Horse Riding in Sal Island - Cabo Verde
Recommended by 97% of travelers
Santa Maria, Cape Verde
- 1 to 2 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
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Overview
Experienced riders and beginners alike will find their match on this Sal Island horseback riding tour. Choose between a 1-, 1.5-, or 2-hour ride and set off in a small group with a maximum of eight participants. You’ll ride along white-sand beaches and through the salt flats of Sal, with the opportunity to continue to Kite Beach and beyond. Helmets, round-trip hotel transport, and safety briefing all included.
- Guided horseback ride on Sal Island, with hotel pickup and drop-off
- Choose between several durations, from 1–2 hours
- Select from several departure times in the day
- Small-group tour with a max of 8 riders for personalized attention
What's Included
- Local taxes
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Use of helmet
- Use of bum bags
- Use of lockers
- Insurance
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
Meet our driver at the reception. Please note that the pick-up time is always prior to the activity start time. The exact schedule depends on your accommodation and is communicated in advance via Viator chat.
Itinerary
1
Santa Marilha Horse Excursions
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Weight limit: 90kg per participant
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
MrsM_D
All the staff were friendly and knowledgeable. The horses are really looked after and its the staff that own the horses and you can tell they love them. Its a nice relaxing ride and the beach is beautiful. I would definitely recommend and if I come back to Cape Verde I would book again
Reviews
4.9
based on 531 reviews
Kitty_K, Mar 2026
I’m SO glad I booked this experience. I’d only been horse riding once before, but the staff made me feel comfortable and confident. The horses seemed happy and healthy. Mine was called Estrella and she was very well behaved. Staff picked me up from my holiday apartment and dropped me back off again. Very friendly and chatty. I would highly recommend. Thanks guys!
Eilir_T, Mar 2026
Very disappointing experience - beware if you're a woman/travelling with women & girls.
Went with a friend & during a section of the ride where we had the option to go faster, her horse was tethered to a guide's horse for safety.
Unfortunately, the guide spent the entire time during this part staring at her chest & the rest of her body, and even though she was literally almost falling off and wanted to slow down, he kept making the horse go faster so he could watch - disgusting behaviour.
Also, there were 3 guides total and all 3 were on their phones literally the entire time - one was even watching videos and his volume was so loud we could hear it from 20 feet away, which completely ruined the lovely scenery. They were inattentive (unless they were objectifying you) and failed to notice issues with the horses due to being stuck to their phone screens.
Don't waste your time or money, ESPECIALLY if you're a woman/travelling with women & girls
Tamsyn_S, Mar 2026
This was on our bucket list, it was one of the most fun experiences! We will definitely be doing this again❤️.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much!
We’re really happy you had a great time with our horses and the team.
We’d love to welcome you back anytime for another ride!
Warm regards,
Teo
MrsM_D, Mar 2026
All the staff were friendly and knowledgeable. The horses are really looked after and its the staff that own the horses and you can tell they love them. Its a nice relaxing ride and the beach is beautiful. I would definitely recommend and if I come back to Cape Verde I would book again
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words!
We’re really happy you enjoyed the experience and that our care for the horses came through. It means a lot to our whole team.
We’d love to welcome you back anytime you return to Cape Verde!
Kind regards,
Teo
Dawn_O, Mar 2026
Beautiful scenic ride with good quality horses. Friendly staff..very well organised
Fantastic galloping on the beach. Would highly recommend
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Dawn,
Thank you very much for your kind words!
We’re delighted you enjoyed the time with our horses and the team. Hope to welcome you back again soon!
Kind regards,
Teo
Sharon_W, Feb 2026
Fantastic afternoon they look after you whatever level you are. Gentle ride or canter on the beach. Horses matched to your ability
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Hi Sharon,
Thank you so much for your lovely review.
We’re delighted you had a fantastic afternoon with us! Matching each rider with the right horse is very important to us, so we’re glad you felt well looked after.
We hope to welcome you back again soon!
Kind regards,
Teo
Laura_G, Nov 2025
Great activity. The host and workers were very accommodating. The activity was very fun and relaxing
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hello Laura,
Thank you so much for your lovely review!
