Horses and the Ionian Sea in one outing. At Yannis Horses Farm in Kato Gerakari, you ride through peaceful countryside and then, on the Ride and Swim option, you actually get into the water with the horses near Amoudi. I especially like the small group size (up to 6) for hands-on guidance, and how the route feels like real Zakynthos—olive groves, hills, and quiet shorelines you won’t reach by car.

One thing to weigh carefully: this isn’t for everyone. If you’re a non-swimmer or have health limits (like back problems or diabetes), the rules can rule you out, and on the longer options there are added limits too.

Key Takeaways Before You Go

• Small group riding (max 6) means more attention from the instructor and less waiting around.
• Ride and Swim near Amoudi includes a scheduled swim stop, not just a photo moment by the water.
• Routes change by your ability and age, so you’re not stuck doing something that feels too intense.
• Evening Wild Nature options mix olive groves, vineyards, hill climbs, and wide views toward Kefalonia.
• Strict participant rules (age/health/weight, plus no smoking) keep things safer and more controlled.

A Real-Farm Setup in Kato Gerakari

Zakynthos (Zante) has plenty of “see it from the road” tours. This one is different because you start at a working, family-run stable—Yannis Horses—and most of your time is spent on trails horses use, not roads cars use. That matters. When you’re on horseback, you move through places that feel quieter and more untouched, with nature closer and bigger than the view from a bus window.

You’ll meet at Yannis Horses Farm on the unnamed road in Kato Gerakari (291 00). From there, you get a welcome and a short briefing, and then you get matched to a horse and route that fits your comfort level. The guides are English and Greek speaking, and the whole vibe is practical: you ride, you stop when it’s time, and you focus on doing it safely.

Even if you’re not an “outdoors person,” the setting helps. You’re at a farm, not a tourist office, so it feels like you’re joining a day on the property rather than buying a ticket to a big production.

Your Main Choice: 3 Hours With Swimming or Wild Nature Short Loops

This experience comes in three options, and the differences are worth planning around.

• Tour 1: Ride and Swim (3 hours) is the full package: horseback riding for about an hour, then riding on a secluded beach area near Amoudi, plus swimming with horses for a set stop.
• Tour 2: Wild Nature 1H is a shorter evening loop (one hour round trip) with vineyards, centuries-old olive groves, a hill climb, and panoramic viewpoints for photos.
• Tour 3: Wild Nature 2H is the longer evening trail (2 hours) with stricter rules, including limits on age category and weight.

If you want the signature moment—horses in the sea—choose Tour 1. If you want viewpoints and countryside with less time commitment, Tour 2 or Tour 3 fits better.

Tour 1: Ride and Swim Near Amoudi (3 Hours)

This is the option most people remember, and for good reason: it’s not just a ride that passes by the water. The schedule is built around getting you to the beach area, then giving you time to ride and swim.

Here’s how the timing typically works:

• 8:40 AM: meet at Yannis Horses Farm for welcome and briefing
• 9:00–10:00: ride through surrounding nature, about an hour, building you into the experience
• 10:00–11:00: reach a small secluded beach near the Amoudi area, ride on the beach, and swim with the horses
• 11:00–12:00: ride back to the farm

That swim window is scheduled (including a 25-minute swimming stop). The pacing feels calm, not rushed, which is important because horse riding plus water can be chaotic if it’s treated like an afterthought.

What makes this stop special is the “you’re doing it together” feel. You’re not just walking beside horses; you’re sharing the experience of water with them while an instructor keeps things controlled. If you’re comfortable in the water and you like animals, this is the moment that turns a nice ride into a story you’ll keep.

A practical note: you’ll need swimwear and comfortable clothes, and the activity won’t make sense if you’re a strong “I don’t swim” type. The rules list non-swimmers as not suitable, so treat that as a hard line.

Wild Nature 1H: Olive Groves, Vineyards, and Big Views (Evening)

If Tour 1 feels like the full adventure, Tour 2 is the smarter pick for a lighter day. It’s offered in two shifts:

• 18:00–19:00
• 19:00–20:00

You’ll meet about 20 minutes before the shift. That time buffer matters because you want the briefing handled before you’re mounted and starting up or down trails.

