Sharm El-Sheikh: 2-Hour Horse Ride Along Beach & Desert Trails

The best part of this Sharm El-Sheikh horse ride is the change of scenery: you leave the hotel by air-conditioned coach, cross the Sinai desert, then reach a beach where your horse can walk through the Red Sea. That mix of sand, mountains, and sea gives the outing more character than a simple arena ride.

I like the hotel pickup and drop-off, which removes a transport headache, and I like the chance to choose a sunrise, morning, or sunset departure. The main caution is physical: riding for about two hours requires a moderate fitness level, and the $40 price does not include the $5 governmental fee, food, drinks, or professional photographs.

Key points to know before you book

• Ride from desert trails to the Red Sea: The route combines Sinai scenery with a beach ride and time in the sea.
• Guide Eslam may lead your outing: He is specifically praised for his friendly manner and riding experience, though guide assignment should be confirmed.
• Choose your mood: Sunrise, morning, and sunset options let you plan around the light and temperature.
• About two hours in the saddle: The full outing lasts roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes, including transfers and preparation.
• Transfers are included: Pickup and return are available from your accommodation, or you can meet at the designated point.
• Budget an extra $5: Governmental fees are not included in the advertised $40 price.

From your hotel to Edelweiss Equestrian Center

Your outing begins with pickup from your Sharm El-Sheikh accommodation in an air-conditioned bus or coach. You can also use the designated meeting point in Sharm El-Sheikh 2, South Sinai Governorate, if that suits your plans better.

This matters in a spread-out resort area. You do not need to arrange a separate taxi to the riding center, and the return transfer is included as well. Still, you should confirm the exact pickup time and location when booking, since the provided details give the general area rather than a precise hotel schedule.

The drive brings you to Edelweiss Equestrian Center, where the riding portion starts. The total experience lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes, while the advertised ride itself is described as roughly two hours. Allow a little flexibility around departure, fitting your helmet, mounting, and returning to the vehicle.

The center provides a helmet, and an instructor accompanies the ride. That basic setup is important for a first-time rider, but you should still wear practical clothes and closed shoes suitable for riding. The supplied information does not specify a dress code, so ask the operator if you need exact guidance before setting out.

Getting comfortable with your horse and equipment

At the equestrian center, you receive your helmet and meet the horse assigned to you. The instructor provides riding guidance before the group heads into the Sinai desert.

The experience is not presented as a free-form gallop. It is an instructed horseback ride, which makes it a better fit for someone who wants scenery and a managed outdoor activity rather than an independent trail ride. The instructor’s role is especially useful if you have limited riding experience or need help settling into the saddle.

One guide named in the feedback is Eslam. He was praised for being friendly and experienced at riding, so if he is leading your departure, you may have a particularly reassuring introduction. Guide assignments can vary, and the information does not promise that Eslam leads every trip.

You should expect to spend a meaningful amount of time mounted. The operator advises a moderate fitness level, so this is not the right choice if you are looking for a passive sightseeing transfer. Even a gentle horse ride can work your legs and lower back, and the combination of desert trails and beach riding means you should be ready for changing ground.

Across the Sinai desert toward the mountains

Once the group leaves the center, the ride heads into the desert around Sharm El-Sheikh. This is where the activity gains much of its sense of place. You are not simply circling an enclosed riding area. You are moving through open Sinai scenery, with desert space and mountain views forming the backdrop.

The surrounding mountains received special praise, and that detail is worth keeping in mind when choosing a departure time. In the early morning, the light may give the rockier scenery a cooler, softer look. At sunset, the changing light can make the route feel calmer and more scenic. The operator offers sunrise, morning, and sunset choices, so the timing is part of the experience rather than a minor detail.

The desert section also gives the ride a steady rhythm. You can focus on handling the horse, listening to the instructor, and taking in the wide views without the distractions of a city street. At the same time, expectations should stay realistic. The information does not promise a long gallop, a private ride, or a particular mountain viewpoint.

The group can include up to 20 people. That maximum is large enough that the feel may be more like a guided group outing than a quiet private trek. If you want one-on-one instruction or a small family ride, ask Esso Tours about the group size for your chosen departure before paying.

Reaching the beach and riding through the Red Sea

The most unusual part comes when the desert route reaches a picturesque beach. Here, the horse enters the clear Red Sea water, allowing you to feel the splash and movement from the saddle.

This beach section gives the trip its strongest selling point. A desert ride is available in many destinations, but riding beside the Red Sea and then entering the water creates a very different memory. It also provides a natural change of pace after the inland route.

You should treat the water ride as a special part of the outing, not as a guaranteed swimming session for you. The description focuses on the horse splashing through the sea, and it does not say how deep the water becomes, how long the horse stays in it, or whether riders dismount. Ask the instructor on the day if you need clear limits before entering the water.

The beach setting should also help you judge your comfort level. If you are uneasy around water, horses, or changing footing, tell the instructor. The ride is guided, but the information does not promise that every horse behaves in exactly the same way or that all riders receive private supervision.