We’re really happy to hear you found the ride fun and relaxing, and that our team made you feel welcome.
Hope to see you again on the island!
Kind regards,
Teo
Andrew_M, Nov 2025
We had such a great time. The horses were beautiful and so well cared for
The ride was very peaceful and scenic. We had a few great gallop stretches along the stunning beach. Highly recommend
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hello Andrew,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted you enjoyed the ride and our horses. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
Hope to see you soon again!
Teo
Jada_W, Jul 2025
The driver was due to pick me up at 19am in the hotel reception. He did not wait but left at 10am I tried calling several times at 10:01 but got no response. When u messaged Viator they told me that they could not refund me as I was a no sow. I paid £93 for 2 adults and they refused to change my booking g for later in the day. Viator and Santa Maria horse riding are very unreasonable and were willing to g to take my £93 for nothing. They also advertised the tour for 2 hours but I was told it was only 1 hour. I will never book with them again. Very inconsiderate - book with the locals instead. A guy named Jogn on the beach charged £30 for an hour of horse riding
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Dear Jada,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.
We’re genuinely sorry that your experience did not meet your expectations, but we feel it’s important to clarify the facts.
Your transfer was scheduled for 9:55 AM, and our driver was present at the hotel reception, entering multiple times with a visible "HORSE RIDING" sign. When you were not there, we sent a message at 10:00 AM, and waited an additional 5 minutes before the driver had to leave to avoid delaying the other guests. This was also confirmed by the hotel receptionist, Emerson, who assisted our driver directly.
We understand that timing can be confusing while on holiday, but our tours rely on punctuality and organization to ensure a smooth experience for everyone. When a guest does not show up at the agreed place and time — as in your case — it is, by all standards, considered a no-show. The horses reserved for your ride could not be reassigned, which is why Viator, in line with their policy, declined a refund.
You mention a pick-up at “19am” and confusion about the tour duration, although your Viator confirmation clearly indicated a 1-hour tour. Accuracy in these details is essential, especially when raising complaints.
We have been offering horseback riding tours in Sal for over 13 years, earning a solid reputation based on professionalism, animal welfare, and guest care. We are a licensed and insured company — unlike informal beach operations that may offer lower prices, but not the same standards of safety or service.
We truly regret that you missed the tour and that it impacted your holiday. Nonetheless, we stand by the way the situation was handled, in full respect of our guests, our animals, and our policies.
Kind regards,
Teo
Jeremy_C, Mar 2025
I took the longest ride which allowed me to enjoy the beautiful view at the desert, the Salinas and the beach.
It was my first time to ride a horse but I felt very safe, as the horses were friendly and they sent a staff to accompany me all the way.
If you are experienced in riding, you would be allowed to do a short sprint at the beach.
Bring enough Euros so that you may buy photos of your ride from a professional photographer.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Hello Jeremy,
Thank you for your lovely review! We're so glad you felt safe and enjoyed the stunning landscapes of Sal on your first horse riding experience. Our team and horses always do their best to make every ride special, whether it's a relaxed tour or a thrilling sprint on the beach for experienced riders. We appreciate the tip about the photos—our photographer loves capturing these unforgettable moments!
Hope to see you again for another adventure!
Kind regards,
Teo
Matthew_D, Mar 2025
Staff are very friendly. Lovely, well looked after horses. Amazing views at the beach on horseback. Would recommend.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for your 5 stars review! We're thrilled you enjoyed the ride, our friendly team, and the beautiful beach views. Our horses appreciate the love too!
Hope to see you again for another adventure!
Kind regards,
Teo
Kathryn_G, Dec 2024
A lovely experience. This was a definite highlight of my time in Sal. As an experienced rider and horse owner, I was pleased to see all potential riders weighed at check-in and a strict weight limit enforced. I was also pleased to see everyone asked about riding capability and horses and lead lines used appropriately based on levels of experience.
The ride itself was lovely. The salt flats were interesting to ride through and see workers at work mining. On reaching Kite Beach, those of us with experience were offered the chance to have a trot or canter. This was a truly exhilarating experience, and one all horse riders would love.
The gentle walk back to the stables was lovely, and the whole experience was fabulous.
