Tenerife South: Private Horseback Riding to the Coast

The best part of this private horseback ride is its finish at Costa del Silencio, where black volcanic rock and sand meet the sea. If the tide is right and the water is calm, you may guide your horse into the shallows. That is a rare and memorable way to see Tenerife’s coast.

I like the exclusive format, which keeps you from being folded into a large mixed group, and I like the free photos, which save you from trying to manage a phone on horseback. The main caution is that this is not a casual beach stroll for everyone: you need closed shoes, a reasonable fitness level, and an honest sense of your riding ability.

Key points to know before you book

• Two hours on horseback: Plan on about one hour out to Costa del Silencio and one hour back.
• Private instruction: The ride is reserved for your party, with a Spanish- or English-speaking instructor.
• Possible ride in the sea: Entering the water depends on the tide and sea conditions, so it is an option, not a promise.
• Black volcanic coast: Costa del Silencio brings dark sand, volcanic rocks, and open sea views rather than a polished resort beach.
• Free tour photos: The guide takes photos during the ride, giving you a record of the outing without juggling a camera.
• Riding limits matter: The activity is not suitable for children under 10, people over 95 kilograms, or anyone with several listed medical or mobility restrictions.

Riding from Tenerife’s south toward Costa del Silencio

This outing follows a simple route with a clear purpose. You spend roughly one hour riding toward the coast, reach the Costa del Silencio area, then return by horse along the route for another hour.

That structure works well if you want a proper ride rather than a short circuit around a stable. Two hours gives you time to settle into the horse, listen to the instructor, and enjoy the scenery without making the day revolve around an all-day excursion.

The south of Tenerife is known for dry, open scenery and volcanic ground. Here, the coast is the main attraction. Costa del Silencio has a darker, wilder look than a typical resort beach, with black volcanic sand and rocks shaped by the island’s volcanic past.

You should not expect a long gallop across a broad golden beach. The experience is built around a guided ride at a controlled pace. That makes it a practical choice for a first ride, but less suited to an experienced rider hoping for fast movement or advanced riding work.

A private ride with an instructor beside you

The private setup is one of the strongest reasons to choose this activity. It is designed for just you and your group, with no need to match your pace to a larger party of strangers.

That matters most when riding abilities differ. A first-time rider may need a slow, steady pace, while someone with more experience may feel ready for a little more responsibility. The instructor can keep the group together and adjust the outing to the people actually booked.

You receive live guidance in Spanish or English. The instructor’s role is not only to lead the route, but also to watch how the horses behave and help you respond. One first-time rider described the guide as quick to read what the horse was about to do, which is exactly the kind of attention you want when you are still learning how an animal moves.

Be honest about your experience before you set off. A rider reported that a horse became startled near a car, while another horse behaved calmly. That is a useful reminder that horses are living animals, not sightseeing vehicles. If you are new to riding, say so clearly. The instructor can then place you with a horse and pace that fit your ability as closely as possible.

The coastal stop at Costa del Silencio

Costa del Silencio is the visual reward at the end of the outward ride. The name means Coast of Silence, and the area is marked by dark volcanic material rather than pale sand.

You will see black sand and volcanic rocks along the shore. That contrast gives the stop a strong Tenerife character. It feels tied to the island’s geology, not like a generic beach activity that could happen anywhere.

The route is also useful for people who want sea views without booking a boat. From horseback, you get a low, open view of the shoreline and the surrounding scenery. One rider especially appreciated the sea and countryside views, which suggests that the trip is as much about the setting as the riding itself.

The coastal stop is not described as a long break with a packed schedule of activities. Think of it as the point where the ride meets the sea, with time shaped by the guide, the route, and the conditions. You then turn back toward the starting point.

When the horses can enter the water

The chance to take the horses into the sea is the most unusual feature of this excursion. If the sea is calm and the tide allows it, the horses may enter the water at the beach.

Keep your expectations flexible. This is conditional on nature, not something the operator can guarantee for every departure. Tides change, waves rise, and a safe ride must come first. If the conditions are unsuitable, you still have the coastal ride and the volcanic shore, but you may not get the water portion.

If it does happen, it can be a special moment. Horse and rider approach the water together, and the setting is far removed from an indoor riding arena. Follow the guide’s instructions carefully, especially if you have never ridden into water before.

Bring clothing suitable for an outdoor activity, and do not wear anything you cannot risk getting wet. The official guidance calls for comfortable clothing, outdoor clothing, sportswear, and closed shoes. It also specifically rules out sandals, flip flops, and open-toed shoes.

Free photos without holding up the ride

Photos are included at no extra charge. This is a small feature, but it makes practical sense.

Horseback riding is awkward to photograph yourself. You need both hands for balance and control, and a loose phone can become a hazard for you or the horse. Having the instructor take photos lets you focus on the ride and enjoy the coastal setting.

The photos also suit the private nature of the outing. You are not simply one face in a large group image. Your own party gets a visual record of the ride, the horses, and possibly the coast.

The available information does not specify how many photos you receive or how they are delivered. Ask the provider through WhatsApp if that detail matters to you before departure.

What the ride feels like for first-time riders

This experience can suit a beginner, but beginner does not mean unprepared. You still need enough balance, confidence, and physical ability to sit on a horse for two hours, with a return ride after reaching the coast.

The private format helps. A large group can make a nervous rider feel rushed or embarrassed. Here, the instructor can focus on your party and keep the outing at a pace that works for the least experienced person.

One booking involved a first-time rider and a slow pace. That is a sensible approach. You may spend more time walking than riding quickly, especially if someone in your group is new to horses.