Professional photographs are available at an extra cost. They are not included, so you can decide on the day if you want a formal record of the beach ride. Food and drinks are also excluded, and no meal stop is listed, so do not book this as a food-focused excursion.

Sunrise, morning, or sunset: choosing the right departure

The choice of departure time can shape the whole outing.

A sunrise ride may appeal if you want cooler conditions and softer light over the desert and sea. The tradeoff is an early start, with the exact pickup time depending on the season and your hotel.

A morning ride is the straightforward option. You get daylight for the desert route and beach, without committing to a very early departure or waiting until the end of the day. It may also fit best with a wider Sharm El-Sheikh schedule.

A sunset ride offers a quieter, more atmospheric setting as the light changes across the mountains and shore. You should confirm the return timing if you have dinner reservations or another evening activity, since the total outing lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

The operator presents these as choices, not separate tour products with different inclusions. The instructor, horse ride, helmet, and hotel transportation remain the core package. Pick based on your tolerance for early starts, your preferred light, and the rest of your day.

What the $40 price really covers

At $40 per person, the price is reasonable if you value the combination of transport, instruction, equipment, desert riding, and the Red Sea beach section. Paying separately for a taxi to a riding center and arranging a guided route could reduce the apparent saving, so the included transfers add real value.

The price is not all-inclusive. Add the $5 governmental fee per person, making the known minimum $45 before any optional photography or personal food and drinks. Professional photos cost extra, and no amount is provided for them, so ask before accepting a photo package.

The package includes:

• Horseback riding
• An instructor
• A helmet
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

It does not include:

• The $5 governmental fee per person
• Food and drinks
• Professional photographer services

That structure makes this a focused activity rather than a full-day tour. You pay for time in the saddle and the logistics around it. If you mainly want a quick photograph on a horse, the 2.5-hour format may be more than you need. If you want a proper outing with desert and sea scenery, the price is easier to justify.

Who will get the most from this ride

This experience suits you if you want a short outdoor adventure with a strong setting and a clear beginning and end. It works well for adults and older children who can manage a horse ride, though the supplied details do not state a minimum age or child policy. Ask Esso Tours directly if you are booking for a child.

It is also a sensible option for someone staying in Sharm El-Sheikh who does not want to spend an entire day away from the resort area. The hotel transfer keeps the schedule contained, and the 2-hour-30-minute format leaves room for other plans.

You should be comfortable with a moderate level of physical activity. If you have never ridden before, the instructor’s guidance can help, but the experience still involves mounting, sitting in the saddle, and staying balanced for a substantial period.

This is less suitable if you want a private, luxury, or highly customized ride. The maximum group size is 20, and the information does not promise private guides, a specific horse, a private vehicle, or a long independent gallop.

Practical details that affect your day

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, which gives you the basic booking certainty you need. The activity is near public transportation, although hotel pickup is offered and is likely the simpler choice for most people staying in Sharm El-Sheikh.

You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund, so do not wait until the last moment if your plans are uncertain.

The operator is Esso Tours. Since pickup, departure time, and guide assignments can depend on your chosen date, confirm those details before the ride. That is especially useful if you want a particular time of day or hope to ride with Eslam.

Bring only what you can manage safely around horses and water. The provided information does not state that lockers, changing rooms, towels, or refreshments are available. Plan on handling your own personal items unless Esso Tours tells you otherwise.

Should you book the Sharm El-Sheikh horse ride?

Book it if you want more than a basic stable visit. The desert route, mountain views, Red Sea beach, and horse entering the water give this outing a strong sense of place. The included instructor and hotel transfers keep the logistics simple, while the sunrise, morning, and sunset choices let you match the ride to your schedule.

Think twice if you dislike group activities, need private coaching, or are not comfortable with two hours in the saddle. Also budget $5 more per person for the governmental fee, plus any optional photos or refreshments.

For a moderate-priced Sharm El-Sheikh activity, this is a good choice for an active half-day plan. Just confirm pickup details, the final cost, and the expected group size before booking.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding experience last?

The full experience lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. The horseback riding portion is described as about two hours, with the remaining time covering pickup, preparation, and return transportation.

What areas does the ride visit?

The route goes through the Sinai desert and continues to a beach along the Red Sea. The horse can enter the sea water during the beach portion.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in an air-conditioned bus or coach. You can also choose to meet at the designated meeting point in Sharm El-Sheikh 2.

Can I choose a sunrise or sunset ride?

Yes. Sunrise, morning, and sunset riding options are offered. Confirm the available departure time for your chosen date when booking.

Is a helmet provided?

Yes. A helmet is included, along with the horseback ride and instructor.

What fitness level is required?

A moderate physical fitness level is recommended. You should be prepared to mount a horse and remain in the saddle for roughly two hours.

What is not included in the price?

The $40 price does not include the $5 governmental fee per person, food, drinks, or professional photographer services.

What is the cancellation policy?

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