I was pleased to see the care and the upkeep of the animals and the evident understanding of the need for horse welfare.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Dear Kathryn,
Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re delighted to hear that your ride with us was a highlight of your time in Sal.
It’s wonderful to know you appreciated our focus on safety, rider assessments, and the care we give to our horses. Sharing the beauty of the salt flats and the excitement of Kite Beach with experienced riders like yourself is always a pleasure.
Your kind words about our horse welfare mean a lot to us—our horses are at the heart of everything we do.
We hope to see you again for another memorable ride!
Best regards,
Teo
Melanie_I, Dec 2024
if you are a total beginner be carefull my son was put on horse and no trainer with him , just in a line , his horse bolted as got scared of a kite surfer that cane close by sending my son flying of his horse hurt his shoulder badly
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Dear Melanie,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations, and we truly value the opportunity to address your concerns.
At our riding center, the safety of our guests is our top priority. We follow the guidelines of the British Horse Society (BHS) and operate with a strong emphasis on risk management, as we recognize that there is always a margin of risk inherent to horse riding, as well as in any other activity.
For the group you participated in, we had 6 participants accompanied by 4 experienced guides, ensuring a high level of supervision. For your 26 years old son, who was a total beginner, we assigned a dedicated guide who rode alongside him with his horse on a lead rein for the first 30 minutes of the trail.
During this time, the guide provided basic instructions and carefully observed his ability to maintain balance at the walk gait.
Once the guide felt confident that your son had developed a good level of comfort and control, he offered the option to ride without the lead rein. Your son agreed, and the guide continued to ride alongside him to provide constant support and assistance.
While riding on the soft sand dunes, your son’s horse startled due to an external stimulus—a situation we strive to anticipate and manage but is not always completely avoidable given the unpredictability of animals and surroundings. Unfortunately, your son lost his balance and dismounted the horse. He landed on soft sand and appeared to be unharmed, as he immediately remounted and completed the ride with a smile. Upon returning to the stables, he continued to appear fine, and we were glad to see that you chose to purchase photos of the experience.
We deeply regret if the experience caused any distress and hope your son has recovered well. We remain committed to ensuring safe, enjoyable, and memorable experiences for all our guests.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts, and we hope to welcome you again in the future under more positive circumstances.
Kind regards,
Teo
Michael_d, Oct 2024
Guides were great ,matched the horse to each indervidual riding experience. Horses looked well cared for ,highly recommended the ride on kite beach
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you Michael for the kind review!
We're glad you enjoyed the experience, and we'll be sure to share your feedback with our guides. Looking forward to welcoming you back for another ride!
Kind regards,
Teo
Becci_U, Oct 2024
Great experience from start to finish the guides were super friendly and informative. More importantly the horses were well looked after.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Hello Becci,
Thank you for your positive review.
We're pleased to know that you had a great experience and appreciated our guides and the care we provide to our horses.
We look forward to welcoming you again in the future.
Kind Regards,
Teo
Aimee_R, Jun 2024
Great experience. Lovely people and horses. Beautiful walk through the salt flats until the sand beaches. Got lovely photos for a good price. All the horses in our group had lovely temperaments, definitely worth it. Can be tricky to get a taxi back, recommend booking it.
Virginia_R, May 2024
Thank you for the great time !!! Coming back soon. Guide is taking care about the animals and the participants!
Helen_B, Apr 2024
2-hours tour. Lovely settings and guides were helpful and picked the right horse for each rider (2 beginners and 1 experienced). The three of us had a great time!
Graham_M, Mar 2024
Fantastic afternoon of riding, horses were very well cared for, our guides Ziggy and Matteus were well organised and matched up the horses for each of us perfectly, thoroughly enjoyed the experience .
Mel_P, Nov 2023
Had the best day! Can’t recommend these guys highly enough. They cater for everyone from experienced riders to beginners. A lovely way to see parts of the island.
Jon_C, Sep 2023
The guides were absolutely fantastic, put us at ease and made the experience thoroughly enjoyable. My horse was King and after a solid 2hrs me and him we best of friends, my partner was on Luna and she was really happy with her horse also. I can’t recommend the experience highly enough!!