During the hour, the ride focuses on countryside textures:

• you’ll cross vineyards
• ride through centuries-old olive groves
• climb a hill to reach panoramic viewpoints
• take in wide sea views, with a good chance of seeing the direction of Kefalonia on clear days

This option is ideal if you want Zakynthos by horse but don’t want to commit to a full morning or a swimming component. It also tends to feel great late in the day because hills and viewpoints are what people come for, and sunset light helps photos look better with less effort.

Wild Nature 2H: The Longer Trail With Extra Rules

Tour 3 extends the time to 2 hours, starting at 18:00. You should plan to arrive about 15 minutes early so the session can begin on time.

This is also the option with the tightest “who can join” rules. The data lists:

• minimum age 8 years for Tour 3
• no old people and no disabled participants
• no one above 95 kg

And there are additional general limits for the activity as a whole (like people with back problems, non-swimmers, and people over 70 years).

Because some of the age guidance in the general rules section conflicts with the Tour 3 minimum age note (it lists both under 9 and under 14 as not suitable), I’d treat Tour 3 as the one you confirm first. If you’re traveling with teens, grandparents, or anyone near the edges of the limits, ask before you book so you don’t show up expecting something they can’t offer.

In terms of what you’ll feel on this ride: you’ll have more time on trails than the 1-hour loop. That usually means more sustained riding and more time for hills and viewpoints, even if the exact mile-by-mile route isn’t spelled out in the details you have.

What the Guide Does (And Why It Helps Beginners)

Even if you’ve never ridden a horse before, the whole setup is designed around matching you to what you can handle. The route is described as tailored to your ability and preferences, and the tours are led by an experienced instructor who stays responsible for safety and comfort.

In the field, that typically shows up in small but important ways:

• you get guidance before mounting
• you’re paired with a horse that fits the session
• the ride pace and trail choice follow the group

One review theme you can take seriously when choosing this tour: the horses are typically well mannered, and beginners can do it. Still, I’d go into it with a realistic attitude. Horse riding isn’t the same as walking. Some trails can be uneven, and you’re sitting on an animal that responds to cues and terrain.

There’s also a language piece to plan for. English is available, but the experience can vary depending on how the instructor communicates on the day. If you’re traveling with someone who needs very detailed explanations, try to bring patience and focus on simple directions.

Safety and Comfort: Trails, Water, and Horse Behavior

This isn’t a “wild, no rules” ride. The experience includes professional guidance and an emphasis on carefully led trails, and the rules are clearly meant to keep participation consistent.

You should know a few things that affect your comfort:

• The activity lists no smoking
• For Tour 1, you’ll be expected to swim in a horse-friendly setting, so comfort in water matters
• Some terrain may be rocky or uneven, which is normal for countryside trails, especially near beaches and hills

You’ll also notice the participation limits include health and animal-allergy considerations, including animal allergies, diabetes, and back problems. That tells you the operator is thinking about what could go wrong for certain riders, not just what’s fun.

If you’re choosing between options, Tour 1’s water component changes the entire feel. Tour 2 and Tour 3 are more “ride and view,” while Tour 1 adds a swim stop where you’ll be adjusting to movement, water temperature, and getting on/off safely.

Group Size: The Quiet Advantage

A lot of tours claim “small group.” This one states it’s limited to 6 participants. In practice, that matters because it affects the whole flow of the ride:

• fewer people to gear up at once
• less time waiting while the instructor handles transitions
• more chances for corrections if your posture or steering feels off

When there are only a handful of riders, the guide can actually tailor. You’re not one face in a crowd. That’s a big part of why horse riding tours can feel either stressful or surprisingly relaxed. Here, the setup leans toward relaxed.

Price and Value: Why $58 Can Make Sense

At $58 per person, this sits in the category of “experience pricing,” not “bus ticket pricing.” So you should ask: what are you getting for that money?

You’re paying for:

• a guided horseback experience with trained horses
• route selection that works for different rider levels
• equipment and staff support
• and, for Tour 1, the horse swimming segment, including a scheduled stop

If you choose Tour 1, the price starts to feel more reasonable because it includes more than a typical trail ride: it includes a water experience that’s hard to replicate on your own safely. On top of that, you’re riding in a part of Zakynthos that’s better experienced on horseback than on foot.

