Sharm El Shiekh: Beach and City Desert Horse Riding Tour

The Red Sea makes a surprising riding arena. This two-hour outing from Edelweiss Center takes you by horseback across the open ground around Sharm El Sheikh, then down to a beach where you can ride your horse into the water. I like the careful matching of horses to riding ability, and I like having a choice of sunrise, morning, or sunset departures. The main thing to consider is that the ride to the beach can take much of the two-hour session, leaving less time at the water than you may expect.

I also like the small-group format, limited to five people, and the patient help offered to first-time riders. Guides such as Mohamed and Mahmood have earned strong praise for calm instruction and personal attention. Still, bring long trousers and waterproof shoes, and ask clearly about optional photographs and any extra charges before you agree to them.

Key points to know before you book

• Horse selection is personal: You are asked about your riding level, then matched with a suitable horse. Nervous beginners can receive a lead and close support.

• The beach is the star: You ride along the shore and may take your horse into the Red Sea, getting your clothes wet in the process.

• Sunrise gives the best mood: Early departures bring cooler air, soft light, and striking views as the sun comes up over the Sinai mountains.

• The group stays small: With a maximum of five participants, the instructor can adapt the pace and support each rider.

• Photos cost extra: The on-site photographer is often praised for strong beach pictures, but confirm the price in the correct currency before ordering.

• The listed time means riding time: Hotel transfers are separate, and some bookings have lasted closer to 90 minutes, so confirm the expected schedule locally.

What the two hours really include

This is not a short pony ride beside a hotel. The route links three different settings: the equestrian center, the open ground around the city, and a Red Sea beach. That variety gives the outing its appeal, but it also explains why the sea portion may feel shorter than the headline description suggests.

You begin by choosing a horse suited to your experience. Beginners can receive basic instruction before setting off, and a guide may walk beside the horse or use a lead while you get comfortable. Riders with more experience may be allowed to ride with greater freedom, including trotting or cantering where the guide considers it safe.

The trip is limited to five participants, which matters here. Riding groups can become awkward when one person is nervous and another wants speed. This small format gives the guide more room to keep the group together while adjusting support for each person.

The official activity lasts two hours, not including the journey to the center if you select hotel pickup. One person reported a total ride of about 90 minutes, while another found the full two-hour session accurate. I would treat two hours as the target rather than a guarantee of two full hours on the beach.

Starting at Edelweiss Equestrian Center

The center is in Sharm El Sheikh, and you can either arrange an air-conditioned hotel transfer or make your own way to Edelweiss Equestrian Center. If you select pickup, provide a working WhatsApp number so the local team can confirm the time with you.

At the stables, you receive a helmet and meet the staff. The team asks about your riding background, which is more useful than simply placing everyone in one line. A complete beginner may be paired with a calm horse and guided closely, while an experienced rider may be given a horse with more energy.

The horses are one of the strongest parts of this outing. Multiple riders describe them as clean, calm, attractive, and well cared for. The center itself has also been praised for clean stables and attentive staff. That does not remove every concern: one rider felt the horses were slightly overworked. You can help by watching how the animals are handled and by telling the guide if your horse seems tired, uncomfortable, or difficult to control.

The staff speak Arabic, English, Russian, and Italian. Communication is not identical with every guide, and some riders found that an individual guide spoke little English. Even so, the practical riding instructions appear to be clear enough for basic handling, especially when the guide demonstrates with the horse.

Learning to ride before the desert

You do not need to be an accomplished rider to book this experience. First-timers have been taught how to sit, hold the reins, steer, and move from walking to trotting. Some beginners began with a guide leading the horse, then rode independently after gaining confidence.

That gradual approach is important. A desert ride can sound relaxed, but riding for two hours uses muscles you may not normally exercise. Expect tired inner thighs and glutes afterward, especially if this is your first time. The saddle can also rub, so long trousers are a far better choice than shorts, skirts, or dresses.

Guides have received particular praise for patience. Mohamed is repeatedly singled out for calm teaching and good control of the horses. He has helped nervous riders stay at the back, walk slowly, or ride with a lead while more confident members of the group trot or canter ahead.

