Horseback Riding in Essaouira: Beaches, Dunes & Argan Forest

Moroccan horses carry centuries of tradition, and your guides inherited that connection.

Horseback riding in Essaouira on the Atlantic coast, where you ride Barb and Arabian horses across beaches, sand dunes and argan forests with a local guide who adjusts the pace to your experience level. The guide speaks English, Spanish, French or Arabic. Children from age 2 are welcome. A horse is matched to your abilities, and the ride includes walk, trot and canter according to your comfort.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horseback riding along Essaouira coast

• Meet local guides and horses
• Ride through forest and dunes
• Walk, trot, and canter as able
• Enjoy panoramic Atlantic Ocean views
• Experience idyllic sunset on beach

The experience

Essaouira's beaches and dunes are built for riding. You'll spend two hours (or one, depending on the option you choose) moving through the forest, across sand, and along the Atlantic shore on a Barb or Arabian horse selected to suit your experience. The guide reads your level from the start (whether you've ridden before or never sat in a saddle), and sets the pace accordingly. Walk when you need it, trot when you're ready, canter if the moment calls for it. The horses know this land. Your guide knows the horses. Many of them grew up around these animals and carry forward a tradition that runs deep in Moroccan culture.

The ride itself moves through three distinct landscapes. You'll cross the forest first, then open onto the dunes, and finish along the beach where the Atlantic comes into view. If you book the sunset option, you'll time the ride to catch the light dropping over the water. The whole thing (the rhythm of the horse, the shift from trees to sand to shore, the guides' knowledge of why horses matter here) adds up to something beyond a simple activity. It's a way of moving through the region that locals have used for centuries.

Children from age 2 can ride. Infants can come along in a stroller. The guides speak English, Spanish, French and Arabic, so language isn't a barrier. Public transportation runs nearby if you need it to reach the starting point.

What’s included

• Local guide in English, Spanish, French or Arabic.
• Barb or Arabian horse matched to your level.
• saddle and tack.
• the forest, dunes and beach route through Essaouira.

Options for this experience

4 options

Beach horse ride - 1 hourGuide in 4 languages · 10 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 14:30Duration: 1 hour. Beach Ride, 1h: A scenic ride along Essaouira's beach, at any time of day. Beach Ride - 1h: Ride along Essaouira's sandy shoreline and feel the ocean breeze.

Sunset horse ride (1 hour)Guide in 4 languages · 17:30Duration: 1 hour. Sunset Ride, 1h: Take in the vivid colors of the sunset while riding. Sunset Horse Riding (1h): Follow the sunset on horseback, an unforgettable hour of freedom, beauty and adventure.

Beach horse ride - 2 hoursGuide in 4 languages · 8 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 13:30Duration: 2 hours. Beach Ride, 2h: A longer ride to discover more of the coastline, available at any time. Beach Horse Riding 2h: Ride through Essaouira's forest and along the beach, and feel the ocean breeze in a unique and memorable beach experience.

Sunset horse ride (2 hours)Guide in 4 languages · 16:30Duration: 2 hours. Sunset Ride, 2h: an extended beach ride with stunning sunset views. Sunset Ride: Enjoy the beauty of the sunset from horseback. Have an unforgettable experience, a truly distinctive way to close out the day in Essaouira.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day12 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 17:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 10 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Arabic

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Essaouira Horse Riding

Is this one for you?Book the two-hour ride if you want to move through all three landscapes (forest, dunes and beach) without rushing. The one-hour option covers the same ground at a faster pace, so choose it if your schedule is tight or you prefer a shorter time in the saddle.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (2 to 10 years).

Can I ride if I've never been on a horse before?

Yes. The guide matches each horse to your experience level and adjusts the pace throughout the ride. Beginners walk and trot. If you want to try a canter, the guide will work with you on that too. The horses are calm and accustomed to riders of all abilities.

What's the difference between the beach ride and the sunset ride?

Both follow the same route through forest, dunes and beach. The sunset option times the ride to end as light drops over the Atlantic. The beach option runs at other hours. You can also choose between a full two hours or a shorter one-hour version.

What landscapes will I see on the ride?

Essaouira's argan forest comes first, then the sand dunes open up, and you finish along the Atlantic beach. The ride moves through all three in sequence, so you experience the region's variety in a single outing.

What do I need to bring or wear?

Wear clothes you can move in and closed-toe shoes or boots. The guide and horses are included. Bring water and sun protection if the sun is strong. Service animals are allowed if you're traveling with one.