Rancho Loco Horseback Ride

Horseback Ride Tour to Natural Pool in Arikok National Park

★ 4.9 1,270 reviews

from $155 per person

Opens the operator's official listing with live dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Meeting point: Confirmed after booking
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Rancho Loco Aruba

Overview

Rancho Loco runs a three and a half hour horseback ride out of its ranch in Sombre, near Santa Cruz, heading into Arikok National Park toward the Conchi Natural Pool. The itinerary includes a swim stop at the natural pool, which the listing counts among what is included. Groups are capped at 14 travellers and a professional guide leads the ride.

The ranch is known among reviewers for how it pairs riders with horses. Several travellers said guides matched them to a mount that suited their confidence or nerves, and first-time riders reported feeling comfortable. Helmets are mandatory for riders 12 and under, and the tour includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off, national park fees, bottled water and the swim.

It suits reasonably fit travellers who want a long ride through rugged terrain. One reviewer with prior riding experience described it as more intense than the average shore excursion, and two reviewers mentioned soreness afterwards. It is not recommended for pregnant travellers, people with back or hip problems, or anyone with serious medical conditions. Riders over 220 lbs fully clothed cannot be accommodated, and the minimum age is 8.

What's Included

Included

Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
National Park fees
Bottled water
Helmets - 12 and under mandatory
Swim in the famous Natural Pool
Professional guide

Not Included

Gratuities
Towels

Itinerary

Hotel or port pickupPickup and drop-off from hotels or the port, as listed. Self-drivers must arrive at the ranch no later than 30 minutes before the tour and advise the operator that they do not need transport.
Rancho Loco ArubaOne hour at the ranch.
Arikok National ParkTwo hours at the park, with the admission ticket listed as free.
Conchi Natural PoolThirty minutes at the pool.
Return to the ranchThe ride ends back at the meeting point, with drop-off back at the hotel or port.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up again and again in reviews and in the operator's own guidance.

What to wear. The operator strongly recommends long pants and closed shoes, though they are not required. If you ride in shorts, bring a towel to drape over the saddle to protect your legs. Towels are not provided, so bring your own if you plan to swim.
Fitness and pace. The terrain is rugged, and one reviewer in their fifties with prior riding experience said it still took a toll. First-time riders still said they felt comfortable throughout.
Horse matching. Many reviewers praised how the ranch pairs horses to riders. The parent of one nervous teenager said the matching suited them, and reviews from green riders mention gentle, steady mounts. First-time riders said the horses stay on course and hold a steady pace in line.
Bring your own extras. Bottled water is provided, but towels are not, and gratuities are not included. One reviewer suggested packing a sandwich or snack. Bring a towel for the swim and for the saddle if you wear shorts.
The swim depends on the sea. The swim is listed as included, but it is not guaranteed. Treat the swim as a bonus that depends on conditions rather than the point of the booking.
Cruise passengers. Cruise ship passengers can only join the afternoon tour, with no exceptions, and no refunds are given for misinforming the operator. You must contact the ranch directly before the tour. The operator also requires advance notice if you plan to drive yourself.

Common issues. The 220 lb weight limit, fully clothed, is strictly enforced, and the minimum age is 8. Cancellation requires at least 24 hours' notice for a refund, and the tour needs a minimum number of travellers to run, otherwise a different date or a full refund is offered. One reviewer reported an overbooking that pushed their ride to the next day. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for pregnant travellers or those with back or hip problems.

Common Questions

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Yes, hotel and port pickup and drop-off are included as listed. If you prefer to drive to the ranch yourself, you must arrive no later than 30 minutes before the tour and let the operator know you do not need transportation.

What Is Included In The Price?

Hotel or port pickup and drop-off, national park fees, bottled water, helmets for riders 12 and under, the swim at the natural pool and a professional guide. Gratuities and towels are not included.

Is The Natural Pool Swim Guaranteed?

The swim is listed as included, but sea conditions can interfere. The operator offers a different date or a full refund only if the whole tour is cancelled for weather.

Can Beginners And Children Join?

Yes, beginners ride regularly and reviewers said the horses are matched to each rider's ability. Children must be accompanied by an adult and the minimum age is 8. Helmets are mandatory for riders 12 and under.

Are There Weight Or Health Restrictions?

Riders must not exceed 220 lbs fully clothed, and the limit is strictly enforced for the welfare of horses and riders. The listing rules out travellers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions, and does not recommend the tour for pregnant travellers or people with back or hip problems. A moderate level of fitness is expected, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Later cancellations are not refunded, and changes inside 24 hours are not accepted. If the operator cancels for poor weather or because the minimum number of travellers is not met, you are offered a different date or a full refund.