Gallop the Shore: A Horseback Riding Escape on Uvero Alto Beach
Canter past palms and surf on a half-day beach ride from Punta Cana
The first hoofbeat arrives like an invitation — precise, insistent, and immediately syncopated with the surf. You push your weight down into the saddle, feel the horse answer with a soft shift beneath you, and suddenly the shoreline opens: a wide sweep of sugar-fine sand, a pale ribbon of foam, and palms tilting like old friends. Behind you, low coastal scrub and thatch-roofed groves give the scene a lived-in island texture; ahead, the Atlantic keeps its steady voice, daring you to pick up the pace. On this horseback ride from Punta Cana, a professional guide reads the beach like a map — safe stretches for a canter, shallow tidal pools that glint with little silver fish, and quieter coves where mangroves shelter a different kind of hush.
Trail Wisdom
Ride in the morning or late afternoon
Temperatures are cooler and the beach is quieter, increasing chances for uninterrupted gallops.
Wear closed-toe shoes with a small heel
Avoid flip-flops—proper footwear helps keep your foot secure in the stirrup and protects toes from impact.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
The sun reflects off the sand and water intensely; choose mineral-based sunscreen to protect reefs.
Confirm horse-care practices before booking
Ask about rest schedules, tack condition, and whether handlers are local professionals to ensure humane treatment.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Small palapa restaurants just off Uvero Alto with fresh-grilled fish and coconut rice
- •A short walk north finds quieter coves with natural tide pools ideal for wading and shell collecting
Wildlife
Brown pelican, shore crabs and small reef fish in nearshore pools
Conservation Note
Choose operators that limit group sizes on fragile dune sections, use reef-safe sunscreen, and practice humane horse care; coastal habitats are sensitive to trampling and litter.
This stretch of coast shifted from small-scale fishing and coconut production to organized tourism during the late 20th-century development of Punta Cana.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures, wildlife spotting
Challenges: sporadic rain showers, higher humidity
Spring brings warm, stable weather and thinner crowds — mornings are ideal for cooler rides and clearer light.
summer
Best for: long daylight hours, lush landscapes
Challenges: hotter temperatures, occasional tropical downpours, higher hotel occupancy
Summer is hot and vibrant; early rides avoid the strongest heat, and brief storms can pass quickly.
fall
Best for: off-peak rates, calmer seas some days
Challenges: hurricane season window (Aug–Oct), increased rain probability
Fall offers fewer tourists but carries weather unpredictability during the Atlantic hurricane window — check forecasts and flexible bookings.
winter
Best for: dry, stable weather, peak visibility, comfortable ocean breezes
Challenges: higher demand, advance bookings required
Winter is the safest bet for sun and calm conditions; book early to secure your desired time slot.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Closed-toe riding shoes or ankle bootsEssential
Provide grip in the stirrup and protect feet from impact.
Reef-safe sunscreenEssential
Protects skin and the nearshore marine environment.
Light long-sleeve shirt or sun hoodie
Shields skin from sun and helps with wind-chill in early morning rides.
Secure camera or phone with strap
Capture moments but secure the device to avoid dropping it in sand or sea.
Common Questions
Do I need prior horseback experience to join?
No — guides assess skill and match horses accordingly; absolute beginners are usually given steady mounts and coached through basic commands.
How long is the actual ride?
Expect roughly 45–60 minutes of riding during a two-hour beach visit; the total door-to-door time from Punta Cana hotels is about four hours.
Are children allowed to ride?
Many operators welcome children but often set minimum age or weight limits and require parental accompaniment—confirm specifics when booking.
What should I wear?
Closed-toe shoes with a small heel, comfortable pants, and sun protection; avoid skirts or loose items that could snag.
Is tipping customary?
Yes — tipping guides and handlers is customary; 10–15% of the tour price or a small local currency tip per handler is appreciated.
Are horses well cared for?
Responsible operators will describe feeding, rest rotation, and veterinary care; ask these questions before booking and choose tours that prioritize animal welfare.
What to Pack
Closed-toe shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, water bottle, light long-sleeve for sun protection
Did You Know
Uvero Alto is part of the Bávaro–Punta Cana coastal system characterized by coral-derived sands and offshore reef structures that have shaped local beaches.
Quick Travel Tips
Book morning rides to avoid heat; confirm hotel pickup details; carry small local cash for tips; bring waterproof phone protection
Local Flavor
After the ride, head to a nearby palapa for fresh grilled fish, fried plantains and a cold Presidente beer; for something sweeter, try a local rum cocktail infused with Dominican cane sugar. Many small eateries near Uvero Alto serve family-style meals and are excellent places to meet locals.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ); Driving time from Punta Cana hotels: typically 30–60 minutes depending on resort location; Cell service: generally available but can be patchy on the beach; Permits: none required for visitors, but confirm operator credentials.
Sustainability Note
Support operators who prioritize horse welfare, avoid trampling dunes, and use reef-safe products; pack out all trash and respect local wildlife habitats.