Horseback Riding on Amelia Island

Beach horseback riding is on most Florida bucket lists — and Amelia Island is one of the few places you can actually do it. Kelly's Seahorse Ranch runs the only legal beach horseback operation on the island, with 30+ horses, experienced guides, and a 1.5-hour trail that ends on the sand. Sunrise and sunset rides are the most popular. After 5+ rides, here's the complete guide.

If you're building a wider trip, our Amelia Island things to do guide and beaches guide are good companions to this page.

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About Kelly's Seahorse Ranch

Address: 7500 S Fletcher Ave, Amelia Island, FL 32034
Phone: (904) 491-5163
Website: kellysranch.com
Hours: Daily, 7am–sundown
Established: 1988 (35+ years)
Operators: Family-run, second generation

Kelly's has been running beach rides since the late 1980s. They have 30+ horses, all trained for the beach, all matched to rider experience. The guide-to-rider ratio is typically 1:6–8 in small groups. The trail is 1.5 hours total: 30–45 minutes through the maritime forest, then 30–45 minutes on the beach.

The horses are well-cared-for. They're rotated so no horse works more than 2–3 rides per day. They're fed and watered between rides. The staff knows each horse's temperament and matches them to riders. The stables are a short drive from most hotels on Amelia Island, especially the north-end properties in Fernandina.

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The Ride Experience

Before the ride

• Arrive 15–20 minutes early to check in
• Sign the liability waiver
• Get matched to a horse based on experience, weight, and height
• Helmets are provided (required for riders under 18)
• Quick safety briefing covering mounting, basic commands, and emergency signals
• Mount up with assistance from staff

The trail

• 30–45 minutes through the maritime forest in single file
• Experienced guides lead and follow the group
• Stops for photos at scenic points
• Wildlife is possible (deer, wild turkey, occasionally armadillo)

The beach

• 30–45 minutes on the sand, often two-abreast
• The horses know the beach — they walk calmly
• Stops for photos at the waterline
• Walking in the surf is optional (and beautiful)
• The guide can take group photos for you with your phone or camera

After the ride

• Dismount with help, return to the stables
• Tip the guide — $10–20 per person is standard
• Photos available for purchase (digital download, $20)
• Small souvenir shop (hats, t-shirts, keychains)

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The Horses

Breeds: Quarter horse, paint, thoroughbred crosses
Temperament: Calm, trained, experienced on the beach
Matching: Beginner riders get the most experienced horses
Capacity: 6–8 riders per group, multiple groups per time slot

The horses are well-loved and have done this ride hundreds of times. They walk calmly through the surf, don't spook at birds, and don't crowd other horses. For first-time riders, this is the operation to use.

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Best Times to Ride

Sunrise ride (recommended)

• Time: 1 hour after sunrise (7am in summer, 8am in winter)
• Pros: Cooler temperatures, fewer other riders, golden light, dolphins in the surf, fewer bugs
• Cons: Early wake-up, can be cool in winter
• Best for: Photographers, romantic rides, anyone who wants fewer crowds

Mid-morning ride

• Time: 9–11am
• Pros: Warm but not hot, good light, families with kids
• Cons: Busier than sunrise
• Best for: Families, casual riders

Sunset ride (most popular)

• Time: 1.5–2 hours before sunset
• Pros: Beautiful light, romantic, magical
• Cons: Books up first, busiest, can be hot in summer
• Best for: Couples, special occasions, photographers

Skip the afternoon heat

Time: Noon–4pm — too hot for the horses and the riders. Kelly's schedules around this, but if you can pick your time slot, choose morning or sunset.

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Pricing

Weight limit: 240 lbs (call to discuss if over — some horses can carry more)
Age minimum: 8 years (must be accompanied by adult)
Children under 12: Must be accompanied by adult
Discount: Groups of 6+ can call to arrange a group rate

The price is consistent year-round with no seasonal pricing.

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What to Wear

Required

• Long pants (jeans, leggings) — prevents chafing
• Closed-toe shoes with a small heel (boots preferred, sneakers OK)
• Helmet (provided, required for riders under 18)

Recommended

• Hat with strap if windy
• Sunglasses with strap
• Sunscreen (reef-safe, Florida law)
• Long-sleeve shirt for sun protection
• Bug spray in summer

Skip

• Shorts (causes chafing against the saddle)
• Sandals or flip-flops (can get caught in stirrups)
• Loose jewelry (could spook the horse)
• Perfume (strong scents can spook horses)
• Phone in hand (use a zippered pocket or leave with a non-rider)

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What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)

Bring

• Water bottle (small, in saddle bag)
• Camera (with strap, in saddle bag — guide will take photos too)
• Cash for tip ($10–20 per person)
• Cash for photos ($20 for the digital download)
• Sunglasses with strap
• Hat with strap

Leave behind

• Phone in hand — it'll fall, and you can't catch it from a horse
• Large bags — there's no storage on the horse
• Loose items — anything that could fall off mid-ride
• Outside drinks — water is provided

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Booking

How far ahead to book

• Summer (June–August): 2–3 weeks
• Fall (September–November): 1–2 weeks
• Winter (December–February): 3–7 days
• Spring (March–May): 1–2 weeks
• Holidays: 4–6 weeks

How to book

Call (904) 491-5163 Kelly's website Book on Viator

Cancellation policy

• 48+ hours: full refund
• Less than 48 hours: 50% refund
• Less than 24 hours: no refund
• Weather (heavy rain, lightning, hurricane watch): full refund or reschedule

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The Other Option: Plantation Horse Experience

The Omni Amelia Island Plantation offers a "Plantation Horseback Experience" that's different from Kelly's:

• Setting: Plantation grounds (1,350 acres), not the beach
• Duration: 45–60 minutes
• Price: $75 per person
• Group size: Up to 10
• Best for: Plantation guests, families with younger kids

The Plantation ride is on the trails, not the beach. It's a different experience — more "nature ride," less "bucket list." For the actual bucket-list beach ride, Kelly's is the only option.

