Marsa Alam: Sea and Desert Camel Riding Tour

The Red Sea looks different from camelback. I like the peaceful route through open desert and beside the shore, and I like the choice of sunrise, morning, afternoon, or sunset departures. The main concern is transportation: one booking from Port Ghalib reported a 50-minute delay and a vehicle without seat belts, so confirm your pickup carefully.

You get about two hours in the saddle within a three-hour outing, with a guide, safety briefing, and a gentle camel suited to first-time riders. The $28 price is attractive for the ride itself, though transfers, private services, photography, and special VIP options can change the total.

Key points to know before booking

• Two very different settings: Follow quiet desert paths, then ride along the Red Sea shore where the sand meets the water.
• Four departure choices: Sunrise, morning, afternoon, and sunset rides let you choose the light, temperature, and mood.
• Sunrise includes breakfast: Early risers receive a traditional Oriental breakfast in the desert.
• Calm camels for beginners: The animals are described as friendly and well trained, with a short safety briefing and driving test before departure.
• Transfers cover the main resort areas: Pickup is available from Coraya Bay, Port Ghalib, Abu Dabbab, Marsa Alam City, and the airport area.
• VIP sea swimming is separate: Some higher-level options include swimming with your camel, so check exactly which package you are buying.

A quiet way to see Marsa Alam

Marsa Alam is often sold through its underwater attractions, but you do not need fins to enjoy the Red Sea here. This tour takes you away from hotel pools and boat decks and into the dry country behind the coast.

I like the pace. Camel riding is not a racing activity, and the tour is designed as a slow outing rather than a test of horsemanship. You move along broad desert tracks, pause to take in the views, and then follow the shoreline for a completely different setting.

The ride also gives you a close look at the relationship between desert and sea in this part of Egypt. One moment you are surrounded by open sand and quiet paths. Later, you are beside the water with a wide view for photographs.

That calm pace suits people who want a gentle outdoor activity. It also makes the trip more manageable for beginners who might feel nervous about handling an unfamiliar animal.

What happens at the desert base

If you choose a transfer, your day begins with pickup from your accommodation. The driver may arrive around 0 to 1 hour before the selected start time, and the exact pickup details are sent the day before.

Travel time depends on your hotel. The stated range is about 25 to 60 minutes, with Coraya Bay, Port Ghalib, Abu Dabbab, Marsa Alam City, and the airport area all served. I would keep the morning or afternoon flexible, especially if you are staying outside central Marsa Alam.

At the base, you receive a welcome, a short safety talk, and time to get comfortable with your camel. A brief driving test is also part of the preparation. This matters because mounting and steering a camel feel quite different from riding a horse, even if you already have riding experience.

The guides are there to help you settle in rather than push you into a fast start. Helmets are available on request and are described as required throughout the ride. Children can ride alone, but every participant should be comfortable sitting high above the ground and following basic instructions.

The camels have names, too. One happy rider specifically mentioned riding Alibaba and Casanova, and described both animals as very gentle. That small detail gives the outing a more personal feel than simply being assigned an animal as part of a large production.

Two hours across desert and coast

The main ride lasts two hours. That is long enough to feel like a real outing, but not so long that a first-time rider is likely to regret the saddle.

The desert section takes you along wide, quiet paths and through sandy areas near Marsa Alam. The appeal is not a long list of monuments. It is the stillness, the open views, and the chance to see how quickly the built resort zone gives way to bare country.

You should expect a guided route rather than free riding. The tour is specifically described as an adventure with a guide, not a racing session. That is good news if you want steady handling and time for photos, but less suitable if you are hoping to gallop or test your riding skills.

The coastal section is the visual reward. Riding beside the Red Sea gives you changing views of the water, shore, and desert edge. The tour description emphasizes photo opportunities, and the guides may help take pictures and videos on your own phone.

That informal photo service was praised by Matthias, who said the guides took photos and videos throughout the outing without charging extra. It is not listed as a guaranteed professional photography service, so you should still bring a charged phone and ask what is included in your specific booking.

Sunrise, midday, or sunset?

The departure time changes the character of the tour more than you might expect.

The sunrise option is the most distinctive. You begin in the cool early light and receive a traditional Oriental breakfast as the sun rises over the dunes. It offers a quiet start and good soft light for pictures, but January mornings can be cold. One rider specifically advised wearing warm clothes during an early ride in that month.

Morning departures should still be more comfortable than the hotter part of the day, though the exact conditions vary by season. This is a sensible choice if you want clearer daylight without making an especially early start.

Afternoon rides give you more time to take the morning slowly. The tradeoff is heat, particularly in warmer months. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, and expect sand to blow on windy days.

Sunset is likely the best choice for atmosphere and photographs, based on the route and setting described. You get the desert and shore in softer late-day light. The exact sunset timing and any included food should be confirmed when you book, since the listed breakfast applies only to sunrise tours.

The optional swim with your camel

The standard ride is a land-based desert and coastal route. Some VIP versions add a swim with your horse, described elsewhere in the tour information as swimming with your camel.

This is the most unusual option, but it should not be assumed to come with the $28 package. Check the exact product name and inclusions before paying. The basic outing includes the two-hour ride, guide, safety instructions, and camel orientation. The sea swim belongs to a special option.

