Esperanza Riding Company - Vieques
Horseback Riding in Vieques, Puerto Rico
Seven miles off the east coast of Puerto Rico, Vieques is the Caribbean Island best known as the home of the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world and a large population of roaming horses. With miles and miles of beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and rolling hills of colorful flora and fauna, there's plenty of exploring to do.
Experience the island on a Paso Fino Horse
Join us for an exciting ride along the rolling hills and turquoise waters of La Isla del Encanto on our native Paso Fino horses. Your senses will be delighted by the sights and sounds that can only be experienced on Vieques Island.
Known for their willingness to please and gentle nature, Esperanza Riding Company's island horses are perfect for first-time riders, vacation riders, experienced equestrians, and children alike.
What to know before you book…
Scenic Beach/Trail rides meet daily @ 7:45 AM & 3:45 PM, by reservation only
Group ride is a 1.5-hour loop - $90 per person
Private Ride is your choice of a 1.5 or 2-hour loop - $150 per person
Maximum of 10 (up to 12) riders per tour
Weight limit is 210 lbs due to the small, more narrow build of our local horses. We must also consider height/weight proportions when weight nears & exceeds 200 lbs. This is for rider safety and the physical health of our horses, therefore, we reserve the right to refuse service.
Children must be at least 8 years old, with some riding experience to join. They must have the confidence and ability to control their own horse, the endurance and attention span to do so for 1.5 hrs and the listening skills to take their guide’s instructions. (Please see the Family Farm and Pony Ride option below for young children).
Helmets are provided and mandatory. No exceptions.
Dress Code: Long pants and shoes that stay on your feet, that you don’t mind getting wet, are recommended but not mandatory. Yes, shorts are fine, and yes, sandals will be ok. No long, flowy dresses or wedge/high heels.
For more information:
Group Trail Rides & Private Trail Rides
Group Rides
The group ride will take you on a 1.5 hour loop trail through the hills, open meadows, woods, arroyos and two special beaches in the Esperanza area; idyllic palm tree-lined Playa Coqual & remote Playa Negra. We conclude the ride with a walk though our beautiful waterfront pasture, overlooking the south-side of the island. From this unique vantage point, you’ll enjoy views of Playa Negra, Playa Grande, and Monte Pirata to the west, and the village of Esperanza, Cayo Afuera and Cayo de Tierra to the east. Given the varied terrain, and natural single-track trails, we will maintain a walk for the majority of our ride. When appropriate, and if all riders are willing and able, we can move it up a notch, to the energetic paso corto (the speed equivalent of a trot that is a very smooth gait, specific to this breed of horse).
Private Rides
The Private Ride is your choice of the 1.5 hour loop (as described above) or the almost 2 hour loop that includes the addition of a scenic hilltop and a walk through the quant village of Esperanza. You’ll experience breathtaking and expansive vistas of our central valley, the easternmost Wildlife Refuge, Mosquito Bay (the brightest bioluminescent bay in the World!), and Sun Bay from high above. On the clearest days you’ll be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the St. Croix mountains, 45 miles away. Other special features include more opportunities to pick up the paso corto or just walk the entire time; your choice. There will be more chances to take photos and you’ll have your own personal guide. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion with friends, seeking a romantic experience with your partner, or are a group of experienced riders looking for more freedom within your ride, private rides are a great way to enjoy the Island.
Specialized Horseback Riding Options
Family Farm Rides
Parents, if you have young children and you all want to ride, but the kids aren’t ready for our 1.5 hour trail ride, the Family Farm Ride is for you! You each get on your own horse, we can hand-lead the littlest ones (if necessary) and we take you for a 20-minute loop around our beautiful waterfront pasture overlooking Playa Negra and the south shore of the island.
$30 Per Person | Offered at 9:45 am daily, by reservation
Exact meeting time may fluctuate and is determined by the morning trail ride schedule.
We schedule farm rides based on our morning trail ride schedule, as such, please reach out no sooner than one week before your trip to request your farm ride.
Pony Rides
For small children, ages 3-8 years old, we offer a 15-minute hand-led “mini trail ride” on our most docile horses
$20 Per Child | Offered at 9:45 am daily, by reservation
Exact meeting time may fluctuate and is determined by the morning trail ride schedule
Please text us when you arrive on the island to schedule your Pony Ride
Special Occasions
Is there a Special Occasion you’d like us to help you with?
Perhaps you'd like to propose on horseback at sunset or even exchange your nuptials on horseback. Do you envision your wedding party riding beautiful horses down a palm tree-lined beach?
Engagement and “Trash the Dress” photo shoots can also be arranged. Bring us your ideas and we’ll do our best to make it happen.
Thank you to our wonderful customers and friends!
