Tenerife South: Private Horseback Ride to the Coast

The unusual part comes at the end of the route: if the sea is calm and the tide is right, you may ride your horse into the water at Costa del Silencio. That turns a standard riding outing into a memorable coastal experience, though the sea portion is never guaranteed.

I like the private format, which lets the instructor match the pace to your group instead of folding you into a large trail ride. I also like the free photos and the chance to see Tenerife’s volcanic coast from horseback. The catch is the price, $265 per person, and the ride is not suitable for many people with health, mobility, or riding concerns.

Key points

• A possible ride in the sea: Enter the water at Costa del Silencio only when the tide and conditions allow.
• Two hours on horseback: Plan on roughly one hour out and one hour back from Xanadu Tenerife.
• Private group: You ride only with your own party and an instructor.
• Helpful for first-time riders: The instructor can adjust the pace, though you should be honest about your experience level.
• Volcanic coastal scenery: Expect black sand and dark volcanic rocks rather than a pale Caribbean-style beach.
• Photos and water included: You do not need to arrange your own pictures or carry a large amount of water.

Riding from Xanadu Tenerife toward the southern coast

Your meeting point is Xanadu Tenerife, a restaurant and riding center listed as Restaurante, Paseos a Caballo, Hipica. The operator sends meeting instructions and an explanatory video through WhatsApp before the trip, so you should watch for that message and check it before leaving for the activity.

The ride lasts two hours. The basic plan is simple: about one hour to reach Costa del Silencio, followed by about one hour to return to Xanadu Tenerife. This is not a short pony ride around a fenced yard. You spend most of the time moving through the southern part of the island toward the coast.

The exact route is not described in detail, so you should not expect a published list of named viewpoints or a tightly scripted sightseeing program. That is part of the appeal for some people. You get time outdoors on horseback, with the coast as the goal rather than a string of formal stops.

The private group setup matters here. If you are new to riding, you can tell the instructor your experience level at the start and settle into a pace that feels manageable. If your group already rides, you can ask about the pace and enjoy a more personal outing than a large mixed group usually allows.

Still, private does not mean risk-free or completely customized in every detail. You are on a live animal in an outdoor setting, and the pace can change when the horse encounters something unexpected. One rider described a horse spooking near a car, while another horse remained calm. That is a useful reminder to be candid about your riding ability and listen closely to the instructor.

What the private format changes

A private ride is the main reason to consider paying $265 per person. You are not sharing the outing with unrelated participants, and you can book a specific time of day instead of simply accepting a general group departure. For couples, families with older children, or friends who want the outing to themselves, that privacy may justify the cost.

The instructor is there throughout the ride, and the experience is offered in English or Spanish. The available feedback gives the guide an important role in the quality of the outing. One first-time rider praised the instructor’s ability to anticipate what the horse might do, which is exactly the kind of calm supervision you want when you are still learning how to sit, steer, and respond.

You should not treat the ride as a lesson in advanced horsemanship. The supplied information presents it as a guided coastal outing, not a formal riding course. The instructor’s job is to help you handle the horse safely and keep the group moving, while you enjoy the route and scenery.

If one member of your party has never ridden before, say so clearly. A slow pace can make the outing far more comfortable. One group specifically rode slowly because it was a first-time experience, and that is the sensible approach for beginners.

Costa del Silencio and its black volcanic shore

Costa del Silencio is the principal coastal stop. The name means Coast of Silence, and the area is characterized here by black sand and volcanic rocks. Do not arrive expecting a broad strip of soft, pale sand. The visual character is darker and more rugged, shaped by Tenerife’s volcanic origin.

You have a photo stop at the coast, giving you time to take in the sea and the horses before heading back. The coastal views are one of the strongest reasons to choose this ride. From horseback, you see the shore at a slower pace than you would from a car, and the route gives you time to notice the contrast between the dark rock and the open water.

The ride may include entering the sea with the horses. This depends on two things you cannot control: the state of the water and the tide. If conditions are not suitable, the group will remain on land. Consider the water entry a welcome possibility, not the central promise of the booking.

That distinction matters if you are choosing this experience mainly for an in-water photograph. The tour can still be worthwhile when the sea is rough or the tide is wrong, but the outing then becomes a coastal ride with a photo stop rather than a ride through the water.

The coast can also be a practical place to notice why proper footwear is required. Wear closed-toe sports or outdoor shoes, not sandals, flip flops, or high heels. Volcanic rock is not forgiving of exposed toes, and secure shoes are sensible around horses as well.

The return ride and the two-hour pace

After the stop at Costa del Silencio, you return to Xanadu Tenerife. The round trip is planned at a relaxed pace, with approximately one hour in each direction. That makes the experience long enough to feel like a real outing without taking up an entire day of your holiday.

The two-hour length also means you need a reasonable level of comfort outdoors. The activity is not recommended for people with a low level of fitness, motion sickness, back problems, recent surgery, epilepsy, or animal allergies. It is also not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people over 70.

The age limit is firm: children under 10 cannot take part. The listed weight limit is 209 pounds, or 95 kilograms. These restrictions are not small print to ignore. Horse size, saddle fit, balance, and the demands of outdoor riding all affect safety.

People with visual or hearing impairments are also listed as unsuitable for this activity. If anyone in your group has a medical condition or physical limitation that is not clearly addressed, contact the provider before paying. The private format does not remove the activity’s basic physical requirements.

