This tour offers a unique way to enjoy Australia’s stunning coastline — a 1-hour guided horse ride along Coffs Harbour’s sandy beaches, complemented by the chance to swim in a lagoon and capture memorable photos. From first-timers to seasoned riders, this experience invites you to connect with nature and horses in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
What makes this ride stand out? First, the breathtaking views of the coastline are hard to beat. Second, the opportunity to ride into the surf and feel the ocean waves around your horse adds an element of thrill that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. The only potential hiccup? The group size, limited to 8 participants, might mean a more intimate experience, but it also requires booking well in advance—average bookings are made about 71 days ahead.
This tour is best suited for those who want a relaxed, scenic adventure—whether you’re a beginner wanting gentle rides or an experienced rider eager to trot or canter along the shore. If you’re seeking a memorable, authentic encounter with Australia’s coast and nature, this could be just the ticket.
Key Points
- Stunning Coastal Views: Enjoy a scenic ride along the sandy beaches of Coffs Harbour, perfect for photography and relaxation.
- Flexible Riding Options: Walk, trot, or canter depending on your comfort and skill level.
- Ride into the Surf: For the adventurous, there’s the chance to ride into shallow surf and experience the ocean waves around your horse.
- Complimentary Photos: Professional photos are taken during the ride and shared on social media, so you don’t need to worry about capturing the moment.
- Group Size and Booking: Limited to 8 travelers, with bookings generally made 71 days in advance, which means planning ahead is key.
- Affordable for What It Is: At just over $250 per person, the value hinges on the chance to combine gentle adventure with stunning scenery—a memorable experience for many.
The Itinerary and What to Expect
Starting near the local surf club, the meeting point is easy to find and offers a relaxed atmosphere. Upon arrival, you’ll be fitted with a helmet and introduced to your horse, making sure everyone feels comfortable before setting out. The tour lasts about an hour, which is a generous amount of time to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.
The ride itself is thoughtfully designed to cater to riders of all levels. Whether you’re walking along the beach, trotting at a lively pace, or cantering into the surf, the experience offers a wonderful blend of tranquility and excitement. For those new to riding, the guides are experienced and attentive, ensuring safety and enjoyment. Confident riders can opt for a faster pace, adding a dash of adrenaline to the experience.
One of the most talked-about aspects is the opportunity to ride into the surf. When conditions permit, you’ll get to feel the waves splash around your horse’s legs — an experience many find both exhilarating and memorable. The tour also includes complimentary photos, which are shared on social media, allowing you to relive the vivid moments of your ride.
At the conclusion of the ride, you’ll return to the starting point, where the scenic views continue to impress. The entire experience is designed to be laid-back, scenic, and fun, with plenty of space to take photos and soak in the coastal atmosphere.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Coffs Harbour.
What the Experience Means for You
The value of this tour goes beyond just the ride itself. It’s about connecting with nature in a relaxed setting, capturing beautiful memories, and enjoying a slice of Australia’s wild coast. The scenic backdrop is ideal for photography, and the shared photos provided add a nice touch — no need to worry about taking your own shots unless you want to.
While the price might seem high for an hour-long activity, it reflects the personalized nature of the experience, the inclusion of professional photos, and the expert guidance provided. The small group size ensures you get more individual attention, which enhances safety and comfort, especially for beginners or those new to riding.
Travelers with a love for outdoor adventure, natural beauty, or animals will find this experience engaging and rewarding. Families, couples, or solo travelers eager for a memorable scenic outing will likely leave with a smile and some stunning photos.
Detailed Review: Why You Should Consider This Horse Ride
The Ride and Scenery
The highlight of this tour is, of course, the coastline itself. Coffs Harbour’s beaches are expansive and relatively uncrowded, giving riders plenty of space to relax and enjoy the ride. The route hugs the shoreline, offering unobstructed views of the ocean, and the gentle sound of waves creates a calming atmosphere.
The ride offers a mix of walking, trotting, and cantering, which makes it suitable for a wide range of experience levels. The guides’ flexibility with pace means even novices get a chance to enjoy the thrill of moving faster if they wish. The option to ride into the surf, while weather and tide conditions permit, is a standout feature. Many reviews highlight how invigorating it is to feel the ocean spray around the horse and rider — an experience that truly feels like a special connection to nature.
The Horse and Guide Experience
The horses are described as well-behaved and accustomed to the environment, ensuring safety and calmness. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making sure everyone feels comfortable — a vital aspect for beginners or those a little hesitant. They also handle the logistics smoothly, fitting helmets quickly and helping riders onto their horses.
Photos and Memories
The tour’s inclusion of complimentary photos is a big plus. Instead of worrying about capturing the moment on your own, you can focus on the ride while the professional photographer takes shots at key scenic points and during riding into the surf. Sharing these on social media makes for easy memory-keeping, and many reviews mention how these photos turned out well.
Booking and Group Size
With a maximum of 8 participants and bookings typically made 71 days in advance, this tour is best for those who plan ahead. The limited group size contributes to a more personal experience, but it also means availability might be limited during peak times. The $252.65 price per person reflects the exclusivity, professional photography, and guided service.
Considerations and Downsides
The main consideration is the group size and booking lead time. If you’re a last-minute traveler or part of a small group, there may be extra charges or difficulty securing a spot. Also, the tour is relatively short at around an hour, so some might prefer a longer adventure, especially if they want more riding or a different route.
Weather can also influence what is possible. Riding into the surf depends on tidal conditions and surf safety, so it’s worth checking with the provider if this is a priority.
Who Would Love This Tour?
This experience suits anyone eager for a scenic, outdoor activity that combines animals and natural beauty. It’s perfect for beginners who want a gentle introduction to riding, as well as experienced riders looking for a fun, relaxed outing on the coast. Families with kids (depending on age and comfort level) will enjoy the beach setting, and couples or solo travelers seeking a memorable experience will find plenty to love.
Those who appreciate stunning views, relaxed pace, and the chance to ride into the surf will find this tour especially rewarding. If capturing photos of your adventure is important, the included professional shots make this a worthwhile addition.
The Sum Up
In the end, this Coffs Harbour beach horse ride is a compelling choice for travelers wanting more than just a typical sightseeing trip. It combines the thrill of riding along a pristine coastline, the joy of feeling ocean waves around your horse, and the ease of having professional photos to remember it all. The small group setting and scenic route elevate it from a simple activity to a genuine experience worth planning ahead for.
While it may seem pricier than some activities, the intimate nature, stunning scenery, and the chance to ride into the surf justify the cost for many. It’s an ideal outing for those who want to combine outdoor adventure with authentic coastal views and a touch of local charm.
For anyone craving a memorable, picture-worthy encounter with Australia’s natural beauty, this tour is definitely worth considering.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
How long is the ride? The guided beach ride lasts about one hour, providing plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and have fun on horseback.
Can beginners participate? Yes, this tour is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders, with options to walk, trot, or canter based on comfort level.
What should I wear? While not explicitly stated, comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Helmets are provided.
Is riding into the surf available? Yes, depending on weather and surf conditions, riders may have the chance to ride into the shallow surf and feel the waves around their horse.
How many people are in each group? The maximum group size is 8 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.
Do I need to book far in advance? Yes, booking approximately 71 days ahead is common, so plan early if you want to secure a spot.
Are photos included? Yes, professional photos are taken during the ride and shared on social media, so you can revisit the experience later.
What if I want to cancel? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; late cancellations are not refunded.
Whether you’re after a scenic adventure, a chance to ride into the surf, or simply want to enjoy the natural beauty of Coffs Harbour’s beaches, this tour offers a memorable way to spend an hour by the sea.