Horseback Riding in Tamarindo: The Complete Guide to Beach & Jungle Rides at Playa Conchal

Horseback riding is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Picture calm horses walking along white seashell sand, howler monkeys calling from the trees, and the turquoise Pacific stretching out in front of you. In this guide, our local Tamarindo team shares everything you need to know before you book a horseback tour in Guanacaste: where to ride, which tour to choose, prices, what to wear and how to get there.

Can you ride horses on Tamarindo Beach?

Tamarindo Beach is one of the busiest surf beaches in Costa Rica, full of surfers, swimmers and surf schools, so it isn't a great place for horses. The best horseback riding near Tamarindo is just 25 minutes north at Playa Conchal and the quiet bay of Playa Puerto Viejo, on Guanacaste's Gold Coast. Here the sand is soft and white, the water is clear and calm, and you'll often have the beach almost to yourselves.

The 4 best horseback riding tours near Tamarindo

All of our horse tours start at Conchal Horse Ranch, a small, ethical ranch next to Playa Conchal where every horse is known by name and well cared for. Here's how to choose the right ride for you.

1. Beach Horseback Riding (1 hour, $70)

Our 1-hour beach horseback ride at Playa Conchal is the easiest way to fit a ride into your vacation. It's a private ride along Playa Puerto Viejo for you and your group, with calm horses that are perfect for first-timers, nervous riders and families. Book a late-afternoon start for a sunset horseback ride on the beach.

2. Beach & Jungle Horseback Riding (2 hours, $110)

Want the full Costa Rica experience? The Beach & Jungle Horseback Riding tour starts on shaded jungle trails through a private ranch, where you'll spot monkeys, coatis, iguanas and tropical birds, then opens onto the beach for a ride along the shoreline. Confident riders can canter on the sand, and beginners ride at a relaxed pace.

3. Swim with Horses in the Ocean (1.5 to 2 hours, $120)

This is the one people talk about for years. On our swim with horses tour, you ride down to Playa Puerto Viejo and then walk straight into the warm Pacific until your horse lifts off the sand and starts to swim. Very few horseback tours near Tamarindo offer this. Towels are provided, so just bring your swimsuit and a waterproof phone case, because you'll want the video.

4. Luxury Horseback Ride & Beach Massage (2.5 hours, $170)

For couples, honeymoons and birthdays, our luxury horseback ride and beach massage combines a scenic beach ride with a full 1-hour massage in the shade of the beach trees, followed by a chilled mimosa or cold beer. It's the most relaxing way to experience horseback riding in Costa Rica.

Is horseback riding in Costa Rica good for beginners and kids?

Yes. Most of our riders have never been on a horse before. Every rider gets a helmet and a short safety briefing, and your bilingual guide matches you with a horse that suits your level. Kids 5 and older can ride their own horse, and children under 5 ride together with an adult or guide. The maximum rider weight is 240 lbs (109 kg).

What to wear for horseback riding in Tamarindo

• Long pants or long shorts so the saddle doesn't rub your legs

• Closed-toe shoes or sandals (flip-flops are fine)

• Sunscreen, a hat and insect repellent

• A swimsuit if you’re swimming with horses (towels are provided), or a swimsuit and towel if you’re booking the luxury tour

• A camera or phone for the views

When is the best time to go horseback riding in Guanacaste?

You can ride all year. The dry season (December to April) brings blue skies and calm, clear water, which is ideal for swimming with horses. The green season (May to November) has lush jungle, fewer people and warm water. Early mornings and late afternoons are the coolest times to ride, and late afternoon gives you that golden sunset light over the bay.

How to get to Playa Conchal from Tamarindo

The ranch is about 25 minutes from Tamarindo and 20 minutes from Playa Flamingo. The easiest way to get there is to rent a Honda Navi scooter from Ohana and ride over yourself, then keep exploring Playa Conchal and Brasilito afterwards. Prefer not to drive? Add round-trip transportation to any horse tour for an additional price, and our driver will wait at the ranch until your ride is finished before taking you back.

Book your Tamarindo horseback tour with a local team

When you book with Ohana Rental & Tours, you're booking with a local Tamarindo team that answers you on WhatsApp before, during and after your ride. You can book your horseback tour, scooter rental and transport all in one place. Rides fill up fast from December to April, so reserve your date early.

Ready to ride? Choose your tour: 1-hour beach ride, Beach & Jungle ride, swim with horses or the luxury ride with beach massage. Pura vida!