Horse Riding in Sal Island - Cabo Verde
Overview
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Uncover Sal Island on horseback with a savvy guide.
Whether you are an experienced rider seeking a high-level experience, or a complete beginner, you will feel at ease with our gentle, well-trained horses.
Ride along the white sandy beaches of Sal Island, wander through the Salt Mines, and leave your tracks across the desert landscape.
The 1-hour trail is best suited for beginner riders, as the entire experience is conducted at a relaxed walking pace, ensuring comfort and safety.
The 1.5-hour and 2-hour trails are also suitable for beginners; however, more experienced riders will have the opportunity to canter along the beach segments.
All rides start and finish at our stables, where you’ll have time to meet your horse and get comfortable before setting off.
Our small-group format, with multiple guides on horseback, ensures a safe and personalized experience tailored to different riding levels.
Hotel transfer service, helmets, and insurance are all included in the price.
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
The 1-hour trail is best suited for beginner and novice riders, as the entire experience is conducted at a relaxed walking pace, ensuring comfort, safety, and enjoyment for those with limited riding experience.
Weight limit: 90kg per participant
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
What‘s Included
Use of bum bags
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Use of lockers
Professional guide
Use of helmet
Local taxes
Insurance
Gratuities
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Kite Beach Short Trail
The 1-hour trail is best suited for beginner/novice riders, as the entire experience is conducted at a relaxed walking pace 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
Salt Mines Trail
The 1-hour trail is best suited for beginner/novice riders, as the entire experience is conducted at a relaxed walking pace Pickup included
Reviews
538 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Good tour of the salt mine and kite beach
Johnny M,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A guided tour of a good length, but very windy. It's tailored to your experience, so if you haven't ridden much before it's probably better value for money to do the shorter option. It's also essential to wear trousers and be prepared for a sea gale.
Brilliant 60th birthday treat
TRACY H,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely brilliant I haven't ridden for over 40 years The guides were brilliant made me feel at ease I went on my own as my husband didnt feel confident. It was a great way to spend my 60th birthday morning
wow wow wow 10+
Azzi2014,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Top 10+ try to believe unique experience, relaxing, if then done in the late afternoon .... Wow......
Absolutely amazing experience with these lovely horses! 😎
Silvia C,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I absolutely recommend this experience, I enjoyed it very much much; I had no experience with horses but the team is great, they found a very calm horse for me and the pace was slow and chill, we visited the salines and the beach. Loved every minute 🙌😎
Beautiful 😍
Jasmin L,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very nice and experienced guides.. The facility is beautiful with all the animals. Even if you have not sat on a horse for years, there is something suitable for everyone. The route Kite beach salt lakes and desert is fantastic. From the bottom of my heart, I want to say thank you. I would always come back..
Ride
Jet41139071322,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very relaxed ride with great well-groomed horses and nice guides through salt pans and gallops by the sea.
Wonderful!
Kitty K,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I’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!
Loved every minute!❤️
Tamsyn S,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was on our bucket list, it was one of the most fun experiences! We will definitely be doing this again❤️.
Beautiful horses and amazing experience
MrsM D,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00All 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
Beach ride
Dawn O,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful scenic ride with good quality horses. Friendly staff..very well organised Fantastic galloping on the beach. Would highly recommend
From €52.00
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Operated by Santa Marilha Horse Excursions