Santa Maria Tours
Horse Riding in Sal Island - Cabo Verde
5

Horse Riding in Sal Island - Cabo Verde

By Santa Marilha Horse Excursions
Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Ages 1-80, max of 8 per group
Duration: 1–2 hours
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: Portuguese, English, Italian, French, Spanish
More


  • Local taxes
  • Professional guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Use of helmet
  • Use of bum bags
  • Use of lockers
  • Insurance
What's not included
  • Gratuities


Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
    Pickup details
    • Meet our driver at the RECEPTION
    Hotel pickup offered
    During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.
      End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

        • Not wheelchair accessible
        • Near public transportation
        If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 75951P1

        • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
        • Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
        • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
        • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travellers

        • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

        If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 75951P1

        From
        £43.88
        per adult
        Select date and travellers
        Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

        Similar experiences

        Itinerary
        • 1
          Meet our driver at the reception for the transfer to the stables set into the Botanical Gardens Viveiro. At the riding centre lockers will be at your disposal to leave your belongings and CE certified riding helmets will be given to you prior the ride (mandatory). The group of max 8 riders will be lead by several guides on horseback (1:2 ratio) to make sure that the ride will be tailored on your respective riding skills.  Now the adventure can start! Leave your tracks on the sand dunes and you will arrive at the "Big Salt Mines of Santa Maria". If you are taking part on the 1,5h or the 2h trails, you will leave the Salt Flats behind and you will head up to Kite Beach. An endless golden sand beach trek awaits you and the most experienced riders will have the chance to gallop through the surf. Less experienced riders or those who just want to relax and enjoy the landscape will ride gently along the shore at walking gait with the assistance of the guides.
        About the operator
        Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
        • Santa Marilha Horse Excursions
          623
          Santa Maria, Cape Verde
          Joined in November 2013
        • Clarke T
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Beautiful way to see the beach and salt flats
          Absolutely brilliant from a novice to an expert rider, the staff are lovely the horses are so well looked after, can’t recommend enough. Will definitely go back
          Written 28 December 2023
        • Alex D
          0 contributions
          4.0 of 5 bubbles
          Beginner ride
          Great ride to beach and felt very safe with horse. Loved being on the beach. Very organised and would recommend it to all thanks
          Written 22 December 2023
        • BenNDiana
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          A brilliant ride for a first time rider.
          The horse riding was excellent. I was collected from my accommodation on time by a friendly driver. I was welcomed at the stables by my guide. I had never been on a horse before, but they took great care to make me comfortable and safe and to know what to do. I really enjoyed the ride through the salt mines. The horse was in a bit of a mood, but we all have days like that and I probably was doing something irritating for it because I was new to it all. I had a wonderful time and really enjoyed the experience of horse riding for the first time in the hot sun and warm air in the middle of December. If you have never tried horse riding before and would like to give it a go, I would recommend this company.
          Written 18 December 2023
        • Go03823947957
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Precious memories in paradise
          Would highly recommend 5⭐️ Had the best two hour trail on horseback - creating magical memories that will last a lifetime. The trip included pick up from my hotel. The team were super friendly when I arrived and the horses all looked really well cared for. Riding hats are provided, access to a small locker and they give you a small bag to take any items with you. I was introduced to my lovely horse, told there would be a photographer taking photos which I could view/purchase after the ride. I was the only person on my ride so had a very personal experience, my guide constantly checked in with me and we spent time chatting about the horses which was lovely as it was obvious how much they cared about them. After some breathtaking views from a hill looking over the salt flats, we headed through the sand dunes and then onto kite beach. We had some amazing canters and gallops on the beach which was so much fun, even at a fast pace my guide was constantly checking I was ok and made sure I had the best time. Heading back the ranch we had the most amazing sunset - thank you so much for giving me a truly magical experience - the photos were great quality!
          Written 11 December 2023
        • MissFigenschou
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Professional, friendly and fits everyone
          Went for two trips with Ziki and his crew, and was beyond pleased with the experience! It is clear they are professional and love what they do, the horses are clearly very well looked after and eager to move and run. Had an exhilarating gallop on the beach and then later a walk along the saltflats with my inexperienced friends, and we all loved the tours! The guides are very hands on and pleasant, and obviously know their horses very well. As a pleasant addition their photographer takes wonderful photos as you ride. Would recommend to anyone who wants a nice experience and also care about horse welfare 😊
          Written 7 December 2023
        • lucysU1255UN
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Horse riding tour
          Well organised and looked after facility. The horses were well cared for and happy and the guides were professional and friendly. The 2 hour tour is definitely suitable for mixed abilities. I ride but my husband has only ever sat on a horse once before (30 years ago) however we both came back buzzing from the experience. A lovely way to see the salt mines and experience some gorgeous scenery. Would very much recommend.
          Written 7 December 2023
        • Elaine A
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Wonderful horse riding experience
          What can I say. A wonderful experience. So good that I did this twice. Very professional and helpful. Horses are well cared for and you are matched to a horse suitable for your ability. I was able to trot and gallop which I have not done for years. Over the salt planes and kite beach, absolutely amazing. I cant wait to come back to do this again. I rode Strella, a wonderful gentle horse. Professional photos were excellent and good value. Thank you. Elaine
          Written 21 November 2023
        • HaEmElVe
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          A perfect riding trip, nice and good horses.
          A perfect riding trip, nice and good horses. This place deserves a full five stars, everything went great. Pick-up from the hotel on schedule and finally return to the hotel, easy as it should be on vacation.
          Written 31 October 2023
        • O4881EKsimonk
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Great Ride and amazing view
          Really great expérience with the Horse riding team. We had the chance of being alone with the 2 guides, and it was a great ride. Even if we had different levels of riding, they addapted the ride for both of us. Thank you
          Written 5 February 2023
        • I2046QPmarcov
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Amazing horseriding experience
          An amazing horseriding experience with very nice people in a great environment with really well taken care off horses
          Written 31 January 2023
        • 683mariskav
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Great experience!
          Very nice ride, lovely horses, very fast racing on the beach (optional) & good and friendly guides. We had a great time!
          Written 8 January 2023
        • hannahnR4288VZ
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Excellent Experience for Equestrian and Newer Rider Alike
          What a fantastic experience! The ride was beautiful. The horses are well taken care of, and the guides certainly know what they’re doing. As an equestrian, I’m often critical of riding experiences, but this was an excellent adventure. I loved galloping on the beach. My husband, who has less riding experience, had a great time on the same ride. He felt safe and comfortable.
          Written 5 January 2023
        • michelledM2968OO
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          2hr 4pm ride
          I’ve visited the stables a few times now when being down in Cape Verde, The horses are well looked after and cared for and the stables are lovely in beautiful grounds, I kept putting off riding as it’s been a while pre-covid and felt I out of practice especially going alone, However I booked the two hour 4pm ride, the guides put you at ease from the moment I got picked up until drop off, they ensured I was paired up with the correct horse depending on ability, I had another lady on my ride and a guide each, I felt 100 safe, comfortable and at ease and absolutely loved every single second and can’t wait to ride again with them next month.
          Written 29 October 2022
        • johny_blacker_1234
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Very nice and I really recommend
          Hi, It was great experience. Horses are really well trained and Guys with us were really friendly. Specially Eddie and his friend (Ziggi maybe O:)). Thank you
          Written 21 July 2021
        • 32katharinec
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          New riders, great experience
          We were 2 friends, one complete beginner to riding and one with a small amount of experience. We did the 1 hour ride to the salt flat. We had a great time, the ride was easy and slow, just what we wanted. Some nervous people had their horses led, handled really well. The staff were all very good, and we got some wonderful photos. Really recommend!
          Written 18 March 2020
        See all 623 reviews
        These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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        5.0
        5.0 of 5 bubbles438 reviews
        Excellent
        408
        Very good
        22
        Average
        4
        Poor
        4
        Terrible
        0

