Beach Horseback Riding

If you are building your bucket list for a Florida Gulf Coast vacation, you might be surprised to learn that one of the most unique and sought-after activities doesn’t involve a jet ski, a paddleboard, or a parasail. Just minutes from the white sands of Holmes Beach and Anna Maria Island (AMI), you can actually go horseback riding in the ocean.

Located on the Palma Sola Causeway along Manatee Avenue in Bradenton, this is one of the very few places in the entire United States where you can take a horse into the saltwater.

If you are looking for unforgettable things to do near Anna Maria Island, here is your complete guide to swimming with horses in Florida, including what to expect and which local companies can make this dream a reality.

As you drive from Bradenton over the Palma Sola Causeway toward the beaches of Anna Maria Island, you will often look out your window and see majestic horses wading chest-deep in the shallow bay.

Because the water here is warm, shallow, and calm, it provides the perfect environment for an aquatic equestrian adventure. It’s an incredibly unique ecosystem that allows riders of almost all experience levels to safely interact with these beautiful animals in the water.

There are a few highly-rated, dedicated outfitters that operate right off the causeway. Many of the horses used for these tours are actually rescue horses (like the stunning Gypsy Vanners and Drum horses) that have been rehabilitated and absolutely love their new life swimming in the bay!

Here are the top companies to book your ride with:

• Florida Beach Horses: Known for their diverse herd of rescue horses, they offer a highly popular “Sand and Surf Ride.” This experience starts on the sand and transitions into the water where you can try “horse surfing” and horse skiing! They are also one of the only companies that allow expert riders to trot or canter on the beach when the tides are right.
• C Ponies: Famous for their breathtaking Drum and Gypsy Vanner breeds, C Ponies offers a premium “Equestrian Aquatic Adventure.” Their guides are incredibly attentive, and they specialize in making sure both the rider and the rescue horses are having a relaxed, safe, and fun time in the water.
• Carousel Sea Horses: Offering everything from Sunset at Sea rides to special event photoshoots, this outfitter provides intimate, guided 1.5-hour excursions. They are a fantastic choice for couples looking for a romantic sunset ride along the scenic shores.

This isn’t your average nose-to-tail trail ride. Here is what makes horseback riding in the water so thrilling:

• You Will Get Wet: This isn’t just a walk along the shoreline. The horses wade out into the bay, and the water will often come up to your waist or chest while you are seated on the horse. Come dressed in a swimsuit or quick-dry clothing!
• Horse Surfing & Skiing: The guides will often remove the saddles once you are in the water. If you are feeling adventurous, they will teach you how to “horse ski” (sliding off the back and holding onto the horse as it swims) or even stand up barefoot on the horse’s back to “surf.”
• No Experience Necessary: You do not need to be an Olympic equestrian to do this. The local companies cater to absolute beginners, and your guides will be in the water right alongside you the entire time.

1. Water Shoes are a Must: The bottom of Palma Sola Bay is a natural estuary, meaning the ground is a mix of soft sand, mud, and occasionally sharp shells. Wear secure water shoes (no flip-flops!).
2. Bring a Waterproof Camera: You will absolutely want photos of this experience, but dropping your phone in the saltwater is a quick way to ruin a vacation. Bring a GoPro or invest in a high-quality waterproof phone pouch with a neck strap.
3. Book Early: Because this is one of the most famous activities near Anna Maria Island, these companies sell out weeks in advance, especially during the spring and summer.

Riding a rescue horse through the warm waters of Palma Sola Bay is an incredible, earthy, and wild experience that you’ll never forget. However, because the bay is a shallow estuary with a muddy bottom, the water here is often opaque.

Once you’ve checked “swimming with horses” off your bucket list and washed off the bay water, you’ll likely be ready to experience the vibrant, pristine blue water that the Gulf of Mexico is famous for.

For the ultimate crystal-clear water upgrade, trade the saddle for a captain’s chair. At Crysten’s AMI, we provide the area’s premier private boat charters. After your morning on horseback, let us take your group (up to 12 passengers!) offshore to Egmont Key or Passage Key, where you can snorkel, hunt for seashells, and float in water so clear it looks like a swimming pool. Visit our website to book your private island boat tour and complete your perfect Gulf Coast vacation!