Horseback riding in Boavista for beginners

Open sand, quiet horses, and the sea ahead. This gentle ride on Cape Verde’s Boa Vista Island gives you a simple way to enjoy the coast or white dunes without needing riding experience. I like the beginner-friendly pace and the chance to guide the horse yourself after the safety briefing. I also like that guides may take photos, giving you a useful souvenir of the ride.

The main caution is that the experience can feel basic and, at times, poorly paced. Some rides have been delayed, guide communication may be limited, and the beach can be busy with other people. If you expect a private, polished horse tour, you may find this outing too simple.

Key points at a glance

• Made for first-time riders: You do not need previous experience, and the ride moves at a slow pace.
• Two very different settings: You may ride beside the sea or through Boa Vista’s white sand dunes.
• Guided, but not fully hand-held: Guides give instructions and check safety, then allow you to handle the horse yourself.
• Photos may be part of the fun: Guides have taken pictures for couples and other riders during the outing.
• Plan your own transport: Hotel pickup is not included. You meet at the bus station opposite Riu Palace.
• Best for a relaxed outing: More experienced riders can ask for a small gallop, but this is mainly a walking ride.

Starting opposite Riu Palace

The meeting point is a bus station in front of the Riu Palace. You should arrive five minutes before the scheduled start, where the horses and guide will be waiting. The activity ends at the same point, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer.

This simple meeting setup matters because hotel pickup is not included. If you are staying somewhere else on Boa Vista, you need to organize your own way to the bus station. The price of $81 per person covers the riding experience, guide, and liability insurance, but not transport.

Before getting on a horse, you fill out a security form. That is a small step, but it is useful for a first ride. It also gives you a chance to raise concerns before the group leaves. I would use this moment to tell the guide clearly if you have never ridden, feel nervous, or want extra help with steering and stopping.

The exact duration is not provided, so do not plan another important activity immediately afterward. One ride has started more than 30 minutes late, and delays can affect your day even if the actual outing is pleasant.

The safety briefing and choosing your pace

The guides give a briefing before the ride begins. You receive directions on how to control the horse and are accompanied during the outing. The stated aim is not simply to sit on an animal while someone leads it. You are taught enough to take the horse along at a peaceful walking pace.

That balance is important. You get a sense of handling a horse, but you are not expected to manage a fast or technical ride. For beginners, this is a good level of challenge. You can enjoy the feeling of moving with the animal without being pushed into a gallop.

The ride is also suitable for people with more experience, but the offering remains gentle. A small gallop may be possible if you ask for it. I would not book this if your main goal is a long, fast ride. The experience is built around walking, scenery, and the pleasure of being near the sea or dunes.

Communication can vary. English, French, and Portuguese are offered, yet one outing had guides with very little English. If your riding confidence depends on detailed spoken instructions, make your needs clear at the start and stay close enough to hear directions.

Riding beside the sea on Boa Vista

The beach ride is the experience’s strongest draw. You move slowly along fine sand with the ocean nearby, enjoying the wind, sun, and steady breathing of the horse. That combination gives the outing its old-fashioned charm. You are not racing from one attraction to another. You are simply moving through an open setting at the animal’s pace.

I like the fact that the beach creates a memorable first ride without requiring technical skill. You can focus on posture, steering, and the rhythm of the horse while taking in the coast. For a couple, it can be a pleasant shared activity, and guides have taken photos that capture the moment.

Still, you should keep your expectations realistic. The beach is not always empty. Other people may be walking or enjoying the shore, so you may not feel completely alone with the sea and horse. If you want the quietest possible setting, an early start may be worth asking about, since one rider specifically found the beach crowded and suggested going very early.

The slow pace is part of the appeal, but it can also test your patience. One rider described the outing as very slow and especially suited to people who had never been on a horse. That is good news for a nervous beginner and less exciting for someone hoping for a lively ride.

The white dunes and open desert setting

The alternative setting is Boa Vista’s sandy interior, with white dunes and wide open views. Riding there offers a different mood from the beach. Instead of watching the water, you see the horse moving through pale sand under the sun, with wind shaping the ground around you.

The dunes are likely to appeal most to people who want a strong sense of open space. You have fewer visual distractions, and the ride becomes about the horse, the sand, and the sky. It is also a good setting for photographs, especially if your guide is willing to stop and help with pictures.

The information provided does not guarantee whether every booking goes to the beach, the dunes, or both. Ask at the time of booking or before departure if one setting matters more to you. That question is especially useful if you have already spent plenty of time on the beach and would prefer a change of scenery.

The desert setting does not turn the outing into an advanced riding trip. The core experience remains a calm walk with supervision. You should still expect the guide to set a measured pace rather than let the group gallop freely across the sand.

How much independence will you have?

This is guided riding, but it is not necessarily a nose-to-tail walk with someone holding every horse. The guides check security, give directions, and allow you to take the animal along yourself. That gives beginners a small but satisfying feeling of control.

I see this as a good middle ground. Complete beginners often want help, but they also want to feel that they are actually riding. You can learn how the horse responds to your movements while knowing that guides are nearby.

