Travelers looking for a unique way to explore Sal Island’s striking landscapes may want to consider the highly-rated horse riding tour offered by Santa Marilha Horse Excursions. With a perfect 5.0/5 rating based on 500 reviews, this experience stands out as a balanced mix of adventure, scenic beauty, and personal attention. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a complete novice, you’ll find something to enjoy here, as the guides do an excellent job of matching you with the right horse and pace.
We particularly love how flexible the tour is — with options for 1, 1.5, or 2 hours of riding, so you can tailor your adventure to your schedule and comfort level. The inclusion of hotel pickup, helmets, and safety briefings makes it feel well-organized and worry-free. But, of course, as with any activity involving animals and outdoor elements, a moderate physical fitness level is recommended, and the weight limit of 90kg is worth noting for some travelers.
One potential consideration is the group size—maximum eight riders—which ensures personalized attention but might mean early booking, as the tour is often booked about 31 days in advance. This experience is ideal for those wanting a genuine, scenic, and safe horseback adventure that highlights the natural beauty of Sal’s salt flats and beaches.
Key Points
- Scenic landscapes: Ride through salt flats, dunes, and along the beach for diverse photo opportunities.
- Small-group experience: Limited to 8 riders for personalized guidance and safety.
- All skill levels welcome: Guides tailor rides for beginners and experienced riders alike.
- Hotel pickup included: Convenient transportation makes logistics simple.
- Flexible durations and departure times: Options for 1 to 2 hours, with multiple daily starts.
- Positive reviews highlight friendly staff and well-cared-for horses.**
An In-Depth Look at the Horse Riding Tour in Sal Island
If you’re dreaming of riding along pristine beaches or crossing salt flats that seem to stretch forever, this tour might just be your best bet. It’s a well-rounded experience that combines stunning scenery, expert guidance, and reliable organization. Let’s break down what you can expect and why so many travelers give it glowing reviews.
Looking for more options in Santa Maria? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
The Itinerary & Highlights
Starting at Santa Marilha Horse Excursions, you’ll be greeted at your hotel and transported to the stables, situated within the lush Botanical Gardens Viveiro. The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off is a standout feature—especially for travelers who want to skip the hassle of finding local transport. Once at the stables, you’ll be provided with CE-certified helmets and lockers—practical touches that underscore the tour’s safety focus.
The actual ride begins with a safety briefing and an introduction to the horses, many of which are described as calm and well-cared-for. The guides operate with a 1:2 rider-to-guide ratio, ensuring everyone receives attention and tailored guidance. This is especially important for beginners who might be nervous or those with specific riding skills—they’ll be matched with suitable horses and pace.
The core of the ride takes you across white sand dunes and salt flats, a landscape that offers striking contrasts between the shimmering salt pans, the arid desert-like dunes, and the endless golden sands of Kite Beach. For the longer tours (1.5 or 2 hours), you’ll get the chance to leave the salt flats behind and gallop along the stretch of Kite Beach, which is often praised for its breathtaking views and smooth sands.
What Makes the Experience Stand Out?
Authentic Scenery: The salt flats are a unique feature of Sal, and riding through them feels like stepping onto another planet. A reviewer mentioned arriving at the “Big Salt Mines of Santa Maria,” which adds a historical touch to the natural beauty. For many, the highlight is the chance to gallop along the beach, which looks like something straight out of a movie.
Professional Guides: The reviews mention guides like Ziggy and Matteus, who are not only friendly but very knowledgeable. They do their best to match horses to riders and keep everyone comfortable. We loved hearing how guides are attentive to rider safety and are quick to adjust to different skill levels—an essential aspect for those new to horseback riding.
Horses in Great Condition: Multiple reviews emphasize the care given to the horses. They are described as “lovely,” “calm,” and having good temperaments, which helps make even nervous first-timers feel secure. Some riders, like Lynn, appreciated the emphasis on safety, especially for complete beginners.
Flexibility and Convenience: With options for 1, 1.5, or 2 hours, and multiple departure times, you can pick a slot that fits your day. The tour often gets booked about a month in advance, so planning ahead is worthwhile.
The Ride Experience – What to Expect
The journey begins with a transfer from your hotel, usually in a small group making for a cozy, friendly atmosphere. The ride itself is quite varied: you’ll cross salt flats, which are flat and expansive—perfect for photos—and then ascend to dunes and beaches.
