Best Horseback Riding in Tamarindo, Costa Rica (2026)

Updated October 2026

These outfitters for horseback riding in Tamarindo are ranked by the most 4- and 5-star Google reviews this year. Riding Escapes, Costa Horses and Pacific Horses lead the list, and all seven are below with what makes each one different.

Most of the rides with the strongest reviews start at Playa Conchal and Brasilito, not in Tamarindo itself. You’ll find beach and sunset rides, rides where the horses swim in the ocean, ranch trails and a farmstay, plus tips for choosing an outfitter that treats its horses well.

How we ranked these

These are the horseback riding tours in Tamarindo with the most 4- and 5-star Google reviews this year. Recent reviews tell you what visitors think right now, not years ago. Every business here fits the category, is in or near Tamarindo and shows recent signs of being open.

When a category is small, we fill the last spots with businesses that have fewer reviews this year but a strong rating overall, 4.3 stars or more. You’ll see “Also recommended” under their names.

Most of these rides start at Playa Conchal, Brasilito and other beaches outside Tamarindo, so this list includes outfitters up to about 30 km away. Black Stallion Eco Ranch and Hacienda El Roble also appear in our other tour lists, and their counts include all their reviews this year, not only horseback ones.

Every business in Tamarindo is listed free on Tamarindo Guide. Featured businesses, the ones that support the guide, are usually included when they fit the category, and we always label them.

1. Riding Escapes

See Riding Escapes on Tamarindo Guide

123 4- and 5-star Google reviews in 2026 · 5.0 average

Horse care is the reason most guests choose Riding Escapes, a woman-owned ranch that also gives riding lessons. Reviewers say the horses are well fed, not over-ridden, and bigger than the beach horses in Tamarindo. One popular ride ends with swimming bareback in the ocean with the horses, and countryside trails pass monkeys and deer.

It’s a good fit for animal lovers, beginners and families, even with toddlers, and there’s a calm mule for nervous riders. Sunset rides at Playa Conchal get great reviews too. It costs more than quick beach rides in Tamarindo, and it’s a drive from town, so ask about meeting points when you book on WhatsApp.

2. Costa Horses

See Costa Horses on Tamarindo Guide

95 4- and 5-star Google reviews in 2026 · 5.0 average

Costa Horses lets riders go faster than most. Guides take you into the water and let you canter or gallop along Playa Conchal if you’re comfortable, which guests say many outfitters don’t allow. Some rides also head up the mountain behind the beach for views. Reviewers say the horses are gentle, well trained and matched to each rider.

It’s an easy choice if you’re staying at a Playa Conchal resort, since guests find the guides right on the beach and book on the spot. Rides range from 30 minutes to sunset outings, and nearly every review praises the photos. Families with kids aged 6 to 11 felt safe. From Tamarindo, plan the drive to Conchal.

3. Pacific Horses

See Pacific Horses on Tamarindo Guide

62 4- and 5-star Google reviews in 2026 · 4.9 average

Pacific Horses, also listed as Horseback Riding Conchal, starts in Brasilito and loops along the white sand of Playa Conchal, then back on shaded forest trails with ocean views. Before you ride, the owner asks each rider’s weight and experience to pick the right horse, and experienced riders get livelier ones. Helmets are optional.

It suits mixed groups, from complete beginners to skilled riders who want to canter. Guides point out howler monkeys and iguanas and take photos and videos. Most rides run about an hour to an hour and a half. Two reviewers were unhappy with the condition of some animals, and one got a stubborn mule, so ask questions when you book.

4. Black Stallion Eco Ranch

See Black Stallion Eco Ranch on Tamarindo Guide

61 4- and 5-star Google reviews in 2026 · 4.8 average

The only place on this list where you can ride horses, zip line and drive ATVs in one visit is Black Stallion Eco Ranch. Its horse rides run on the ranch for about 90 minutes, and guests describe them as the calm part of the day, a slower way to take in the views after the faster activities.

It’s a good fit for big groups with kids: one party of 13, with children aged 5 to 10, did all three activities plus the barbecue dinner. Most reviews this year focus on the zip line, ATVs and food rather than the horses. One rider waited 45 minutes to start and found the guide quiet, so confirm your time.

5. Hacienda El Roble & Adventure Center

See Hacienda El Roble & Adventure Center on Tamarindo Guide

5 4- and 5-star Google reviews in 2026 · 5.0 average

Out in Coyolito, Hacienda El Roble & Adventure Center combines lodging with a zip line course, birdwatching and breakfast. One guest counted 53 bird species in a short visit. None of this year’s reviews describe a horseback ride, though, so we can’t tell you about the horses or the trails.