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        Emma
        Walthamstow, UK19 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Aug 2023 • Couples
        My husband and I booked a private 2 hour tour (direct from their website). We were collected from our hotel. We had a guide each which worked perfectly because my husband is more confident than i am, so was able to gallop at the beach independently with his guide. I am a little more nervous so my guide lead our canter which I was grateful for. It was worth mentioning that that the group we arrived with were three riders to two instructors. I think this ratio is pretty impressive even without booking privately (which isn’t much extra at all), and means they can easily tailor the ride according to your level experience. The horses were absolutely stunning, well behaved and clearly very well looked after. There are lockers at the stables and they provide bum bags if you want them. There is a photographer who did a fantastic job at capturing the ride at a very reasonable cost but we were also encouraged to take our own photos which I enjoyed doing as the sun set on the beach.
        Written 27 August 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear Emma, Thank you for choosing our private 2-hour tour and sharing your wonderful experience with us! We're delighted to hear that you and your husband had such a great time. Our team takes pride in providing a tailored experience, and we're pleased that having a guide each worked out perfectly for you both. The small group ratio is indeed something we prioritize to ensure a personalized adventure for every rider. It's fantastic that you appreciated the stunning horses, the amenities like lockers and bum bags, as well as the option to capture memories with our photographer or your own photos. We hope to welcome you both back for another unforgettable ride in the future! Warm regards, Teo
        Written 2 September 2023
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        JAR
        1 contribution
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Feb 2020
        I am an experienced rider and have ridden in many countries. Santa Marilha Horse Excursions is terrific.. Professional, friendly, and with excellent horses it compares favourably with any european establishment. If you want some exhillarating gallops, or just a gentle introduction to horseriding, they will not disappoint.
        Written 19 February 2020
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Hi John, Very pleased to read your comment. It has been a pleasure for me and all the team to welcome you at our stables during your holiday on Sal Island. Wish to see you soon again soon! Teo
        Written 20 February 2020
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Andrei
        London, England, United Kingdom3 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Nov 2021
        The highlight of our holiday in Sal.

