Horseback on the beach in Mazatlan feels unreal. This tour combines a short catamaran crossing with a proper 1-hour beach ride at Stone Island, then wraps it all in a Beach Club setup with drinks and shade. I also really like the included snacks and beverages, because it means you start the day fueled instead of hunting for food. The main drawback: meals on-site are on you, so you’ll want to budget a bit beyond the $99.

The vibe is more family-friendly adventure than formal excursion. You’re not stuck in a long bus ride all day, and the schedule is built around getting you to the sand quickly and keeping things moving for about 3 hours total. One more thing to consider is weather: if conditions aren’t right, the experience can be rescheduled or refunded.

Key Things To Know Before You Go

• Stone Island Beach Club setup includes shaded seating plus a prepared snack start with chips and salsa
• 1 hour horseback riding on the beach with booster saddle support for children
• Short Mazatlan passage crossing on a catamaran or panga for about 10 minutes
• Small group size (max 15), which usually makes the ride feel more hands-on
• Beverages are included (bottled water, beer, soft drinks), so you don’t have to buy right away
• More beach time activities like boogie boarding, swimming, and banana boat rides may fill the rest of your day

Stone Island Beach Horseback: Why This Ride Is the Point

This is a horseback tour built around one simple idea: get you onto the sand at Stone Island (Isla de las Piedras) and make the ride the headline act. You’re there long enough to enjoy the experience without feeling like you’re spending your whole day stuck in transit.

I like that the tour doesn’t pretend it’s something it isn’t. You’re not paying for a museum stop or a long lecture. You’re paying for transport, guides, and that hour on horseback, plus a Beach Club base with drinks and a shaded place to sit.

The other reason I’d pick this: the included refreshments and seating remove the usual stress. You can arrive, settle quickly, and then focus on the fun instead of spending the first hour figuring out where to eat.

Getting From Mazatlan to Stone Island: Pickup and Pier Details

If you’re starting from Mazatlan, you’ll get round trip transportation. The pickup area is a mix of hotel zones, and it’s designed around booking locations: starts in the northern hotel area (often around Camaron-Sabalo Avenue), then continues toward the Golden Zone, with stops near the Malecón, and finally pickup near Olas Altas Avenue hotels.

If you’re coming from a cruise, things feel more structured. Your meeting point inside the terminal is the GREEN BAR, located before the GAZEBO. When you exit the building, look for the first UMBRELLA where the team will be.

One practical detail: pickup and drop-off times are flexible to match your itinerary. They finalize timing the evening before your tour once they receive your cruise schedule, which is a big deal when ships run late or shift around.

The 10-Minute Catamaran or Panga Ride That Sets the Tone

After pickup, you head to the pier, then board a catamaran or panga for a short cruise of about 10 minutes across the Mazatlán passage. It’s not a long sightseeing crossing, so don’t expect a full “let’s watch dolphins for an hour” moment.

But it’s enough time to do two useful things: get you out to the right island area fast, and put you in vacation mode before the horseback part. You also get a quick taste of the water and the coastline without burning your whole day.

When you dock at the Stone Island pier, the tour continues with a quick shuttle ride: a Flintstones-style transfer for about 5 minutes to the Beach Club. That’s the kind of goofy detail that actually matters—because it signals the day is meant to be fun, not just efficient.

Beach Club Comfort: Shade, Table Seating, and Included Drinks

Once you reach the Beach Club, you get a simple but important upgrade: your own table and chairs set up on arrival, plus a shaded area. That may sound small, but it changes how the day feels. You’re not standing around juggling bags and finding a place to sit.

The club also starts you off with included snacks and drinks: chips and salsa, and a beverage at the Beach Club. The tour includes complimentary drinks like bottled water, beer, and soft drinks, which is a helpful combination for a day that includes time in the sun and on the water.

Here’s the practical part: bring cash or a card if you plan to eat a full meal. The tour includes the snacks and beverages, but the on-site menu for extra food is on you.

The 1-Hour Horseback Ride on the Beach: What It Really Feels Like

The main event is Horseback Riding on the Beach for 1 hour. This is where the tour earns its keep, because you’re not just “near the beach”—you’re riding along it.

The tour is designed to work for both first-timers and experienced riders. If you’re nervous about handling a horse, you’ll usually feel better with a guide system and safety support, and this one includes booster saddle support for children. The booster is attached to the main saddle, and it’s specifically for children, so kids aren’t just forced to sit too high or awkwardly.

The staff is clearly focused on safety and comfort. The day includes guides with the intent to make the ride smooth, and the overall tone is relaxed but organized. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes having a plan, this fits: your time is scheduled, your gear needs are basic, and you have support.

