From Essaouira: 1-Hour Horse Ride with sunset

If you’re visiting Essaouira and looking for a way to combine adventure with serenity, a sunset horseback ride might just be the highlight of your trip. This experience, offered by Ranch De Diabat, promises a peaceful hour on horseback along the breathtaking beaches, culminating in a stunning sunset over the Atlantic. While it’s not an all-day adventure, it’s packed with enough charm and natural beauty to make it memorable.

What really makes this ride stand out are the well-trained horses, the flexibility for different skill levels, and the picturesque scenery that’s accessible only on horseback. The ride offers a mix of gentle strolls and the option to gallop along the wide, sandy beaches. However, it’s worth noting that this tour isn’t suitable for children under 3 or those over 209 lbs (95 kg), primarily due to safety considerations.

Whether you’re an experienced rider or a complete beginner, you’ll find that this activity caters to your comfort. It’s ideal for those wanting a peaceful escape, scenic views, and a bit of Moroccan equestrian culture. If you’re after a quick, beautiful, and authentic experience of Essaouira’s coastline with some sunset magic, this tour is worth considering.

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Key Points

Accessible for all levels: Whether you want to walk or gallop, the ride can be adapted to your experience.
Spectacular sunset views: The perfect way to end your day with stunning sea and sky colors.
Beautiful scenery: Ride along beaches, the river, and past historical ruins like the old palace of Sultan Mohammed III.
Experienced guides: Friendly, patient guides help you feel confident and informed throughout.
Convenient pick-up and drop-off: Hotel pickup in Essaouira makes logistics simple.
Limited snacks and drinks included: Bring your own if you want to stay refreshed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Close Look at the Experience

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The Booking and Meeting Point

Starting from the Petite Porte de Bab Marrakech in Essaouira, your adventure begins with a pickup arranged by Ranch De Diabat. They’re known for their friendly service and clear communication, making the initial step stress-free. The meeting point is well-marked, with the guiding vehicle displaying “Ranch de Diabat,” which helps you easily spot your driver.

Transportation and Duration

The tour is designed as a one-hour ride, but the entire experience, including transportation, pickup, and return, generally takes around 2 to 3 hours total. The ride itself is organized in the vicinity of the ranch, about 3 kilometers south of the city center, making it easy to reach without long travel times.

The Horses and the Guides

Expect to ride a beautiful Barb Arabian horse, known for their stamina and gentle nature, which is vital for an enjoyable ride. Reviews highlight the well-trained, docile horses and the guides’ patience, even with riders new to horseback riding. One guest mentioned that the guide was “fantastic, patient and a great entertainer,” who managed to communicate effectively despite language differences.

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The Ride Itself

The itinerary begins at the ranch, where you’ll head toward the river and the ruins of the old palace of Sultan Mohammed III. This part of the journey offers a glimpse into Essaouira’s past, with the ruins adding a historical dimension. From there, you’ll continue along the sandy beaches, with views of the Portuguese castle on Mogador Island in the Atlantic—perfect for photos and soaking in the scenery.

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The Experience of Riding

The ride is designed to be adaptable. Beginners can enjoy a slow-paced walk, while more confident riders might opt for a gallop on the expansive beaches. One reviewer mentioned that “it takes a little while to get the hang of it, but in the end you don’t want to get off.” This highlights that even those new to riding can feel comfortable, thanks to the helpful guidance.

Sunset and Scenic Views

A major highlight is the sunset over the sea, which creates a magical atmosphere as the sky changes colors. Many travelers, including a reviewer who described it as “awesome,” praise the way the sunset enhances the ride’s tranquility and beauty. Watching the sun dip beneath the horizon while on horseback is a uniquely peaceful moment you’ll likely remember.

Post-Ride and Additional Costs

After the ride, guests return to the ranch, where the service concludes. Drinks and snacks are not included in the package, so bringing some water or light refreshment is advisable. The tour is available daily upon appointment, making it flexible for different schedules, and can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Why Is This Tour Valuable?

This experience offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural insight, and physical activity, all wrapped into a manageable one-hour session. It’s a fantastic way to see Essaouira’s coastline from a different perspective—on horseback—without committing to a long ride. The personalized guidance ensures that even beginners feel comfortable, which adds to the overall value, especially since the price of $56 per person includes horse rental, a guide, and transportation.

The Scenic Value

Riding along the beaches with the Atlantic Ocean stretching before you, especially at sunset, creates an unforgettable backdrop. The views of Mogador Island and the ruins lend a historical and geographical context that elevates the experience beyond just riding.

The Cultural Element

The mention of the old palace of Sultan Mohammed III, reconstructed on a horseback ride, adds a layer of Moroccan history and culture. It’s not just about the scenery but also about connecting with the landscape and its stories in an authentic way.

The Guides and Safety

The reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable and attentive guides, making the experience accessible and reassuring, especially for those who might be nervous or new to horseback riding. This attention to safety and comfort significantly boosts the experience’s overall quality.

The Cost-Effectiveness

Compared to other adventure options in Essaouira, this tour offers great value. For just over fifty dollars, you get an hour of riding, a guide, and transportation—an experience that combines leisure, adventure, and cultural discovery in a simple, straightforward package.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This horseback ride is perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful, scenic escape. It’s well-suited for beginners because of the adaptable pace and patient guides, and also for more experienced riders looking for a quick, picturesque gallop along the beach. It’s ideal for those who want a moment of tranquility during their busy Moroccan itinerary, with the added bonus of stunning sunset views.

While not suitable for very young children or those with weight restrictions, the experience is generally ideal for anyone wanting a relaxed, memorable way to connect with Essaouira’s coastal nature and history.

The Sum Up

Taking a one-hour horseback ride along Essaouira’s beaches at sunset offers a peaceful and scenic way to experience the Moroccan coast. The combination of gentle guidance, stunning views, and the chance to ride a beautiful Barb Arabian horse makes it a memorable activity, especially for those wanting a taste of local culture and natural beauty without a lengthy commitment.

The tour’s flexible nature, friendly guides, and picturesque setting make it a valuable addition to any Essaouira visit. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate tranquil moments, scenic landscapes, and a touch of adventure on horseback.

If you’re looking for an experience that combines relaxation, natural beauty, and cultural charm, this ride is a solid choice. Just remember to bring comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes, and you’ll be all set for a magical sunset on horseback.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The price covers a guided horse ride, horse rental, and pickup and drop-off at a meeting point in Essaouira.

How long does the ride last?
The actual horseback riding lasts about one hour, but the entire experience including transport and preparation typically takes around 2 to 3 hours.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?
Yes, the ride can be adapted for all experience levels, with the option to ride at a slow pace if you’re new to horseback riding.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is at Petite Porte de Bab Marrakech in Essaouira, with pickup included if your accommodation is outside the medina.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Since drinks and snacks are not included, consider bringing water.

Are children allowed?
The tour is not suitable for children under 3 years old.

What is the maximum weight limit?
Participants over 209 lbs (95 kg) are not recommended for this activity.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your trip plans.

You can check availability for your dates here: