Beach Horseback Riding and Swim Horse in Puerto Plata

The best part of this Puerto Plata outing comes when you leave the saddle, climb onto your horse bareback, and ride into the sea. That simple idea turns a standard beach ride into something more memorable, though ocean riding depends on the flag and weather conditions.

I like the care put into matching horses to riders, and I like that the guides stay close and explain what to do. The horses are described as healthy, calm, and easy to steer, which matters a lot if this is your first ride. The main drawback is that transportation is not included, and you cannot enter the sea when a yellow or red flag is flying.

Key points before you book

• Bareback ocean riding: You may ride your horse into the sea at Bergantin Beach when water conditions allow.
• Horses matched to your level: Rancho Montecarlo LyS selects a horse based on your experience and comfort.
• Small group size: The maximum is 15 people, allowing guides to keep an eye on the group.
• Useful inclusions: Your fee includes a guide, helmet, seasonal fresh fruit, and a small shot of mamajuana.
• Flexible beach stop: You have about two hours at Bergantin Beach for riding, relaxing, swimming, or an optional fresh piña colada.
• Important limits: Children must be at least 8 years old, the maximum weight is 260 pounds, and ocean riding is subject to the beach flag.

Why the ocean ride is the main event

Many horseback rides near resort towns follow a predictable pattern: mount up, walk along a beach, take a few pictures, and return to the ranch. This one adds a more unusual finish. At Bergantin Beach, you can take your horse into the water without a saddle, creating a close, splashy ride that feels very different from ordinary trail riding.

The word can matters here. You cannot take the horses into the sea under a yellow or red flag, so do not book this expecting guaranteed ocean access on every date. Weather and water conditions control that part of the outing. If the sea is off-limits, you still have the beach stop and the regular ride, but the signature moment may not happen.

I also like that this is not presented as a speed-focused ride. The horses are selected for different skill levels, and the guides remain with you throughout. That makes the outing better suited to a first-time rider or someone who wants a relaxed beach experience instead of a fast gallop.

Starting at Rancho Montecarlo LyS in Puerto Plata

The meeting point is Rancho Montecarlo LyS, S.R.L.C. Principal, in Puerto Plata. The activity begins and ends here, so you need to arrange your own way to the ranch unless you book separate private transportation. The operator can help organize transport, but it is not part of the $79 price.

Once you arrive, the important first step is horse selection. The ranch chooses an animal based on your level and comfort, rather than handing every rider the same type of horse. This is especially useful if one person in your group rides often and another has never been on a horse.

You receive a helmet, and the guides explain how to ride and handle the horse. The feedback about the staff is consistent: they are attentive, calm, and willing to help. Juanito and Nico are two guides specifically associated with the ride, and their role is to lead the group and keep the experience easy to follow.

The group limit is 15 people. That is not a private ride, but it is small enough for the staff to provide personal help. If you are nervous, tell the guide at the start. The stated policy allows most people to participate, and special physical or mental conditions can be discussed in advance.

Riding the nature trails for about one hour

The first riding section lasts about an hour and follows nature trails toward the coast. This gives you time to settle into the saddle before reaching the water. If you are new to horseback riding, the trail portion is useful because you can learn how your horse responds before attempting the beach or ocean section.

The horses are described as well kept, healthy, well trained, and easy to steer. Those points are more important than flashy tricks. A calm horse lets you pay attention to the scenery and your own balance instead of worrying about every movement.

The staff also provides hands-on help during the ride. That matters for beginners, since small instructions about posture, reins, and pace can make a big difference. Experienced riders may find this section gentle rather than challenging, but that is part of the appeal. The outing focuses on access and comfort, not advanced riding skills.

You should expect a guided group ride rather than complete freedom to choose your own route. The guides set the pace and direction, which helps keep the horses and riders together. It also means this may feel too controlled if you are looking for an independent riding session.

Bergantin Beach and the two-hour coastal stop

The ride continues to Bergantin, where the main beach break lasts about two hours. This is where the tour becomes more than a simple trail ride. You can spend the time riding near the shoreline, relaxing on the beach, swimming when conditions permit, or enjoying an optional fresh piña colada.

The beach setting is described as natural and relatively untouched, with the riding route reaching the coast through nature trails. The appeal is the change of pace: one hour on the trail, then a longer coastal stop where you are not rushed straight back onto the horse.

The beach also includes an authentic Dominican restaurant. Meals and extra drinks are not included, so you should budget separately if you want to eat or order more than the included fruit snack and mamajuana shot. This gives you a chance to add a local meal, but it also means the final cost can rise above the advertised price.