The salt flats are a surreal landscape, and many reviewers have praised the opportunity to leave their footprints on such an unusual terrain. The salt pans are also a reminder of Sal’s history as a salt-producing island, adding a cultural layer to your scenic ride.
Once on the beaches, the scenery shifts to endless stretches of golden sand, with views of kite surfers and the shimmering Atlantic beyond. The more experienced riders might get the chance to gallop, which adds an adrenaline rush to the experience.
For those on the longer tours, you’ll leave the salt flats behind and head towards Kite Beach, where the wide open space makes for a perfect gallop and photo op. The beach’s smooth sands and lively atmosphere make it a favorite for many.
Authentic Encounters & Tips from Reviewers
Several riders appreciated the attention to safety and the quality of the horses. For instance, Kathryn, a seasoned rider and horse owner, was pleased to see safety checks like weight limits and rider capability assessments being enforced.
Others enjoyed the photos offered during the ride—one reviewer mentioned the photographer capturing “really good photos” at the beach, which is a bonus for those wanting memories without the hassle of taking their own pictures.
A few reviews touched on the importance of timing and transport—getting back to the hotel can sometimes be tricky, so booking a taxi in advance or arranging your own transport is a good idea. The tour’s flexible scheduling, with several departure times, makes it easy to fit into your holiday plans.
Considerations & Recommendations
While most reviews are glowing, a few riders raised points worth noting. A particularly important one was about safety for beginners—a rider’s son was frightened when a horse bolted after a kite surfer scared it, resulting in a fall. The guides do prioritize safety, but riding outside designated areas or near kite surfers requires caution.
Another reviewer pointed out that some horses had skin reactions like bites or irritations, attributed to seasonal mosquito activity. The staff responded quickly to this issue, showing their commitment to animal welfare.
Lastly, because the tour is capped at eight riders, securing your spot early is advisable, especially during peak travel times. The price point of around $60.25 per person is quite reasonable when considering the inclusions—transport, helmets, safety briefings, and personalized guidance—making it good value for such a scenic and safe experience.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This horseback riding adventure is perfect for travelers who want a scenic, safe, and well-organized activity that suits a variety of riding skills. It’s especially suited for those keen on unique landscapes like salt flats and beaches, and who appreciate knowledgeable guides and good care for the horses.
Beginners will find reassurance in the small group size and the attentive guides, while experienced riders can enjoy the chance to gallop on the beach. It’s also a great option for families or couples, thanks to the flexible durations and the picturesque stops.
If you’re after a memorable outdoor activity that combines natural beauty with a touch of adventure, this tour hits the mark. Just remember to book early and plan your transport back to your hotel.
FAQ
Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics easier for travelers.
What is the duration of the ride? You can choose from 1, 1.5, or 2 hours, depending on your preference and stamina.
Are helmets provided? Yes, CE-certified helmets are included and mandatory for safety.
Can beginners join this tour? Absolutely, guides tailor the ride to suit all skill levels, and the small group size ensures personalized attention.
What should I wear? Comfortable clothing and closed shoes are recommended; helmets and bum bags are provided for convenience.
Is there a weight limit? Yes, the maximum weight per participant is 90kg.
How far in advance should I book? The tour is typically booked about 31 days in advance, so early planning is advisable.
What scenery will I see? Expect salt flats, dunes, and beaches, with some riders enjoying the chance to gallop along the shoreline.
What is the price? The tour costs around $60.25 per person, representing good value considering the inclusions and scenery.
Final Thoughts
Horse riding on Sal Island offers a wonderful way to see some of the most scenic parts of the island, from salt flats to golden beaches. With highly experienced guides, well-cared-for horses, and flexible options, this tour is a safe, engaging, and visually stunning activity that appeals to a variety of travelers. Whether you’re a novice eager to try riding for the first time or an experienced equestrian longing for a beach gallop, this experience is likely to leave you with lasting memories.
The combination of beautiful landscapes, professional guidance, and good value makes it one of the best outdoor activities in Sal. Just remember to book early, dress appropriately, and prepare for a fun, scenic adventure on horseback that captures the essence of Cape Verde’s natural beauty.
Enjoy exploring Sal on horseback — it’s a truly authentic way to connect with the island’s stunning scenery.