Hurghada: Desert & Sea Horse Riding with + 360° Photos

Desert hooves, sea breeze, sunset light. This Hurghada horseback ride combines two very different settings in one outing: the dry Egyptian desert and the Red Sea shore. I especially like the two-hour Arabian horse ride and the chance to swim with the horses if you choose that option. I also like that guides take photos and videos during the trip, so you are not forced to manage a camera while riding.

The main point to consider is that this is a physical activity, not a gentle sightseeing ride from a carriage. You may spend 40 to 60 minutes on the horse at each station, and riding experience helps. The 155-pound, or 70-kilogram, horse-safety limit is the practical rule to take seriously, even though the booking information separately lists the experience as unsuitable for people over 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms.

Key points before you book

• Two riding settings: Follow scenic routes through desert scenery and along the Red Sea, with the possibility of riding near the beach.
• Swimming with horses: Select the swimming option for a memorable water session, and wear swimwear beneath your clothes because there is no changing area on the beach.
• Experienced named guides: Guides such as Ameen and Saleh have received especially warm praise for their riding ability, kindness, and good humor.
• Hotel transport included in some areas: Air-conditioned pickup is available from Hurghada hotels and El Gouna, while several resort areas require an added fee.
• Photo and video memories: The team takes pictures and videos throughout the outing, including the advertised 360-degree photo element.
• Important riding limit: The stated horse-safety limit is 155 pounds, or 70 kilograms, and the activity can be hard if you have little riding experience.

From your hotel to the Hurghada stable

Your day begins with pickup in a modern, air-conditioned car or van. The precise time depends on your hotel, so you should confirm it the day before. A delay of up to 10 minutes is possible, which is worth allowing for when you plan the rest of your day.

Pickup and drop-off are available from hotels in Hurghada. El Gouna transfers are included in the stated package, while pickup from Al Ahyaa, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Safaga, and Soma Bay costs an additional 10 euros per person. Send your room number to the provider by email or WhatsApp if possible. That small step can prevent a morning of phone calls in a hotel lobby.

At the stable, the team welcomes you and introduces you to the horses. This is not just a quick climb into the saddle. You can learn how to clean, brush, and feed your horse, which gives the opening of the experience a more personal feel. If you are new to horses, this is also the point to ask for help with mounting, reins, and basic balance.

The guides speak English, German, and Arabic. Several guides have been singled out for their friendly approach, including Ameen, who was praised for his riding skill, and Saleh, described as a kind and fun cowboy. Those details matter because your guide controls the pace and helps you feel secure around the horses.

Meeting the Arabian horses and getting comfortable

The package includes an Arabian horse for two hours, along with a guide. The horses are described as well-trained and well-behaved, though you should not confuse that with a completely effortless ride. A horse can be calm while still requiring you to sit correctly, hold the reins properly, and follow instructions.

I would treat the first part as a settling-in period. Pay attention to your horse’s movement and to the guide’s signals. If you have ridden before, you may find the pace easy to manage. If this is your first time, your legs and back may work harder than expected.

The outing is divided into stations of roughly 40 to 60 minutes on horseback. That wording suggests you will ride in sections rather than sit continuously in the saddle for a full two hours. Even so, comfortable trousers, practical clothing, and shoes with a secure fit are sensible choices. The official packing advice includes comfortable shoes and a towel.

You may also have time to brush or feed the horse. For me, that part adds value because it slows the morning down. The ride is not only about taking photographs in a costume-like setting. You get a small lesson in caring for the animal that carries you.

Riding through the Egyptian desert

The desert portion gives you a broad, open setting that feels very different from Hurghada’s resort strips. The route follows scenic trails through the desert, with the dry ground and open views providing a simple backdrop for the ride. The attraction is not a long list of monuments. It is the change of pace, the horse’s steady rhythm, and the quiet space around you.

The overview also refers to forest trails, though the more clearly described route is through desert and beside the sea. I would expect the exact path to depend on the day’s program, weather, and the selected station. Ask your guide at the stable which section comes first and how much time will be spent near the beach.

A desert ride can be peaceful, but it is not the same as riding on a flat indoor track. You may encounter uneven ground or loose surfaces. Follow the guide’s instructions rather than trying to set your own speed. The experience is best enjoyed as a guided outing, not as an opportunity to gallop away from the group.

The calm comes from repetition. The horse moves, you adjust, and the desert opens around you. That simple rhythm is one of the strongest reasons to choose this over another short resort activity.

Along the Red Sea and toward sunset

The sea section changes the mood completely. Instead of dry earth and open desert, you get water, beach scenery, and the chance to ride close to the Red Sea. Some participants particularly enjoyed walking the horses in the water, while others chose the full swimming option.

The water experience is the special feature here, but it requires practical preparation. Wear your swimwear under your riding clothes. There is no place to change on the beach, and carrying a towel is specifically recommended. If you do not select swimming, you can still enjoy the shoreline ride without getting wet.

The listed highlights include riding at sunset. If your departure time lines up with the evening schedule, the low light should make the desert and sea portions especially attractive. The exact sunset timing is not given, so confirm the pickup and riding schedule before booking if sunset is your main reason for going.

One important point is safety around roads. One family enjoyed the staff and horses but disliked walking along the main road in Hurghada, particularly with an 11-year-old. That is a fair caution. The overall experience was rated highly, but the road section made that participant nervous because of passing cars. If you are bringing a child or feel uneasy near traffic, ask the provider how much roadside walking is expected on your route.

Swimming with horses: the extra choice

Swimming with the horses is optional, and it is available if you select that package choice. It is described as an unforgettable part of the experience, but you should see it as an added activity rather than a guaranteed part of every booking.

