As the sun sinks toward the Atlantic, the beach outside Essaouira turns gold and quiet. Hooves leave soft lines in the sand, waves roll in steadily, and the day slows to its final, most beautiful moment. Riding at sunset here feels calm and intimate, as if the landscape is performing just for you.
The ride follows the shoreline and nearby dunes, passing the Kassob River, the remains of an old Portuguese fortress, and views toward Mogador Island. Depending on the season, the sky may glow clear and bright or fill with layered clouds that catch the light in constantly changing colours. Beginners are welcome, with the pace adapted to each rider, and experienced riders may enjoy longer, freer stretches along the beach.
Everything is carefully timed around the sunset, with clear safety guidance before departure and a relaxed return before darkness falls. Transfers can be arranged from Essaouira, or you may arrive on your own. Join this short but memorable ride and see the coast at its most atmospheric moment!
Difficulty
Easy
Weight limit
Duration
1h
Group size
1-15 tourists,
over 14 y.o.
over 14 y.o.
Only in the Horse Tours Club
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Erika P. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English, French, Arabic
In 2006, an enthusiastic horse-riding tourist from Italy came to Morocco to book a horse ride: Erika. Omar, one of the two brothers who ran the ranch, was her riding guide...
This encounter led to a serious relationship and Erika soon left Italy to live and work as a partner on the Ranch in order to realise a shared dream: to propagate trail riding in Morocco throughout the world.
Erika had previously worked in tourism and riding is her great hobby.
At the Ranch, she is the organiser who takes care of the rides. She is very concerned about the welfare of the horses and contributes with many new ideas to ensure that there is always something new at the Ranch.
Tour highlights
Sunset from the Saddle
Ride along the beach as the sky changes colour and the Atlantic reflects the last light of the day
Wild Coastline Views
Dunes, ocean waves, a ruined fortress, and Mogador Island all unfold along the route
Easy for Beginners
No riding experience required; the pace is adjusted so everyone can enjoy the moment
Route details
This experience is designed around the daily sunset time, which changes with the season and is confirmed in advance. You can reach the ranch either by a complimentary shuttle from central Essaouira or by car, with easy access and private parking just a few kilometres outside the city. On arrival, the team provides a short safety briefing, helps with helmets, and introduces your instructor.
Once ready, you set out on horseback, leaving the ranch and riding toward the coast along the Kassob River. The route passes historic landmarks, including the Palace of Sultan Moulay Abdallah, before opening onto dunes and a wide stretch of beach where the light begins to soften. From here, you continue along the shoreline, with views of the Portuguese ruins and Mogador Island offshore. After watching the sun drop into the ocean, you return directly to the ranch before nightfall.
Difficulty
Easy
Minimal physical activity. Suitable for everyone regardless of fitness and age
Tour provider's comments
To take part in this excursion it is not necessary to have an equestrian level, even beginners are accepted, but in their case we do not guarantee the possibility of trotting and galloping, which will be examined on a case-by-case basis.
Conditions
Included
- horse rental;
- equestrian guides;
- riding helmets;
- transportation to and from the city of Essaouira.
Extras
- ticket flights;
- private activity available with payment of a supplement.
It's important to know
What to wear?
Recommended attire is long trousers and closed shoes, and the rider's weight must not exceed 90kg to preserve the health of our Berber Arabian horses.
Prepare yourself as best as possible
Children Conditions
Arrival time (to be agreed with reception)
Organizational details
Cancellation of booking
Available dates
Select preferred date
Select preferred time
Duration 1h
Preferred time
Number of individuals
1-15 tourists, over 14 y.o.
Add optional comment
Any comment regarding the tour
Weather during the tour
Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
- the forecasts for this season
- the statistics from previous years’ trips
Reviews
- KKaoriabout provider21 Feb, 2024
What an amazing experience! The staff was friendly, and it was evident that the horses were well taken care of. Ayoub and Khassim were fantastic; they ensured my safety and paired me with a lovely horse named Rohan. Rohan seemed a bit reserved, often gazing at the barn wall—I wondered if he was shy or simply disliked the sun/heat. Nonetheless, he was incredibly patient with me, sensing my nerves as a beginner, and walked at a gentle pace. My husband, who has more experience, rode Etoille, another beautiful horse! The route to the beach was stunning, passing through lush foliage and past an old, ruined palace. Although the quad bikes trailing behind were a bit bothersome, they remained respectful of the horse riders. Overall, a very pleasant ranch experience. - IIreneabout provider6 Feb, 2024
This ranch has been like family to me for many years, and I trust them with my life. I've known them since childhood but began horse riding treks with them in 2018. Since then, I've made it a point to do at least one trek per year, if not more, and spend most of my summers with them. You can rely on them completely: the treatment of horses and camels is impeccable, with thorough daily checks and care for the quad bikes. The entire ranch team is exceptionally trained for their roles. As for the treks, every option they offer is exceptional, but I recently had the chance to embark on the Sahara trek last week, in early February 2024. Words fail to capture the magnificence of the Moroccan Sahara. When you go with the team, you're assured of well-trained horses for this challenging trek (though prior riding experience is necessary), unforgettable Moroccan cuisine, ample comfort during bivouac nights (spacious tents, excellent showers with new amenities), and perhaps most importantly, a week filled with laughter and camaraderie. I still can't quite believe the incredible experiences I had during that week—the atmosphere was perfect, the horses and people were exceptional, and the Moroccan Sahara was simply breathtaking. - DDianoraabout provider3 Jan, 2024
I embarked on a 4-day trekking adventure (The Pearl of Essaouira), and it was truly incredible. The ranch was warm, tidy, and impeccably maintained. The team was attentive and skilled, readily addressing our needs. Their dedication to their horses was evident—they were all stunning, robust, and well-mannered. We explored stunning locations and rested in breathtaking spots. I'm already looking forward to another tour with them.
