Horse Riding 3 Hours Beach, Desert, & Swimming By Horse in red sea – Hurghada

Horseback riding into the Red Sea is the unusual part of this Hurghada outing. Your three-hour ride is split between desert, beach, and time in the water, so you get far more variety than a simple stable ride. Hotel pickup and a guide keep the day easy to arrange.

I like the strong photo element and the chance to choose a gentle pace, faster riding, or more time in the sea. I also like the low advertised price of $22, though you must add the $10 government and VAT charge, plus another $10 transfer fee if you stay in El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, or Sahl Hasheesh.

The main concern is horse welfare. Many riders describe healthy, well-cared-for horses, but several serious reports describe thin horses, saddle wounds, poor care, and missing helmets. Inspect your horse before mounting, confirm the helmet, and leave if the animal appears unfit.

Key points before you book

• Three different riding settings: One hour in the desert, one hour along the beach, and one hour swimming with the horse in the Red Sea.
• Guides can shape the ride: Karim, Eslam, Moussa, Mohammed, Abdul, and Abd El Rahim are among the guides named in feedback, with special praise for coaching and photography.
• About four hours in total: The riding itself lasts three hours, with preparation and transport making the full outing roughly four hours.
• Hotel pickup is included: Air-conditioned two-way transfers are provided from Hurghada hotels.
• Extra charges matter: A $10 per-person government and VAT fee is paid in cash, with a further $10 per-person transfer fee for several resort areas.
• Check the horses and safety gear: Helmets are supposed to be provided, but one account says this did not happen, so verify before the ride begins.

Three hours from desert tracks to Red Sea water

This is a simple idea, but a memorable one. You leave your hotel by air-conditioned vehicle, reach the riding center, meet the horses and guides, and receive basic coaching before setting off.

The ride is divided into three one-hour parts:

• Desert riding
• Beach riding
• Swimming with the horse in the Red Sea

That order may vary, so do not treat it as a fixed promise. The point is the change of scenery. The desert section gives you open space and a classic Egyptian riding setting. The beach section adds sea views and softer ground. The final water session is the reason many people choose this outing instead of a standard horseback tour.

Three hours in a saddle is a long time if you rarely ride. One rider found the full length tiring, while another felt the sea section helped because the water offered relief from Hurghada’s heat. If you are new to horses, expect a physical activity rather than a short photo stop.

The desert hour: a gentle start with room to ride

The desert section is likely the best place to settle in. The guides provide pre-ride coaching and remain with you during the outing, which helps if you are a first-time rider or have not been on a horse for years.

Some riders describe the horses as calm and the ride as easy for beginners. Others enjoyed trotting or galloping when the guide allowed it. Do not assume that speed is guaranteed. Your pace depends on your ability, the horse assigned to you, the guide’s judgment, and the conditions on the day.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required. You need enough balance and leg strength to stay comfortable for three hours, plus the flexibility to mount and dismount. One guide helped a rider who had trouble getting onto the horse, and an improvised platform near the water was used by another group. Those details suggest that assistance is available, but you should still tell the staff about any mobility concerns before you start.

The desert also gives the guide a chance to take photos. Abdul and Abd El Rahim received special praise for finding good poses and taking pictures from different angles. If photographs matter to you, say so at the start. A clear request can help the guide plan a few stops instead of trying to take pictures while everyone is moving.

The beach hour: good views, but watch the heat

The beach ride changes the mood. You move from dry desert ground to the Red Sea shore, with the horses and water providing the setting for the most attractive pictures.

The beach section is not just a quick pass by the water. It is listed as a full hour, and riders have described a mix of walking, trotting, and sometimes galloping, depending on what they wanted and what the guide permitted. A French-speaking rider also praised the guide for adapting the pace and route to requests.

This flexibility is valuable. A confident rider may want more movement, while a beginner may prefer a quiet walk. Be clear about your comfort level. If you are uneasy, you do not need to accept pressure to gallop.

The sun is the practical issue here. Hurghada can be hot, and three hours outside can feel longer than expected. Bring sun protection and wear clothing that will not rub under the saddle. Water is included, along with coffee or tea, but one person said refreshments were not offered during the outing. Take your own water if you want to be certain you have enough.

The Red Sea swim: the memorable final hour

The horseback swim is the unusual feature. You ride into the Red Sea, generally bareback during the water portion, and the horse moves through the water while you hold on and follow the guide’s instructions.

This is not the same as sitting in a saddle on a beach. Mounting without a saddle and staying balanced in the water can be awkward, even for someone who rides at home. One rider described the sea riding as harder than expected, while others called it the best part of the day.

The staff may use an old overturned boat or another low platform to help you mount near the water. That can be useful because climbing onto a wet horse from the ground is not easy. Ask for help rather than attempting an awkward mount alone.

The water section is also where safety matters most. Confirm that your helmet is fitted before entering the sea, even though the experience states that a helmet is provided for each rider. One account reported being asked to gallop without a helmet, and another raised concerns about a guide’s horse appearing injured. These are not minor points. You should be comfortable stopping the activity if the safety equipment or animal condition is not acceptable.

Horses and animal welfare: the question you should take seriously

The most positive descriptions focus on horses that appear healthy, strong, well behaved, and well cared for. Several riders felt the staff loved the horses and looked after them properly. That is encouraging, but it does not remove the need for your own check.

Other accounts describe horses as very thin, with visible bones, sunken backs, or damaged skin from saddles. One person left before riding after seeing the condition of the animals. Another felt too heavy for the horse assigned to them. These reports are serious and deserve more attention than the cheerful photo opportunities.