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Hi Jon,
We're thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic experience with our guides and that you and King became fast friends during your ride. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we can't wait to welcome you back for more enjoyable adventures in the future!
Best regards,
Teo
Dorothe_S, Mar 2023
I did the 2 hours tour and got lucky because I was the only one. It was a great tour to see some landscape and surroundings (salt pans, kite beach, etc.). Nice team, friendly horses and the photographer took some really good photos 😊
lynn_d, Mar 2023
The whole experience wD absolutely amazing. I have never ridden a horse before and at 67 years old was a little hesitant. Ziggy and all the staff were friendly and made me relax ride a white horse called Luna. Would definitely recommend this activity.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Hi Lynn,
Thanks so much for your words and for trusting our riding center for your first ride ever.
We are glad that you have felt safe and enjoyed the experience!
Best greetings from the whole team :)
makeda_C, Jan 2023
Team were very knowledgeable and there was lots of help. As an inexperienced rider. I would say the excursion is value for money . Only downside was the unnecessary comment made by the female European staff member. Referring to my hair is dreadlocks, I do not have dreadlocks
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Hi Makeda,
Thanks for your feedback, we are glad to know that you have enjoyed your ride!
It is not clear to us how a nice experience can be "downsided" by a member of the staff clearly not native English speaker, who used the wrong word in reference to your hair.
Anyway, we will take your comment into consideration and put more focus on the language skills of our whole team through English language courses taught by a hairdresser :)
Wish to welcome you soon again at our riding center.
Kind regards,
Teo
Sara_F, Dec 2022
Very friendly, knowledgeable instructors who match you with a horse by your skill level. The horses are calm and very well looked after. Truly a beautiful, unforgettable experience!
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Hi Sara,
We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with other members of this community.
Thanks a lot from the whole team and hope to see you soon again on saddle :)
Regards,
Teo
Lynne_B, Nov 2022
I've never been on a horse before. It was a wonderful experience and we went through the salt plains and desert and kite beach. Really beautiful and I felt safe even though I'm a novice. The only thing not sure about is the waiver you have to sign as I think they should be insured to manage this however, a really good experience!
Amanda_B, Apr 2022
Catered for all experiences, galloped through the water! The stables had lovely horses and really great guides
Response from Host, Apr 2022
Hi Amanda,
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience with other riders.
We are happy that you have enjoyed your ride and wish to see you soon on saddle again!
Best regards,
Teo
EvaLotta_K, Apr 2022
Me and my doughter in law just loved the hole experience. Fantastic horses in great conditions. The guides was so friendly and funny and took good care of us. A perfect way of spending my 50:th birthday, galopping at the beach.
Peter_S, Nov 2019
My husbands horse was covered in sand bites, or some sort of reaction - it was a sorry state - very agitated and kept trying to bite the "bites" - also kicking it's stomach, my husband is a novice rider so this wasn't ideal. All the horses seemed a bit agitated, far more than what we are used to in the UK hacking out. It was lovely, the people were so nice.... just wish the horses were better cared for..
Response from Host, Oct 2020
Hi,
I am really sorry that you and your husband did not fully enjoy the experience.
Horses welfare is the main concern at our stables since we strongly believe that a healthy horse is a happy horse and a happy horse is the best companion for a enjoyable ride.
Unfortunately last year the seasonal rain during the months of September and October resulted in a uncommon huge amount of tropical mosquitos in the whole island and at so at our stables.
Despite the use of mosquitos repellant and horse blankets, some of the horses developed an allergic reaction to the bites and it took few weeks for vets to find the appropriate treatment and make the horses feel comfy again.
We want to reassure you that this won't happen again and we would like to welcome you and your husband at our stables again to offer you a second ride in line with our standards.
Kind regards,
Teo
Stephen_R, Oct 2019
Great experience. Guides were excellent and ensured a safe and enjoyable ride especially for novices. I thoroughly recommend this team.
Response from Host, Nov 2019
Hi,
Thanks for you feedback, really happy that you have enjoyed your ride with us :)
All our guides are really passionate for their job and of course big horse lover.
Wish to welcome you soon again at our stables!
Best regards,
Teo
From $61.27
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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