Horseback Riding in Port Vila: Rainforest & Beach Trails

Two hours on horseback through rainforest, village gardens, and into the waters of Etmat Bay

Horseback riding near Port Vila at Club Hippique, a 5,000-acre property 10 minutes from the city center, where you ride through rainforest trails, past village gardens, and down to a white sandy beach: ending with the rare chance to swim your horse in Etmat Bay. The stable keeps over 60 horses and matches beginners and experienced riders alike to a suitable mount. A live English-speaking guide leads the 2-hour ride. Pickup from Port Vila hotels is included, and children from age 5 are welcome.

The experience

Club Hippique sits only 10 minutes' drive from Port Vila, but the 5,000 acres of rainforest and white sandy beach feel far removed from the city. The ride takes you through lush trails, past village gardens, and down to Etmat Bay, where the path opens onto the water. The stable has over 60 horses on hand, so whether you're a complete beginner or grew up around them, the guides match you to a horse that fits your experience and size.

The 2-hour ride is built around what you actually do: you're in the saddle the whole way, moving through the property at a pace that suits your level. The route ends at the beach, and here's the part most riders come back for. You can take your horse into the bay and swim together. Bring bathers and a towel. The water is the final stretch of the ride, not an add-on. Timing varies depending on your experience, so the guides adjust as you go.

An air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from your Port Vila hotel and brings you to the stable. A live guide who speaks English leads the ride and stays with your group the whole time. Children from age 5 can ride, though the stable assesses each child's size and confidence before matching them to a horse.

What’s included

• Two-hour guided horseback ride through rainforest, village gardens, and Etmat Bay beach.
• horse matched to your experience level.
• pickup and return transport from Port Vila hotels.
• live English-speaking guide.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• children from age 5 welcome.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDepartures at 09:00, 12:00 and 14:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 to 55 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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 today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Yumi Tours & Transfers Vanuatu

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so non-Bislama speakers follow the whole ride comfortably. The stable also adjusts the pace and route to your experience, so complete beginners and experienced riders both get a suitable outing.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 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.

What's the riding experience like if I've never been on a horse before?

Club Hippique has over 60 horses and pairs complete beginners with calm, suitable mounts. The guides assess your comfort level and adjust the pace and route to match your experience as you ride.

Do I get to swim in Etmat Bay, or is that just an option?

Swimming with your horse in Etmat Bay is part of the 2-hour ride itself. It's the final stretch of the trail, so bring bathers and a towel and plan to ride into the water.

How does pickup work from Port Vila?

An air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from your hotel in Port Vila and drives you the 10 minutes to Club Hippique. The driver brings you back after the ride ends.

Can my 6-year-old ride?

Children from age 5 are welcome. The stable matches each child to a horse based on their size and confidence level before the ride begins.

What's the rainforest trail actually like to ride through?

The route winds through lush tropical rainforest on the property, then opens into village gardens before descending to the beach at Etmat Bay. The trails are part of the 5,000-acre property and vary in terrain depending on your riding level.