Horseback Riding at Hawksbill Beach in Five islands Antigua

Antigua looks even better from the saddle. This one-hour ride leaves from Peggy Pond Bar & Grill in Five Islands and takes you up through hilly terrain before reaching Hawksbill Beach. I like the mix of island views and sea time, plus the small groups, which are limited to 10 people.

I also like the guides’ personal touch. Joseph, Adebayo, Ty, and Dimples are praised for helping nervous riders, taking photos, and sharing local sights. The main caution is that the beach portion may be brief, and some of the route uses roads and steep paths rather than sand.

Key things to know before you book

• The ride includes both hills and beach: You travel uphill to a high viewpoint before reaching Hawksbill Beach.
• The group size is small: A maximum of 10 people allows the guides to give more direct help.
• Joseph and Adebayo receive special praise: Both are described as friendly, reassuring, and attentive.
• Hawksbill Beach time may be limited: The horses do not use the entire beach because of the nearby hotel.
• The meeting point can be hard to spot: Peggy Pond Bar & Grill may not have an obvious tour sign.
• Pickup is offered, but confirm the cost: One booking included an $80 hotel transfer charge.

From Peggy Pond Bar & Grill into Five Islands

Your ride begins at Peggy Pond Bar & Grill in Five Islands village. This is also where the activity ends, so you return to the same spot after the ride. Pickup is available, but do not assume it is included in the $120 price. One rider paid an additional $80 for hotel transportation, so confirm the charge before booking.

The meeting point may not look like a polished tour office. It can be difficult to identify, and a clear sign would make arrival easier. Use the GPS details carefully and arrive with enough time to find the stable area without rushing.

There is no bathroom for riders at the facility, so use one before you arrive. This is a small local operation rather than a large equestrian center. That gives the ride a personal feel, but the surroundings may appear worn and basic.

The tour normally lasts about one hour. That sounds short, but the route includes a road section, uphill riding, a viewpoint stop, and time near the beach. You should think of this as a scenic island outing rather than a long beach ride.

Meet the horses and get comfortable in the saddle

The horses are described as friendly, calm, and well trained. Riders have singled out horses such as Sunshine, and several comments note that the animals seemed cared for and had a healthy weight. Some coats and signs of wear raised questions, but the response from the operator was that the horses are cared for and visit a vet.

You receive riding instructions from the guides, though the amount of explanation may vary. Some riders felt well supported from the beginning, while another found that there was little instruction about mounting or what would happen next. If you are a first-time rider, say so clearly before setting off.

Adebayo helped one nervous rider feel at ease, and Joseph is repeatedly praised for looking after the group and taking photos. The guides are young, but they are described as properly trained, helpful, and mature in their approach.

The ride can include steep paths, so this is not simply a slow walk along flat sand. You should be comfortable sitting on a horse while it climbs and descends uneven ground. If you are nervous, ask for a clear explanation of the route and riding pace before leaving the starting point.

The uphill route and Antigua viewpoints

The first part of the ride takes you through town and up into the hills. This section gives you a different view of Antigua than you would get from a beach chair or taxi window. You see more of Five Islands and travel through the island’s terrain on horseback.

The climb leads to a high viewpoint overlooking the coast. This is one of the strongest parts of the outing. The view toward the beaches creates excellent photo opportunities, and several riders felt the vista was even more impressive than the one at Shirley Heights.

The high point also gives the ride a sense of adventure. You are not simply walking horses in a fenced area. You are moving through real island terrain, with slopes, roads, and changing views. That makes the experience memorable, but it also explains why the ride may feel challenging to a beginner.

The route can include traffic and road travel. One rider found cars honking nearby uncomfortable, particularly during the road sections. That is worth considering if you want a quiet, fully off-road ride. The setting is scenic, but it is not a private trail system sealed away from local roads.

The guides usually stop at scenic points, giving you time for pictures. Joseph is especially praised for taking good photos and showing riders the area. Bring a phone or camera if you want your own images, but keep your hands free while riding and follow the guide’s instructions.

Reaching Hawksbill Beach

The final section brings you to Hawksbill Beach, known for its white sand and clear coastal setting. Riding along the shore is the part many people picture when they see the tour name, and it is certainly a memorable portion of the route.

There is one important limit. The horses do not ride the entire length of the beach because the area near Hawksbill Hotel is occupied and the operator avoids disturbing hotel guests or creating safety problems. As a result, the sandy section may last only about five minutes for some groups.

That can feel disappointing if you book this expecting an extended beach ride. The beach is long, but the permitted riding area is shorter. You should book this for the full combination of hill riding, views, and a short coastal stretch, not for an hour on the sand.

You may get a few minutes to spend by the water and take photos. The beach itself is one of the prettiest settings of the ride, and it provides a welcome change after the uphill route. Still, the time there depends on the day’s route and the area available for the horses.

