Best Horse Riding in Essaouira: 5 Top Spots

If you’re looking for the best horse riding in Essaouira then you are in luck! Not only have I been living in Essaouira (on and off) since January of 2023, but I LOVE horse riding, aka horseback riding in the States.

I used to work on a farm during the summer as a kid and would basically go horse riding every chance I got.

I kind of stopped since adulthood shifted my priorities. But, I was delighted when I realized just HOW many amazing places there are to go horse riding in Essaouira.

Everywhere you turn you can find locals gracefully riding along the beach, their horses running through the surf.

But, you don’t want to go horse riding with the first local who reaches out to you since it’s hard to know how good the experience will be.

Instead, you want to know about the best places to go horse riding in Essaouira. This way you can have the most magical experience possible and make the most of your time in Essaouira.

Well, let me be the first one to tell you that I have done A LOT of horseback riding in Essaouira – some awesome and some not so good.

So, given all of my personal experience, here are my top picks for the best horse riding tours in Essaouira.

Because when it comes to safety and quality, these local companies are sure to leave you with a smile on your face and memories that will last a lifetime.

Just be aware that most of these experiences are only suited for people who weigh 200 hundred pounds (91 kg) or less.

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Best Horse Riding in Essaouira

1. Horse Ride on the Beach in Essaouira

⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (114 Reviews) Price: $39.07 per person Duration: 2 hours 📍Meeting Point: Pick up included Operator: Zouina Cheval Details: Read more on Viator Now!

This is without a doubt one of the best horse-riding experiences I’ve ever had in Essaouira. First of all, I LOVE that the instructors are so kind and friendly.

They make you feel very safe, speak fluent English, and walk beginners through the basics of horse riding. I saw a few of these lessons and the riders always looked so much more confident and at ease after their introduction to riding.

Then, after a brief safety lesson, the entire group gets to ride through beautiful forests, dunes, and beaches in Essaouira.

“Amazing experience to have for my family of 4. My 12yo was a bit weary of taking control of the horse so our guide hooked his horse to hers and helped lead the way. I was extremely impressed and it helped make the trip enjoyable. We rode through the woods, desert and on the beach. What more could we ask for. Our guide was so great that he took photos of us on our horses and then sent them to me after the tour concluded. I’d highly recommend this tour!”

Lindsey (read more reviews now)

So, you’ll get to see a ton of cute animals as you ride through the forest – animals like goats, sheep, camels, donkeys, and cows.

Once on the beach, you’ll see a wide array of birds and ride through the area’s incredible wild dunes. Continue along the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and step into the water.

If you’re a more experienced rider you’ll even get the chance to canter along the beach.

Overall, it was a rad experience and I would be happy to ride with them again. I also LOVE that you get dropped off and picked up from your hotel and that you can get to ride through different environments.

2. Horse Riding at Sunset for 2 Hours

⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (110 Reviews) Price: $44.65 per person Duration: 2 hours 📍Meeting Point: Jimi Hendrix Cafe in Diabat Operator: Cheval Essaouira Details: Read more on Viator Now!

Yes, this horse-riding experience is a bit more expensive than some of the other tours on this list.

But, there is nothing more magical than watching the sky come alive with vibrant colors as you ride through the surf and enjoy the awesome beauty of the ocean.

My only complaint is that they do not pick you up from the Medina. Instead, you have to meet them at the Jimi Hendrix cafe, which is an hour’s walk from Essaouira.

However, you can easily take a taxi here for 8 Dirhams and enjoy one of the coolest things to do in Essaouira at night.

Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a magical two-hour ride as you watch the sunset in the background. You’ll also be able to walk, trot, or cantor along the trail based on your experience with riding horses.

“This was an amazing experience, I absolutely cannot thank Mohammad enough! I went with friends who were more beginners, while I was experienced, they were able to cater to both levels of riding easily and allow me to live out my dream of galloping along the beach at sunset. It was a complete dream!! I will most definitely be coming back as soon as I’m able to.”

Elizabeth (read more reviews now)

During your trip, you’ll discover the ruins of an old Sultan’s palace, get to walk through enchanting Eucalyptus forests, and will admire the stunning sand dunes that overlook a wild beach south of Essaouira.

You might even spot other local animals along the way, like camels, cows, and donkeys.

Overall, I love the guides and think that the horses are very gentle and patient with new riders, making this the best horse riding in Essaouira for people with limited riding experience of for anyone traveling to Essaouira with kids.

