Perched off the coast of Venezuela, one of the most popular activities to enjoy on the tiny Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba is horseback riding.
(Photo: Rancho Notorious Aruba / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Boasting a heady mix of sun-kissed beaches, bucolic national parks, cool breezes, and pretty European-style architecture that evokes the island’s colonial past, there are an array of fun-filled activities to enjoy on Aruba, many of which take place on the island’s pristine coastline and tranquil waters. However, there are also plenty of things to see and do inland, including horseback riding. We’ve picked out five of the best Aruba horse riding tours currently available.
Horseback Riding Tour to Urirama Cove
After pick-up from your Aruba hotel, you’ll be transported to a nearby ranch where you’ll receive instructions before being securely mounted on your horse. From here, you’ll be guided through the Aruban countryside free of noisy streets and traffic, passing exotic animals such as donkeys, iguanas and parakeets as you go. You’ll then reach Urirama Cove, a secluded beach on the island’s northeast coast, where you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the views. After returning to the ranch, you can kick back and relax with a drink at the bar before your return journey. From $95 per person.
Sunrise National Park & Beach Horseback Riding Tour
(Photo: Rancho Notorious Aruba / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Experience the magic of an Aruba sunset during this small-group horse riding excursion. On the back of a gentle, friendly horse, you’ll ride along the white sand of the Aruban coastline at a relaxed pace as the sun emerges to start the day. During the trip, you’ll see rabbits, iguanas, goats, parakeets, donkeys and Aruba’s largest bird of prey: the ‘Wara Wara’ (vulture.) With a maximum of 6 people allowed in each group. You’re guaranteed not to be part of a busy trail that’s choked with other guests. Pick-up and drop-off from all major resorts and cruise terminals are included. From $100 per person.
Natural Pool Horseback Riding Tour
You’ll begin this 2.5-hour horse riding adventure with a pick-up at your Aruba hotel. After reaching your ranch, you’ll meet your guide who will match you with a suitable horse based on your riding experience. Once on your way, you’ll ride through Arikok National Park and up into the highlands for picture-postcard views of the island. Next, you’ll descend through the sand dunes to ride on the beach before reaching a natural pool. Here you can spend time exploring the area and even taking a dip if you desire. You’ll then clamber back on your horse and head back to the stables to say goodbye to your trusty horse before your return trip. From $131 per person.
Noord: Arikok National Park Tour with Beach Horse Ride
(Photo: El Paseo Ranch VOF / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Experience the spectacular panoramic scenery of Aruba’s beaches on a horseback riding adventure from the Aruba tourist town of Noord. Over the course of 1.5 hours, you’ll get to experience Aruba’s rugged beauty in the Arikok National Park. Here, you’ll see a wide range of man-made and natural wonders, such as beautiful beaches, sand dunes, and a fantastic ocean view, accompanied the entire time by a professional guide with deep local expertise. The tour price includes hotel collection and return drop-off. From $94 per person.
Sunset Horseback Ride
Set off on horseback to see Aruba’s picturesque countryside during this guided 1.5-hour tour that ends with a magical hilltop sunset viewing. Suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike, you’ll be picked up from your Aruba hotel or cruise port before making the short journey to a local ranch. After an introductory session with your guide and horse, you can saddle up and traverse the trails that are lined with vegetation, birds, and lizards along Aruba’s North East Coast. After riding your horse to the lookout you can watch colours streak the sky as the sun goes down – be sure to bring your camera to capture the magical vistas. Back at the ranch you can unwind with a drink at the bar before you’re driven back to your drop-off point. From $113 per person.