2 hours Horse Riding on The Sea and Desert- Hurghada

The Red Sea becomes your riding trail. This Hurghada excursion combines a steady horse ride through dry, rocky ground with time beside and in the shallow sea, making it an unusual way to see the coast. I like the reasonable $18.82 price and the fact that helmets, bottled water, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, and two hours of riding are included. The main drawback is that the desert section may feel more like rough ground and a building site than a wide-open desert.

You can choose a horse or camel, and instructors are present to help beginners. I also like the calm, family-friendly pace, plus the chance to try a little jogging if the group and horse are comfortable. Still, you should not book this expecting a long swim with your horse: the sea portion is generally a short ride in shallow water, reported at about two feet deep.

Key points to know before booking

• The sea ride is the highlight: You ride into shallow Red Sea water, but this is not usually a full swim with the horse.
• Two hours in the saddle: The total outing lasts about three hours, including transport, preparation, and the ride itself.
• Good for first-time riders: Pre-ride coaching and instructors make this suitable for beginners, although moderate fitness is required.
• Desert scenery varies: Expect dry, rocky terrain, and possibly construction areas rather than untouched dunes.
• Pickups depend on your hotel: Hurghada transfers are offered, while hotels in Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, Safaga, El Gouna, and Soma Bay cost extra.
• Guide quality can shape the day: English-speaking staff are available in some departures, but a French-language booking may not always produce a French-speaking guide.

What this Hurghada horse ride actually includes

This is sold as a three-hour excursion, with about two hours spent riding. The remaining time covers hotel pickup, the journey to the stable, choosing and preparing the horses, safety instructions, and returning to your hotel.

That distinction matters. If you picture three full hours on horseback, adjust your expectations. You are paying for an outing from your resort, not simply a two-hour stable rental. For many people, that is better value, since the air-conditioned vehicle and bottled water are included.

The advertised price is $18.82 per person, which is low for a guided coastal ride with transport and safety equipment. Group discounts are available, and the maximum group size is 15 people. A smaller group usually makes mounting, instruction, and movement along the beach easier, but the experience is not necessarily private.

You can also choose camel riding instead of horses. The available details focus mainly on horseback riding, so ask at booking if you want a particular animal, riding pace, or type of route.

From the hotel to the stable

Pickup is offered from hotels in Hurghada. The vehicle is described as air-conditioned, a welcome detail in Egypt’s heat, especially if you are riding during the warmer part of the day. Bottled water is included, but you should still bring anything else you need for sun protection and comfort.

Transfers outside central Hurghada carry a surcharge:

• Makadi and Sahl Hasheesh: $5 per person
• Safaga, El Gouna, and Soma Bay: $10 per person

These fees change the value calculation. At the base price, this is a very affordable outing. With a $10 transfer supplement, the total is still modest, but you should compare it with similar rides closer to your resort.

A practical point: make sure the operator has your correct hotel, room details, and pickup instructions. One failed pickup was explained by the provider as a driver waiting 30 minutes at reception without finding the customer. That kind of problem is avoidable if you confirm the meeting place and answer the operator’s WhatsApp message before the outing.

Getting ready for the horses

At the stable, you may have a short wait before the horses are brought out and assigned. The preparation may feel less organized than a polished riding school. Some people found the initial sitting and waiting confusing because nobody explained immediately why they were waiting.

You receive a helmet, and trainers provide pre-ride coaching. This is important for beginners, since the horses are described as well-bred Arabian horses rather than the heavier ponies familiar to some riders from Britain or northern Europe. Arabian horses can have a slimmer build and a more alert appearance, which does not automatically mean they are unfit.

The instructors are a major part of the experience. Hussain is singled out for being funny and helpful, and one rider was assigned a horse named Sara. Several people found the guides friendly, professional, and reassuring, including when accompanying a six-year-old child.

Still, standards can vary. One person raised concerns about thin horses and rough handling by the owner. That deserves attention. Before mounting, take a quick look at the animals, tack, and general stable conditions. If a horse appears unwell or is being handled harshly, speak up and ask for a different horse or reconsider the ride.

The first hour across dry, rocky ground

The ride begins at a calm walk. This gives you time to settle into the saddle, learn how to hold the reins, and get used to the horse’s movement. The guide stays with the group and can assist during the ride.

The so-called desert section may not match the postcard image of endless golden dunes. Some routes cross dry, stony ground near the stable, and parts of the way may pass a large building site or construction area before reaching the shore. If you want a pure desert ride, this is a weakness.

Even so, the opening section has a practical purpose. It lets new riders gain confidence before reaching the water. More experienced riders may find the slow pace a little tame, but some departures allow light jogging when conditions, horses, and group ability permit it. Do not assume you will gallop. The overall tone is controlled and guided rather than a fast open-country hack.

The terrain also explains why moderate physical fitness is requested. Horse riding uses your legs and core, and mounting or staying balanced can be tiring even at a walk. You should be comfortable spending two hours in the saddle, with enough mobility to get on and off safely.

Riding toward the Red Sea

The beach section is where this outing earns its appeal. After crossing toward the shore, the horses enter the water with you still mounted. The scene can be striking: pale sand, clear turquoise water, and an Arabian horse walking through the shallows.

Several riders considered the water the best part of the outing. In hot weather, the horses appeared to enjoy cooling off, and the contrast between dry land and the sea made the ride feel special. One fortunate group even had a dolphin approach briefly, though you should treat that as a lucky sighting, not part of the program.