        The island offers many different activities, but this professional and friendly staff made this experience the best out of all the other we did.

        We were two couples , everyone had horse riding experience, and when the time to race on the beach came we could really enjoy with our horses by riding in full gallop all together while the sun was setting.

        The horses are very well kept and healthy.

        Big thanks to our guides and to Teo for helping us to build these memories that will last for a lifetime!

        Highly recommended experience for everyone on the island!
        Written 3 December 2021
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Hi Andrei, Thanks so much for helping share :) Reviews like yours mean the world to us and are so important for future riders. Thank you again for taking the time to share this wonderful feedback! Cheers, Teo
        Written 6 December 2021
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Julie P
        Whitchurch, UK54 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Nov 2021 • Solo
        Highly recommended. I am an experienced rider and was partnered with Venus, a stunning Palomino Luistano x mare. Teo was welcoming and prompt to collect from my hotel, we were given a briefing and matched with a horse to suit ability. The ride was peaceful along the salt mines to Kite Beach where we were given the opportunity for a few good gallops along the surf, exhilarating! A guide stayed with the lesser experienced rider will the group so all abilities catered for.

        The horses are all well cared for and happy, Venus lit up on the beach and it was great to ride something safe but with a bit of fire! To top it off Marta took some stunning pictures which could be purchased afterwards. Thank you for such a fantastic experience. Hopefully I will return to Cape Verde to visit you guys again!
        Written 23 November 2021
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Hi Julie, Thanks so much for your great feedback :) Reviews from very experienced riders and horsey people mean a lot to us and are so important for other riders. Thank you again for taking your precious time to share this wonderful feedback! Hope to see you soon again in Cape Verde. Teo
        Written 6 December 2021
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Erin G
        46 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        I booked this trip because I love horses and after looking into this company and reading their story and how much love they have to give not only their horses but all the rescue animals I knew I would love it. I went out on the 1.5 hour trek and it was great. The horses were beautiful and so well looked after, we got to see some beautiful sites.
        Highly recommend for any level of experience. I also paid €25 for all the photos from the photographer that follows the tours. These were an additional option that wasn't forced in any way and they allow you to also take your own photos.
        Written 25 July 2022
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Hi Erin, Thanks so much for your fantastic review. We are glad that you enjoyed the trail ride on the lovely Fiura. All the team wish to seeing you soon again :) Regards, Teo
        Written 26 July 2022
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Kathi B.
        63 contributions
        3.0 of 5 bubbles
        We were really looking forward to the activities and had read almost nothing but positive things about them. I rode as a teenager and my companion rode for the very first time. The €60 per person included the transfer to and from the hotel. That was very practical. The welcome at the farm was very friendly and we received a very short introduction (I think it was too short for beginners, you didn't learn anything about riding alone). We were a group of six people and were accompanied by four guides. I thought it was a bit of a shame that we didn't get to meet our animals briefly, but were put on the horse straight away. However, the animals seemed well looked after. We had booked the one-hour tour to the beach and my companion's horse was not in the mood right from the start. The guide then took it to him and his horse on a leash at the beginning. That was fine, but later the animal completely ran away and even threw my companion off. My horse then ran away too, but I was able to calm it down. The guides seemed a bit overwhelmed and were no real help. The horse could only be caught at the end of the tour and kept running around us, which made the other animals restless. It was also a real disadvantage that two guides kept driving our horses from behind with a whip, sometimes scaring them a bit. I don't think the tour is suitable for beginners and would only recommend it to people with experience with horses. It was nice that we were accompanied on the tour by a photographer who took really beautiful pictures.
        Google
        Written 22 November 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear Kathy, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We appreciate your feedback as it helps us improve our services. We are glad to hear that you were looking forward to the activities and found the transfer from and to the hotel convenient. We also appreciate your positive comments about the friendly welcome and the well-maintained appearance of our horses. We sincerely apologize for the challenges you faced during the ride. The safety and comfort of our guests are paramount, as evident in our commitment to maintaining a ratio of four guides on horseback for every six guests, a measure designed to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience. It's unfortunate that the horse in your companion's care had moments of reluctance and eventually caused her to fall off. We are relieved to hear that your companion was not injured, and we appreciate your understanding in this matter. We acknowledge your concerns about the brief introduction and the limited opportunity to get to know the horses beforehand. Your feedback is valuable, and we will review our procedures to ensure a more comprehensive introduction for beginners in the future. Regarding the behavior of the horses during the tour, we sincerely apologize for any distress it may have caused. We understand the importance of a calm and controlled environment during horseback riding. Rest assured, we are investigating the incident and will take the necessary steps to prevent such occurrences in the future. We truly value your input and will use it constructively to enhance the experience for our guests. We hope that you can give us another chance to provide you with a more enjoyable horseback riding experience. Thank you again for bringing these concerns to our attention. Best regards, Teo
        Written 24 November 2023
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        S L
        23 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Truly memorable horse riding experience riding across the salt mines and kite beach! The horses are well looked after, look very healthy and are easy to ride for beginners too! We ended up being the only people who booked for that session so technically felt like it was a private lesson which was awesome! I am an experienced rider and my husband is a beginner-intermediate and so I got to gallop and canter with one of the guides on the beach whilst my husband got to trot and then canter/ gallop a bit with the other guide. It was truly a fantastic experience that I’ll remember forever. We got to ride Luna and King who were really good horses! ❤️
        Written 25 August 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Hi, Thank you for the fantastic review! We're thrilled you had a memorable horse riding experience with Luna and King. We look forward to your return! Best regards, Teo
        Written 2 September 2023
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Samantha B
        9 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Aug 2022
        We did an hour and a half ride and it was excellent. Myself and my son (9) are not proficient riders but we were lead really well.

