Horseback Riding in Jamaica: How the Beach Ride and Swim Works

You do not need any riding experience for this. Horseback riding in Jamaica is a slow, guided ride on calm, trained horses along a beach or coastal trail, and on our Ocho Rios ride it ends with you and your horse walking out into the sea together. Plan on about an hour on the horse, plus check-in and time to dry off.

Do you need riding experience to go horseback riding in Jamaica?

No. Most of the guests we drive to the stables have never ridden before, or rode once as a kid. The horses walk the same trails every day and know the routine better than anyone. Before you set off, a guide shows you how to sit, how to hold the reins and how to stop, then rides with the group the whole way.

If you are nervous, say so at check-in. The guides will match you with one of the calmer horses and keep you close to them.

What actually happens on the ride and swim?

After check-in and a short safety talk you mount up and head out at a walk. The trail takes you through some countryside and then down to the coast, with stops along the way for photos.

Then comes the part people book it for. The guides lead the horses into the sea and you stay on as the water rises up the horse's legs and then to its chest. The horses seem to enjoy it more than anyone. Some riders slide off and swim beside their horse when the guide says it is fine, others stay in the saddle the whole time. Either way you will be wet to the waist at least, so dress for it.

Should you book the Ocho Rios ride or the Negril ride?

We arrange two different horseback rides, and they suit different people.

Ocho Rios is the beach and trail ride that finishes with a guided swim alongside the horses. This is the one in the photo above, and the one to pick if riding into the Caribbean Sea is the whole point.

Negril is a scenic trail ride along the coastline. You get the views and the time on horseback, without the swim. Riders here must be at least 8 years old.

If you are staying in Montego Bay, either one works as a day trip. Ocho Rios is about an hour and a half to two hours east of MoBay, and Negril is about an hour and a half west. Groups who want a full day can also look at the Chukka Ocean Outpost package near Montego Bay, which puts a horseback ride and swim together with ziplining, ATVs and a catamaran.

What should you wear for a horseback ride in Jamaica?

Put your swimsuit on at the hotel, under shorts or light pants. Long, thin pants are kinder to your legs if you chafe easily in a saddle. For your feet, wear water shoes or closed shoes with a strap. Flip-flops slip out of the stirrups and float away in the sea.

Pack a towel, a dry change of clothes, sunscreen and some bug spray for the trail. A waterproof phone pouch on a lanyard is worth it, because nobody wants to fish a phone out of the sea. Leave jewelry and loose sunglasses at the hotel. Your bag can stay in the vehicle with your driver while you ride.

Are there age or weight limits?

Yes, and the stables set them, not us. On the Negril trail ride, riders must be 8 or older. Many stables in Jamaica also have a weight limit, often around 230 lbs (about 104 kg), and most will not let pregnant guests ride. Tell us everyone's age, and anything like a bad back, when you book. We check with the stable before you make the drive so nobody gets turned away at the gate.

Is riding a horse into the sea safe?

The horses are trained for it and do it several times a day, and the guides walk right beside you in the water. The real risks are ordinary ones: too much sun, slipping on wet sand, or dropping your phone. Listen to your guide, hold on when they tell you to, and if you cannot swim, stay on the horse and let your guide know at the start.

When is the best time of day to ride?

Go in the morning if you can. The sun is gentler and the sea is usually calmer before the afternoon breeze picks up. A morning ride also leaves your afternoon free for the beach or the pool.

In Ocho Rios, a horseback ride pairs well with Dunn's River Falls, since you are already in the area and already wet. Eat a light breakfast before you go, bring some cash for tips, and know that some stables have a photographer selling pictures at the end.

Ready to ride?

We pick you up from your hotel, drive you to the stable, wait while you ride and bring you back. Book a tour and tell us which ride you want. If you are still planning your arrival, we can also handle your private airport transfers from Sangster.