Tenerife South: Private Horseback Ride to the Coast

The best part of this ride is the change from inland Tenerife to the black volcanic shore at Costa del Silencio. You get a private two-hour outing, not a large group ride, and the route gives you time to enjoy sea views, open scenery, and the unusual chance to take a horse into the water if the tide and sea conditions permit.

I like the one-to-one attention from an instructor, especially if you are new to riding. I also like the free photos, since handling a horse and taking pictures at the same time is not easy. The main drawback is the price: at $265 per person, this is a costly two-hour activity, and the ride itself is kept slow and controlled rather than fast or adventurous.

Key points at a glance

• Private timing and group: You ride only with your own party and an instructor.
• Black volcanic coast: The route reaches Costa del Silencio, known for dark sand and volcanic rock.
• Possible sea ride: If the water and tide are safe, you may enter the sea with your horse.
• Beginner-friendly pace: The ride is suitable for first-time riders who can manage the physical demands of horseback riding.
• Free tour photos: Photos are included, along with water, a helmet, and a disposable hygienic cap.
• Important weight and age rules: Riders must be at least 10 years old, under 95 kilograms, and no older than 70.

Riding from Xanadu Tenerife to the volcanic coast

Your ride begins at Xanadu Tenerife, a venue that combines a restaurant, riding facility, and horse excursions. The precise meeting instructions are sent through WhatsApp before the activity, along with an explanatory video. That is useful because you are not left guessing where to go once you arrive in the area.

The ride lasts two hours in total. Plan on roughly one hour going to Costa del Silencio and one hour returning to Xanadu Tenerife. This is not a short photo ride around a stable. You have enough time to settle into the saddle, learn how your horse responds, and get a proper look at the coast.

The pace is likely to feel relaxed. One rider specifically described the outing as slow because a companion was riding for the first time. That is a good clue for setting expectations: this experience favors control and scenery over speed. If you want a galloping beach ride, this is not the right choice.

For a beginner, the slower pace is a benefit. You can focus on posture, balance, and following the instructor’s directions without feeling rushed. If you already ride regularly, you may find the outing fairly gentle, but the private format lets you book it for the setting and personal attention rather than for technical riding.

Costa del Silencio and its black volcanic shore

Costa del Silencio is the main visual reward. The coast is marked by volcanic rocks and black sand, a sharp contrast to the pale resort beaches found in other parts of the Canary Islands. You will stop here for photographs, giving you time to take in the sea and scenery instead of simply passing through on horseback.

The route offers views of the sea and surrounding countryside. The ride is not built around a long list of stops, so Costa del Silencio matters. It is the destination, the photo point, and the place where the most unusual part of the outing may happen.

If the sea is calm and the tide is suitable, you may be allowed to take the horse into the water. This is conditional, not guaranteed. Sea conditions, tide, and safety come first. Still, the possibility gives the ride a special edge. A horse walking into the sea beside volcanic rock is a far more memorable setting than a standard paddock circuit.

You should bring biodegradable sunscreen and outdoor clothing. Sun and sea exposure can be strong, and the route is outside for the full two hours. Closed-toe sports shoes are required. Leave sandals, flip-flops, and high heels at your accommodation.

What the private format really gives you

The private booking is the clearest reason to consider this activity. You ride only with your own group and an instructor, so you do not have to match the pace of strangers or share the outing with riders of very different abilities.

That matters most if one person in your group is a complete beginner. The instructor can keep the ride measured and provide help without holding up a large group. It also suits couples, families with eligible children, or friends who want a set time and a quieter outing.

Private does not mean you control every part of the ride. The route, speed, and access to the sea still depend on the horses, the instructor, the weather, the tide, and local safety decisions. Think of the private format as personal attention and a more relaxed group arrangement, not a custom-built riding lesson.

The instructor speaks Spanish or English. The information provided does not give the instructor’s name, so you should not expect to select a particular guide when booking. What matters most is being direct about your riding background. One rider described a horse spooking near a car and stressed the importance of giving an honest account of your skill level. That is useful advice. Do not exaggerate your experience to appear confident.

A good first ride, with sensible limits

This outing can work well as a first horseback experience because the guide stays close to the group and the pace is controlled. A first-time rider praised the instructor for anticipating what the horse would do. That kind of attention can make the difference between feeling nervous and enjoying the ride.

Still, horseback riding has real physical demands. You need enough balance, leg strength, and general fitness to sit on a moving horse for two hours. You also need to stay alert around traffic, other people, and changing terrain.

The activity is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with back problems, mobility impairments, epilepsy, animal allergies, recent surgery, low fitness, motion sickness, or a cold. It is also not suitable for wheelchair users, people with visual or hearing impairments, or anyone over 70. The weight limit is 95 kilograms, or 209 pounds.

These restrictions may seem strict, but they are important for rider and horse safety. If you have any medical concern that is not listed, ask before booking rather than hoping it will be fine on the day.