One thing I’d watch for: sun and heat. Even if you’re only riding for an hour, you’ll likely spend time waiting, boarding, and changing positions. Wear sunscreen and plan for water breaks after the ride, especially if you’re going in the hottest part of the day.

Beach Activities After the Ride: More Water Fun Than Just One Photo

Your time at the Beach Club doesn’t stop at the horses. You’re set up with beach activities such as boogie boarding, swimming, and banana boat rides. Exactly which of these you’ll do can depend on conditions and what’s running at the club during your visit, but the options are there.

This matters because it turns the tour into something closer to a mini beach day, not only an hour of riding. You’ll have enough time to cool off, move around, and let the day feel full without stretching beyond the 3-hour total duration.

Also, if you’re traveling with kids or mixed ages, those activities can help balance the day. One person gets a horse ride, another gets water play, and everyone still feels like they participated.

Price and Value: Is $99 Worth It?

At $99 per person for about 3 hours, you’re paying for a bundle: horseback riding, guides, transportation, and a ready-to-use Beach Club base with drinks and a snack starter.

When I evaluate value, I break down what’s actually included:

• Horseback ride (1 hour)
• Round trip transportation
• Catamaran/panga sailing (about 10 minutes) plus shuttle to the club (about 5 minutes)
• Complimentary beverages (bottled water, beer, soft drinks)
• Chips and salsa plus a beverage at the club
• Table, chairs, and shaded area
• Booster saddle support for children

That’s a pretty solid list for the price point because it means you’re not paying separately for the transport out to Stone Island or for basic refreshments after the ride.

The one cost reminder: meals beyond the included snack/drinks aren’t covered. If you come hungry, you’ll want to budget for the Beach Club menu.

Another value factor: the group size is capped at 15 travelers. That tends to keep the experience feeling more personal, especially around boarding and handling the horses.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This is a great fit if you want:

• a short, structured beach experience rather than an all-day excursion
• horseback riding on sand with support for children
• included drinks and shaded seating so the day runs smoother

It may not be your best match if you’re chasing a long sightseeing itinerary, because the schedule is intentionally efficient. You’re not there for hours on a full island tour. You’re there to ride and enjoy beach time within a tight window.

It’s also a solid option for families because kids have a clear setup via the booster saddle, and the Beach Club activities keep the day from becoming only about waiting.

If you’re traveling as a cruise passenger, this can be a nice choice because pickup/drop-off times are designed to align with your ship schedule.

Crew and Service: What Makes It Feel Smooth

One of the most praised parts is the crew. You can see it in the way the day is organized: captain and crew are part of the experience, the sailing segment is short and controlled, and the transition from pier to Beach Club is quick.

There’s also a clear focus on making sure you’re comfortable at the Beach Club right away—your seating is set up, snacks are ready, and guides are present during the riding. That’s the kind of hospitality that actually affects how much you enjoy the day. When the handoffs are easy, you spend more energy on the horse and less energy worrying about timing.

Weather and Timing: How to Plan Around Real Life

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. That’s normal for outdoor riding, and it’s worth planning with flexibility if you can.

Start time is 9:00 am, which is a smart choice for heat and sun. If you burn through energy fast, the earlier slot also helps you avoid feeling cooked before the ride.

Because pickup times adjust around cruise itineraries and booking locations, you’ll want to stay ready a bit earlier than you think. Even though the operation is structured, the ocean and the ship schedules can move things around.

Should You Book Stone Island Horseback on the Beach?

Book it if your top goal is horseback riding on the beach with a straightforward half-morning plan, and if you like the idea of having drinks, shade, and basic snacks ready when you arrive. The short catamaran crossing and the small group size make the day feel manageable and fun.

Skip it if you’re mainly interested in a long island sightseeing day or if you hate the idea that extra food on-site will cost extra. And if you’re in Mazatlán during a rough weather window, remember the tour depends on conditions.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Stone Island horseback tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Is pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered, including round trip transportation.

Where do cruise passengers meet?

Cruise ship passengers meet at the GREEN BAR before the GAZEBO inside the terminal. After exiting, look for the first UMBRELLA.

What’s included in the $99 price?

Horseback riding on the beach (1 hour), round trip transportation, complimentary beverages, chips and salsa, table/chairs and a shaded beach area, guides, and private catamaran or panga sailing (about 10 minutes), plus the short shuttle to the Beach Club.

Is there support for children who ride horses?

Yes. Children receive a booster seat saddle setup (booster saddle).

If you want, tell me whether you’re doing this from a cruise or from a Mazatlán hotel area, and I’ll suggest what to watch for with timing and what to pack for the beach and the ride.