It could suit you if you want a quiet rural stay with several activities in one place. Message the hacienda first to confirm which horseback rides are available, how long they last and whether they suit beginners or kids. Coyolito is a drive from Tamarindo, so it’s worth knowing what to expect before you go.

6. Estero Tours

See Estero Tours on Tamarindo Guide

Also recommended · 4 4- and 5-star Google reviews in 2026 · 5.0 overall from 43 Google reviews

Livelier horses set Estero Tours apart. Reviewers say the horses are responsive, not dull or slow, and the sunset ride mixes beach, trails and lookouts with small challenges that help you build your riding skills. Guides take photos and videos along the way, and guests say the horses are well treated.

It works well for couples and mixed groups. One group said the guide kept the pace of the most nervous rider while letting confident riders run a little, and a beginner couple booked it for a birthday sunset ride. It’s listed in the Santa Cruz area, so ask where the ride starts.

7. Finca Shambalah

View Finca Shambalah on Google Maps

Also recommended · 4 4- and 5-star Google reviews in 2026 · 4.8 overall from 14 Google reviews

At Finca Shambalah, the horses come to you: guests say they stroll right past the villa in the early morning. It’s a farmstay at Playa Lagartillo, near Playa Avellanas, rather than a tour company. Reviews praise the quiet, the connection with nature and the hosts, who reply fast and help plan tours.

It suits families and groups who want a quiet, nature-focused stay with horses around. One family of 11 found the large house comfortable, with caretakers who left fresh eggs each morning. If riding is your main goal, ask the hosts what horse activities they offer before you book.

How to Choose a Horseback Riding Tour in Tamarindo

Start with horse care. Many reviewers chose their outfitter because the horses looked healthy and well rested. Look for recent reviews that mention calm, well-fed horses, and for guides who ask about your weight and experience so they can match you with the right horse.

Next, pick your kind of ride. Beach rides at Playa Conchal and Brasilito are good for sunsets, photos and swimming with the horses. Ranch and trail rides go through the countryside, where riders often see howler monkeys and iguanas.

Finally, check where the ride starts. Most outfitters on this list are a drive from Tamarindo, so ask about meeting points and pickup. Some businesses keep shorter hours in the green season (rainy season), roughly May to November, so message ahead.

Quick comparison

#	Business	4- and 5-star reviews in 2026	Average rating	Best for
1	Riding Escapes	123	5.0	Horse welfare and ocean swims
2	Costa Horses	95	5.0	Sunset rides and beach gallops
3	Pacific Horses	62	4.9	Beach and shaded trail mix
4	Black Stallion Eco Ranch	61	4.8	Horses plus zip line and ATVs
5	Hacienda El Roble & Adventure Center	5	5.0	Rural stay with activities
6	Estero Tours	4	5.0 overall	Sunset rides for mixed levels
7	Finca Shambalah	4	4.8 overall	Farmstay with horses

Frequently asked questions

Can you go horseback riding on the beach in Tamarindo?

Yes, though most beach rides on this list are at Playa Conchal and Brasilito, a drive from Tamarindo. Riding Escapes, Costa Horses and Pacific Horses all get strong reviews for beach and sunset rides, and some rides include time in the ocean.

Is horseback riding in Tamarindo expensive?

Prices depend on ride length and the type of tour, so message a few outfitters for current rates. Reviewers say Riding Escapes costs more than the quick beach rides in Tamarindo, but felt the horses’ care was worth it. Costa Horses offers rides as short as 30 minutes.

Is horseback riding in Tamarindo good for beginners and kids?

Yes. First-time riders and families with young kids felt safe with Riding Escapes, Costa Horses and Pacific Horses. Guides match calm horses to new riders, and Riding Escapes has a mule for an extra-calm ride.

Can you swim with horses near Tamarindo?

Yes. Riding Escapes runs a ride that ends with swimming in the ocean with the horses, and Costa Horses guides often take riders into the water. Wear clothes that can get wet.

Find more horseback ride in Tamarindo

Want to compare more outfitters? Browse every horseback riding tour in the full Horseback Riding category on Tamarindo Guide.

Browse all Horseback Ride in Tamarindo on Tamarindo Guide

Best Horseback Riding Tours in Tamarindo in 2026