The seasonal fresh fruit is included and gives you a light snack during the outing. Water is also mentioned in the practical feedback about the experience, but the formal inclusions specifically list fresh fruit, a guide, helmet, and mamajuana. I would still bring or confirm access to additional water, especially in hot weather.

What bareback riding into the sea feels like

The sea ride is the feature that sets this outing apart. You take the horse into the water bareback, without the usual saddle between you and the animal. That gives you a stronger sense of the horse’s movement, so balance and following the guide’s instructions become important.

This is not the place to show off. Stay calm, listen closely, and let the guide set the pace. The horses are selected for the riders, and the staff is there to help, but you still need to be comfortable enough to sit securely without a saddle.

The ocean portion is also dependent on the flag system. A green flag may allow the ride, while a yellow or red flag means you cannot enter the water. The tour description does not promise that the sea ride will operate in every condition, so consider the regular trail and beach time part of the guaranteed structure, with ocean riding as a weather-dependent bonus.

For many people, this will be the strongest memory of the day. It is unusual, direct, and easy to understand without needing advanced riding experience. Still, anyone uneasy around water or horses should say so before leaving the ranch.

How the $79 price compares

At $79 per person, the price covers roughly three hours of guided activity. You also receive a helmet, seasonal fruit, and a small mamajuana shot. Since the horses are assigned according to rider level and the group is limited to 15, the fee represents more than simple beach access.

The value is strongest if you want the ocean ride and are staying close enough to reach the ranch without paying for a long transfer. It is less attractive if you need private transport, a full meal, professional photos, and extra drinks, because those costs are separate.

Photography is available at an additional charge. The staff is known for taking pictures during the outing, which can be convenient if you want a record of the beach ride, but you should not assume photos are included in the ticket.

Transportation is the biggest extra to plan for. Roundtrip transport can be organized separately, but the ranch does not provide it as part of the tour. Check the pickup arrangement and total price before booking, especially if you are coming from a resort or cruise port.

Who will enjoy this ride most

This outing fits first-time riders, couples, families with older children, and people who want a gentle coastal activity. Children age 8 and older ride their own horse, so this is not a pony ride with an adult leading the animal. Parents should decide if their child is ready to follow instructions and remain balanced for several hours.

It also suits experienced riders who want a different setting. The trail may not offer technical riding, but the bareback ocean portion gives confident riders something unusual to try. The guides select a suitable horse rather than assuming skill based only on a booking form.

The experience may not suit anyone wanting a fast gallop, a private ride, or a full-day equestrian program. It is also a poor choice if you need guaranteed ocean access. Your weight must be 260 pounds or below, and people over 65 should meet the stated good health requirement. Special conditions can be discussed ahead of time.

Practical planning for a smoother day

Wear clothing that can get wet and uncomfortable footwear that you can manage around horses and at the beach. The supplied information does not list a formal packing list, so I would keep valuables to a minimum and ask about the handling of phones and cameras before mounting.

Allow about three hours for the activity itself. The first hour is the trail ride, while the remaining two hours focus on Bergantin Beach, the sea ride, and time to relax. The exact order may shift with water and weather conditions.

The experience requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose a new date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum group size is not reached.

You may cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. Since conditions matter, it is wise to check the forecast and confirm transport before the deadline.

Should you book the Puerto Plata horse ride?

Book it if you want a friendly, guided horseback outing with a real chance to ride bareback into the sea. The strongest points are the calm, well-cared-for horses, the close help from guides such as Juanito and Nico, and the long beach stop at Bergantin.

Think twice if you need included transfers, a guaranteed ocean ride, or a private group. The $79 price is fair for the three-hour program, but transport, meals, drinks, photos, and tips add to the total.

For a first-time rider, this is one of the more approachable ways to try horseback riding in Puerto Plata. Just treat the sea portion as weather-dependent, confirm your route to the ranch, and arrive ready to get wet.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding experience last?

The activity lasts approximately three hours. About one hour is spent riding through nature trails, followed by about two hours at Bergantin Beach.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins and ends at Rancho Montecarlo LyS, S.R.L.C. Principal, Puerto Plata 57000, Dominican Republic.

Is transportation included?

No. Private transportation is not included. The operator can assist with organizing transport, but you must arrange and pay for it separately.

Can I ride a horse into the sea?

You can ride bareback into the sea when conditions allow. Ocean riding is not permitted when a yellow or red flag is flying.

Are beginners allowed to participate?

Yes. Horses are selected according to each rider’s experience and comfort, and guides accompany the group throughout the activity.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a guide, helmet, seasonal fresh fruit, and a shot of mamajuana. Drinks, meals, souvenirs, photos, and tips cost extra.

Are there age or weight limits?

Children must be at least 8 years old and ride their own horse. The maximum weight is 260 pounds. People over 65 must meet the stated good health requirement.