What you should know before going horseback riding on Vieques. (FAQs)

Where is Esperanza Riding Company located?

We are on the island of Vieques, which is 7 miles off the northeast coast of Puerto Rico. 

Our farm is one mile west of Esperanza; on the south side of the island. Please check directions via Google by clicking HERE.

How do we get to Vieques?

The ferry departs from Ceiba (1.5 hours drive from San Juan) and can take 45 minutes (passenger only), or up to 1.5hrs (cargo/passenger ferry). Please see the schedule and book tickets online before reserving a ride with us. https://www.puertoricoferry.com/en/routes-schedules/ceiba-vieques/

Flights depart from San Juan International on Cape Air: https://flights.capeair.com/en/flights-to-vieques

Flights depart from the commuter airports in San Juan and Ceiba on Vieques Air Link: 

https://www.viequesairlink.com

How far are you from the ferry terminal or airport on Vieques?

A 20 minute drive from either. Both are on the north shore, and we are on the south.

Do you offer pick-up services?

We do not provide transportation for our clients, however, when you book, you’ll receive a very informative email that has a list of reliable taxis. Make reservations with them a day ahead of time. This is not NYC. Here is a comprehensive list of island transport services from Vieques Insider.

How do we get to your location?

Taxis are available at the airport and ferry terminals. It’s recommended to book with them at least a day ahead in order to receive prompt transport. If you’re day tripping or staying for a awhile, definitely rent a Jeep or UTV so you can explore the island.

Rental Cars: 

Maritza’s https://maritzascarrental.com

Avis https://www.avis.com/en/locations/pr/vieques

UTVs:

Fun Brothers https://www.funbrothersvieques.com

UTV Rental Puerto Rico https://www.utvrentalpr.com/locations/vieques

Do you have somewhere secure to store our bags?

Yes. We have plenty of space in our storage container to store you luggage or small belongings during the ride.

Our Daytrip advice:

Always book a morning ferry or flight, in advance. Vieques has a lot to offer. It’s beautiful over here! You won’t want to leave. You’ll enjoy spending the day on island; lunch at a local food truck or restaurant, exploring the beaches, then topped off with an afternoon trail ride with us.

Do NOT attempt an afternoon flight or the 1PM or later ferry to ride with us on the 4PM tour. If there is bad weather near the airport or the ferry is running late, you may miss your ride. (it happens all the time!)

What happens if we miss our flight or ferry?

It is your responsibility to do the research, book the proper tickets in advance (they do sell out), and be prompt. Due to our limited availability, and the amount of planning and work that goes into preparing your horses, we do not offer refunds for those clients that miss their ferry or flight, and rescheduling may not be possible.

Cancellation Policy

If there are ANY changes to your reservation, please contact us ASAP. 

If well in advance, it's best to reply to your confirmation email that you received immediately after booking and include any changes.

Customers will receive a full refund with at least 48hours notice. 

Contact us by phone (787-435-0073) if you’re experiencing any issues making it to your reservation on the day of. Ie, travel, illness, tardiness, etc.

Same-day cancelations and no-shows will NOT be eligible for a refund.

Rescheduling

Often, we are fully booked and won’t have the ability to reschedule riders on short notice. If you are unable to make your reservation on the day of your ride, and we can reschedule you to the next time/date available, you will be charged a $30 per rider fee. This goes to your guides that were preparing your horses and expecting to take you riding.

Inclement Weather

Nobody likes to ride in the rain, including us! If we are forecasted to get or are experiencing less then desirable riding weather, please don’t assume that we are cancelling the ride. Caribbean weather is fleeting and can be very different on opposite sides of the island. Your guide will be checking the radar prior to the ride and deciding if we will proceed as planned, postponing to avoid a quick shower, or will need to reschedule. Therefore, we will be in touch if the weather will affect your ride. No news is good news!

We have a strict weight limit of 210 pounds. This is due to the small, narrower breed of horses that are available to us in Puerto Rico; the Paso Fino.

We must also consider height and experience level when weight approaches/exceeds 200 pounds. (i.e. A beginner rider that is 5'5, 210 is not suited to our tour, as balance is very important). We realize this is a sensitive subject, but please understand that the safety of our horses and riders is very important to us and thus we reserve the right to refuse service.

Due to the adventurous nature of our trail ride, our minimum age limit is 8 years old. Those children ages 8 & 9 must have some sort of previous riding experience (pony rides, lessons, etc.), however, ages 10 and up, that are first timers, generally do just fine. 

