Horseback Riding on the Beach in Jamaica

So, you’ve been to Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, you’ve got your braids, you’ve been snorkeling, and even climbed Dunns River Falls…so what’s left to do in Jamaica? Horseback riding on the beach, that’s what. My horseback riding experience was probably my favorite thing about the whole island of Jamaica, aside from the free drinks, even though my horse Nutmeg seemed a little hungry. Don’t worry, no matter what tour you take there will be helpful natives with local wares available for purchase at the end of the trip.

There are dozens of places around the island to book your horseback riding tour. The tours are generally made up of several guides and a dozen or so tourists. As with every activity in Jamaica, you’ll likely be whisked directly from the doorstep of your all-inclusive resort to the stables. Use your own good judgment on whether or not the horses are treated fairly at the ranch.

Here are several operators you can choose from, courtesy of the Association of Jamaican Tourist Attractions:

Braco Stables Ltd.: Braco Stables offers a two hour ride with trained guides “through the scenic countryside onto the shores,” which is pretty standard for these trips. You’ll visit a private beach location where you can ride bareback on the horses into the sea. The ride continues on to the historic Braco Estate, which is still a working farm today. Your ride will end at the Great House by the poolside where refreshments are served.

E-mail : bracostables@cwjamaica.com
Phone: (876)-954-0185

Chukka Cove Polo Club & Tours: Chukka Cove offers a variety of “soft adventure tours” in the Ocho Rios area including a Horseback Beach Ride, Mountain Bike Adventure, Heritage Tour of St. Ann’s Bay, Gliding Tour and Polo. Customized tours, organized polo and equestrian events for groups can be arranged on request.

E-mail: chukka@infochan.com
Call: (876) 972-2506

Chukka Blue: The Chukka Blue tour offers guests the opportunity to hoseback ride for 2 and a half hours through the mountains and a farming village. You’ll gallop along the beach and end with a swim on horseback.

E-mail: chukka@infochan.com
Call: (876) 979-6599

Half Moon Equestrian Centre: The Half Moon Equestrian Center is located at the prestigous Half Moon Hotels in the Montego Bay area. Through the center, you can take part in various equestrian activities, such as riding lessons and trail rides. Horses are available for visitors of all skill levels.

Call: (876) 953-2286

Hooves, Ltd.: Hooves offers fully guided tours on “well-trained and loved horses.” You’ll ride through the countryside with views over the coastline and island interior. The guides will point out the different medicinal properties of our indigenous fruits and plants and teach you about the indigenous culture. I took this tour several years ago. I don’t remember the views being that great, but I do remember the guides pointing out various plants. It was a good trip in the Ochos Rios area.

E-mail: hooves@cwjamaica.com
Call: (876) 972-0905