You will need swimwear under your clothes and a towel afterward. Since there is no beach changing area, plan your clothing with care. A practical setup is swimwear beneath comfortable riding clothes, plus shoes you can manage around the stable and beach.

Swimming also adds a physical demand. Riding already requires balance and leg strength, while water work can feel tiring. Listen closely to the guide and follow the stable team’s instructions. The horses are the priority, so the pace in the water is controlled by staff.

If you love horses, this is likely the most memorable version of the outing. If you mainly want desert photographs and a short ride, the standard option may offer enough without the extra wet clothing and effort.

Photos, videos, and the 360-degree memory

The guides take photos and videos during the tour. That is useful because riding, holding reins, and keeping your balance leave little room for taking your own pictures. The experience also promotes 360-degree photos, giving you a more unusual record than a standard snapshot.

The photography is part of the atmosphere, not a replacement for it. You still need to focus on the horse, the path, and the guide. Let the team handle the camera work, then enjoy the desert or sea without constantly checking your phone.

Photos are especially useful during the beach and sunset portions, when the setting changes quickly. They can also capture the swimming session if you select it. I would clarify with the provider exactly how the finished photos or videos are delivered, since the available information confirms that images are taken but does not explain the delivery method.

What $21 buys you

At $21 per person, this is a strong-value excursion if the ride runs as described. The price includes hotel transfer in the covered pickup areas, a guide, and two hours with an Arabian horse. That is a good bundle for a resort destination where individual activities can quickly become expensive.

The optional swimming feature can make the value even better for horse lovers, though you should confirm whether your selected price includes it. Lunch is not included, and neither are extras outside the stated program. Plan to eat before or after the trip rather than expecting a meal at the stable.

The extra 10 euros per person for several outlying resort areas is reasonable to factor into your decision. It may still be worthwhile, but the headline price is not the final total for every hotel location. The provider will contact you with the exact pickup details, so use that conversation to confirm the transfer cost as well as the time.

The value is strongest if you want more than a basic beach ride. You receive desert scenery, Red Sea access, possible sunset views, horse care, transport, a guide, and photographs in one package. It is less appealing if you dislike physical activities or want a polished, highly structured sightseeing tour.

Who will enjoy this ride most

I would recommend it most strongly to people who already love horses, couples looking for a quiet outdoor activity, and families with older children who can follow riding instructions. The guide support and calm pace make it accessible to beginners, but no riding experience does not mean no effort.

You should be comfortable sitting on a horse for 40 to 60 minutes at a time. If you have never ridden, expect some stiffness or tired muscles. The activity provider specifically warns that horseback riding can be difficult without experience.

The stated horse-safety limit is 155 pounds, or 70 kilograms. Although another booking note says the activity is not suitable above 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms, I would use the stricter 155-pound limit when deciding if the ride is appropriate. It protects both you and the horse, and the stable should be contacted directly if your weight is close to the limit.

This is not the best choice for someone seeking a fully passive excursion. It is also not ideal if you are nervous around horses, uncomfortable near roads, or unwilling to get wet when selecting the swimming option. The guides appear to be a major strength, but they cannot remove every physical or environmental part of the activity.

Practical details that make the day easier

Book with a little flexibility. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. That helps if your Hurghada schedule is still changing.

Confirm your pickup time one day in advance. Hotel locations affect departure times, and a short delay of up to 10 minutes may occur. Keep your phone available for messages from the provider, especially if you are staying outside central Hurghada.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Bring a towel even if you have not decided on swimming, since plans can change once you see the sea. If you choose the water session, put on your swimwear before leaving your hotel.

The tour has a rating of 4.7 from 78 ratings, with repeated praise for friendly staff, well-trained horses, good guides, beautiful sea scenery, and the overall sense of fun. The main caution is the road walking reported by one participant, not the horses themselves. That balance gives you a useful picture: the stable and riding are the draw, while the transfer route and physical demands deserve attention.

Should you book the Hurghada horse ride?

Book it if you want an affordable, active outing that combines desert riding with the Red Sea. The two-hour Arabian horse session, optional swimming, sunset possibility, and included photos give the experience more variety than a simple stable ride.

I would choose the swimming option if horses are a major interest and you are prepared to wear swimwear beneath your clothes. If you prefer a shorter, drier activity, select the standard ride and focus on the desert, beach, and sunset scenery.

Before paying, confirm three things: your hotel transfer fee, the exact pickup time, and the horse-weight limit. If those details work for you, FTS Travels offers a friendly, good-value way to see Hurghada from the saddle.

FAQ

How long do I ride the horse?

The Arabian horse is included for two hours. You will be on the horse at each station for approximately 40 to 60 minutes.

Is swimming with the horses included?

Swimming is available if you select that option. It is not listed as part of every version of the activity.

What should I wear for swimming?

Wear your swimwear under your clothes because there is no place to change on the beach. Bring a towel as well.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are available from hotels in Hurghada. Transfers from El Gouna are included, while pickup from Al Ahyaa, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Safaga, and Soma Bay costs an extra 10 euros per person.

What is the weight limit?

For the horses’ safety, riders should not weigh more than 155 pounds, or 70 kilograms. The activity information also says it is not suitable for people over 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms.

Do I need riding experience?

No specific experience is listed as required, but horseback riding is physical and may be difficult if you have little or no experience.

Are photos and videos included?

The guides take photos and videos throughout the tour. The experience also includes 360-degree photos as part of its advertised memory package.

What languages do the guides speak?

The activity is available in English, German, and Arabic.