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

All riders are expected to take instruction and be capable of controlling their own horse. 

Small children are not permitted to ride with an adult, on the same horse, as it is dangerous. 

Safety is our number one concern! If you have any doubts or questions concerning your children, please give us a call to discuss.

If you have small children that want to ride, please see our Pony Ride & Family Farm Ride.

Tipping is 100% recommended.

Your guides work hard to make you feel comfortable and confident on your horses. They keep you safe, educate you on your surroundings, can be your personal source of island information, and will take multiple photos for you. Showing your appreciation by tipping them after your ride puts a huge smile on their faces. We accept cash, Venmo and Cash App. 

What times /days do you offer trail rides?

Our meeting times are 7:45AM & 3:45PM, to avoid the heat of the day. This is for group and private trail rides. We do not ride on Sunday afternoon.

How long are the rides and what do they cost?

The group ride is 1.5hours long , for $90 per person. The private ride has the option of the 1.5hour loop or the closer to 2hour loop that includes the hilltop trail over Esperanza and a walk through the village, for $150 per person.

Where do your trail rides go?

We have wooded trails that take us east towards Esperanza, and from there we turn back west on to Playa Cocal (Coconut Beach). This is an idyllic, palm tree lined beach where we stop and take photos for you. It stretches about 1 mile to our waterfront pasture. You’ll see the rest of the herd, as we cross it and find ourselves on the hilltop above Playa Negra (Black Sand Beach). Then down to the beach to see the black sand and cliffs up close and personal. We exit the beach by way of the cool and jungle-like river bottom that leads us to reenter the pasture, where we walk up hill for an expansive view over Playa Negra and the south shore; from the mountains and Playa Grande to the west and east to Esperanza, the Cayos and Sun Bay.

Do we go into the water? 

Yes. We’re not going very deep, but we are splashing along the shoreline and going out into the water around some boulders. 

How many people are on a tour?

Group ride: Typically, 10, but we can accommodate up to 12. 

Private ride: Online we offer 5, but if you have a larger number of people that would like to book, contact us and we’ll see if it’s available. 

I have no riding experience, is this tour appropriate for me?

Yes. Our horses are very well-trained, calm and easy to ride. We begin every tour by giving a very thorough “how to ride” demonstration. Our guides are professional horsemen/women and are happy to answer any questions you may have along the way. Their job is to keep you well-informed and safe during your ride with us.

However, horseback riding is a physical activity, and you will need some flexibility and strength to maintain your balance and to ride/control your horse properly. Understanding of English or Spanish is mandatory for understanding of all instructions before and during the ride.

Do we go fast/gallop on the ride?

No. This is a scenic trail ride, over varied terrain, some roads, deep sand, hills, single-track trails, etc. It is not meant to be done at a high rate of speed, nor would that be safe. Furthermore, we can only go as fast as the least experienced rider is comfortable, and we take a lot of first-timers and beginners. If everyone is capable enough (determined by your lead guide), we can pick up the “paso corto” which is the special gait our local horses do. It’s smoother than a trot!

If you’d like to assure you are able to pick up the pace during your ride, the Private Ride is your best choice. We’ll have more opportunities on the longer loop and even if one rider is advanced, and the other a beginner, we can make sure to assign the latter with an easy-gaiting horse.

I’m traveling alone, can I join the group or do I need to book a private ride?

The group ride is for anyone to join, regardless of experience or number of guests. 

The private ride is most desirable for: 

1. Advanced riders that want the opportunity to pick up the pace and ride the longer route.

2. A couple looking for a more intimate experience and extra photos.

3. Families with young children that need more one on one attention. 

Are helmets provided?

Yes. They are mandatory. No exceptions.

What do I wear?

Long pants and shoes that stay on your feet, that you don’t mind getting wet. Shorts are fine. Just remember that you will be straddling a horse; short skirts and long, flowy dresses are NOT advised. No high heels or wedge sandals.  Riding barefoot is NOT permitted.

Is it necessary to make reservations?

Yes. It is very important to make reservations in advance.  And another word of advice; don’t wait until the last day of your vacation to go riding. In case of inclement weather, and the guide cancels the ride (not likely but it can happen), you’d want to have time to reschedule during your stay.

What if the time/date I want to book is not available online?

Please complete the Waitlist (here) request form so that we have all your information if we can in fact fit you into our existing schedule or if we have any cancellations. You will be notified if we can accommodate you.