Horseback Riding on the Beach in Baja California, Mexico

There are certain travel experiences that look beautiful in photos but feel completely different once you're actually there. Horseback riding along the beach in Baja California, Mexico was one of those experiences for me.

I booked my horseback-riding experience with Real Baja Tours.

During my trip to Mexico, I booked a private horseback riding adventure with Real Baja Tours, and between the horses, ocean views, beautiful weather and wide-open landscape, this ended up being one of my favorite ways to experience Baja California.

And yes—the photos and videos from this day were absolutely worth it!

Horseback Riding in Baja California

I love finding activities that allow me to actually experience a destination instead of only seeing it from a hotel, restaurant or car window.

Horseback riding gave me that opportunity.

From the moment we headed out, I could feel the pace of the day change. Instead of rushing from one attraction to another, I was able to slow down and take in the scenery around me.

The combination of the Baja landscape and the Pacific Ocean made the ride especially beautiful. There were moments when I simply looked around and thought, this is exactly why I travel.

Riding a Horse on the Beach in Mexico

Of course, the highlight was reaching the beach.

There is something incredibly freeing about being on horseback with the ocean beside you. Hearing the waves, feeling the breeze and looking out at the open coastline made the experience feel almost cinematic.

It's also one of those activities that can be enjoyed in different ways. You can appreciate the adventure of horseback riding, enjoy the natural scenery or—like me—capture plenty of travel content along the way.

You'll definitely want to consider the photo and video package offered during the experience, especially if creating travel content is important to you.

My Experience With Real Baja Tours

I booked my horseback riding experience through Real Baja Tours while visiting Baja California.

Having a guided experience allowed me to concentrate on riding, enjoying the scenery and capturing the moment instead of worrying about figuring everything out on my own.

If you've never been horseback riding before—or haven't ridden in a long time—I wouldn't automatically rule this type of excursion out.

Part of the fun is experiencing something outside of your normal travel routine. They also offer ATV experiences, which may be an alternative for anyone in your group who isn't comfortable riding horses.

Listen carefully to the instructions you're given, communicate if you're uncomfortable with anything and allow yourself a little time to become comfortable with your horse.

Once I settled into the experience, I was able to focus much more on what was happening around me.

The Perfect Excursion for Photos and Video

Now, from a travel-content perspective, this experience was a dream.

You have the horses, beach, ocean, desert landscape and natural sunlight all working together.

I came home with plenty of photos and video clips, but I also made sure I wasn't experiencing the entire ride through my camera. Using your phone while actively riding isn't recommended. It can become a distraction, you could drop or damage your device, and it may create an unnecessary safety risk. Fortunately, the excursion has media staff available to capture photos during the experience.

What I Would Wear Horseback Riding in Baja California

Comfort should definitely be part of your outfit planning. My outfit wasn't the most practical choice for horseback riding, so there are a few things I would do differently next time.

I recommend choosing clothing that allows you to comfortably sit and move on the horse. Closed-toe shoes are also a much more practical choice than sandals for this type of activity.

And don't forget about the Baja sun.

Depending on the weather and time of year, consider bringing sunscreen, sunglasses and anything else you'll need to remain comfortable outdoors.

For photos, I would choose something that looks good against the natural colors of the beach and desert while still being practical enough for horseback riding.

What I Would Bring Next Time

After experiencing the ride myself, there are a few things I would pack differently for a horseback-riding excursion in Cabo. Comfort, sun protection and keeping your belongings secure would be my priorities.

Sunscreen for outdoor excursions → Amazon

UV-protection sunglasses →Amazon

Small hands-free belt bag →Amazon

Closed-toe shoes for outdoor activities →Amazon

Lightweight sun-protection shirt →Amazon

Make Horseback Riding Part of Your Baja California Trip

One thing I loved about this excursion was that it gave me another perspective on Baja California.

A trip to Mexico doesn't have to revolve entirely around pools, restaurants and nightlife.

Getting outside and experiencing the landscape can become one of the best parts of the entire vacation.

If you're building a Baja California itinerary, I would leave room for at least one outdoor adventure.

For me, that was horseback riding.

For you, it could be horseback riding, hiking, an ATV experience, exploring the coastline or simply finding somewhere beautiful to watch the Pacific Ocean.

Is Horseback Riding on the Beach in Baja California Worth It?

For me, absolutely.

The combination of horseback riding, Baja California's landscape and eventually reaching the Pacific coastline turned a simple excursion into a travel memory I'll keep for a long time.

It was relaxing.

It was beautiful.

It gave me incredible photos and videos.

Most importantly, it gave me another opportunity to experience Mexico beyond the places where I was staying.

If you've been searching for things to do in Baja California, Mexico, or you've always wanted to try horseback riding on the beach in Mexico, this is one experience worth adding to your Baja itinerary.

Sometimes the best part of traveling is doing something you've seen in photographs countless times—and finally getting the opportunity to experience it yourself.

Planning a Trip to Cabo?

If you're planning your own Cabo getaway, read my Cabo San Lucas Travel Guide for more firsthand tips on arriving in Mexico, weather, phone service, accommodations and preparing for your trip.Until the next adventure,

Jessica Holland

Affordable Travel • Experiences • Mexico • California & Beyond