Reviewed · HORSES

Horse Riding on the Beach And Desert 3 hours From Hurghada

★ 4.5 · 23 reviews From $23 Operated by Billy tours · Bookable on Viator
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Desert sand meets the Red Sea. This four-hour outing gives you about three hours in the saddle, first across Hurghada’s dry desert scenery, then beside and into the sea. I like the unusual mix of riding and swimming, and I like that beginners receive help from the guides before setting off. The main point to consider is the heat, since three hours on horseback can feel long, especially during the warmer part of the day.

I also like the $23 price, which includes hotel pickup from Hurghada, a helmet, a professional guide, and the ride itself. The horses are described as well-bred Egyptian desert horses, and several guests found them calm and easy to guide. If you want professional photos, ask about the cost before you leave, since photography may involve an extra charge.

Key details before you book

Horse Riding on the Beach And Desert 3 hours From Hurghada - Key details before you book

  • Three hours on horseback: Ride through desert sand, along the beach, and into the Red Sea, with the full outing taking about four hours.
  • Good for first-time riders: Trainers provide instructions, and guides can hold or lead the horses while you gain confidence.
  • Swimming with the horses is included: Bring suitable swimwear if you want the water portion, since riding to the sea without a costume means missing one of the tour’s special moments.
  • Pickup is included from Hurghada hotels: Transfers from Soma Bay, El Gouna, and Safaga cost an additional €10 per person, while Makadi and Sahl Hasheesh transfers cost €5 per person.
  • Photography needs clarification: Helpers may take limited photos or videos, while professional photos can cost extra. Confirm what you will receive before riding into the water.
  • The group can reach 30 people: That is a reasonable size for a popular budget excursion, but the amount of personal attention may vary.

From your Hurghada hotel to the stable

Horse Riding on the Beach And Desert 3 hours From Hurghada - From your Hurghada hotel to the stable

The day begins with pickup from your Hurghada hotel. One account describes a punctual pickup followed by a drive of about 25 minutes toward the stables near El Gouna. The exact transfer time depends on your hotel, but this gives you a useful idea if you are staying in central Hurghada.

At the stable, you may wait in a covered shelter before meeting the owner and guides. This pause is useful because it gives you time to get comfortable, ask questions, and see the horses before mounting. It is also where you should settle practical matters such as photo fees, swimming plans, and how much support you want during the ride.

The horses are presented as authentic Egyptian desert horses, with a graceful stance and steady manner. That description matters less than how the animals behave on the day, but the feedback points to a strong advantage for beginners: several people found the horses gentle, responsive, and easy to guide.

You should still be honest about your riding experience. If you have never ridden before, say so clearly. The guides can offer pre-ride instruction and help you handle the horse. One family described Yasser holding the horses at first because the riders were new, then allowing them to manage the horses more independently by the time they reached the water.

A few more Hurghada outings to price up

Learning the basics before the three-hour ride

The instruction is an important part of the outing, especially because this is not simply a short photo session beside a horse. You will spend a long period in the saddle, so you need to know how to sit, guide, and stop your horse.

The pace should be matched to the group’s ability. Beginners can expect assistance from the guides, and two young helpers were described walking alongside horses and taking a limited number of free photos. That kind of support can make the first part much less stressful for a parent, child, or anyone who has never ridden.

The ride is not presented as a fast gallop. The focus is on a calm horseback outing through the desert and along the shore. That suits the setting. You have time to look around, settle into the rhythm of the horse, and enjoy the change from golden sand to sea.

If you are an experienced rider looking for a demanding equestrian workout, this may feel gentle. If you want a relaxed ride with scenery and a memorable water section, the pace is more fitting.

Crossing Hurghada’s desert on horseback

Horse Riding on the Beach And Desert 3 hours From Hurghada - Crossing Hurghada’s desert on horseback

The desert section brings a clear change from the hotel pools and crowded resort streets. You ride over sandy ground, low dunes, and old paths, with the open desert around you. The appeal is not a long list of historic monuments. It is the simple pleasure of moving through a dry, quiet setting in a way that connects you to the place.

