Horse Riding in Sal Island - Cabo Verde
Overview
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Uncover Sal Island on horseback with a savvy guide.
As an experienced rider, you will find happiness on horseback at the highest level. As a beginner, you are warmly welcome by our gentle horses.
Ride along the white sandy beaches of Sal island, wander through the Salt Mines and leave your traks on the sandy desert.
All the rides start and finish at our stables, where you can meet our horses and get familiar with them before you start riding.
Small-group format with multiple guides on horseback ensures a personalized experience.
Hotel transfer service (pick up & drop off), Helmets and Insurance are included in the prices.
Comprehensive Safety Briefing prior the Ride.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Weight limit: 90kg per participant
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Use of lockers
Professional guide
Use of bum bags
Use of helmet
Local taxes
Insurance
Gratuities
What To Expect
Santa Marilha Horse Excursions
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.
Options
Salt Mines Trail
1 hr Riding tour at the Salt Mines
Pickup included
Kite Beach Short Trail
Pickup included
Kite Beach Salt Mines & Desert
2 hr Ride at the Kite Beach, at the Salt Flats and through the Desert
Pickup included
Kite Beach & Salt Mines Trail
1.5 hr Ride at the Kite Beach & at the Salt Mines
Pickup included
Reviews
506 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Inconsiderate viator
Jada W,
Jul 1, 2025
- Viator
1.00The 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
Unforgettable Ride
Jeremy C,
Mar 18, 2025
- Viator
5.00I 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.
Staff are very friendly....
Matthew D,
Mar 14, 2025
- Viator
5.00Staff are very friendly. Lovely, well looked after horses. Amazing views at the beach on horseback. Would recommend.
A Wonderful Experience
Kathryn G,
Dec 30, 2024
- Viator
5.00A 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.
no good for beginner
Melanie I,
Dec 8, 2024
- Viator
2.00if 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
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Operated by Santa Marilha Horse Excursions