Set your expectations carefully. The horses generally enter water around two feet deep. This is a short wade, not a long swim. You may ride out into the water, turn, and return to shore without the horse becoming fully submerged.

That difference is worth understanding before you book. The promotional wording suggests bathing with the horses, while the actual experience may be a brief shallow-water ride. If your dream is to swim alongside a horse for a long stretch, this excursion may disappoint. If you want photographs and the unusual feeling of riding through the Red Sea shallows, it can be excellent value.

Photo stops, pacing, and the guide’s role

The guide may take photographs during the ride, and one especially praised instructor, Hussain, was described as entertaining and willing to take many pictures. That helps if you are traveling alone or want photos showing you on the beach and in the water.

The pace is likely to remain together as a group. With a maximum of 15 people, the outing can include riders with different levels of experience. Beginners may appreciate the steady rhythm, while experienced riders might want more freedom or speed than the route allows.

The guide’s communication style is important. English is spoken by some staff, and several people found the instructors warm and clear. But a French-language booking did not result in a French-speaking guide on one departure, and the accompanying staff spoke only English. If language support is essential, confirm it directly before paying.

The atmosphere can be friendly and informal rather than highly scripted. That may suit you if you prefer a local stable and relaxed staff. It may frustrate you if you expect a formal briefing, detailed commentary about the coast, or a carefully timed program.

Horses, safety, and animal welfare

A helmet is included, and an instructor accompanies the group. Those are basic but important protections. You should wear comfortable trousers, closed shoes, and clothing that can handle dust and salt water. Avoid bringing anything you cannot secure, since the ride includes movement, sand, and water.

The horses are described in mixed terms. Several riders found them calm, healthy, and well cared for. A family at the farm was praised for looking after the animals, while another person was concerned about thin horses and the use of force.

That contrast means you should use your own judgment at the stable. Calm behavior, clean eyes, a healthy coat, properly fitted tack, and a willingness to move are encouraging signs. You cannot assess everything in a few minutes, but you can ask questions and refuse a horse that seems distressed or poorly fitted with equipment.

Children can take part, and a six-year-old was reportedly handled carefully by the instructors. The experience is still not risk-free. Children need to follow instructions, wear the provided helmet, and be comfortable around large animals. The stated requirement of moderate physical fitness applies to the whole group.

Is $18.82 good value?

At the advertised base rate, yes. You receive:

• Air-conditioned transport
• Bottled water
• A helmet
• Two hours of horse or camel riding
• Pre-ride assistance
• A route covering dry ground and the coast

Many excursions charge extra for transport, equipment, photographs, or refreshments. Here, the main package keeps those basics together, which makes the price attractive for couples, families, and groups.

The value depends on what you want from the word desert. If you expect remote dunes, the route may feel ordinary. If you want an accessible coastal riding experience with a memorable water section, the cost is easy to justify.

The extra transfer charge is the main financial catch. Add $5 from Makadi or Sahl Hasheesh, or $10 from Safaga, El Gouna, or Soma Bay. Group discounts may help if you are booking with friends or family.

The current score is 4.7 from 39 ratings, with 90 percent recommending the experience. That suggests a strong overall result, but the uneven comments about pickup communication, language, the desert route, and horse welfare are useful warnings rather than reasons to ignore the outing.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want professional help
• Experienced riders returning after a long break
• Families with children who can follow safety instructions
• Couples looking for a memorable Hurghada photo experience
• Visitors who want a short activity rather than a full-day excursion
• Horse lovers curious about Arabian horses and coastal riding

You may want another option if you need a fast gallop, a long open-desert route, a full swim with the horses, or guaranteed French-language instruction. The ride is also not ideal if you dislike informal waiting periods or have concerns about animal treatment.

The camel option may suit you if you would rather sit higher and ride at a slower pace, but the supplied details do not explain how the camel route differs. Confirm that choice before departure.

Booking, cancellation, and useful planning tips

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

The activity depends on good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you should be offered another date or a full refund. Since the sea portion is central to the appeal, a weather cancellation may be preferable to a rushed or uncomfortable ride.

I would book ahead rather than wait until the last day. The excursion is booked, on average, 18 days in advance, which suggests that popular dates can fill. Confirmation is received at booking, and you should check the pickup details, language, hotel surcharge, horse or camel choice, and expected water depth before setting out.

Should you book this Hurghada horse ride?

Book it if you want an inexpensive, unusual Red Sea activity and are happy with a short shallow-water ride, a calm pace, and a desert section that may include rocky ground or construction areas. The friendly instructors, included helmet, family suitability, and strong value make it appealing, especially for beginners and casual riders.

Skip it if you are seeking a serious riding holiday or a true swim with the horses. I would also ask direct questions about horse care and guide language before confirming. At $18.82, this is a good small adventure, as long as you buy it for the sea-and-shore experience rather than an untouched desert or extended horseback swim.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding experience last?

The full excursion lasts approximately three hours, including transport and preparation. The riding portion lasts two hours.

Can I choose camel riding instead of horse riding?

Yes. The activity offers two hours of horse or camel riding, depending on your choice.

Does the horse swim in the sea?

The horse enters shallow Red Sea water, generally around two feet deep according to the available details. This is usually a short wade rather than a long swim.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered, with an air-conditioned vehicle included. Transfers from Makadi and Sahl Hasheesh cost an additional $5 per person, while transfers from Safaga, El Gouna, and Soma Bay cost an additional $10 per person.

Is this suitable for beginners and children?

Yes. Trainers provide pre-ride coaching, and the experience is described as family-friendly. Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness.

What happens if bad weather cancels the ride?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel yourself for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.