You should not feel pressured to go faster. Tell the guide exactly what you want, whether that means a slow walk, a short trot, or a faster run. The strongest part of the service is the ability to tailor the ride instead of treating every participant as an experienced rider.

Crossing the open ground around Sharm El Sheikh

Once everyone is mounted, the group heads away from the center through the open ground around Sharm El Sheikh. The route is described as a city desert, but you should picture broad riding space with buildings visible in the distance, not sweeping dunes and empty Sahara scenery.

That distinction matters. If you are dreaming of tall golden dunes, this is not that kind of desert excursion. The setting is more unusual than remote: you ride through a rough, open area on the edge of a resort city, gradually making your way toward the coast.

This section provides time to settle into the saddle. Beginners can practice steering and rhythm, while experienced riders may enjoy a more active pace. Some riders have been allowed to canter or gallop, but this depends on ability, the horse, and the guide’s judgment.

The route to the beach can take close to an hour in some outings. That may sound like a drawback, but it also means you receive a proper ride rather than a quick photo stop. If your priority is riding on the sand and splashing in the sea, ask how much time is normally spent at the beach before you set out.

Reaching the beach and Red Sea water

The scenery changes when the group reaches the shore. Here, you can ride along the beach and, with the guide’s approval, take your horse into the clear Red Sea water. The combination of horse, sea, and Sinai mountains gives the trip its most memorable setting.

You should expect to get wet. The activity specifically invites you to splash through the water with your horse, so wear clothing that can handle saltwater and bring waterproof shoes. Comfortable shoes are advised, and waterproof shoes are listed separately for good reason. A change of clothes would also be sensible, although it is not specifically included in the supplied details.

The horses appear to handle the water well. Some riders describe their horses splashing happily and enjoying the sea. Others were able to trot or canter along the beach before going into the water.

The shore is also the main photo setting. The photographer can take posed and action images, including beach portraits and, in some cases, pictures or video of a canter. The results have often been praised as professional, but photography is optional and costs extra.

Do not assume the photo price is included or quoted in Egyptian pounds. One rider was surprised to find a price stated in British pounds and also reported an additional charge at the center. I recommend asking for the full price, currency, number of images, and any other fee before the session begins. This simple conversation can prevent an otherwise excellent outing from ending badly.

Sunrise, morning, or sunset?

The time you choose changes the character of the ride.

A sunrise departure is the most atmospheric option. You may need a very early pickup, sometimes around 4 a.m. depending on the date and hotel, but the reward is cool air, a quiet beach, and the sky changing color above the Sinai mountains. Several riders considered the early start worth the lost sleep.

Sunrise also makes practical sense during warmer months. Riding in the early morning is more comfortable for you and may be easier on the horses than riding under the strongest midday sun. The first light also works well for photographs.

A morning ride gives you much of the same cooler-weather advantage without the darkest pre-dawn start. It may suit families and first-time riders who want calm conditions but do not want to leave the hotel in the middle of the night.

Sunset brings its own appeal. The beach can glow with warm light, and one family particularly enjoyed watching the sun go down while a nine-year-old beginner progressed to trotting. Sunset may be a good choice if you want a relaxed end to the day, but confirm the pickup and return timing with the local team.

Transport, timing, and small-group comfort

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included when you select the transfer option. The vehicle is described as an air-conditioned bus or coach, and several riders found the journey comfortable and punctual. Clear communication before pickup has also been a strong point, with WhatsApp used to confirm arrangements.

Transport is not automatically part of every booking. If you choose the no-transfer option, you must reach Edelweiss Center yourself. That can save money or suit you if you already have a car, but it is less convenient if you are staying elsewhere in Sharm El Sheikh.

Remember that the two-hour duration refers to the activity. Travel to and from the stables takes additional time. If you are arranging a dinner, airport transfer, or another excursion afterward, leave a generous gap rather than planning everything tightly.