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Private Rides

Kelly's offers private rides (call to arrange):

• Price: ~$200 per person
• Group size: 2–6
• Best for: Honeymoons, proposals, anniversaries, special occasions
• Customization: Pace, route, and photo stops are flexible

The guide can adjust the ride to your preferences. Stop for a beach picnic (extra cost). Bring champagne for a proposal — Kelly's has done this many times. The private ride is more expensive but more memorable.

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What If It Rains

• Light rain: ride continues
• Heavy rain: ride cancelled, reschedule or refund
• Lightning: ride cancelled, no exceptions
• Hurricane watch: ride cancelled, full refund

Kelly's is good about weather. They won't take you out in dangerous conditions. If you have a flexible schedule, they'll work with you.

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What If I've Never Ridden Before

This is the right place to start. Kelly's matches beginners to the most experienced horses. The guide will walk you through mounting, basic commands, and what to do if the horse stops. The beach horses are calm — they walk slowly, they don't spook, they don't run.

If you're nervous:

• Tell the guide at check-in
• Ask for a smaller, calmer horse
• Request a position in the middle of the group
• Take the sunrise ride (less crowded, less pressure)
• The guide can lead your horse for you (reins in their hand)

Most first-time riders feel confident within 10 minutes.

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Accommodations for Physical Limitations

Kelly's can accommodate:

• Back problems: Use a saddle pad, take a slower pace
• Weight over 240 lbs: Call to discuss — some horses can carry more
• Pregnancy: Not recommended at any stage
• Mobility issues: Mounting help available, easy dismount
• Visual impairment: Lead horse available
• Hearing impairment: Hand signals from guide

Call ahead to discuss. Kelly's is good about accommodations.

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Photos

The guide takes photos during the ride (group shots, action shots, beach shots). After the ride you can:

• View photos on a tablet at the stables
• Download all digital photos for $20 (~30–50 images)
• Print on-site for $5 per photo

Bring your own camera or phone if you want your own shots. The guide will also take your phone for a few specific shots if you ask.

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Reviews and Reputation

• TripAdvisor: 4.5/5 (500+ reviews)
• Google: 4.7/5 (1,000+ reviews)
• Viator: 4.5/5 (200+ reviews)
• Yelp: 4.5/5 (200+ reviews)

The reviews are consistently positive. Common praise: "the horses are calm," "the guide was great," "the beach was beautiful," "we'll be back." Common complaints: "expensive," "too short," "the photos cost extra."

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Why This Is a Bucket-List Activity

Beach horseback riding is a Florida must-do. The combination of horse, beach, and ocean is rare. The fact that Kelly's has done it for 35+ years means they're good at it. The horses are experienced, the guides are experienced, the trail is well-maintained, and the beach is beautiful.

This is one of those "we did it" experiences you'll talk about for years. Worth the $130, worth the 1.5 hours, worth the planning. If you're already planning a sunset ride, you can almost always catch the sunset from one of our favorite beaches afterward.

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Alternatives If Kelly's Is Sold Out

• Plantation Horse Experience (Omni Plantation, $75, on plantation trails, not the beach)
• Fort Clinch horse tours (occasionally, not regularly scheduled)
• Private guided rides (call Kelly's directly)
• Try a different day — mid-week is easier to book than weekends

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What's NOT Allowed

• Galloping on the beach (insurance/permit issue)
• Riding in the water (some horses will, but it's not standard)
• Off-trail riding (state park rules)
• Single riders (minimum 2, usually 4–6 in a group)
• Riding without a helmet for those under 18

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Sample Day Plan for Horseback Riders

Morning ride

• 7:00am — Arrive at Kelly's
• 7:30am — Sunrise ride begins
• 9:00am — Back to stables, tip guide
• 9:30am — Brunch at Salt Life Food Shack
• 11:00am — Beach time at Main Beach
• 1:00pm — Lunch at The Slopery
• 3:00pm — Bike the island or downtown Fernandina
• 6:00pm — Dinner at David's or 29 South

Sunset ride

• 4:00pm — Check in at Kelly's
• 4:30pm — Sunset ride begins (depending on time of year)
• 6:00pm — Back to stables
• 7:30pm — Dinner at Salt (at the Ritz) or 29 South
• 10:00pm — Back to hotel

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What to Combine with Horseback Riding

• Beach time: Ride in the morning, beach in the afternoon
• Sunset dinner: Ride at sunset, dinner after at Salt (Ritz-Carlton) or 29 South
• Photography tour: Combine with Fort Clinch State Park and Centre Street
• Day trip: Combine with the Cumberland Island ferry or a day trip to St. Augustine

Many visitors stay at one of the beachfront hotels on Amelia Island and walk or short-drive to the stables.

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FAQs

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Plan Your Ride

Book your ride:

Call Kelly's: (904) 491-5163 Kelly's website Book on Viator