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Antigua and Barbuda365
AdventureWest Coast

Horseback Riding on the Beach

Ride and swim with horses in the shallows

DifficultyEasy
DurationAround 1 to 2 hours
PriceFrom around US$80 per person
Type
Adventure
Difficulty
Easy
Duration
Around 1 to 2 hours
Price
From around US$80 per person
Min age
6+
Group size
Small groups
Best season
Year-round
Fitness
Low to moderate
Physical req.
Low to moderate. You must be able to mount and balance on a horse at a walk. Weight limits may apply.
The experience

Horseback Riding on the Beach

Ride gentle horses along Antigua's west-coast sand and, on bareback rides, wade and swim with them in the warm Caribbean shallows.

Riding a horse along an empty Caribbean beach, and then into the sea with it, is one of Antigua's most memorable experiences. Small stables on the west coast lead groups along quiet stretches of sand and, on the signature “swim with horses” rides, out into the shallow, warm water where the horses wade and swim with you on their backs (bareback for the swim portion). The west-coast bays around the Five Islands peninsula are a favourite setting.

Rides are generally short and relaxed, often an hour or two, on calm, well-trained horses chosen to suit beginners as well as experienced riders. A guide leads the group at a walk along the beach, with the option to wade in at the end. Some operators also offer inland trail rides through scrub and old plantation land for a different perspective on the island.

Wear a swimsuit under light clothes for the swim rides, plus long trousers or leggings if you have them to prevent chafing, and closed shoes for the stable yard. Helmets are usually provided and recommended. Reef-safe sunscreen and a waterproof camera complete the kit.

The west coast's calm leeward water also makes this area ideal for an easy snorkel or a paddle, so you can build a full half-day around the ride.

At a glance

What to know before you go

Good for
✓Couples
✓Families
✓Groups
✓Animal Lovers
Included
✓Guided beach ride on a trained horse
✓Helmet (usually provided)
✓Swim-with-horses portion on signature rides
What to bring
✓Swimsuit worn under clothes
✓Reef-safe sunscreen and hat
✓Waterproof camera or phone case
✓Long trousers or leggings if available
✓Water
✓Cash for gratuities
Good to note
✓Listen to the guide and keep a calm seat in the water
✓Weight limits apply for the horses’ welfare
✓Loose, fast riding is not part of these gentle rides
Plan it

Plan this experience

The essentials for booking Horseback Riding on the Beach and getting there.

Best season
Year-round
Meeting point
West-coast riding stable (hotel pickup often available)
Group size
Small groups
Minimum age
6+
Get directions →
This activity is in
Five Islands Peninsula →
Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Yes. The signature west-coast rides include a portion where the horses wade and swim in the shallow, calm Caribbean water with riders on their backs, usually bareback for the swim part. It is a memorable, gentle experience on horses trained for it. Standard beach and trail rides without the swim are also available if you prefer to stay dry, so confirm which type you are booking.