The group limit of five is worth paying attention to. A small group can mean more direct help, especially if you are nervous or have not ridden before. It can also mean a more flexible pace, though the experience may still slow down if another participant wants extensive photographs.

What to wear and what to bring

Your clothing choice can make or break the ride. Wear long trousers, not shorts or a dress. The saddle may rub bare skin, and one rider described the problem in memorable terms. Trainers are suitable for the ride to the beach, but waterproof shoes are useful once you enter the water.

Bring:

• Comfortable clothes that can get wet
• Comfortable shoes
• Waterproof shoes
• Your passport, or a copy if accepted
• A WhatsApp number for pickup coordination, if using the transfer option

A helmet is provided. Food and drinks are not included, so eat and drink before the activity or make your own arrangements. Do not bring your best outfit for the photographs. Saltwater, dust, and horse contact are all part of the deal.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems. The supplied information also sets a maximum rider weight of 120 kilograms. If you have any other physical concern, ask the provider before booking rather than leaving it until arrival.

Is $98 good value?

At $98 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend two hours in Sharm El Sheikh. The value depends on what you want from a horse ride.

You are paying for a small group, an instructor, a helmet, the unusual combination of desert and sea, and hotel transport if selected. For a first-time rider who wants close guidance and memorable beach photographs, that package can feel worthwhile. The experience is also more distinctive than a basic riding lesson at a stable.

The price is harder to justify if you mainly want a long gallop on open sand or a full day with the horses. Much of the ride can be spent reaching the coast and returning, and the beach time may be shared with a photography session.

The optional photographs require a separate budget. Some riders considered them excellent value, while another felt the price and extra charge were unclear. I would decide in advance how much you are willing to spend and confirm the exact amount on site.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead and reserve-now, pay-later booking terms make the booking less risky. Still, check the specific start time, transfer choice, and final cost before you commit.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

I would recommend this tour to:

• First-time riders who want patient instruction
• Families with children who can safely ride under the provider’s rules
• Couples looking for a memorable beach activity
• Experienced riders who want the option to trot or canter
• Anyone who values sunrise, sunset, and professional-style photographs
• Horse lovers who care about stable conditions and animal handling

The ride may not suit you if you want a silent, remote desert setting. It may also disappoint if you dislike getting wet, do not want to sit in a saddle for two hours, or expect all photography to be included.

Families have had good results with mixed abilities. A confident 12-year-old and a nervous eight-year-old were both supported, and a first-time nine-year-old progressed to trotting. That said, children still need an appropriate horse and close supervision, so discuss ages and experience with the provider before booking.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding experience last?

The advertised activity duration is two hours. Hotel transfer time is separate, and the amount of time spent at the beach can vary.

Where does the ride begin?

The activity begins at Edelweiss Equestrian Center in Sharm El Sheikh. You can arrange hotel pickup or go directly to the center if you do not select transfers.

Can beginners join the tour?

Yes. The instructor teaches basic riding skills, matches horses to ability, and may lead the horse or walk alongside beginners until they feel more confident.

Can I ride the horse into the sea?

Yes. The route reaches a beach where you can splash and ride with your horse in the Red Sea. You should expect your clothes and shoes to get wet.

What languages do the instructors speak?

The listed instructor languages are Arabic, English, Russian, and Italian.

What is the maximum rider weight?

The maximum rider weight is 120 kilograms.

Are photographs included in the price?

No. Photography is optional and costs extra. Ask for the exact price, currency, and number of images before ordering.

Should you book the Edelweiss beach ride?

I would book it if you want a friendly, personal riding experience with a genuinely unusual finish at the Red Sea. The best reasons are the careful horse matching, patient guides such as Mohamed, the small group size, and the chance to take a calm horse into the water at sunrise or sunset.

I would pause if your main goal is a long desert gallop among sand dunes. This is a city-edge riding route with a beach finale, and the journey to the shore may take much of the session.

Choose sunrise for cooler air and mountain light, wear long trousers and waterproof shoes, and settle the photography price before you ride. With those details handled, this is a memorable Sharm El Sheikh outing that offers more than a standard stable ride.