I like this part because the horse changes the way you see Hurghada. From a bus or excursion van, the desert passes by quickly. On horseback, the sand becomes the route itself. You notice the animal’s footing, the shape of the dunes, and the wide space around you.

The golden sand also provides the strongest photo setting before the sea. If you are hoping for polished images, ask the guide when photos will be taken and who will take them. Casual phone photos may be offered, but professional photography is an optional paid service according to the information provided.

Heat is the main concern here. One person felt that two hours would have been enough because of the hot weather, even while recommending the outing. Bring water if the operator allows it, protect yourself from the sun, and do not assume you will want to stay in the saddle for every minute of the advertised time.

Reaching the beach and Red Sea

Horse Riding on the Beach And Desert 3 hours From Hurghada - Reaching the beach and Red Sea

The second half changes the mood completely. After the dry desert, you reach the beach and ride beside the calm Red Sea. The contrast is the heart of the activity: sand under the horse’s feet, open water ahead, and the chance to take the horse into the sea.

Swimming with the horses is included. This is not just a stop to look at the water. You can enter the sea with the horse, creating the most unusual part of the outing and the best chance for memorable photos.

You should pack swimwear if this appeals to you. One person reached the beach but could not swim with the horse because they did not have a costume. That is an easy detail to overlook, and it can make a big difference to your day.

The water section also requires practical planning. Do not take a phone into the sea unless you have proper protection. Instead, ask the guide how photos will be handled. Some helpers may take limited images, while professional photos may require payment. Because one booking ended with a disagreement about receiving water photos, clarify the arrangement before leaving the stable.

The Red Sea setting is also where the tour feels most distinctive. Many Hurghada excursions involve boats, snorkeling, or beach time. Riding into the water with a horse offers something very different, especially for children and first-time riders.

Same base, a completely different sort of day:

How much support should beginners expect?

Horse Riding on the Beach And Desert 3 hours From Hurghada - How much support should beginners expect?

The strongest praise centers on the guides and the calm horses. Several people felt well cared for, and first-time riders were able to start with close help before taking more control. That makes this a sensible choice for a family or couple where one person rides often and the other has never been on a horse.

You should not expect the same level of individual attention in every group. The maximum is 30 people, which is large enough that the experience may feel more organized than private. The guides still provide instruction, but the amount of time they can spend with each rider depends on the group and on everyone’s experience.

If you are nervous, tell the staff immediately. Ask for a calm horse, request that someone walk beside you at first, and explain if you do not want to go into deeper water. The available information shows that guides have accommodated beginners, but clear communication will help them support you properly.

There is also a language consideration. One French-speaking participant was unhappy because no French guide was available. A French-language guide is not promised, so ask before booking if that matters to you.

What the $23 price really covers

Horse Riding on the Beach And Desert 3 hours From Hurghada - What the $23 price really covers

At $23 per person, this is inexpensive for an outing that combines transport, three hours of riding, a guide, a helmet, and swimming with horses. I see the price as especially good if you use the included Hurghada pickup and take part in both the desert and sea sections.

The value becomes less straightforward if you are staying outside Hurghada. Add €10 per person from Soma Bay, El Gouna, or Safaga, or €5 per person from Makadi and Sahl Hasheesh. You should calculate the total before booking rather than judging the excursion by the base price alone.

The tour can also involve extra costs for professional photos. The ride itself includes the listed features, but paid photography is separate. I recommend asking three questions before departure:

  • Are casual photos included?
  • How many photos or videos will you receive?
  • What is the price for professional images?

That short conversation avoids disappointment later. It also lets you decide if you prefer to focus on riding rather than posing.

Group discounts are available, though the exact reduction is not specified. If you are booking for several people, ask the provider, Billy tours, for the current group price.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

Horse Riding on the Beach And Desert 3 hours From Hurghada - Who will enjoy this ride most?

