Tamarindo horseback riding combines three landscapes in a single hour: the edge of the estuary, forest trails with ocean viewpoints and a ride along the beach. Short answer: the horseback riding tour with Tamarindo Estuary Tours Mi Rey lasts 1 hour, costs $50 per person (minimum 2 people), is guided from start to finish and is open to riders from 7 years old, while younger children ride with an adult. You do not need previous riding experience. This guide explains what the ride is like and how to prepare.
What the ride is like, step by step
Start at the estuary
The ride begins next to the Tamarindo estuary. Before you mount, the guide introduces your horse, adjusts the saddle and stirrups and explains the basic commands: how to hold the reins, how to stop and how to keep a safe distance from the horse in front.
Trails and ocean viewpoints
From the estuary, the group follows trails surrounded by nature until it reaches viewpoints with panoramic views of the Pacific. It is a good moment for photos, so keep your phone or camera within easy reach in a secure pocket.
Along the beach
The last part of the ride goes down to the sand. You ride along the beach with the sea breeze before returning to the starting point. The guide sets the pace for the whole group at all times.
The tour includes fresh bottled water and seasonal fruit. After booking, we send you the meeting point and confirm the time by WhatsApp.
Tamarindo horseback riding: experience level
If you are looking for horseback riding on the beach in Guanacaste and have little or no experience, this ride is a good fit: it is designed for beginners as well as people who have ridden before. If you have never been on a horse, you will feel more comfortable after the first few minutes with the guide nearby. If you are an experienced rider, tell us when you book so we can assign the right horse. Because the group stays together, the pace adapts to the least experienced rider.
A few tips for a comfortable ride:
- Sit upright, relax your shoulders and let your body move with the horse.
- Hold the reins gently. Pulling hard is uncomfortable for the horse.
- Keep your heels down in the stirrups for better balance.
- Follow the guide and do not overtake other riders.
Rules for kids
- Children from 7 years old ride on their own horse, always with the guide.
- Children under 7 ride together with an adult.
- Children from 0 to 3 years old do not pay.
If you are planning a family vacation, see our guide to things to do in Tamarindo with kids.
What to wear and bring
- Long pants, to protect your legs from rubbing against the saddle
- Closed shoes or sandals that stay on your feet
- Sunglasses and a hat that fits well
- Sunblock and insect repellent
- A camera or phone in a secure pocket
Find more advice in what to wear on tours in Tamarindo.
How we care for the horses
Our horses are equipped with everything they need for a safe and comfortable ride: saddles, reins and ropes. They also carry manure collection bags, which help keep the beaches of Tamarindo clean and protected. You can help too:
- Do not feed the horses during the ride unless the guide says so.
- Avoid shouting, sudden movements and kicking hard.
- Let the guide know if your horse seems uncomfortable or if you need to stop.
Combine the ride with the estuary boat tour
If you want more than the beach, the estuary and horseback combo joins both experiences in one outing. It starts with pickup at your hotel, continues with the ride to the ocean viewpoints and the beach, and ends with a guided boat tour through the estuary inside Las Baulas Marine National Park to see birds, iguanas, monkeys and crocodiles. It costs $80 per person, minimum 2, and its length depends on the tide. Children follow the rules of each tour. Learn more about the boat part in our Tamarindo estuary guide.
Prices and booking
- Horseback riding tour: $50 per person, 1 hour, minimum 2 people. Deposit of $15 per person.
- Estuary and horseback combo: $80 per person, minimum 2 people. Deposit of $20 per person.
You pay the deposit online and the balance in cash, in US dollars or colones, on the day of the tour. If you cancel at least 24 hours before departure, the deposit is refunded. Planning the rest of your stay? See the best tours in Tamarindo.
Ready to ride? Book the horseback riding tour or the estuary and horseback combo with Tamarindo Estuary Tours Mi Rey. If you have questions about ages, experience or the best time, write to us on WhatsApp and we will gladly help.
Book these tours
Horseback Riding Tour$50 per personSee tour and book →
Estuary and Horseback Combo$80 per personSee tour and book →
Frequently asked questions
Do I need riding experience for the Tamarindo horseback tour?
No. The ride is guided from start to finish and the guide sets the pace for the group. Let us know your experience when you book so we can match you with the right horse.
How long is the horseback ride and where does it go?
The ride lasts 1 hour. It starts at the estuary, follows nature trails up to viewpoints with ocean views and then continues along the beach.
Can I wear shorts on the horseback ride?
We recommend long pants, because they protect your legs from rubbing against the saddle. Add sunglasses, a hat, sunblock and insect repellent.
Can I combine horseback riding with the estuary boat tour?
Yes. The estuary and horseback combo costs $80 per person, minimum 2, and includes pickup, the ride to the viewpoints and the beach, and a guided boat tour through the estuary. Its length depends on the tide.
How do you take care of the horses?
Our horses are equipped with saddles, reins and ropes for a safe ride, and they carry manure collection bags to keep the beaches clean. We ask riders to follow the guide and treat the horses calmly.
More Tamarindo guides
- Tamarindo Estuary: Crocodiles, Tides and What to BringPlan your Tamarindo estuary tour: crocodiles, herons and howler monkeys in Las Baulas, why the tide sets the time, what to bring, and boat or kayak prices.
- Boat or Kayak? How to Choose Your Mangrove Tour in TamarindoTamarindo kayak tour or boat tour? Compare shared and private options by effort, wildlife, kids rules, tides and price, from $40 per person.
- Crocodile Tour in Tamarindo: Where and How to See Wild CrocodilesCrocodile tour in Tamarindo: where to see wild American crocodiles, how they behave, safety rules, the best tide and photo tips. Boat tours from $40.
- Tamarindo Mangrove Tour: Why the Mangrove Forest MattersTamarindo mangrove tour guide: the types of mangroves, why they are a nursery for fish and wildlife, and how to explore them by boat or kayak from $40.
- Wildlife in Tamarindo: Animals You Can See and WhereWildlife in Tamarindo: crocodiles, howler monkeys, iguanas, crabs, birds, sloths and sea turtles, with the tour, place and season to see each animal.
- Birdwatching in the Tamarindo Estuary: Birds You Can SeeBirdwatching in Tamarindo: herons, egrets, kingfishers, ospreys and spoonbills in the estuary, the best season and tide, tips for birders and which tour.