We tell every guest at Kembar the same thing: book Playa Ponies. No matter how your trip shakes out — whether you spend every day surfing, exploring, or doing absolutely nothing — a sunset ride on the beach will be the memory that sticks. It's one of those experiences that sounds almost too picturesque to be real, and then it turns out to be even better than you imagined.

What It Is

Playa Ponies is a family-run horseback riding operation based in Nosara. Carrie and Neno, the owners, have been leading rides along the coast for years, and they've built a reputation that goes well beyond the usual tourist trail ride. Their horses are beautifully cared for, calm and responsive, and they use gentle equipment — rope halters instead of metal bits — which speaks to how they treat their animals.

The signature experience is the sunset ride on Playa Pelada. You meet at their property, get matched with a horse, receive a quick orientation, and head out to the beach. From there, you ride along the sand as the sun drops toward the Pacific. The whole thing takes about an hour and a half, and it's paced so everyone is comfortable — complete beginners and experienced riders alike.

We've done the sunset ride multiple times and it never gets old. Something about being on horseback on an empty beach, watching the sky turn orange and pink — it resets everything. It's the most Nosara experience you can have.

What Makes It Special

A lot of places offer horseback riding on the beach. What sets Playa Ponies apart is the care. The horses are healthy, well-trained, and genuinely calm — not the disinterested, trail-weary animals you find at high-volume tourist operations. Carrie and Neno limit group sizes, which means you're riding with a handful of people, not a conga line of 20 horses.

Horseback riding with Playa Ponies along the Nosara coastline
Small group sizes and beautifully cared-for horses are what set Playa Ponies apart from the rest.

The route takes you along Playa Pelada, one of Nosara's most beautiful beaches — a sheltered cove with tide pools, rock formations, and a famous blowhole. At low tide, the wet sand reflects the sunset in a way that makes the whole beach glow. You might spot howler monkeys in the trees along the shore, roseate spoonbills wading in the shallows, or crabs scuttling across the rocks.

Playa Ponies horseback riders on the beach at sunset in Nosara
The sunset ride along Playa Pelada is the signature Nosara experience — and it's even better in person.

Who It's For

Everyone. Seriously. This is one of those rare activities that works for every age and every experience level. Kids love it. Couples love it. Groups of friends love it. People who've never been near a horse love it. People who ride regularly love it. The horses are calm enough for nervous first-timers and responsive enough for experienced riders to enjoy.

The minimum age varies — check with Playa Ponies directly — but young children can often ride with an adult. It's one of the best family activities in Nosara, and one that parents enjoy just as much as the kids.

Practical Details

Our Recommendation

Book the sunset ride for your second or third evening in Nosara, once you've settled in and found your rhythm. It's the kind of experience that works best when you're already relaxed and fully present. And if you're celebrating something — an anniversary, a birthday, a milestone trip — this is the activity that makes it feel truly special.

Playa Pelada is just a short walk from Kembar, so getting to the ride is easy and getting home afterward is even easier — just in time to grill dinner by the pool under the stars.

Check availability on our booking page, or reach out on WhatsApp and we'll help you plan the perfect Nosara itinerary.