Before you mount, look at the horse’s general condition. Check for obvious wounds, bleeding, severe thinness, or signs that the saddle is causing pain. Ask the guide to explain the horse’s size and suitability for your weight. If the answer does not satisfy you, request another horse or decline the ride.

The experience is advertised as child appropriate, but family-friendly does not mean suitable for every child. A child should be able to follow instructions, sit steadily, and cope with a long outdoor activity. Parents should make the final call after seeing the horse and equipment in person.

Guides, coaching, and the human side of the ride

The guides are an important part of the experience. Names connected with especially positive accounts include Karim, Eslam, Moussa, Mohammed, Abdul, and Abd El Rahim. The praise centers on friendly help, clear English from some guides, patience with beginners, and a willingness to adjust the ride.

Karim was singled out for making the trip enjoyable. Eslam was described as friendly and easy to understand, although that same account was very negative about the riding center and horse care. Abdul was praised for asking what the rider wanted and tailoring the outing. Abd El Rahim was remembered for humor and creative photographs.

That mix is useful to know. A good guide can make mounting, riding, and posing much easier. But a warm personality should not distract you from checking the horse, helmet, saddle, and total riding time.

The group can contain up to 15 people. That is not a tiny private ride, though some departures may be much smaller. Smaller groups usually make it easier to set a personal pace and get more direct help, but you should not book assuming the outing will be private.

Photos, refreshments, and what is actually included

Photography is one of the stronger practical benefits here. Guides often take photos and videos during the desert, beach, and sea portions, including posed shots. This matters because getting a good picture while riding into the sea is difficult when you are trying to manage the horse and keep your balance.

Ask how the photos will be delivered and whether there is any extra charge. The supplied information confirms that guides take pictures, but it does not state a separate photography fee or a specific delivery method.

Water, coffee, and tea are included. Light refreshments are also advertised in the highlights, although the exact food is not specified. Since one person was not offered the promised drinks, bring personal water and a small snack if you need regular breaks.

Helmets are included in the stated safety arrangements. A disclaimer covering damage and personal injury must be signed before the ride. Read it carefully, especially if you are concerned about the horse swim, speed, or equipment.

Is $22 good value for a Hurghada excursion?

At $22 per person, the advertised price is low for a roughly four-hour activity with hotel transportation and three hours of riding. The value is strongest if you want several settings in one outing and care about the Red Sea swim rather than a standard beach ride.

The real cost is higher for everyone because a $10 per-person government tax and VAT charge is paid in cash on the day. If you stay in El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, or Sahl Hasheesh, add another $10 per person for the transfer. That can nearly double the headline price, so calculate the total before booking.

Even after those charges, the outing can be good value compared with booking separate desert and water activities. But price should not be the deciding factor when horse welfare and safety are uncertain. A cheap ride is not a bargain if the horse is unsuitable or the equipment is poor.

Who should book this horseback ride?

I would consider it for:

• A beginner who wants a guided introduction rather than independent riding
• A couple or family looking for unusual holiday photos
• A rider who likes a mix of desert, beach, and water
• Someone staying in Hurghada who values hotel pickup
• A confident rider who wants to ask for walking, trotting, or galloping where appropriate

I would think twice if you have very little fitness, dislike heat, feel uneasy around horses, or expect a polished luxury stable. Three hours is substantial, and the condition of the horse and gear may vary.

For families, the child-friendly policy is helpful, but inspect the horse assigned to each child. For adults, ask about horse size and weight suitability before signing the disclaimer.

Booking, cancellation, and practical preparation

Confirmation is provided at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted, based on local time.

The activity allows service animals, though that does not mean an animal can join the horseback portion. Ask the provider if this matters for your plans.

Bring sun protection, clothing suitable for a saddle, and extra drinking water. Keep valuables secure because you will be riding, swimming, and possibly mounting from a makeshift platform. Most of all, arrive ready to inspect the horse and helmet before you commit.

Should you book the Hurghada horse swim?

Book it if the idea of riding into the Red Sea is the main reason you are interested, and if you are prepared to check the horse and equipment yourself. The desert and beach sections add variety, the guides can be helpful with beginners and photographs, and the price is attractive after you account for the extra fees.

I would not book it blindly. The reports of thin horses, saddle injuries, and missing helmets are serious enough to make an inspection essential. If the horse looks unfit, the helmet is unavailable, or the guide pressures you to ride faster than you want, do not continue.

For a flexible rider who wants a striking Hurghada memory and accepts a basic, variable setup, this can be a memorable outing. For anyone seeking guaranteed high standards of horse care, ask direct questions before paying and be ready to walk away.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding last?

The riding lasts three hours in total: one hour in the desert, one hour on the beach, and one hour swimming with the horse in the Red Sea. The complete outing takes about four hours, including preparation and transport.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Two-way hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada hotels are included in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Is there an extra transfer fee?

Yes. Transfers from El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, and Sahl Hasheesh cost an additional $10 per person, paid in cash on the spot.

Are taxes included in the advertised price?

No. A government tax and VAT charge of $10 per person must be paid in cash on the day.

Are helmets provided?

A helmet is supposed to be provided for each rider. Confirm that you receive and wear one before riding, especially before entering the water.

Is this activity suitable for children?

The activity is described as child appropriate and family friendly. Children should still be able to follow instructions and manage a three-hour outdoor riding activity.

Do I need riding experience?

No specific riding experience is required in the provided information. Trainers offer pre-ride coaching, and the experience is described as suitable for beginners, but you need a moderate level of physical fitness.

Are refreshments included?

Water, coffee, and tea are included. Light refreshments are also advertised, though the exact items are not specified.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations and changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded or accepted.