What the instructor, horse, and setting demand from you

Horseback riding can look easy from the ground. Once you are in the saddle, you need to keep your balance, follow directions, and stay alert to the animal beneath you. Even at a slow pace, you are participating in an outdoor activity rather than sitting back as a passenger.

The experience works best when you are honest about your riding background. Do not claim to be experienced if you are not. A first-time rider can have a pleasant outing, especially when the pace is adjusted, but the instructor needs accurate information before choosing or assigning a horse.

The horse may respond to traffic or another surprise. One account specifically describes a horse spooking in front of a car, while another horse behaved like an angel. That contrast says more than a long safety speech could: animals have individual temperaments, and you should be prepared for movement.

The instructor’s presence is a major benefit. A guide who can read the horse’s behavior and give clear directions can help you stay calm. You should still follow instructions, keep your hands steady, and avoid sudden movements around the horse.

People with animal allergies should skip this activity. The close contact with horses is not incidental. You will spend two hours near them, so sunscreen or outdoor clothing cannot solve the main problem.

Photos, water, and what to wear

Photos are included at no extra charge. That is useful because taking pictures from horseback can be awkward, especially when you are also trying to hold reins and pay attention. The photos give you a record of the coast, the horses, and possibly the water portion if conditions permit.

Water is included too. You should still arrive hydrated, especially on a sunny day, but you do not need to plan for a long food stop. Lunch is not included, and this is a two-hour activity rather than a meal outing.

Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy movement. Sportswear, outdoor clothing, and sturdy closed-toe sports shoes are all appropriate. Leave high heels, sandals, flip flops, and other open-toed footwear at your accommodation.

Use biodegradable sunscreen. The request fits a coastal activity where water and shoreline conditions matter, and it is also practical for a ride in strong sun. You may want to bring only what you need, since loose items can be inconvenient on horseback.

Smoking, alcohol, drugs, and chewing gum are not allowed. These rules are especially sensible around horses, where sudden distractions or impaired judgment can create problems. Follow them without trying to negotiate exceptions.

Is $265 per person a fair price?

At $265 per person, this is an expensive two-hour activity. The price is easier to defend if you value three things: a private group, a specific departure time, and the instructor’s attention. Free photos, water, a helmet, and a disposable hygiene cap add practical value, but they do not transform the outing into a full-day excursion.

For a solo rider, the price may feel steep. For a couple or small group that strongly prefers privacy, it can make more sense than booking a cheaper shared ride with strangers. You are paying mainly for exclusivity and personal attention, not for a long itinerary packed with multiple attractions.

The sea entry, if available, also affects the perceived value. It is a distinctive moment that ordinary inland riding cannot offer. But because tide and sea conditions control it, you should not pay this amount solely on the assumption that you will ride into the water.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to arrange your own way to Xanadu Tenerife, and the provider sends the meeting details by WhatsApp before the trip. Include that transport cost and planning time when comparing this with other horseback outings.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your schedule is still taking shape. Check the available starting times before booking, since the exact departure options can affect how well the ride fits your day.

Who will enjoy this coastal horseback ride?

I would recommend it most to adults and older children, age 10 and above, who are comfortable around horses and want a private outdoor activity. It suits a couple looking for a quieter shared experience, friends who want photos together, or a first-time rider willing to follow instructions and accept a slow pace.

It is also a good match if the coast matters more to you than a long list of attractions. You get black volcanic rock, sea views, and the chance of entering the water, rather than a museum, town tour, or food-focused excursion.

I would not choose it for someone who wants a guaranteed swim with the horse. The water portion depends on conditions. I would also avoid it for anyone with significant mobility, balance, back, fitness, allergy, or medical concerns listed by the operator.

The experience is less suitable for visitors who dislike uncertainty. A horse may react to its surroundings, the sea may be unsuitable, and the route details are not highly specific. The private guide helps, but you still need to be comfortable with an outdoor activity that changes slightly from day to day.

Should you book it?

Book this ride if you want privacy, coastal scenery, and a chance to experience Tenerife from horseback rather than from a tour vehicle. The best features are the private group, the instructor’s personal attention, the volcanic shore at Costa del Silencio, and the possible ride into the sea.

Skip it if $265 feels too high for two hours, if you need hotel transport included, or if the water entry is the only reason you are interested. For a first-time rider, be honest about your ability, wear proper closed shoes, and treat the sea portion as a bonus. With those expectations, this can be a memorable and personal way to see the southern coast.

FAQ

How long is the horseback ride?

The activity lasts two hours. The planned route takes about one hour to reach Costa del Silencio and about one hour to return to Xanadu Tenerife.

Can I ride the horse into the sea?

You may be able to enter the sea at Costa del Silencio if the sea conditions are good and the tide allows it. Water entry is not guaranteed.

Is the horseback ride private?

Yes. The activity is for a private group consisting only of you and your party, with an instructor.

What languages does the instructor speak?

The activity is offered with a live guide in Spanish or English.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the private horseback ride, instructor, helmet, disposable hygienic cap, photos, and water. Hotel pickup, hotel drop-off, and lunch are not included.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable outdoor or sports clothing, biodegradable sunscreen, and closed-toe sports shoes. High heels, sandals, flip flops, open-toed shoes, smoking, alcohol, drugs, and chewing gum are not allowed.