St Lucia: Private Beach Horseback Ride & Ocean Swim

Summary

Private horseback ride on St Lucia’s quiet coastline with ocean swim option

You’ll ride gentle horses along St Lucia’s wild northeast coast with a local guide—no crowds, just wind and waves. Pause on empty beaches, maybe try an ocean swim if conditions allow (sometimes seaweed or weather changes things). Water is included and your guide takes photos so you can focus on soaking it all in.

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to adjust my helmet before our guide, Andre, was already introducing us to the horses—mine was called Mango, who looked about as relaxed as I felt nervous. The north east coast of St Lucia isn’t what you see on postcards: no resorts, just open sky and this salty breeze that clings to your skin. Andre grinned and asked if we’d ever ridden before (I hadn’t since I was twelve), but he made it sound like no big deal. We set off down a narrow trail under some scrappy trees, hooves muffled by the soft sand. You could smell the seaweed before you saw it—kind of earthy and sharp, mixed with the ocean air.

There was this moment where we broke out onto an empty stretch of beach—no one else around except a couple of fishermen way off in the distance. The horses seemed to know exactly where they were going; I just tried not to bounce too much. Andre pointed out a patch of sargassum washed up at the tide line and explained how it comes and goes with the seasons. He told us if the sea was calm enough, we could try riding into the water, but today there was a bit too much swell (honestly, I wasn’t sure if I was relieved or disappointed). Still, watching Mango paw at the foam while little crabs darted sideways felt like enough.

We stopped for water under a crooked palm—Andre handed me a bottle and showed me how to loosen Mango’s reins so she could nibble at some grass. He told stories about growing up nearby; said he never gets tired of this view, even after years guiding these private horseback rides in St Lucia. I tried saying thank you in Kweyol (pretty sure I got it wrong because Andre laughed), but he appreciated it anyway. Heading back along the trail, there was this hush except for birds somewhere out in the bush and that steady clop-clop rhythm—I still think about that silence sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private horseback tour on St. Lucia coast

• Meet your personal guide
• Ride along undeveloped beaches
• Explore forested and open trails
• Optional: ride horse into ocean
• Enjoy nature and take photos
• Receive water from guide

Top questions

Can beginners join this private horseback ride in St Lucia?

Yes, riders of all skill levels are welcome on this tour.

Is swimming with horses always possible on this tour?

No, swimming depends on sea conditions and may be affected by sargassum seaweed or rough water.

What is included in the horseback riding experience?

The tour includes a local guide, bottled water, helmet use, and photos taken by your guide.

How long does the private beach horseback ride last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect enough time to explore two beaches and forested trails comfortably.

Is there a weight limit for riders?

Yes, there is a strict weight limit of 220 lbs (99 kg/15 stone) per rider.

Are there any health restrictions for participants?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or recent surgeries.

Does weather affect whether the tour runs?

The tour operates rain or shine unless dangerous weather is forecasted—in which case you’ll be contacted to reschedule.

What’s included

Your day comes with a personal local guide leading you along secluded beaches and trails, use of helmet for safety, bottled water whenever you need it, plus as many photos as you want snapped by your guide so you can just enjoy being out there with your horse.