigh over 240 pounds, the operator asks that you book no longer than one hour instead.

What’s included

• Licensed guide in English or Spanish.
• horse matched to your riding level.
• access to the Playa Conchal shoreline, tropical forest sections, and surrounding wildlife areas.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day11 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 16:00

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Horseback Riding Conchal , Pacific Horses

Is this one for you?If you speak English or Spanish, the guide's live commentary keeps you oriented and safe throughout the ride. The private format means the pace and the horse adjust to your experience, so whether you're a confident rider or finding your balance, the 1.5 hours stays comfortable.

Traveler reviews

4.84★★★★★★★★★★

264 verified traveler reviews

5 ★249

4 ★4

3 ★1

2 ★3

1 ★7

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What is the white sand at Playa Conchal made of?

Playa Conchal's distinctive white sand is made of crushed shells, which gives it a sparkling appearance and sets it apart from other beaches in the region.

Will I see wildlife on the horseback ride?

Yes. The ride passes through tropical dry forest where howler monkeys, iguanas, and exotic birds live. You explore areas home to this diverse Costa Rican fauna, and the guide can point out what you encounter along the way.

How long is the private horseback riding tour?

The tour is 1.5 hours long, with the route following the beach shoreline and inland through tropical forest patches.

Is there a weight limit for the horses?

Horses in Costa Rica are smaller than in North America. If you weigh over 240 pounds, the operator asks that you book no longer than one hour instead of the full 1.5-hour ride.

What time of day is best for the ride?

Sunrise and sunset are particularly serene times to ride along Playa Conchal, though the tour operates at other times as well. The calm waves and uncrowded beach make any time of day peaceful compared to busier Guanacaste beaches.