4.9 (547) · Santa Maria · By Santa Marilha Horse Excursions Free cancellation
Discover the beauty of Sal Island on horseback with an experienced guide.
Whether you're a seasoned rider or a complete beginner, our well-trained and gentle horses will make you feel comfortable.
Enjoy a ride along the white sandy beaches of Sal Island, explore the Salt Mines, and leave your footprints across the desert landscape.
The 1-hour trail is ideal for beginners, offering a relaxed walking pace for maximum comfort and safety.
The 1.5-hour and 2-hour trails are also suitable for beginners, with opportunities for more experienced riders to canter on beach sections.
All rides commence and conclude at our stables, where you'll have time to meet your horse and prepare for your adventure.
Our small group format, supported by multiple guides on horseback, ensures a safe and personalized experience adapted to various riding levels.
Hotel transfers, helmets, and insurance are included in the price.
✓ Use of bum bags✓ Hotel pickup and drop-off✓ Use of lockers✓ Professional guide✓ Use of helmet✓ Local taxes✓ Insurance1 Santa Marilha Horse Excursions
Meet our driver at the reception for your transfer to the stables located within the Viveiro Botanical Gardens.
Upon arrival at the riding center, lockers will be available for your belongings. CE-certified riding helmets will be provided before the ride (mandatory).
The group, limited to a maximum of 8 riders, will be accompanied by several guides on horseback (1:2 ratio) to ensure the ride is tailored to your individual riding skills.
Your adventure begins!
Leave your tracks on the sand dunes as you approach the "Big Salt Mines of Santa Maria".
For those on the 1.5-hour or 2-hour trails, you will venture beyond the Salt Flats towards Kite Beach.
An expansive golden sand beach trek awaits you. More experienced riders will have the chance to gallop along the shoreline. Less experienced riders, or those wishing to simply relax and admire the scenery, will enjoy a gentle ride at a walking pace along the shore with the guidance of our team.
· 2 h
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking
Meet our driver at the reception.
Please note that the pick-up time is always prior to the activity start time. The exact schedule depends on your accommodation and is communicated in advance via Viator chat.
Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions.
Hotel pickups commence prior to this time.
The maximum weight allowance for participants is 90kg.
Weight assessments may be conducted to ensure the welfare of our horses and the safety of all participants. Please kindly remember that if a guest exceeds the maximum weight limit, regrettably, we will not be able to provide a refund.
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. 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 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 Wear comfortable clothing suitable for riding. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Listen carefully to your guide's instructions for a safe and enjoyable ride. Inform the provider of any physical limitations or concerns beforehand. Be prepared for potential weight checks for horse welfare. Enjoy the scenic beauty and the connection with the horses. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 75951P1
Activity offered by Santa Marilha Horse Excursions via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Beginner riders Experienced riders Tourists seeking unique outdoor activities Individuals and couples Families with older children Explore Sal Island's diverse landscapes on horseback. Suitable for all riding levels, from beginners to experienced riders. Small group tours ensure a personalized experience. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience. Guided by experienced local riders. Discover beaches, salt mines, and desert terrain.
Population 25,779 (2010)
Elevation 12 m
Currency Cape Verdean escudo
Official languages Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole
Driving on the right
Power plugs C, F · 220 V
Emergency number 130
Capital city Praia Average temperatures 22° Jan 21° Feb 21° Mar 22° Apr 22° May 23° Jun 24° Jul 26° Aug 27° Sept 26° Oct 25° Nov 24° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the maximum weight limit for riders? + The maximum weight allowance for participants is 90kg. Weight assessments may be conducted.
Are there different trail options available? + Yes, we offer a 1-hour trail, a 1.5-hour trail, and a 2-hour trail, catering to different experience levels and interests.
Is hotel pickup included? + Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in all tour packages.
What should I wear for the horse riding tour? + Comfortable clothing suitable for riding is recommended. Helmets are provided and mandatory.
Can beginners participate in this tour? + Absolutely! The 1-hour trail is specifically designed for beginners, and all trails are suitable with guides adapting to your skill level.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Wonderful way explore.
817jaynes, October 2026
Taxi picked us up.
Horses well looked after.
Ziggy and Matthew where our guides.
They talked about the island. Explained about the salt, and desert.
Island life and what brought them to Sal.
The horses Mayo and King where soft mouthed and gentle.
We are people who have not ridden for 20 years.
It was a magical way to explore a part of the island that we would not have seen otherwise.
Remember these guys work 12 hour days and get paid 1€ a hour.... That shows how much they love the horses.
Response from the operator · Santa_Marilha Thank you so much for your wonderful 5 star review! We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed the experience and appreciated the horses and our guides.
It is absolutely true that our team are passionate about horses and do their work with great dedication. However, just to clarify one point, none of our staff works 12 hour days or earns €1 per hour. All our employees are regularly contracted in accordance with Cape Verdean labour law, which provides for a 44-hour working week, and our basic salaries are significantly above the legal minimum wage.
The welfare of our horses and the wellbeing and fair treatment of our team are both fundamental values for us.
Thank you again for riding with us and for sharing your experience!
Kind regards,
Teo
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
If you love horses and beaches do this
938lizziek, September 2026
I had a great ride, well kept and safe to ride. I have an experience rider and had a few good colours across the sand. It’s an amazing experience. The staff were friendly and helpful.
Response from the operator · Santa_Marilha Thank you so much for your review!
We’re delighted you enjoyed the ride and had the chance to experience some good canters along the beach.
It was a pleasure having you with us!
Kind regards,
Teo
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
King the horse !
OdieUK, September 2026
A short journey out to the stables from santa maria.
The stables are well kept, and the horses obviously loved and cared for.
Ive done 4-5 rides in my life, so not a raw beginner but still a learner. My horse was KING - a gentle colt who knows his way.
I did the 8am salt flats and kite beach ride. I was the only guest so it was just me and the guide. It was a lovely gentle walk followed by a paddle at kite beach.
Well worth doing this alternative excursion
Response from the operator · Santa_Marilha Hello Janathan,
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re delighted you enjoyed your ride with King and appreciated the peaceful experience at the salt flats and Kite Beach. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to see you again on Sal!
Kind regards,
Teo
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Beautiful
584davider, September 2026
Beautiful experience. For me, it was my first time on horseback! The guys are very nice and the horses are kept very well. I recommend doing it in the afternoon because the colors are better on the beach. My horse Mayo behaved very well and at one point I even managed to trot! Incredible!
Response from the operator · Santa_Marilha Grazie per la recensione!
Siamo davvero felici che la tua prima esperienza a cavallo sia stata così positiva.
È stato un piacere averti con noi e speriamo di rivederti presto a Sal.
Un caro saluto da tutto il team!
Teo
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Unforgettable family experience.
estrellam735, September 2026
Spectacular. The horses in very good condition. The guides were charming and the route was very appropriate. 100% recommended.
Response from the operator · Santa_Marilha ¡Muchas gracias por compartir vuestra experiencia!
Nos alegra muchísimo saber que disfrutasteis de un día tan especial en familia.
Será un placer volver a recibiros en Sal para otra inolvidable aventura a caballo.
Hasta pronto!
Teo
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