You should also understand that a horse can react to nearby movement, traffic, or unfamiliar sights. The experience is guided, but it is not risk-free. Tell the instructor about your riding background, listen closely, and do not try to force a faster pace.

Who should choose this private format

I would consider this ride a good fit for:

• Couples wanting a quiet outdoor activity at a specific time
• Families with children aged 10 or older who meet the other requirements
• First-time riders who prefer personal instruction
• Small groups with mixed riding ability
• Visitors who want sea views and volcanic scenery rather than a standard resort activity
• Riders who value photos and a private booking over a large shared tour

The private arrangement is especially useful if your day has a tight plan. You can request a specific time, subject to availability, instead of being tied to a large group’s schedule.

It is less suitable if you want a fast, technical, or athletic ride. It is also a poor match for anyone uncomfortable around animals, unsure on their feet, or unable to manage a two-hour outdoor activity.

The stated upper weight limit is 209 pounds, or 95 kilograms. That is an important booking detail, not a minor footnote. The activity also excludes people with back problems, mobility impairments, epilepsy, recent surgery, animal allergies, a cold, motion sickness, or a low fitness level. Pregnant women, wheelchair users, visually impaired people, hearing-impaired people, and people over 70 are also listed as unsuitable.

What to wear and what to leave behind

Wear closed-toe sports shoes with a secure fit. Comfortable shoes are more important than stylish ones, and high heels are not allowed.

Choose practical outdoor clothing. Sportswear or comfortable layers make more sense than loose or delicate clothes. Biodegradable sunscreen is requested, which is a good choice for an outdoor ride near the coast.

Do not bring sandals, flip flops, or open shoes. Smoking, alcohol, drugs, and chewing gum are also not allowed. These rules are easy to follow, but they protect both riders and horses.

If you hope to enter the water, dress with the possibility of spray or wet clothing in mind. The conditions may not allow it, but you will be more comfortable if you are prepared for an outdoor coastal ride rather than dressed for a formal meal afterward.

Meeting point and WhatsApp instructions

The meeting point is at the following coordinates:

28.044401168823242, -16.639362335205078

Before the excursion, the provider sends the meeting information and an explanatory video through WhatsApp. Watch the video before leaving your accommodation. It should help you understand where to go and what to expect when you arrive.

Because no hotel pickup is specified, do not assume transportation is included. Plan to reach the coordinates on your own unless the provider confirms another arrangement directly.

The meeting instructions matter more here than they would on a central city tour. A precise location and advance video can save time, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area around the south coast. If you have any doubt, use WhatsApp before the activity date rather than waiting until you are on the way.

Timing, flexibility, and value

The ride lasts two hours, with available starting times shown when you check the date. The private format may cost more than joining a shared horseback outing, but the value comes from control and personal attention rather than from length alone.

You are paying for an exclusive departure, an instructor focused on your party, a coastal route, and free photos. For a couple or small group that wants privacy, the extra cost can make sense. For a solo rider or budget-focused visitor, a shared ride may offer better value if one is available.

The option to reserve now and pay later keeps your plans flexible. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Still, check the final price and exact departure time before booking, since neither is provided in the activity details here.

The two-hour length is a useful middle ground. It is long enough to feel like a real outing, but short enough to fit beside other plans in Tenerife. If your trip already includes a full day at Mount Teide, a boat trip, or another long excursion, this ride can occupy a smaller part of your schedule.

How this compares with other Tenerife riding options

Tenerife has horseback activities aimed at different settings. Some focus on forests, while this one is built around the south coast and Costa del Silencio.

Choose this ride if the sea is your priority. The possible water entry and black volcanic shore give it a distinct character. Choose a forest ride instead if you want shade, inland scenery, or a route away from coastal development.

The private arrangement also separates this experience from standard group rides. You are not booking only a horse and a route. You are choosing a more personal pace, a set time, and direct instruction.

That said, the private label does not remove the limits of the natural setting. The sea entry may not happen, the route may remain slow, and the horse may react to something unexpected. If you accept those conditions, the outing offers a pleasant way to spend two hours outside.

Should you book this horseback ride?

Book it if you want a small, private coastal experience with an instructor, sea views, free photos, and a possible ride into the water. It is particularly appealing for first-time riders who want personal attention and for couples who prefer a quiet outing at their own scheduled time.

Skip it if you need wheelchair access, have one of the listed medical restrictions, dislike uncertainty around animals, or want a fast ride. Also skip it if entering the sea is the only reason you are interested, since tide and sea conditions may prevent that part.

For the best chance of enjoying it, wear proper shoes, dress for the outdoors, disclose your riding level, and confirm the meeting details through WhatsApp. With realistic expectations, this is a memorable two-hour way to see a darker, more volcanic side of Tenerife’s southern coast.

FAQ

How long is the horseback ride?

The activity lasts two hours. The stated plan is about one hour riding to Costa del Silencio and one hour returning.

Where does the ride go?

The route follows the southern coast of Tenerife and reaches Costa del Silencio, known for black volcanic sand and volcanic rocks.

Can the horse go into the sea?

You may be able to enter the water if the sea is calm and the tide allows it. Water access is not guaranteed.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It is arranged as a private group, so you ride only with your own party and an instructor.

What languages does the instructor speak?

The live guide is available in Spanish and English.

Are photos included?

Yes. Free photos are included during the ride. The available information does not specify the number of photos or delivery method.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable outdoor or sports clothing and closed-toe shoes. Biodegradable sunscreen is also recommended.

What footwear is not allowed?

High heels, sandals, flip flops, and other open-toed shoes are not allowed.

Who cannot take part?

The activity is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people over 70, people over 95 kilograms, wheelchair users, or people with several listed medical, mobility, sensory, fitness, and allergy conditions.