        I was particularly impressed that my sons horse was attached to the lead rider.

        The ride along the beach was beautiful, and it truly was paradise.

        We also had the chance to purchase photos that were taken professionally and I'm glad we did as they were great pictures.
        Written 10 August 2022
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        FayeW
        London, UK793 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        What a brilliant experience, thank you! Fantastic team who were very flexible in organising a private tour for me. I haven't sat on a horse in over 20 years and Matteus (sorry if I spelt that wrong) was very patient and kind, putting me on the lead rope at the start when I was a bit nervous and then letting me ride behind him once I was comfortable and chatting to me the whole way round to make sure Inwas comfortable and enjoying the experience. I had contacted the stables via email to ask if I could do an afternoon tour to fit around my diving schedule, and they were happy to accommodate and were quick and professional in their replies. The stables looked very clean, and the horses well cared for. As soon as my ride had finished, the lovely horse I was riding, King, had his tack removed and went straight to his stable. The horses all looked healthy and happy. Thank you for welcoming me back into the saddle after such a long time. King was a gentleman, and both he and Matteus looked after me really well. Thanks to the whole team for making it happen and to the professional photographer who took amazing photos of happy memories. Can highly recommend buying those, they were emailed to me really quickly and are really well done. Thank you, from a very happy horse lover!
        Written 17 June 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear Faye, Thank you for the wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear you had such a brilliant experience with us. Matteus will be delighted to know you appreciated his patience and kindness. We're glad we could accommodate your schedule and provide a memorable ride after 20 years. Your kind words about our team, horses, and facilities mean a lot to us. We hope to see you again soon! Best regards, Teo
        Written 20 June 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        AngmeringTraveller
        Haywards Heath, UK83 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Feb 2020
        Having never been on a horse, I was a little nervous but found this experience surprisingly enjoyable! We rode at a gentle pace over to the salt flats and back again which probably took about 45 minutes (long enough for a first ride). The horses appear to be well loved and cared for. Afterwards, there was the option to purchase a set of photos (link sent via email which came through the next day).
        Written 29 February 2020
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Hi, Thanks for trusting our horses and experience your first ride ever on horseback with us :) Wish to welcome you at our stables again. Best regards, Teo
        Written 6 March 2020
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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        Horse Riding in Sal Island - Cabo Verde provided by Santa Marilha Horse Excursions

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