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The Definitive Guide to Horseback Riding in Bermuda
Updated: August 2026
I get asked about horseback riding constantly by visitors planning their itineraries. Riding a horse along the pink sands of the south shore is a massive bucket-list item. However, the reality of doing this today requires some careful planning.
The local equestrian landscape has changed drastically over the last few years. You need to know exactly who is still operating and what the strict seasonal beach rules actually are before you pack your riding boots. Let's cut through the outdated information so you can book the right experience.
At a Glance
| Feature |
Details |
| Best Time to Go |
Winter (November - March) for flexible beach access |
| Total Cost Estimate |
$100 - $150 per person |
| Ideal Duration |
1.5 to 2 hours |
| Primary Transport |
Taxi (Required for early summer rides) or Micro-Car Rental |
Who This Is For (And Who Should Skip It)
This activity is perfect for couples, solo travelers, and winter visitors looking for an active morning. If you have previous riding experience, you will appreciate the personalized instruction available on the island.
You should probably skip this if you are a cruise visitor docking at the Royal Naval Dockyard with a very tight schedule. Getting to the stables in Warwick Parish takes at least 35 to 45 minutes by taxi. If you are visiting in July and expecting a mid-day gallop through the ocean, you will also be disappointed by the summer laws.
The Current Landscape: Where to Ride
If you are reading older guidebooks, you will see names like Moran Meadows, Lee Bow, and Spicelands. Let me save you some time. Moran Meadows and Lee Bow are permanently closed.
The famous Spicelands facility on Middle Road is permanently closed. A newer local facility, KR Equestrian at Warwick Camp, does an excellent job, but they strictly offer local lessons, camps, and boarding. They do not offer commercial trail rides for tourists.
This means Watson's Performance and Trail Horses, run by local horseman Mike Watson, is currently the premier and only active commercial trail ride operator for visitors.
Location Map (Watson's Performance)
Spotlight: Watson's Performance and Trail Horses
Riding with Mike Watson is not your average tourist trap. His stables are located in
Warwick Parish, giving you direct access to some of the most scenic routes on the island.
The typical route takes you through quiet residential backroads and up onto the historic
Bermuda Railway Trail. You will navigate lush, narrow Tribe Roads where the air smells heavily of allspice and damp cedar. Eventually, the trail opens up to the stunning coastline of
Warwick Long Bay.
Mike is known for his deep equestrian knowledge. He caters to absolute beginners but also allows experienced riders to trot and canter when it is safe.
For more information and booking, email to Watson's Performance and Trail Horses at
[email protected].
Beach Riding: The Summer vs. Winter Rules
During the summer season (May 1st to October 31st), horses are only permitted on the beaches very early in the morning. If you want a beach ride in July, you must be in the saddle by 7 AM. You will ride down to
Warwick Long Bay Beach and take the horses into the water up to their knees.
Winter is a completely different story. From November to April, the beach restrictions are lifted. You can ride along the sand at much more reasonable hours. This makes horseback riding one of the absolute best
Things to do in Bermuda in Winter.
Photo Courtesy Watson's Performance and Trail Horses
What Surprises Visitors the Most
Most commercial trail rides in holiday destinations are boring, nose-to-tail walking tours on exhausted horses. Bermuda is different.
A few years ago, a visitor named Linda left a review on our site that perfectly captures the reality of riding here. Her husband was incredibly reluctant to go, expecting a dull, passive ride. Instead, Mike Watson taught them actual horsemanship.
Visitors are consistently surprised by how much control they are given. You are taught how to properly handle the reins, steer, and communicate with your horse. It is an active, engaging lesson disguised as a scenic tour.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake is booking too late. Because there is only one major operator catering to tourists at present, time slots fill up weeks in advance. Do not wait until you arrive on the island to secure your spot.
The second mistake is messing up your transportation. If you book a 7 AM summer ride, the public buses (like the Route 7) will not get you from the Dockyard to Warwick in time. You must pre-arrange a taxi the night before or drive your own rented Twizy or micro-car.
Practical Details for Your Ride
Here is what you need to know before you show up at the stables.
Attire: You must wear long pants to prevent chafing against the saddle.
Footwear: Wear hard-soled, closed-toe shoes. Sneakers are acceptable, but do not show up in flip-flops.
Micro-friction: The entrance to the stables can be easy to miss from the main road. Keep your eyes peeled for the specific signage Mike provides in your booking email.
Payment: Confirm payment methods when you book. Many local operators prefer direct bank transfers or cash, and relying on a credit card machine in a barn can be a gamble.
Pro-Tip: Bring a small, secure waist pouch for your phone. Do not try to hold your phone while riding, as the trails can be uneven and you will need both hands to manage the reins.
Equestrian Events and Alternatives
If you love horses but do not want to ride, you still have options. Check the schedule at the
Bermuda National Equestrian Center in Devonshire Parish. They host local show jumping, dressage, and harness racing events throughout the year.
If you are looking for a romantic experience without the physical effort of a trail ride, consider booking one of the
Bermuda Horse Drawn Carriages and Rides. You can find them stationed in the City of Hamilton or the Town of St. George, offering a relaxed pace through the historic streets.
About the Author
By Raj Bhattacharya
Raj has been writing about Bermuda since 2008, when he launched bermuda-attractions.com, one of the longest-standing independent guides to the island. A Certified Bermuda Specialist (Bermuda Tourism Authority), his work draws on personal visits, local contacts in Bermuda, and questions and trip reports from thousands of readers over the years.
Learn more about Raj Bhattacharya
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Visitors' Reviews and Stories
Theresa Perreault (February 2023)
I am going to cruise to Bermuda in July. I will be docking in Kings Wharf Dockyard and was wondering if there was any horseback riding excursions near by. Thank you
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) February 2023
Unfortunately, there is no horseback riding center near the Royal Naval Dockyard cruise port. The closest one is Mike Watson's Performance and Trail Horses located in Warwick Parish on Middle Road (near Belmont Golf Club). You can take bus #8 from the dockyard (the bus stop is near the Clocktower Mall)... will take about 35 minutes to get there. They offer both private and group trail rides, the times are flexible. You can write to them for more information and booking a ride.
Linda
Horseback riding has always been something I love to do, however my husband prefers not to. However, he reluctantly agreed to go on a ride in Bermuda. A taxi driver set us up with Mike's Horse Services and the driver advised this would be a different and fun experience. Well, he was right!
From the minute we first meet Mike, he was fabulous! He was eager to share his knowledge and experience of horseback riding with us, he taught us valuable tips on handling the horse which we both enjoyed.
We had a fantastic ride through the streets of Bermuda, through nature trails and the beach views were awesome as well. We experienced a true horse back ride, where we directed the horse using the tips Mike taught us.
This is not a nose to tail trail ride in any aspect, which is why it was such a special time. Both my husband and I agreed this was the highlight of our time on Bermuda.
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