The ride then returns toward the starting point. The trip back includes more road and hill riding rather than a long return along the beach. That is why the total experience can feel evenly split between island roads, hillside views, and a short beach visit.

Guides who make the difference

The guides are the heart of this experience. Joseph is repeatedly praised for being friendly, attentive, and generous with his time. He explains things about the horses and the island, takes photos, and helps riders feel welcome.

Adebayo is a good name to remember if you are worried about riding. One nervous rider specifically felt more comfortable because of his calm support. Ty has also helped lead groups, and Dimples is praised for making the outing enjoyable and showing riders beautiful views.

The owner may check on the group at stops and make sure everyone is comfortable. That matters on a hilly route, especially when riders have different levels of experience. A good guide can turn an uncertain first ride into a pleasant memory.

The quality of the guiding is not the same as the polish of the facilities. The business is small, and the meeting area may lack professional signs or a neat, finished appearance. If you value strong personal service more than a polished stable, the operation should suit you well.

What the $120 price includes

The listed price is $120 per person, including fees and taxes. Lunch is not included. The ride is about one hour, so the price may seem high if you measure it only by time in the saddle.

The value comes from more than the hour itself. You receive a guided route through Five Islands, a climb to a coastal viewpoint, time at Hawksbill Beach, and help from a small team that takes photos and assists riders. Pickup may also be available, but the transport cost needs to be confirmed before you pay.

For a cruise excursion, the arrangement can be convenient. A family group of seven was picked up at the port and returned there, with the drive also providing a glimpse of more of Antigua. If your hotel or ship transfer is included at a reasonable rate, the outing becomes easier to justify.

The price is less attractive if you expect a long beach ride, lunch, drinks, or a polished stable. None of those extras are part of the stated package. Bring your own water and eat before or after the activity, since lunch is not provided.

Is this suitable for first-time riders?

Most people can take part, and the guides work to reassure nervous riders. Still, I would not describe the route as completely effortless for a beginner. The hills can be steep, and the road sections expose you to normal local traffic.

First-time riders should tell the guide about their experience before mounting. Ask how long the beach portion is, where the group will stop, and what kind of pace to expect. You should also ask about available safety equipment, since one rider was unsure whether helmets were offered.

Experienced riders may appreciate the varied route more than a basic arena ride. You get some climbing, open views, coastal scenery, and a change of setting. The horses are generally described as sweet and relaxed, which helps make the ride enjoyable.

This is a good match for:

• Couples wanting a scenic activity away from the main resort areas
• Families with older children who can handle a hill route
• Cruise passengers looking for a small-group port excursion
• Riders who enjoy photos and local scenery
• Nervous beginners willing to speak up and ask for help

It may not suit you if you want a long gallop, an entirely private trail, a full hour on the beach, or a luxury stable with spotless facilities.

Practical details that can affect your day

The activity has a maximum of 10 people. That is a useful limit because the guides can stay closer to the group, especially at viewpoints and on the beach. It also means you should not expect a private ride unless your own party fills the booking.

Pickup is offered, but the cost varies by location. Confirm the exact pickup point, price, and return arrangement before booking. One reported transfer from a hotel cost $80, which changes the total value considerably.

Allow extra time for transport. One pickup was reported as an hour late, although that may not happen on every outing. If you are taking a cruise, leave a generous buffer before the ship’s departure and confirm the return time in writing.

Wear clothes you can move in and shoes that feel secure. The supplied information does not specify a dress code, but a saddle, steep paths, and beach sand call for practical clothing. Keep valuables to a minimum and protect your phone if you plan to carry it for photos.

The tour depends on good weather. If poor weather cancels the ride, you can receive another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that period are not accepted.

My verdict on the Hawksbill Beach ride

I like this experience most for its variety. The high viewpoint, the friendly horses, the personal guides, and the short ride along Hawksbill Beach give you a memorable hour in Antigua. The small group and guide support are real strengths.

The weak points are just as clear. The beach time may be much shorter than the name suggests. The stable facilities are basic, the meeting point can be hard to identify, and pickup charges may add a large amount to the advertised price.

Book this ride if you want scenery, photos, and a local-style horseback outing, and you are comfortable with hills and road sections. Ask about the beach duration, pickup fee, helmets, and starting instructions before you commit.

Skip it if your main goal is an extended ride on white sand. For the right expectations, though, this can be a fun and personal way to see a less familiar side of Antigua.

FAQ

Where does the horseback ride begin?

The activity begins at Peggy Pond Bar & Grill in Five Islands village, Antigua. The ride also ends back at this meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The ride lasts about one hour.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $120 per person. Fees and taxes are included.

Is hotel or port pickup available?

Pickup is offered, but any extra transport charge should be confirmed before booking. One reported hotel transfer cost $80.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included in the price.

How many people can join the ride?

The activity has a maximum of 10 participants.

Can beginners participate?

Most people can participate, and the guides help riders feel safe. The route includes hills and may include road sections, so beginners should tell the guides about their experience and ask for clear instructions.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.