The level of supervision may not feel equal throughout the ride. One person felt the guide should accompany riders more closely, while another raised concern about a horse lifting its legs unexpectedly. That does not mean every horse behaves this way, but it is a useful reason to stay alert and follow instructions carefully.

If you have never handled a horse, do not assume that a slow ride removes every risk. Ask for help if the horse feels unsteady or reacts in a way you do not understand. The safety form, briefing, and liability insurance are reassuring parts of the setup, but your attention still matters.

Horse care and what to watch for

A responsible horse experience depends on the condition and handling of the animals. Here, the feedback is mixed. Some people enjoyed a smooth, friendly outing, while others felt that certain horses looked tired or were not well trained.

One account raised concerns about horses not having enough time to drink between rides. Another described a horse falling by itself. These are serious points to consider, especially if animal welfare is central to your decision. I cannot assume that this will happen on your ride, but the concerns are specific enough that I would pay close attention when you arrive.

Look at the horses before mounting. If an animal appears distressed, unsteady, or poorly cared for, speak up. You can ask the guide which horse is suitable for a first-time rider and whether the animals have had water and rest. A calm, direct question is better than quietly accepting a horse that makes you uncomfortable.

This is also where the simple nature of the experience becomes important. You are paying for a short recreational ride, not a high-end equestrian program with a detailed presentation about horse care. Some people will find the price fair for the beach setting and photos. Others may expect more attention to the animals and more polished organization for $81.

Guides, photos, and the human side of the ride

The best moments seem to come when the guide is friendly and engaged. Guides have given clear briefings, helped couples, and taken attractive photos. One guide was described as reliable and very friendly, which can make a big difference when you are nervous about riding.

Photos are a welcome extra. You may not get a formal photography session, but a guide can capture you on horseback beside the sea or among the dunes. If taking pictures matters to you, ask politely before the ride and confirm whether the guide can stop for a few shots.

The human contact is less consistent. Some outings have felt quiet, with little explanation about the surroundings. If you enjoy asking questions about Boa Vista, horses, or the local area, you may need to lead the conversation yourself. Do not expect a detailed cultural talk unless the guide offers one.

Clothing and presentation have also drawn criticism. One person felt a guide’s clothes were not clean. That is not the central point of a horse ride, but it contributes to the overall sense of care. I would judge the experience mainly by safety, horse condition, and how clearly the guide communicates, while recognizing that the service may not feel polished.

Is $81 a fair price?

At $81 per person, the value depends on what you want from the outing. The fee includes an expert tour guide, horse riding, and liability insurance. You also receive access to a memorable coastal or dune setting, plus the possibility of guide-taken photographs.

For a first-time rider who wants one gentle ride in a striking setting, that can be fair. The experience gives you something different from a standard beach day and does not require you to buy riding equipment or arrange a separate guide.

The value is weaker if you expect a long excursion, detailed instruction, strong horse-care standards, or a private ride. Transportation is extra, and the exact duration is not stated. Delays can also reduce the practical value if you have a tightly planned day.

I would compare the price with your priorities. If your main goal is a few memorable minutes on horseback by the sea, the setting may justify the cost. If you care most about speed, professional equestrian training, or a quiet empty beach, ask detailed questions before paying.

Booking is flexible in two useful ways. You can reserve and pay later, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Those terms make it easier to hold a place while your Boa Vista plans take shape.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want a slow, supervised introduction
• Couples looking for photos and a calm shared activity
• People who enjoy beaches, dunes, wind, and wide views
• Visitors who do not need a long explanation of the local area
• Riders willing to organize their own transport to the meeting point

I would be more cautious if you are an experienced rider seeking a fast or technically demanding outing. You may be allowed a small gallop, but the normal pace is slow.

I would also think carefully if you are highly concerned about horse welfare or need close supervision at every stage. Ask about the animals’ rest and water, and explain your experience level before mounting. Those few questions can help you decide if the setup feels right.

Final call: book it or skip it?

Book this ride if you want a simple, scenic introduction to horseback riding on Boa Vista. The beach and dunes offer the real reward, and the calm pace makes the experience approachable for beginners. The chance to receive photos is another strong point, especially for couples.

Skip it, or ask more questions first, if you want polished service, a detailed guided tour, or a fast ride. Delays, limited English from some guides, crowded beach conditions, and mixed concerns about horse care mean this is not a flawless experience.

My practical choice would be to book only after confirming the preferred setting, meeting time, horse care, and language support. Arrive early, state clearly that you are a beginner if you are one, and consider requesting the earliest available ride if a quieter beach matters to you.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding experience take place?

It takes place on Boa Vista Island in Cape Verde, either on the beach or in the white sand dunes and desert area.

How much does the experience cost?

The price is $81 per person.

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

No. The activity is open to beginners as well as experienced riders.

Can experienced riders gallop?

More experienced riders may ask for a horse to do a small gallop, but the main ride is a peaceful walk.

What is included in the price?

The price includes an expert tour guide, horse riding, and liability insurance.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and transportation are not included.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at the bus station in front of the Riu Palace. The horses and guide will be there five minutes before the scheduled time.

Where does the activity finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What languages are available?

The experience is offered in English, French, and Portuguese.