William’s Town Beach, about 3.2 kilometers south of Freeport, is one of the few spots on Grand Bahama where you can ride a horse along the coast with the surf washing around the animal’s legs. Local operators lead rides across firm sand at the water’s edge, and horses accustomed to the beach terrain and warm seawater make the experience accessible to riders of all levels. Rides can be arranged directly with operators in William’s Town or booked through hotels in Freeport. For a more structured tour that also supports a cat sanctuary, Pinetree Stables on Beachway Drive offers a two-hour guided ride through forest trails and onto the beach.
William’s Town Beach is one of the select beaches in the Bahamas where horseback riding along the coast remains a cherished activity.
You can absolutely go beach horseback riding on Grand Bahama. The two main ways are through local operators at William’s Town Beach (more rustic, with weekend entertainment) or through Pinetree Stables (a structured 2-hour tour that also supports a cat sanctuary). Both are beginner-friendly, but Pinetree requires booking in advance, while William’s Town rides can be arranged on the spot. Confirm current pricing and availability before you go.
Families
Beginners
Animal lovers
Choosing Your Grand Bahama Ride
The table below compares the two main ways to go horseback riding on Grand Bahama. Use it to decide which style fits your day.
| Option | Location | Ride Type | Duration | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| William’s Town Beach | William’s Town, 3.2 km south of Freeport | Beach ride with horses wading through surf | Varies, typically 1–2 hours | Weekend live music and local food stalls |
| Pinetree Stables | Beachway Drive, Freeport | Guided forest and beach tour | Approximately 2 hours | Cat sanctuary; guides share island history |
William’s Town Beach: Riding with Local Flavor
Most people come for the horses, but William’s Town Beach offers more than a ride. On weekends, local musicians play rake-and-scrape and junkanoo rhythms while dancers perform traditional steps along the sand. Restaurants and bars serve fresh conch, grilled fish, and cold beer. The atmosphere is unscripted and welcoming — locals are happy to share their stretch of coast with visitors.
The riding itself takes place on firm sand at the water’s edge. Horses wade through shallow surf, and the gentle animals are accustomed to beach terrain and warm splashes. Riders of any experience level can join. After your ride, the eastern end of the same beach has water-sports rentals — jet skis, banana boats, and snorkeling gear — and the calm, shallow water is ideal for families with inexperienced swimmers.
Getting here is straightforward: taxis and rental cars can reach William’s Town via the settlement’s main road. There’s no public bus, but the 3.2-kilometer ride from central Freeport is manageable by bicycle. Beach access points are marked near the waterfront. Public restrooms aren’t available on the beach, though nearby restaurants and bars may let customers use their facilities.
Weekends offer the most atmosphere with live music and dancing. If you prefer a quieter ride, aim for a weekday morning when the beach has fewer people and the light is soft.
Pinetree Stables: A Guided Tour with a Cause
For a more structured experience, Pinetree Stables on Beachway Drive in Freeport runs two-hour guided tours that weave through forest trails and onto the beach. The horses are well cared for, and guides like Chris and Linda are known for sharing local history, pointing out wildlife, and taking photos along the way. One review describes seeing Cooper’s Castle and hearing the story of Freeport’s development during the ride.
What sets Pinetree apart is its on-site cat sanctuary. The stable operates as a rescue for abandoned cats, and visitors can meet the friendly felines before or after the ride. Proceeds from music sales and donations support spaying, neutering, and feeding the animals. Many reviewers mention that supporting the sanctuary adds a meaningful layer to the outing.
The tours are beginner-friendly. Guides provide basic instruction and match riders with calm horses suited to their experience. Riders are welcome to bring their own phone or camera, though guides are skilled photographers and will capture shots of you on the beach and in the forest. Morning tours beat the heat and the crowds; afternoon tours catch golden hour light. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
Pinetree Stables has a 4.6 rating from 10 reviews on Airtial. While that’s a small sample, the written feedback consistently praises the guides’ knowledge and the horses’ temperament. For the most reliable current info, contact the stable directly.
Planning Your Grand Bahama Ride
Whether you choose William’s Town Beach or Pinetree Stables, a few practical details will make the day smoother.
What to Wear and Bring
Closed-toe shoes with a low heel are required — sandals and bare feet are not allowed for safety during mounting and dismounting. Wear lightweight long pants or long shorts and a breathable shirt. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and sunglasses. If you’re on a sunset ride, a light jacket helps when the breeze picks up. For cameras, use a weather-resistant case or a secure strap; guides at Pinetree will also take photos for you.
Booking and Transportation
For William’s Town Beach, you can arrange rides directly with operators in the settlement or ask your Freeport hotel to book. For Pinetree Stables, booking in advance is recommended — call or inquire through your hotel. Taxis and rental cars serve both locations. Pinetree Stables is on Beachway Drive in Freeport; William’s Town Beach is about 3.2 km south of central Freeport. No public transport runs to either, but bicycles work well from Freeport hotels.
Best Time to Go
Morning tours (around 8–10 a.m.) offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Late afternoon rides catch golden light and are popular for photography. Sunset rides are available at some operators and provide dramatic skies, but they book quickly. Weekdays are quieter than weekends at William’s Town Beach, while weekends bring live music and a festive atmosphere.
Age and weight limits vary by operator. Pinetree Stables may have flexible policies, but some stables require riders to be at least 12 years old. Always confirm limits when booking. Also ask about helmet availability, wading permissions, and whether pickup is included if you’re staying in Freeport.
Before You Book a Beach Horseback Ride
Where exactly can I ride horses on the beach in Grand Bahama?
Two main options: William’s Town Beach (south of Freeport, with weekend entertainment) and Pinetree Stables (Beachway Drive, Freeport, offering a guided forest-and-beach tour). Both let you ride along the shoreline with horses wading through shallow surf. Arrange rides directly with local operators at William’s Town or book in advance with Pinetree.
How long does a typical ride last?
Pinetree Stables runs two-hour tours that combine forest trails and beach. Rides arranged through William’s Town Beach operators vary but typically last one to two hours. For a shorter experience, ask about a beach-only ride when you book.
Are these rides beginner-friendly?
Yes. Both William’s Town operators and Pinetree Stables use gentle, beach-adapted horses and welcome first-time riders. Guides provide basic instruction and match you with a suitable horse. Pinetree’s guides are especially noted for supporting beginners throughout the two-hour tour.
What makes Pinetree Stables unique?
Pinetree operates a cat sanctuary alongside the stable, supporting rescue efforts for abandoned cats on the island. Visitors can meet the cats, and many reviewers say this adds a meaningful, memorable element to the ride. Guides Chris and Linda also share local history and take high-quality photos during the tour.
Riding into the Rhythm of Grand Bahama
A horseback ride on Grand Bahama connects you to the island in a way a car or boat cannot — you feel the horse’s stride, hear the surf, and move at a pace that lets the landscape unfold. Whether you choose the lively weekend scene at William’s Town Beach or the guided sanctuary-supported tour with Pinetree Stables, each ride offers its own version of that connection. For another way to explore the Bahamas on horseback, read about horseback adventures in Nassau.
References
Sail Abacos. “William’s Town Beach.” Sail Abacos, n.d. ↗
Airtial Travel. “Pinetree Stables.” Airtial, n.d. ↗
If you’re planning a longer stay on Grand Bahama, consider pairing your ride with a culinary tour of Bahamian cuisine or a seaplane adventure over the Exumas for a full island experience.
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