SANTA MARIA HORSE FIELD GUIDE
Galloping to Kitebeach: A Two‑Hour Coastal Horseback Across Santa Maria’s Sands and Salt Flats
A guided, two-hour ride from your hotel across the grande planície de Santa Maria to the golden shore of Kitebeach — useful for planning pacing, pickup, and what to bring.
Galloping to Kitebeach: A Two‑Hour Coastal Horseback Across Santa Maria’s Sands and Salt Flats.
Embark on a captivating horseback ride through the varied landscapes of Santa Maria, crossing the island’s broad plain and climbing toward Kitebeach. Riders of all skill levels can choose relaxed coastal walks or, where conditions allow, exhilarating gallops through the surf; the route loops past salt pans, dunes and the foot of the Serra Negra natural reserve before returning to the stables.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Kitebeach’s endless golden sand
The ride reaches a long stretch of golden sand at Kitebeach where experienced riders may gallop into the waves while others keep a relaxed pace along the coast.
Salt pans and dunes of Santa Maria
The route traverses the grande planície and passes visible salinas and shifting dunes that define the southern and eastern approaches to the beach.
Shrubs, streams and endemic life at Serra Negra
On the return leg riders follow flat scrubland and a small stream at the foot of the Serra Negra reserve — a corridor where cows, donkeys and endemic birds are commonly seen.
What the day feels like
What the two-hour ride feels like
The excursion unfolds as a steady, two-hour loop: a gentle start from your lodging, a traverse of the broad Santa Maria plain, an ascent onto Kitebeach where pace options open up, and a calm return along flat, green scrub to the stables. The rhythm shifts between relaxed coastal walking and, for confident riders, quicker stretches along the shoreline.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this ride suits — and who should check alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The activity is a two-hour horseback ride.
Comfortable clothing appropriate for riding and the island’s sun; operators recommend casual, practical attire.
Pickup is arranged from your hotel or lodging on Ilha do Sal.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Passeio a Cavalo Duas Horas?
The ride lasts two hours.
Where does the excursion begin?
Pickup and departure are arranged from your hotel or lodging on Ilha do Sal.
Is the ride suitable for children?
Yes — the tour is family-friendly and suitable for children aged 3 and up.
What terrain and sights are on the route?
The route crosses the grande planície of Santa Maria, passes salinas and dunes, reaches Kitebeach, and returns via flat scrubland and a small stream at the foot of the Serra Negra reserve where local livestock and endemic birds are commonly seen.
What should I bring for the ride?
Wear comfortable clothing suitable for riding and for sun exposure on the coast.
Can visitors not staying on Ilha do Sal book this excursion?
Confirmations for the excursion are valid only for customers accommodated on Ilha do Sal.