Aruba Horseback Riding Tour For Advanced Riders

Aruba’s best horseback rides leave the beach resorts behind and head into cactus country, where the trail reaches rocky coast and a remote beach. On this advanced two-hour ride, you may trot, canter, or gallop, with English or Western tack and a guide who checks your ability before setting the pace.

I like the choice of tack and the small maximum group of five. I also like the setting: quiet Cunucu trails without road traffic, plus photo stops by the coast. The catch is important: speed is not guaranteed on a shared ride. If one rider is uneasy, the whole group may spend most of the time walking.

Key points before you book

• Cantering depends on the group: Guides including Nelson, Max, Nestor, and Pilo have offered faster work, but the least experienced rider sets the pace on a public ride.
• The scenery changes quickly: Expect cactus-lined countryside, rocky coast, a remote beach, and a lagoon area where donkeys, iguanas, and parakeets may be seen.
• You can choose your tack: English and Western saddles are available, which helps experienced riders feel at home.
• Small groups help: The stated maximum is five people, though a private ride is the safest choice if speed matters most.
• Pickup needs care: Hotel and cruise-port transportation is included, but pickup times vary and the vehicle leaves five minutes after the scheduled time.
• Pack for heat: Water is not included. Long pants, sunglasses, and a small bottle that fits in the saddle bag are practical choices.

Riding from Aruba’s cactus country to the coast

This is not a slow, nose-to-tail pony ride by design. The advanced option is meant for riders who already know how to control a horse and want more than a walking tour. At its best, the ride moves from rough inland trails through cactus and scrub to open coastal views, with room for trotting, cantering, and sometimes galloping.

The scenery does much of the work. Aruba’s Cunucu countryside feels dry, rocky, and open, with cactus, dusty trails, and wide views rather than manicured resort grounds. Near the coast, the ride becomes more dramatic, and guides may stop for photographs with the horses.

The strongest accounts describe several faster stretches, including canters and beach gallops. Riders have singled out horses such as Victoria Secret, Bonnie, Pamela Anderson, and John as pleasant mounts. Those names matter less than the larger point: the stable appears to match horses to riding ability, and the horses are described as calm, trained, and well cared for.

Still, you need to understand the word advanced in context. It describes the intended rider and the type of ride, not a promise that every departure will be fast. The guide may slow the whole group if another rider is not ready. One shared ride ended with only a few short faster sections after repeated requests from experienced riders. Another included no sand riding at all.

What the two-hour route is like

Your outing begins with pickup at your hotel or the cruise terminal, followed by an air-conditioned minivan ride to Rancho Notorious in Boroncana, Noord. If you drive yourself, you need to arrive at least 20 minutes before departure and call ahead to confirm the time, since schedules can change with the season.

At the ranch, the guide gives basic instructions, provides a helmet, and helps you mount. You can request English or Western tack. That is a useful option for riders who have a strong preference, though the final horse and equipment match will be handled by the ranch.

The guide assesses your ability before the ride gets underway. This is especially important on a group departure. You should be honest about your experience, since the pace and safety of the ride depend on everyone’s control in the saddle.

The first section leads through the Aruban countryside. The route avoids streets and traffic, which makes it easier to focus on the horse, the guide, and the changing scenery. Depending on the group, this may be a steady walk with some faster work, or it may include repeated trots and canters.

The route then heads toward the coast and a remote beach area. Some outings include time to dismount, take photos, or walk near the shore. Swimming may be possible when conditions permit, but you should not treat that as a guaranteed part of every departure.

A second countryside route described for the ranch passes toward a hidden lagoon where donkeys, iguanas, parakeets, and other animals live. The exact ride pattern appears to vary by group and route. That section is suitable for beginners and children, and it helps explain why the ranch also runs slower rides. If you book the advanced departure, confirm that your chosen time is assigned to the faster option.

After roughly two hours, you return to the ranch. The company vehicle then takes you back to your hotel or the cruise terminal. The listed meeting point says the activity ends at the ranch, so confirm your return arrangement if you plan to drive yourself or need a precise port drop-off.

The big question: will you really gallop?

Sometimes, yes. The strongest outings include trotting, cantering, and galloping, with guides giving experienced riders room to enjoy the horses. One rider described a fast gait from a Paso Fino mare as a special treat, while others enjoyed galloping beside the coast.

But the shared format creates a clear limitation. If a family includes a first-time rider, or if someone is not comfortable at speed, the guide may keep the group at a walk. The company explains that only a private tour can guarantee cantering or galloping for your own group.

That policy is reasonable from a safety point of view, but it can disappoint if you book based on the word advanced alone. If you and your companion ride regularly and want a workout, ask for a private ride. If you are an intermediate rider who is happy with some faster sections but can also enjoy a scenic walk, the shared trip may suit you well.

Communication can also affect the result. Some guides, including Max and Nelson, received praise for giving clear instructions and helping riders feel comfortable. One outing was harder to manage because the guide spoke limited English and did not seem to understand repeated requests for a faster pace. If speed is central to your plans, state that clearly when booking and again at the ranch.

Guides and horses shape the day

The guide is more than a person leading the line. A good guide decides when the trail is suitable for speed, helps match riders with horses, manages spacing, and points out what you are seeing.

Nelson is especially associated with warm, engaging rides and strong care for the horses. Max has guided rides with photography stops and a mix of walking, trotting, cantering, and galloping. Nestor and Pilo have handled cruise-port pickups and faster coastal rides. Suzanne has also been praised for being friendly and giving useful instruction.

