Zakynthos: Yotomu Horse Riding and Swimming Experience

Horse riding in Zakynthos is interesting on its own, but this one gets extra memorable because you can trade the usual photo-stop for an actual swim with the horses in the Ionian Sea (Tour 1). Starting from Yannis Horses Farm in Kato Gerakari, it’s the kind of activity that gets you off the road and onto quiet paths you just would not reach by car.

I really like two parts of this experience: the small group size (limited to 6) that keeps the pace relaxed, and the route options that take you through working countryside like olive groves and vineyards, with viewpoints when you choose the longer wild-nature rides.

One drawback to keep in mind: English can be limited depending on the guide, and there can be small differences between the scheduled time and how long you actually spend on the trail. If timing matters a lot for your day, ask questions during the briefing so you know what to expect.

Key Highlights That Matter Before You Go

• Swim with horses in Tour 1: a dedicated beach riding segment plus a swimming stop in crystal-clear Ionian Sea water.
• Three different ride styles: a 1 hour route, a 2 hour route, or the ride-and-swim option.
• Tailored routes for your ability: different trekking paths are used depending on age and experience.
• Small group attention: max 6 participants, led by an instructor on-site at the farm.
• Natural, low-key countryside riding: olive groves, vineyards, climbs to viewpoints, and lonely beaches in the right option.

Entering Yannis Horses Farm in Kato Gerakari

This tour is anchored at Yannis Horses Farm, set in Kato Gerakari on Zakynthos. The meeting point is on the unnamed road there, so do give yourself time to find it and settle in before the briefing. From the start, the farm setup matters because it keeps the experience grounded and controlled, not chaotic.

You’ll get a warm welcome and a short briefing, then you’re matched with horses and routes that fit you. That matters for comfort. Horseback riding is fun, but it’s also physical. When the guide helps pair you with the right horse and pacing, you spend more time enjoying the day and less time worrying.

Two practical things to remember right away:

• Wear comfortable clothes for time in the saddle.
• For the swim option, bring swimwear so you are ready the moment you get to the beach.

Choosing Your Tour: 1 Hour Wild Nature vs 2 Hours vs Ride and Swim

This is not one single ride. It’s a menu, and each option gives you a different flavor of Zakynthos.

Tour 1, Ride and Swim (3H)

This is the big one, the version you pick if you want the beach and the water. The day runs from the morning, with a meeting time at 8:40 at the farm. After the briefing, you ride into surrounding nature for about an hour, then reach a small secluded beach near the Amoudi area. Next comes the beach segment and the horse swim time, followed by the ride back to the farm.

Tour 2, Wild Nature (1H)

Two evening departure shifts are offered: 18:00 to 19:00, and 19:00 to 20:00. After you arrive about 20 minutes early for the meeting, you’ll head out for a one-hour round trip through vineyards and centuries-old olive groves. You also climb a hill to reach panoramic viewpoints for photos.

Tour 3, Wild Nature (2H)

This one is a longer evening ride, starting at 1800. It has stricter participant rules: minimum age 8 years old, and limits around people with disability, people above 70, and a weight cap of 95 kg. If you fit the requirements and you want more time on horseback, this is the option that gives you the extra stretch.

The Olive Grove and Viewpoint Ride That Fits Easy Evenings

If you pick the 1 hour or 2 hour wild-nature options, you’re choosing a route that leans into Zakynthos countryside rather than beach time.

In the 1 hour version, you’ll cross vineyards and move through olive groves that have a sense of age to them. Then you climb a hill and reach panoramic viewpoints. The payoff here is not just the view itself, it’s the way the ride strings together several types of scenery in a short time, without feeling rushed.

Even better, evening timing helps. The countryside cools down, and your ride becomes less about endurance and more about settling into a steady rhythm. The pace is still active because you’re in the saddle, but it feels like a proper countryside outing rather than a sprint.

If you choose the 2 hour wild-nature ride, you basically get more of what makes the shorter option satisfying: more time traveling through working farmland and more time at those viewpoints. That extra time can help if you want photos where you’re not constantly mounting and dismounting on schedule.

Ride and Swim Near Amoudi: The Moment You Remember

Tour 1, the ride-and-swim experience, is the main reason people choose this activity. It is structured to build up to that beach time.

After meeting at Yannis Horses Farm and getting a short briefing, you ride for about an hour through the surrounding nature until you reach the small secluded beach near the Amoudi area. This first stretch is not just transportation. It’s when the day clicks, because horseback gives you movement through places that are quieter than the roads.

Then you ride on the beach and swim with the horses. You also get a swimming stop of about 25 minutes. That stop is a clear anchor in the schedule, which is helpful, because it means you get water time planned into your ride instead of hoping you have a gap.

A key detail for planning: this is a swim with horses option, not a just dip your toes and leave situation. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers, and people with certain health and risk factors should not join. If you are comfortable in open water and you want a truly unusual Zakynthos memory, this is your best match.

Safety and Comfort, What You Should Expect and What to Watch

This tour is built around safety and guidance, and the horses are described as well-trained. The routes are carefully matched to your ability and preferences, and the ride is led by an experienced instructor from the farm. That is the right foundation.

Still, I want you to be practical. One possible drawback that shows up in feedback is that conditions on the trail can vary, including rocky stretches with uneven ground. Another note is that one participant had concerns about horse temperament on a rocky path. Most of the experience is reported as smooth, but you should take comfort seriously.

Here’s how to protect your day:

• Tell the instructor during the briefing if you have balance concerns or prefer a calmer pace.
• If you are not a strong swimmer, do not book the swim option. This activity lists non-swimmers as not suitable.
• Follow weight and age limits exactly, especially for the longer Tour 3 with its extra restrictions.
• Bring swimwear for Tour 1, and comfortable clothes for all tours.

Price and Value: Is $58 Worth It?

At about $58 per person, this is not a cheap throw-in activity. But it also isn’t a long-transport, all-day production.

The value comes from a few concrete things:

• Small group size keeps attention personal.
• You get a guided experience with trained horses and an instructor.
• You’re paying for more than riding. Tour 1 includes the beach riding and the planned swim stop.
• The ride time is substantial enough to feel like an outing, not a quick novelty.

The tradeoff is also real: transportation to the meeting point is not included, and no food or drink is included. So you’ll want to plan your day around that. If you’re already near Kato Gerakari, the cost feels easier to justify. If you’d need a long taxi ride from elsewhere on the island, factor that into your total budget.

Who This Tour Works Best For (And Who Should Skip It)

This is a family-friendly style of activity on paper, and it is described as suitable for all ages and abilities with route matching. But the fine print matters.

Not suitable for:

• Children under 9, and also listed as not suitable for people under 14
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• Non-swimmers
• People with diabetes
• People with animal allergies
• People over 70

Tour 3 is more restrictive, with additional rules: minimum age 8 years old, and no people above 95 kg, plus restrictions around disability and older participants.

For who this fits well:

• Families who can meet the age rules and want an outdoors activity
• Couples who want a memorable Zakynthos story beyond beaches and towns
• Solo travelers who like guided structure but still want nature time
• Nature lovers who enjoy countryside routes and quiet views

If you’re a beginner, that can work too. One of the strongest points in feedback is that the riding can be done by beginners because the horses are well mannered and the experience is guided.

What to Bring, and How to Make the Day Smooth

For this activity, you only need a small kit, but it should match the swim possibility.

Bring:

• Swimwear (especially for Tour 1)
• Comfortable clothes

On top of that, I’d use your common sense:

• You’re riding outdoors, so plan for sun and changing light if you choose evening shifts.
• No smoking is allowed.

Also note timing discipline. You’re expected to arrive ahead of time at the farm. If you’re doing Tour 3, arrive early as required. The briefing matters because it sets your pairing and pacing.

Language, Guide Style, and Setting Expectations

The instructor can speak English and Greek. In practice, English may not be equally comfortable for every guide or every moment, so do go in with a friendly, simple mindset. If you have questions about pace, safety, or what to do during the beach and swim time, ask right at the briefing. That way you get the clearest answers when it counts.

The guide’s attitude is part of the experience. The strongest compliments center on guides who care about the animals and bring enthusiasm to the ride. When you see how comfortable the horses are and how smoothly the day is managed, you feel it instantly.

Should You Book Yotomu Horse Riding and Swimming in Zakynthos?

Book it if you want a guided horse ride that feels like real countryside, not a scripted stop. If Tour 1 is available on your dates and you are a confident swimmer, this is one of the most memorable ways to see Zakynthos. The combination of riding, beach time, and a planned swim creates a clear, memorable arc.

Skip or reconsider if you fall into the health and safety limits (non-swimmer, diabetes, back problems, animal allergies, pregnancy, or age limits). Also reconsider if you need strict timing or fluent English. You can still have a good day, but you should plan your schedule with a little flexibility.

If you’re choosing between the options, here’s the simple decision rule:

• Want the special factor, water, and a unique story? Choose Tour 1.
• Want a scenic countryside evening without committing to the beach and swim? Choose Tour 2 or Tour 3 based on how much time you want in the saddle.

If you match the requirements and go in ready to follow the guide, you’re likely to leave with one of those rare Zakynthos memories that is equal parts nature and playful adventure.

FAQ

How long is each horse riding option?

Tour 1 Ride and Swim runs about 3 hours. Tour 2 Wild Nature is 1 hour. Tour 3 Wild Nature is 2 hours.

Is swimming with the horses included?

Yes, swimming with the horses is included only with Tour 1. It includes a swimming stop of about 25 minutes.

Where do I meet the group?

You meet at Yannis Horses Farm in Kato Gerakari at the provided address on the unnamed road.

What should I bring with me?

Bring swimwear and comfortable clothes. This is especially important for Tour 1 since it includes swimming.

Can non-swimmers join?

No. The activity is listed as not suitable for non-swimmers, since Tour 1 includes swimming with the horses.

How many people are in the small group and what languages are used?

The group is limited to 6 participants. Instructors speak English and Greek.