I would recommend this for first-time riders, couples, families, and anyone who wants a less usual Hurghada excursion. The calm horses, beginner instruction, and guide support make it approachable. The combination of desert and sea also gives you more variety than a short ride in a single setting.

Children can enjoy it too, as shown by the positive family experiences, but the supplied information does not give a minimum age or child-specific rules. Ask Billy tours directly if you are booking for young children.

This is also a good choice for horse enthusiasts who want to ride Egyptian horses in their natural regional setting. You should keep your expectations realistic, though. It is a guided recreational ride, not a technical riding lesson or an advanced trail expedition.

I would be more cautious if you dislike heat, have trouble sitting on a horse for several hours, or want a private experience with constant one-to-one instruction. The group may reach 30 people, and one person found two hours sufficient in hot conditions.

Timing, comfort, and small choices that matter

Horse Riding on the Beach And Desert 3 hours From Hurghada - Timing, comfort, and small choices that matter

The total duration is about four hours, with three hours of actual riding. The extra hour covers pickup, arrival, preparation, instruction, and transitions between parts of the outing.

Wear clothes that are comfortable for riding and suitable for sun. You will need swimwear if you want to enter the Red Sea, and a helmet is provided. The available details do not specify towels, lockers, changing rooms, or refreshments, so do not assume those are included.

Try to keep the day flexible. Pickup is offered, but traffic, hotel location, and time at the stable can affect the schedule. If you have a flight, spa appointment, or another tightly timed activity, leave plenty of room.

The ride can be relaxing, but it is still physical. You may spend a long time balancing on a moving horse, walking across sand, and getting wet in the sea. If you are unsure, tell the guides before the ride starts rather than trying to hide discomfort.

The main strengths and drawbacks

The best part is the unusual setting. You move from desert dunes to a Red Sea beach, then have the option to swim with the horse. That is a strong combination for the price.

The second major strength is the support for beginners. The guides can provide instruction, hold the horses at first, and help riders become comfortable. The horses are repeatedly described as docile and easy to control.

The drawbacks are practical rather than dramatic. Heat can make three hours feel too long. The group size may reduce personal attention, and a French guide is not guaranteed. Photo arrangements also need to be made clear before the ride.

The strongest negative experience concerned cleanliness and the lack of a French-speaking guide. Since conditions can vary, you should ask current questions before booking if either issue is important to you.

Should you book Horse Riding on the Beach and Desert?

Book it if you want a budget-friendly Hurghada outing with real variety, especially if swimming with horses is high on your list. The $23 base price is strong, the hotel pickup is useful, and the guide support makes it suitable for beginners.

I would skip it if you want a quiet private ride, dislike hot weather, or are uncomfortable with possible extra charges for photos and out-of-area transfers. Before you go, confirm the pickup point, total transfer cost, photo policy, and whether the ride will include the full three hours.

For most people, the desert-to-sea route is the reason to choose this excursion. Bring swimwear, ask for help if you are new to riding, and treat the open-air setting as the main attraction. With those points clear, this is an unusual and good-value way to see a different side of Hurghada.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The full outing lasts approximately four hours, including pickup, preparation, and the ride. Horse riding itself lasts three hours.

Where does the tour take place?

The activity takes place in Hurghada, with horseback riding through the desert and along the beach and Red Sea.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from Hurghada hotels.

Are transfers from other areas included?

Transfers from Soma Bay, El Gouna, and Safaga cost an additional €10 per person. Transfers from Makadi and Sahl Hasheesh hotels cost €5 per person.

Is swimming with the horses included?

Yes. Swimming with the horses is listed as an included part of the experience.

Are helmets provided?

Yes. A helmet is included.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Most people can participate, and trainers provide pre-riding instruction. Guides can also assist during the ride, including helping beginners at the start.

How many people can join the group?

The maximum group size is 30 people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made within 24 hours are not refundable.

Are professional photos included?

Professional photos are not included in the listed price. They may be available for an additional charge, so ask about the price and what you will receive before the ride.

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