You may not get a particular guide, so book the style of outing rather than a specific person. The reports are not uniformly positive. One rider felt the guide spent too much time on a phone, while another found the language barrier frustrating. These are useful warnings: the quality of the day depends on group makeup, guide assignment, and communication as much as on the horses and route.

The horses themselves receive some of the most consistent praise. Riders describe them as well behaved, responsive, and cared for. The ranch says the horses have access to automatic waterers, are showered after rides, and receive feed and treats. You can judge their condition for yourself at the stable, but the available details suggest horse care is taken seriously.

What the scenery adds to the value

At $125 per person, this is not a bargain-basement trail ride. The price includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, a local guide, a helmet, and your choice of English or Western tack.

That package has real value in Aruba, where the ranch is away from the main resort strip. You do not need to arrange a taxi or rental car, and the van makes the outing easier for cruise passengers with a limited day ashore. The two-hour saddle time is also longer than a quick photo ride.

The value drops if you expect guaranteed galloping and receive a mostly walking tour. In that case, a private booking may be worth the extra cost, since you are paying for control over the pace as well as the scenery. The small stated maximum of five helps, but it does not remove the shared-ability problem.

The coast is the main payoff. You get a side of Aruba that poolside visitors miss: dry inland trails, rough rock, open sea views, and a quiet beach setting. Photo stops add value, especially for families or riders who want a keepsake rather than a nonstop training ride.

Heat, clothing, and what to bring

Aruba is hot, and the ride takes place in exposed countryside. Bring water, since bottled water is not included. A small bottle is best because riders have reported using the bag attached to the saddle.

Long pants protect your legs from the saddle and brush. Sunglasses help with glare and dust, and a phone is useful for photographs if you can carry it securely. Helmets are provided, so you do not need to bring one.

Wear clothing you can move in and expect dust. You should have a moderate level of physical fitness, since mounting, staying balanced, and riding for two hours take more effort than a short beach photo stop.

The stated maximum weight is 200 pounds per person. Check this before booking, especially if your weight is close to the limit. The stable may also assess whether a particular horse is a suitable match.

Pickup rules matter more than they seem

Pickup times vary from 45 to 15 minutes before the scheduled departure. You need to confirm the exact time for your hotel or pickup point. If you are staying outside a standard hotel area, confirm the location as well.

The driver leaves five minutes after the scheduled pickup time. A missed pickup may be rescheduled only if space is available, and an extra charge can apply. There is no refund for missing the ride because you arrived late at the pickup point or ranch.

Cruise passengers need extra care. The company does not refund a missed activity caused by a late or non-arriving ship. If your ship’s schedule is tight, choose a departure with a generous buffer and confirm the port pickup details before the day of the ride.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside that window, changes and refunds are not accepted. These rules are standard enough, but they make punctuality especially important.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to an experienced rider who wants scenery, a small group, and a real chance to move beyond a walk. It also suits an intermediate rider who enjoys a mixture of paces and will not be upset if the group slows down.

Families can have a good time, particularly if different riders are comfortable with different speeds. Several outings have included teenagers and parents, with guides adjusting the horses and instructions to fit the group. Just do not book the shared advanced option expecting every rider to gallop.

Beginners should choose the slower all-level route instead. The countryside and animals still provide plenty to see, and the lagoon section is designed for a gentler outing. You may also prefer that option if you want a relaxed photo ride rather than a faster horseback session.

This is a poor match if you need guaranteed beach riding, guaranteed galloping, or a tightly timed cruise-port schedule. It is also not ideal if you dislike heat, dust, or the possibility of riding behind a less experienced person.

Should you book the advanced Aruba ride?

I would book it if your priority is seeing Aruba on horseback and you can accept some uncertainty about speed. The strongest version combines well-matched horses, a friendly guide, cactus trails, coastal views, and several enjoyable faster sections. That is a memorable way to spend two hours, and the included transport makes the $125 price easier to justify.

For a true advanced workout, book privately and confirm that cantering or galloping is the goal. For a mixed group, choose the slower ride or accept that the group will move at the pace of its least confident rider.

The key is to book the right expectation. This is a scenic horseback tour with the possibility of serious riding, not a guaranteed gallop every time.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The ride is approximately two hours. Pickup and return transportation add time before and after the saddle portion.

Does the tour include hotel or cruise-port pickup?

Yes. Hotel and port pickup and drop-off are included, along with transport in an air-conditioned minivan.

Can I choose an English or Western saddle?

Yes. The tour includes a choice of English or Western tack for experienced riders.

Is galloping guaranteed?

No. The guide adjusts the pace to the group, and the least experienced rider may set the speed on a shared ride. A private tour is recommended if you need guaranteed cantering or galloping.

What is the maximum group size?

The activity has a maximum of five travelers.

Is a helmet provided?

Yes. Use of a helmet is included.

Is water included?

No. Bottled water is not included, so you should bring your own. A smaller bottle can fit more easily in the saddle bag.

What is the weight limit?

The maximum stated weight is 200 pounds per person. A moderate level of physical fitness is also required.

What happens if I miss pickup?

The driver leaves five minutes after the scheduled pickup time. Rescheduling may be possible only if space is available and may cost extra. No refund is provided for a late arrival or no-show.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded.