Horse Riding Tour 2 Hours on Sea And Desert & Transfer -Hurghada

Horseback riding into the Hurghada sea is the unusual hook here. You also cross the desert on an Egyptian horse, with an instructor nearby and a helmet supplied. I like the mix of two very different settings, and I like that guides such as Ahmed and Mohammad take time with nervous beginners. The main catch is that the advertised one hour at the beach may be much shorter in practice.

At $14 per person, this is a low-cost outing if you are staying in Hurghada proper. Check the extra €10 cash charge for taxes, and another €10 if you are staying in El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, or Sahl Hasheesh. Also go in expecting a simple stable and a basic transfer, not a polished riding school.

Key points before you book

• Ride in two very different settings: Spend time on the beach and in the desert, with the sea section potentially limited to a short ride or photo stop.
• Beginner support is part of the plan: An instructor provides pre-ride coaching and stays with riders who need help.
• The price is unusually low: The listed rate is $14, but taxes and some resort transfers cost extra in cash.
• Guides can make the day: Ahmed and Mohammad receive particular praise for clear help, patience, and photo assistance.
• Horse welfare deserves your attention: Some riders found the horses gentle and well behaved, while others raised serious concerns about their condition.
• This is a small-group outing: The maximum group size is 15, with hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Why the sea ride is the main attraction

Horse riding in the sea is not an everyday beach activity. The sight of a horse walking into shallow water, with the desert behind you and the Red Sea coast nearby, gives this trip its special appeal. It is also a strong choice if you want holiday photographs that differ from the usual snorkeling and boat pictures.

You should keep your expectations measured. The booking describes one hour by the beach and one hour in the desert, but the actual balance can vary. Some riders had only 15 to 20 minutes in the water, while others spent most of their riding time in the desert and used the sea mainly for photographs.

That does not make the outing worthless, but it changes the buying decision. If you want a straightforward desert horseback ride with a chance to enter the water, this is reasonably priced. If your main goal is a full hour riding through the sea, ask for confirmation before paying.

What the three-hour outing actually includes

The total duration is about three hours, including transport. The riding itself is advertised as two hours, split between one hour on the beach and one hour in the desert. In practice, the total outing can be shorter, especially when pickup times and transfers are included.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for the main Hurghada area. You ride in an air-conditioned vehicle to the stable, then receive safety equipment and help from an instructor before setting off.

The group limit is 15 people. That is not a private ride, but it is small enough for an instructor to keep an eye on the group more easily than on a large coach-style excursion. Private arrangements have also been possible, and a private outing may give you a better chance to ride at your own pace.

Transfers from the outlying resorts require special attention. If you stay in El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, or Sahl Hasheesh, an additional €10 per person is due in cash on the spot. A separate €10 per person charge is also listed for governmental taxes and value added taxes. Add those costs before deciding how good the headline price really is.

Getting ready at the stable

Before you mount, the instructor provides basic coaching and helps you settle onto the horse. A helmet is included for every rider, and the tour supplies water and tea.

That short briefing matters, especially if you have never ridden or have not been on a horse for years. Several riders began nervous and became more comfortable once the guide stayed close and explained what to do. Ahmed is singled out as a calm, helpful instructor, while Mohammad is praised for explaining things clearly and stepping in when needed.

You should still be honest about your ability. This is not presented as a formal riding lesson, and a horse ride in an unfamiliar place can feel less controlled than a session at home. Some riders enjoyed a faster hopa hopa pace, but others found the running section uncomfortable or slightly dangerous.

If you are a complete beginner, tell the instructor before mounting. Ask for a calm horse and make clear that you want to walk until you feel steady. The guides appear willing to adjust the pace, but you should not assume that every rider will receive the same level of individual attention in a group.

The desert section: open views and a basic setup

The desert ride gives you the broadest stretch of open space. It is the part of the outing most likely to feel like a proper horseback adventure, with the horse moving beyond the built-up coast and into Hurghada’s dry interior.

For confident riders, this is where the trip can become fun rather than simply photogenic. Some riders enjoyed moving faster behind the guide, while beginners often appreciated having an instructor close by. Your riding time may also include photographs, which can be useful if you want a record of the trip without having to manage your phone from the saddle.

The setting is not a wilderness expedition. One negative account describes time spent walking along sidewalks, crossing busy roads, and moving through a commercial area before reaching the more appealing sections. That may depend on the stable, route, and day, but it is worth asking how much riding takes place away from traffic.

Horse condition is the most serious concern to consider. Some riders described the horses as gentle, friendly, well behaved, and cared for. Others said the horses looked thin, tired, or had sores. Those accounts conflict, so inspect the horse assigned to you before riding. If you see obvious injuries, severe underweight, or a lack of water, raise the issue immediately and do not feel pressured to continue.

That is practical advice, not a minor detail. A low price is not a good deal if the animals appear unfit or the ride feels unsafe.

The beach and water section

The beach portion is the signature moment. You ride toward the coast and, depending on conditions and the guide’s route, the horse enters the water. For a first-time rider, the sensation can be startling. Even a calm horse feels different when its feet move through shallow water, and you may need the instructor’s help to remain relaxed.

