Horseback Riding on Essaouira Beach
Essaouira is one of Morocco's best-known spots for beach horseback riding, thanks to its long stretch of sand, steady Atlantic wind, and a more relaxed pace than busier resort towns. Riding stables are typically found along the beach south of the medina's ramparts, with options ranging from a quick one-hour ride to a multi-day trek along the coast. Here's how to pick yours.
Horseback rides on Essaouira beach cost between €26 and €97 per person, with free cancellation on most options. The 1-hour ride (€34) is the most booked, with 287 reviews and a 4.8/5 rating — by far the most proven choice. It's ridden at a walk and trot, guided, on flat sand south of the ramparts, suiting beginners and more experienced riders alike. The sunset ride (€77, dinner optional) is the most requested for its atmosphere, but also the priciest. A flexible ride along the Atlantic (€26, 1 to 6 hours) and a tea-break option (€97) exist too, but with very few reviews (17 and just 1) — worth keeping in mind. For a bigger adventure, a 2-day ride along the Atlantic coast (€32) is also offered, though it too has only one review so far. Essaouira's steady wind, the same one that makes it famous for kitesurfing, is noticeable on the beach.
Short ride, sunset outing, or multi-day adventure?
Three different approaches depending on what you're after:
- Short 1-hour ride: the easiest way to try beach horseback riding, and by far the most tested option.
- Sunset ride: for the atmosphere and photos, often with dinner optional — the most requested package.
- Longer ride or 2-day trek: for riders after a real adventure along the Atlantic coast, a very different experience from a simple one-hour outing.
Comparing the best horseback rides
| Ride | Duration | Price | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-hour beach horseback ride | 1h | €34 | 4.8/5 | 287 |
| Horseback ride along the Atlantic Ocean | 1-6h | €26 | 4.5/5 | 17 |
| Sunset horseback ride (dinner optional) | 3h | €77 | 4.9/5 | 38 |
| Horseback ride with tea break | 4h | €97 | 5.0/5 | 1 |
| 2-day horseback ride along the Atlantic coast | 2 days | €32 | 5.0/5 | 1 |
Prices per person, free cancellation generally available. Options with very few reviews (tea break, 2-day) are newer or niche offerings — check the terms before booking.
See all horseback rides in Essaouira· GetYourGuide
How the ride unfolds
- Pickup or meet-up directly at the stable, on the beach south of the ramparts
- Safety briefing and horse assignment based on your level
- Walk-and-trot ride guided along the sand
- Longer packages: breaks, dinner, or a stop along the way depending on the option chosen
- Return to the stable or your accommodation at the end of the session
Do you need riding experience?
No, prior experience is generally not required for the classic rides: most are ridden at a walk and trot, guided, on flat sandy terrain. More experienced riders can ask for a faster pace or opt for longer packages, like the multi-hour ride or the 2-day trek, better suited to those already comfortable on a horse. Bring closed-toe shoes, layers for the wind, and sun protection.
To round out your stay in Essaouira, see our guide to things to do in Essaouira, and our pick of Morocco's most beautiful beaches if you want to compare with other spots along the coast.
FAQ — Horseback Riding in Essaouira
How much does horseback riding cost in Essaouira?
Do you need riding experience?
What should you wear for a beach horseback ride?
What's the best time of day to ride in Essaouira?
What's the difference between the 1-hour ride and the 2-day trek?
In short
For your horseback ride in Essaouira:
- Quick, reliable taster → the 1-hour ride at €34, the most tested option with 287 reviews.
- Atmosphere and photos → the sunset ride, the most requested despite its higher price.
- Real adventure → the 2-day trek along the Atlantic coast, for riders after more.
