Playa Conchal: Private Horseback Ride on Shell Sand Beach

Summary

Horseback riding Playa Conchal’s shell beach with wildlife views

You’ll ride gentle Costa Rican horses along Playa Conchal’s sparkling shell sand with a local guide who knows every tree and monkey call. Expect close-up wildlife moments, Pacific views, and time to pause where you want—all at your own pace. You might leave sandy but strangely peaceful.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, she likes to walk slow for first-timers,” our guide José grinned as he handed me the reins. I’d never actually ridden a horse on a beach before—especially not one where the sand looks like it’s sprinkled with crushed pearls. The horses were smaller than I expected (José said that’s just how they are here in Costa Rica), but honestly, that made me feel less nervous. The air was thick with salt and something sweet from the trees behind us, and I could hear waves thumping softly even before we started moving.

Once we got going along Playa Conchal, I kept glancing down at the sand—so white it almost hurt my eyes in the sun, all tiny shells instead of regular grains. My horse kept flicking her ears at birds darting around, and José pointed out a couple of howler monkeys up in the Guanacaste trees. He tried to get them to call back (he makes this deep “ooh ooh” sound), but they just stared at us like we were the weird ones. There weren’t many people out, which surprised me for such a famous spot—just one local family fishing and a kid chasing crabs near some rocks.

We rode close enough to the water that sometimes my boots got splashed by little waves—cold and kind of shocking after all that sun. José told us about the Catalina Islands you can see way out on clear days (I squinted but mostly saw blue haze). Somewhere inland, I caught this earthy smell from the dry forest patch we passed; it reminded me of old leaves and warm stone. At one point my horse stopped dead to watch an iguana cross right in front of us—José laughed and said she’s more interested in lizards than tourists.

The whole horseback riding tour felt slower than I thought it would be—in a good way. Like time stretched out between hoofbeats and bird calls. We didn’t rush; nobody seemed bothered if we wanted to stop or ask questions or just sit there listening for a bit. I still think about that view back over Playa Conchal when we turned around—the light bouncing off all those shells, everything quiet except for our horses breathing. Makes you want to stay longer than 1.5 hours, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private horseback riding at Playa Conchal

• Meet guide and horses
• Ride along Playa Conchal shoreline
• Enjoy views of turquoise Pacific Ocean
• Explore tropical dry forest areas
• Spot wildlife like howler monkeys and birds
• Pass Guanacaste trees and rock formations
• View Catalina Islands in the distance
• Return to starting point

Top questions

How long is the horseback riding tour at Playa Conchal?

The private horseback riding tour lasts about 1.5 hours.

Are there wildlife sightings during the ride?

Yes, you may see howler monkeys, iguanas, exotic birds, and other local wildlife along Playa Conchal.

Is this horseback riding tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, horses are matched to your level so beginners feel safe and comfortable during the ride.

What makes Playa Conchal’s beach unique?

The sand is made of crushed shells, giving it a sparkling white look unlike most beaches.

Is pickup included for this horseback riding tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at or near Playa Conchal for your tour.

Are children or infants allowed on this tour?

Infants can join if seated on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available.

Is the horseback riding accessible for wheelchairs?

The activity areas are wheelchair accessible according to provided info.

What should I wear for horseback riding at Playa Conchal?

Wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes that can get sandy or wet from ocean spray.

What’s included

Your private horseback riding tour includes a friendly licensed local guide who adapts each horse to your experience level so you feel safe throughout your ride along Playa Conchal’s shoreline—with plenty of time to spot wildlife or pause wherever catches your eye.