The horses, the guide, and what to tell them

Your horse will be selected by the riding team, and the guide will manage the pace and route. You should tell the instructor clearly if you have never ridden, have only ridden a few times, or are comfortable handling a horse.

That advice is especially important because horses can react suddenly. A rider described one horse spooking near a car, while another horse in the same group behaved calmly. This does not mean the ride is unsafe, but it does show why honest communication and close attention matter.

You may also get small, local touches along the way. One rider recalled the guide cutting cactus fruit for the group to taste. That detail gives the outing a little more character than a simple ride from point A to point B, though it should not be treated as a guaranteed part of every departure.

The guide’s role is not only to lead the horses. You will rely on the instructor for mounting advice, riding instructions, pace control, and decisions about the sea. Follow directions closely, especially near roads, volcanic rocks, and water.

Photos, water, and practical comfort

Free photos are included, which is a useful extra. The ride reaches a photogenic stretch of coast, and you can enjoy the setting without constantly reaching for your phone. The photos also help capture the experience for riders who may be too busy concentrating on the horse to take their own pictures.

Water is included, but you should still arrive prepared for outdoor activity. Wear comfortable sports clothing that will not restrict your legs. Closed-toe sports shoes are required, and biodegradable sunscreen is specifically requested.

Do not wear loose choices that conflict with the rules. High heels, sandals, flip-flops, and all open-toed shoes are prohibited. Smoking, alcohol, drugs, and chewing gum are also not allowed.

The helmet and disposable hygienic cap are provided. You do not need to bring your own riding helmet, though you should make sure your clothing and footwear meet the requirements before leaving your hotel.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off and no lunch. You must arrange your own way to Xanadu Tenerife and make your own meal plans. The venue includes a restaurant, but lunch is not part of the excursion price.

Is $265 per person fair value?

At $265 per person, this is an expensive activity for two hours. You are paying for a private group, an instructor, equipment, photos, water, and the chance to reach the coast rather than simply ride around a stable.

The private format is the key value point. If you want a specific time, do not want to join strangers, or have a mixed-experience group, the extra cost may feel worthwhile. The personal attention is also useful for first-time riders who need a slower pace.

The price is harder to justify if you are already an experienced rider and mainly want a long ride. Two hours is modest, and the ride is not designed as a fast or technically demanding excursion. You are paying for the setting and privacy more than for mileage or advanced riding.

The possible sea access also adds appeal, but it is not a promise. If the tide or sea is unsuitable, the ride will remain a coastal outing with a photo stop. I would book this for the private coastal setting, not on the assumption that you will definitely ride into the water.

Who should book this horseback ride?

I would recommend it to a couple or small group that wants a private outdoor activity with a clear destination. It also fits a first-time rider who values an instructor and does not mind a slow pace.

It is a good choice if you want:

• A private ride at a chosen time
• Sea views and volcanic scenery
• A calm introduction to horseback riding
• Included photos
• A possible ride in the sea, subject to conditions
• English or Spanish instruction

I would think twice if you want a long, fast ride, have limited fitness, dislike animals, or are uncomfortable with the possibility of a horse reacting suddenly. The two-hour length may also feel demanding if you have back trouble or little experience with outdoor activities.

Book only after checking the age, weight, health, and footwear rules. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your money flexible while you finalize plans.

My call: a special setting, but not a bargain

I like this ride for its combination of privacy, personal instruction, and volcanic coastline. The best moments are likely to come at Costa del Silencio, especially if the sea is calm enough for the horse to enter the water. The free photos and included equipment make the outing easier to enjoy.

The price is the sticking point. At $265 per person, you should want the private format and coastal setting, not just a basic horseback ride. If that combination sounds right, book it, be honest about your riding level, and arrive in proper shoes. If you want speed, a longer route, or a lower-cost introduction to horses, choose another activity.

FAQ

How long is the horseback ride?

The activity lasts two hours. You should expect about one hour to reach Costa del Silencio and one hour to return to Xanadu Tenerife.

Where does the ride begin and end?

The ride begins and ends at Xanadu Tenerife, which includes a restaurant, riding facility, and horse excursions.

Is the ride private?

Yes. The activity is for your private group and includes an instructor. You will not be combined with unrelated participants.

Can I ride the horse into the sea?

Possibly. You may enter the water if the sea conditions and tide allow it. Sea access is not guaranteed.

What languages does the instructor speak?

The instructor can provide the tour in Spanish or English.

Are photos included?

Yes. Photos taken during the tour are included in the activity.

What equipment is provided?

A helmet, a disposable hygienic cap, and water are provided. Hotel transportation and lunch are not included.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable outdoor or sports clothing and closed-toe sports shoes. High heels, sandals, flip-flops, and other open-toed shoes are not allowed.

Who cannot take part?

The activity is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with back problems, mobility impairments, epilepsy, animal allergies, recent surgery, low fitness, motion sickness, or a cold. It is also not suitable for wheelchair users, people with visual or hearing impairments, people over 70, or people over 95 kilograms, or 209 pounds.