The sea section also produces the most uneven expectations. The description promises one hour by the beach, but several accounts indicate a shorter period in the water. One family spent roughly 15 to 20 minutes in the sea, while another rider said the water portion was mainly a photo opportunity.

I would treat the water ride as a bonus rather than a timed guarantee. You may get a memorable walk into the sea, but you should not book this solely for sustained riding in the water. Ask the operator how long the beach section is expected to last on your date, and ask whether swimming the horses depends on weather, tide, or local conditions.

The beach may also be where guides take the best photographs. Some instructors actively offer to take pictures, which is helpful when both hands are occupied. Bring only what you can secure safely, and expect that your clothes and shoes may get wet.

Safety, comfort, and family suitability

The tour is described as child appropriate, and families with young children have taken part. That does not mean every child will find it easy. A child should be comfortable around horses, able to follow simple instructions, and willing to wear a helmet.

Most riders can participate, and service animals are allowed. Pregnant women are not permitted to ride. Every rider must sign a disclaimer covering damage and personal injury before the tour begins.

The helmet is included, but the rest of your clothing needs thought. Wear clothes that can handle dust, sand, and splashing water. Long trousers are sensible because a saddle can rub, and new riders should expect some soreness after an hour or two. One happy family still reported a sore bottom, which is a useful warning for anyone who has not ridden recently.

The route may include roads or sidewalks, according to one poor account. That makes it even more important to follow the guide’s instructions and avoid trying to make the horse run unless you are comfortable and the instructor approves.

The safety standard may feel informal compared with a riding center in Europe or North America. I would book this as an adventure activity, not as a highly regulated equestrian lesson.

Guides Ahmed and Mohammad can shape the day

The strongest part of the human service is the instructors. Ahmed is repeatedly praised for helping nervous riders, staying close when needed, and making the outing enjoyable. Mohammad is also described as friendly, entertaining, and clear when explaining how to ride.

That matters because the quality of a short horseback outing depends heavily on the person leading it. A patient guide can turn a first ride into a good memory. A rushed guide can leave you tense, especially when the horse begins moving faster or enters the water.

Photography is another useful guide service. Instructors may offer to take pictures during the beach and desert sections, so you can ask for a few shots rather than trying to handle your phone from the saddle. Do not assume a professional photo package is included. The supplied information only confirms that water and tea are provided, not paid photography.

Is $14 good value?

At the listed $14 per person, the package offers a lot for a short outing: hotel transfer, an air-conditioned vehicle, about two hours of advertised riding, safety equipment, an instructor, water, and tea. For a family or couple looking for an inexpensive break from resort activities, that is attractive.

The value depends on how much riding you actually receive and how long you spend in the sea. Some accounts describe around one hour and 15 minutes on horseback, with the whole outing lasting about two hours including transport. Others felt the beach portion was too short or that too much time was spent walking through built-up areas.

The extra costs also matter. Budget an additional €10 per person for listed taxes, plus €10 per person for pickup from the named resort areas. Because these charges are paid in cash, carry the correct amount or confirm the payment details before departure.

The average booking lead time is 17 days, so advance planning is sensible during busy periods. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside that window, the payment is not refunded and changes are not accepted.

Who should book this horseback ride?

I would choose this outing if you want a low-cost, unusual activity and are happy with a flexible route. It suits couples, families with older children, first-time riders who are open to coaching, and horse lovers who want the novelty of riding beside the sea.

It is especially appealing if you value photographs and a mix of desert and coast more than a long, technical ride. The instructors can make beginners feel at ease, and the group maximum of 15 keeps the activity from becoming enormous.

I would be cautious if you need a precise timetable, insist on a full hour in the water, or have strong expectations about professional stable conditions. Ask direct questions about the horses, the route, the expected beach time, and the extra charges before you commit.

Should you book it?

Book it if the idea of sitting on an Egyptian horse with the desert on one side and the sea nearby sounds worth a little uncertainty. The price is appealing, the guides can be excellent, and the setting gives you something different from a standard Hurghada excursion.

Do not book it as a guaranteed two-hour riding program split evenly between desert and sea. Treat the water ride as the highlight when it happens, inspect the horse and tack before setting out, and speak up if the animal looks unwell or the route feels unsafe. With those expectations, this can be a memorable and affordable half-day activity.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding tour last?

The full outing lasts about three hours, including hotel transfers. The advertised riding time is two hours, divided between one hour at the beach and one hour in the desert, although the actual timing can vary.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle are included for the main service area.

Can I ride a horse in the sea?

The tour includes horseback riding by the beach and a chance to take the horse into the sea. The exact amount of time in the water is not fixed, and some outings have included only a short water ride or photo stop.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes. A professional instructor provides pre-ride coaching and assistance during the outing. Guides including Ahmed and Mohammad are noted for helping nervous and inexperienced riders.

Are helmets provided?

Yes. A helmet is provided to each rider, along with other safety equipment.

Can children join the tour?

The activity is described as child appropriate, and families with young children have participated. Each child must be able to follow the instructor’s directions and ride safely.

Can pregnant women take part?

No. Pregnant women are not permitted to ride horses on this tour.

Are there extra charges?

Yes. Governmental taxes and value added taxes require an additional €10 per person in cash. Pickup from El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, and Sahl Hasheesh requires another €10 per person in cash.

How many people can join the group?

The maximum group size is 15 people.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.