3. 1 Hour Horse Ride on the Beach of Essaouira

⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (46 Reviews) Price: $29.00 per person Duration: 1 hour 📍Meeting Point: Moulay M‘hamed Tower Operator: Ranch De Diabat S.A.R.L Details: Read more on Viator Now!

If you only have one day in Essaouira then this 1-hour horse ride may be a great choice since it is a quick and easy way to try horse riding in Essaouira.

After meeting at Moulay M‘hamed Tower, you’ll be taken to the stables in the quiet town of Diabet – a place that is known for being one of the top day trips from Essaouira.

You’ll then get a quick introduction before riding some amazing Arabian-Barb horses. During the trail ride, you’ll be guided by experienced instructors and make your way along a tranquil beach in Diabat.

“It was such a fun afternoon. The guides were really experienced and gave us all horses suited to our abilities. Loved riding these pretty Arabs. My daughter and I were given a separate guide and had the chance to gallop along the beach after he gave us a few helpful tips. My horse was very responsive and fun to ride. I just loved it. My only regret was not booking a longer ride!! Thank you so much!!”

Alexandra (read more reviews now)

You’ll then continue along the coast and head back to the tables through a forest filled with eucalyptus and mimosa trees.

Overall, this is a great option if you want to get off the beaten path in Essaouira and explore the peaceful town of Diabat.

I have friends who did this tour and they raved about the instructors and the beautiful path they took through Diabat. They also felt totally safe and like this ride was designed for riders of all skill levels.

4. Horseback Riding Half Day With Picnic

⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (15 Reviews) Price: $55.81 per person Duration: 4 hours 📍Meeting Point: Jimi Hendrix Cafe in Diabat Operator: Cheval Essaouira Details: Read more on Viator Now!

Suitable for experienced riders and newer riders alike, this half-day horseback riding trip is perfect if you want to get to know your horse and enjoy riding through the gorgeous countryside surrounding Essaouira.

Like with other experiences offered by Cheval Essaouira, you’ll meet your awesome instructors at the Jimi Hendrix Cafe.

You’ll then ride through awesome beaches, expansive sand dunes, and cool forests during this unforgettable adventure.

After an invigorating ride, you’ll enjoy a beautiful picnic lunch in the countryside. Highlights include grilled meat, salad, fresh fruit, Moroccan pastries, and mint tea that can all be enjoyed around a roaring fire.

“Really this was the most incredible experience. Riding beautiful horses taken care of by a guide who really loves them. We had the time of our lives.”

Nicole (read more reviews now)

Added bonus? You can walk, trot, or cantor with the Barb/Arabian horses based on your own level of riding experience.

So, get ready to see the ruins of the Sultan’s palace, vast eucalyptus forests, and the wild sand dunes that overlook a local beach and cute island.

Also be on the lookout for other resident animals along the way, including camels, cows, and donkeys.

5. From Essaouira: 1-Hour Horse Ride

⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5.0 (108 Reviews) Price: $33.60 per person Duration: 1 hour 📍Meeting Point: Petite Porte de Bab Marrakech 211 Rue Chbanat Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Try doing something different during your stay in Essaouira and book this one-hour horseback ride through the Moroccan countryside.

After all, this tour includes a convenient pick-up service that will take you right to Ranch de Diabat, which is just a quick 3 kilometer drive from Essaouira city center.

Upon arrival, your ride can be tailored to a variety of different skill levels. So, beginners can enjoy a leisurely ride while more advanced riders can cantor along the expansive beaches that have made this city famous.

“Amazing experience, truly! Guides and drivers fun and polite, horses lovely! The only downside was that they picked us up 20 minutes later than booked so we had to shorten our time riding because we had our transport bsck to Marrakesh booked. So if you want to book, count 2,5 hours for this activity (to include transport there and back to the ranch and a possibke delay).”

Anonymous (read more reviews now)

Your trail ride will begin with a walk towards the river. You’ll then marval at the ruins of the former palace of Sultan Mohammed III, who revitalized the city by opening it up to both Jewish and English traders.

As you continue along the sandy shores of the beach, take in the breathtaking views of the Portuguese castle on Mogador Island.

Finish your journey at the ranch after you make your way through incredible local forests before heading back to the city and eating at one of the best cafes in Essaouira.

Conclusion

That wraps up this guide to the best horse riding in Essaouira! I hope you found this post useful and now know what to do after traveling from Marrakech to Essaouira.

TBH, I love horseback riding in Essaouira and think that this is one of the best places to do it in Morocco. Not only is the surrounding area stunning, but the horses are great and the local stables take really good care of their animals.

The prices are also super reasonable, making this an epic activity to enjoy during your time in Essaouira.

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