You’re not getting transportation or food included, so factor that in. But when you’re already on the island and you can reach Kato Gerakari, the activity itself offers a “full value” mix of animal time, scenery, and a distinct hook moment.

Getting There: The Kato Gerakari Meeting Point Reality Check

Transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to plan your route to Kato Gerakari ahead of time. The meeting point is the farm address area in the town, and that means you’ll likely rely on taxi or your own wheels, depending on where you’re staying on Zakynthos.

This matters more for the morning start in Tour 1. If you’re based farther away, you don’t want to improvise. Build in buffer time so you don’t arrive rushed. The experience also asks you to arrive early before the briefing—so arriving late can cut into your ride.

Also, since Tour 2 and Tour 3 are evening slots, think about how the day ends where you’re staying. You want to time dinner so you’re not trying to commute right after a late meal.

What to Pack (So the Swim Part Doesn’t Feel Awkward)

For Tour 1, your packing list is simple:

• swimwear
• comfortable clothes

That’s it, based on the details provided. If you’re prone to discomfort, keep your clothing choices practical. You’ll be changing your focus from horseback comfort to water comfort, and loose, comfortable fabric helps.

You should also plan your behavior around the rules: no smoking, and be ready for an instructor to guide you through the flow of riding and swimming.

If you’re choosing Tour 2 or Tour 3 and you’re only “touring,” not swimming, you still want comfortable clothes because you’ll be on trails and moving at a steady riding pace.

Who Should Book This Horse Riding and Swim Experience

This is a good fit if you want:

• a real countryside ride on Zakynthos instead of a road-only itinerary
• a memorable “only on this island” moment like swimming with horses (Tour 1)
• a small group where the guide can actually focus on you
• an activity that works across different riding levels thanks to tailored routes

It’s not a good fit if you:

• need an activity that allows non-swimmers (the rules list non-swimmers as not suitable)
• have health limits listed for the experience, including back problems or diabetes
• have animal allergies
• are outside age/weight rules, especially for Tour 3

If you’re traveling with kids, check the age rules carefully. The provided information lists both children under 9 and children under 14 as not suitable, while Tour 3 says minimum age 8. That’s exactly the kind of detail you want confirmed directly before you commit.

Should You Book?

Book this if you’re after an animal-led, nature-first Zakynthos experience with real scenery time and (on Tour 1) a swim segment you won’t forget. The small group size and guided tailoring are the two big reasons it feels worth doing, not just ticking a box.

Skip it if your plans center on comfort over rules and boundaries. The experience is tightly managed for safety, and the health and swimming requirements are part of that.

If you’re deciding between options, use this simple rule: choose Ride and Swim (Tour 1) for the signature sea-and-horses moment, and choose Wild Nature (Tour 2/3) if you want olive groves, hill viewpoints, and a shorter commitment with no water swimming requirement.

FAQ

FAQ

What tour options are available on Zakynthos?

There are three options: Tour 1 is Ride and Swim for 3 hours, Tour 2 is Wild Nature for 1 hour, and Tour 3 is Wild Nature for 2 hours.

Do all options include swimming with the horses?

No. Swimming with horses is included only with Tour 1, and it includes a 25-minute swimming stop.

Can beginners ride, or do I need prior experience?

The tour is designed for all ages and abilities, with routes tailored to your ability and preferences. You’re led by an experienced instructor from the stables.

Who can’t participate?

The rules list several limitations, including no people with back problems, no non-swimmers, no pregnant women, no people with diabetes, no people with animal allergies, and no people over 70 years.

Are there age limits for the different tours?

There are general age limits listed that include children under 9 and children under 14 as not suitable. For Tour 3 specifically, the minimum age is listed as 8 years old, so it’s worth checking before booking.

How big are the groups?

The experience is limited to a small group of up to 6 participants.

Where do we meet, and what time should we arrive?

All options meet at Yannis Horses Farm in Kato Gerakari. Tour 1 meets at 8:40, and you should arrive early for the briefing. Tour 2 specifies meeting about 20 minutes before the start time, and Tour 3 says to arrive 15 minutes before.

What should I bring, and is food or transportation included?

Bring swimwear (especially for Tour 1) and comfortable clothes. Food and drink are not included, and transportation to the meeting point is not included.

Can I cancel if my plans change?

Yes. The experience includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.