Ride the Shoreline: Beach & Aquatic Horseback Adventures in Bradenton

Florida Beach Horses — Bradenton Beach & Bay Horseback Rides

Florida Beach Horses offers a distinctive set of beach horseback riding and aquatic equestrian experiences near Bradenton, Florida. Based around Palma Sola Bay and Little Manatee River State Park, each guided tour blends shoreline scenery, wildlife viewing, and hands‑on horse time. These offerings appeal to visitors seeking dolphin and manatee encounters, families looking for memorable outdoor activities, and equestrians who want a unique coastal ride.

Signature Experiences

• The Cruise Ride — A 1.5‑hour Palma Sola Bay cruise ride featuring opportunities to spot manatees and dolphins, plus optional swimming with the horse and horse surfing. Ideal for riders ages 10 and up.
• Trail Ride (Little Manatee River State Park) — Scenic trail riding across over 15 miles of equestrian trails through diverse Florida river ecosystems, suited to riders who enjoy long natural trails.
• The Sand and Surf Ride — An aquatic horseback adventure that begins with a beach walk and transitions to bareback water entry, with optional horse surfing and close wildlife viewing.
• The Sand & Surf Sunset Ride — A sunset beach ride timed with low tide, combining a relaxing stroll with water activities and wildlife sighting opportunities.
• Sunset Cruise Ride — A Palma Sola Bay sunset excursion where riders can swim with horses, trot through water, and watch for dolphins and manatees.

Why choose beach horseback riding in Bradenton

• Wildlife & Scenery: Palma Sola Bay and nearby coastal waters are known for dolphin and manatee sightings, creating exceptional opportunities for nature-focused riders.
• Variety of Tours: Options range from gentle sunset strolls to more adventurous aquatic entries and horse surfing, accommodating multiple comfort and skill levels.
• Professional Guidance: Tours are led by experienced guides who provide safety briefings and tailored instruction for aquatic transitions and beach terrain.

What to expect

• Pre‑ride safety orientation and guidance on interacting with horses in water.
• Opportunities to observe coastal wildlife, including dolphins and manatees, when conditions permit.
• Rides that depart from Bradenton-area beaches and Palma Sola Bay or start within Little Manatee River State Park for trail experiences.

Practical details

• Some rides, such as the Cruise Ride and Sunset Cruise Ride, run approximately 1.5 hours.
• The Trail Ride covers portions of the Little Manatee River State Park trail system, which totals over 15 miles of equestrian pathways.
• Age recommendations vary by tour; several experiences advise ages 10 and up while others accommodate younger riders depending on supervision and rider ability.

Tips for a better ride

• Book sunset and weekend slots early — popular dates fill quickly.
• Bring sun protection and a change of clothes for post‑ride comfort after water entries.
• Follow guide instructions closely during aquatic sections to ensure safety for riders and horses.

By combining shoreline rides, aquatic horse interactions, and guided trail adventures, Florida Beach Horses creates a memorable coastal equestrian experience in Bradenton. For visitors seeking beach horseback riding, aquatic horse activities, or sunset bay rides that showcase local wildlife, these tours present compelling options on Florida’s Gulf Coast.