Beach Ride Stanford: Whale watching on horseback, Walker Bay

Gallop past whales on their own coastline

A 3.5-hour horseback ride along the white beaches of Walker Bay Conservancy, where you canter through sand and rocky stretches while whales surface close to shore. The ride is not suitable for beginners. Riders need a high level of physical fitness. A live English-speaking guide leads the group, and children are welcome from age 10.

The experience

The ride covers the perfect white sand beaches of Walker Bay, then moves into rougher terrain where limestone cliffs rise above rocky stretches before flattening back onto sandy ground. You'll canter along the coastline during the ride. The pace and the terrain are what make the whale watching possible. From June through December, Southern Right Whales move into the bay and often come within meters of the shore, where you can watch them breach, lobtail, spy-hop and sail close to the water's edge with their calves.

This is not a beginner ride. The activity demands a high level of fitness and comfort in the saddle. The terrain shifts between soft sand and rocky beach, and the pace includes canters. You'll wear a helmet and carry water. A guide leads throughout, and the group stays small enough that you can move at the conditions of the day. Some departures will see more whale activity than others, and the guide adjusts the route to take advantage of sightings when they happen.

The ride lasts 3.5 hours total. Public transportation runs near the meeting point if you're traveling without a car. Children from age 10 can join, though they must be confident riders. Infants cannot participate.

What’s included

• Horse, helmet, water and a live English-speaking guide for the full 3.5 hours.
• the route adjusts based on whale activity and coastal conditions.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 to 85 years) · Child (10 to 17 years) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 4

Live guideEnglish

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Demanding physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by African Horse Company

Is this one for you?Book this ride if you're an experienced horseback rider with high fitness and want to move at a canter along the coast. The pace and the terrain are what put you close to whales. The June-to-December window is when Southern Right Whales are in the bay and breach near shore. Outside that season, sightings are rare.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (10 to 17 years). Under 10: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

When is the best time to see whales on this ride?

June through December is peak season for Southern Right Whales in Walker Bay, when they come close to shore and their calves are often visible. Outside these months, whale sightings are less reliable.

What happens if I've never ridden a horse before?

This ride is not suitable for beginners. You need a high level of physical fitness and prior riding experience to handle the terrain and pace, which includes beach canters and rocky sections.

How rough does the terrain get during the ride?

The ride starts on perfect white sand beaches, then moves into rockier ground with limestone cliffs before returning to sandy stretches. The surface changes throughout, and you'll canter rather than walk, so balance and saddle confidence matter.

What's included in the ride cost?

The horse, helmet, guide and water are all included. The guide speaks English and leads the group throughout the 3.5 hours.