A swim stop also changes what you need to pack. The suggested items include a towel, along with comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. If you choose a water-inclusive package, keep your belongings secure and ask the provider how the stop is handled.

Choosing the right pickup option

Independent visitors can go directly to the stable and book the two-hour ride without transport. This is the simplest choice if you already have a reliable way to reach the base.

The transfer versions are more convenient for resort visitors:

• Coraya Bay and airport area
• Port Ghalib hotels
• Abu Dabbab area
• Marsa Alam City

Round-trip transport and an air-conditioned vehicle are included when you select a transfer package. Private transport is available for an extra fee, and a private guide can also be arranged.

The transfer saves you from arranging a taxi in an unfamiliar area, which has real value. Still, the transport service deserves attention. One booking from Port Ghalib involved a late taxi, a vehicle without seat belts, and a driver with very limited English. That appears to be a transportation problem rather than a problem with the camel ride, but it is exactly why I would confirm the pickup time and vehicle details the day before.

Use a phone number connected to WhatsApp for updates. If you cannot use WhatsApp, send an alternative contact number in advance. Wait in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before the confirmed pickup time, and do not plan a tight connection afterward.

Animal care and guide service

The strongest praise centers on the camels and guides. The animals are described as calm, friendly, and well cared for, and several bookings specifically praised the way the guides treated them.

That matters. A camel ride is only enjoyable when the animals look relaxed and the staff handle them with care. The comments about Alibaba and Casanova, along with the repeated praise for gentle camels, suggest that the operator pays attention to temperament when matching people with animals.

The guides also add more than basic instructions. One booking praised the staff for talking about Egypt and daily life, which can make the ride feel less mechanical. English is the listed guide language, so you should not expect a multilingual tour.

The small-group format is another plus. No exact group size is provided, but the experience is presented as a small-group outing rather than a huge procession. Group size can still vary, so ask if having a private ride matters to you.

Is $28 a good value?

At $28 per person, the tour is priced reasonably for a two-hour guided ride, especially when you select the stable option and already have your own transport. You are paying for the camel, guide, safety setup, route, and a structured outing beside the Red Sea.

The value improves if your hotel is in one of the listed pickup areas and you need round-trip transport. You avoid arranging separate transportation and can spend the day on a clear schedule.

The calculation changes if you want extras. Private transport, a private guide, photo or video service, and VIP sea swimming may cost more. Food and drinks are not included except for the sunrise breakfast.

You may find a cheaper camel ride by arranging one locally in Egypt. One dissatisfied booking made exactly that comparison and felt the online price was higher. The advantage of booking this tour is the planned route, stated safety process, accommodation pickup option, and cancellation terms, not necessarily the lowest possible local price.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. Those terms help if your Red Sea plans may change.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it to first-time riders, couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants a quiet half-day activity rather than a demanding excursion. The calm camels, safety briefing, and guided pace make it approachable.

It also suits people who want photographs in more than one setting. The desert gives you open sandy views, while the coast adds the Red Sea and shoreline. Guides may take photos and videos on your phone, which is a useful extra when you are busy managing a camel.

You should think twice if you have back problems, limited mobility, or difficulty mounting and sitting on an animal. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or anyone over 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms.

It is also not a good match for someone seeking speed or technical riding. This is a calm guided adventure. The ride is about scenery, animals, and pace, not racing.

Wear comfortable shoes and seasonal clothing. Long clothing helps protect you from blowing sand on windy days. Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a towel, especially if you select a package with a swim stop.

My verdict on this Marsa Alam camel tour

I like this outing for its simple idea: two hours, one gentle camel, desert paths, and the Red Sea shore. The sunrise breakfast, flexible departure times, and helpful guides give you several ways to shape the day.

The main weakness is the transfer service, which may not be as dependable as the ride itself. Confirm the pickup through WhatsApp or email, ask which vehicle is coming, and allow extra time. If you can reach the stable independently, the no-transfer option removes much of that uncertainty.

Book it if you want an easygoing introduction to camel riding and value a planned coastal route. Skip it if you want a fast horseback-style ride, have a back or mobility issue, or are choosing only by the lowest local price. For most suitable visitors, the $28 base price offers a pleasant way to see Marsa Alam beyond the hotel zone.

FAQ

How long does the camel riding tour last?

The full activity lasts about three hours, including pickup details, orientation, and the ride. The guided camel ride itself lasts two hours.

What departure times are available?

You can choose a sunrise, morning, afternoon, or sunset departure. The sunrise option includes a traditional Oriental breakfast.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only when you select a transfer package. Pickup is available from Coraya Bay, the airport area, Port Ghalib, Abu Dabbab, Marsa Alam City, and nearby listed areas.

Can beginners and children join?

Yes. The camels are described as calm and suitable for beginners and experienced riders. Children can ride alone, and helmets are available on request.

Can I swim with the camel?

Swimming with the camel is offered with certain VIP options. It is not part of every package, so check the selected option before booking.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a towel. Wear warm clothing for early rides in cooler months and longer clothing on windy days to protect against sand.

Who cannot take part?

Pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, and people over 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms, cannot take part.