Santo Advanced Horse Trek

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Since paradise is rarely paved, why not discover Vanuatu's largest island from the top of a horse? Your three-and-a-half-hour adventure in paradise begins at a local horse ranch and moves from lush rainforest to white sand beach. The views you'll encounter from this unique vantage point are incredible so be sure to bring a camera or video recorder to capture every memorable moment. A hat, insect repellant and bottled water are also good items to bring along with you.

Your equine excursion begins when you board your vehicle for the short twenty-minute drive to a rustic western style ranch on the island's east coast. When you arrive you'll meet your experienced riding instructor/guide who will assess your riding skills and select a horse appropriate to your ability. Then, you'll head to the corral for a brief safety lesson and warm-up session so you can get acquainted with your steed. Once you feel comfortable and confident, you'll don your riding helmet, saddle up on your well-trained and sure-footed horse and hit the trail for a two-hour ride.

As you ride out of the corral take a deep breath of crisp, refreshing air, relax and marvel at some of the world's most breathtaking and unspoiled scenery, which was formed three million years ago by underwater volcanoes.

Watch the palm trees sway and feel the breeze in your face as your guide leads you at a gentle pace past a typical Ni-Vanuatu village, a copra mill and a working coconut plantation

You'll continue up to one of the island's scenic outlooks for picture-perfect views of Espiritu Santo and the surrounding islands. Then, you'll slowly make your way down and follow your guide into the rainforest, home to 15 different bird species and several mammal species. Look carefully and you may see a flying fox, one of the few indigenous mammals on the island, or the colorful royal parrot finch, endemic to Vanuatu. Have your camera handy for the crystal-clear deep blue lagoons that you'll pass.

Snow white sands and sparkling water greet you as you make your way out of the jungle. Need to cool off a little? Feel free to take a refreshing ride into the bracing waters of the South Pacific - the Coral Sea is off north east Australia Finally, you'll cross a gently flowing river on your way back to the ranch.

Once you reach the corral, you'll climb off your horse and indulge in a refreshing coconut before climbing onto your waiting mini-bus, which will take you back to Luganville and your waiting ship.

Special Notes:

Guests with neck or back ailments or pregnant women are not permitted on this tour

As western saddles are used, shorts and casual foorware are allowed. Bring a swimsuit, changes of clothes, hat and adequate sun protection.