2 hours Horse Riding on The Sea and Desert- Hurghada

Sea, sand, and a steady horse. This Hurghada outing combines a two-hour ride through open desert and along the Red Sea with the unusual chance to take your horse into shallow seawater. I like the friendly instructors and the low price of $18.82, but you should know that the desert section may pass through rocky ground and developing construction areas rather than wide, empty dunes.

I also like that beginners are welcome and that helmets, bottled water, coaching, and an air-conditioned vehicle are included. The main point to clarify before booking is the sea portion: you ride into the water, but this is generally a short session in shallow water, not a long swim with your horse.

At roughly three hours from pickup to return, this is an easy half-day addition to a Hurghada holiday. It is family-friendly, capped at 15 people, and offered by Nile Valley Tours. The experience earns a strong 4.7 rating from 39 ratings, with 90 percent recommending it.

Quick facts for your Hurghada ride

• Two hours in the saddle: Choose horse riding or camel riding across desert terrain and beside the Red Sea.
• The sea section is the highlight: Horses enter turquoise coastal water, generally at a shallow depth rather than for an extended swim.
• Beginner coaching is included: Trainers provide pre-ride instruction and help during the outing.
• Pickup is offered: Transport is included, though some resort areas require an extra fee.
• Small enough to manage: The maximum group size is 15 people.
• Good value at $18.82: Helmets, water, transport, and the riding session are included at a modest price.

From hotel pickup to the horse farm

The experience takes about three hours in total, though the riding itself lasts two hours. The remaining time is used for collection, the drive to the stable, preparation, and the return journey.

An air-conditioned vehicle and bottled water are included. That matters in Hurghada, where a short ride in a cool vehicle is much more pleasant than beginning an outdoor activity already overheated. Pickup arrangements can vary by hotel, so give the operator your exact accommodation details and watch for the pre-tour WhatsApp message.

A failed pickup is the one serious service problem shown in the available feedback. In that case, the operator said the driver waited 30 minutes at the hotel reception but could not locate the party. I would treat this as a practical warning: confirm the pickup time, keep your phone available, and wait at the agreed reception point. It costs nothing and may prevent a needless argument.

The transfer surcharge is clear:

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

For central Hurghada hotels, pickup is offered without a listed extra charge. Check the final cost if you are staying farther along the coast.

Meeting the horses and getting basic instruction

At the stable, you should expect some waiting while the horses are brought out and prepared. One account described arriving, sitting for a while, and receiving little explanation before the horses appeared. That is not a major flaw, but it can make the beginning feel disorganized.

The practical upside is that you are not simply placed on a horse and sent off. Trainers provide pre-ride coaching and accompany the group. The ride begins at a calm pace, with the option of jogging if conditions and your ability allow it.

This setup suits beginners, but you still need a moderate level of physical fitness. Two hours on horseback can be tiring even when the pace is gentle. You should be comfortable mounting, sitting upright for an extended period, and following instructions around other horses.

The horses are described as Egyptian or Arabian horses, with a lighter build than the sturdy ponies familiar to some riders from Britain and northern Europe. That lighter frame does not automatically mean the horse is weak, but it may feel different under you. If you have not ridden for years, tell the instructor before setting out.

Several accounts praise the horses as calm and the instructors as friendly. Hussain is singled out as a funny instructor who took plenty of photographs, while another rider was assigned a horse called Sara. Names and staff may change, but these details suggest the tone can be relaxed and personal when the group is well managed.

Riding across the Hurghada desert

The first outdoor section is described as a walk through desert terrain. Keep your expectations measured. This is not necessarily a sweeping Sahara scene with endless dunes.

Some of the route may be rocky, stony, or close to a construction site. One description called the area more of a building site than a true desert, while another found the desert portion short and less interesting than the sea. If your main goal is dramatic desert scenery, a dedicated desert safari may give you more open space and stronger views.

Still, the desert ride has value. It gives you time to settle into the horse before reaching the coast. A calm walk lets a first-time rider learn the reins, balance, and rhythm without the added challenge of water, wind, or slippery ground.

You may also have an opportunity to jog. Do not assume you will gallop freely. The pace depends on the group, the guide, the terrain, and the horses. A controlled walk and short jog are more realistic expectations than a fast riding lesson.

Wear clothing that can tolerate dust and contact with seawater. Long trousers are practical for the saddle, and closed shoes are sensible. Bring only what you can keep secure, since cameras and phones are awkward to manage on horseback. The operator provides helmets, which is an important inclusion.

Crossing the road and reaching the Red Sea

The route to the beach may involve crossing a road and passing through a developed or partly built-up area. This is one of the less polished parts of the outing, and it is worth knowing before you pay.

Once you reach the coast, the experience improves. The horses enter the Red Sea, where the water can appear turquoise and the shore may have pale sand. This is the distinctive reason to choose this tour over a standard riding session inland.

The water section is not always as extensive as the promotional wording suggests. You may ride into water around two feet deep and continue along the shallows. There is no guarantee of swimming with the horse, and the horses may leave the water fairly soon after entering it.

That difference matters. If you picture yourself fully swimming beside an Arabian horse for a long stretch, you may be disappointed. If you see the sea ride as a short, unusual photo opportunity and a refreshing change from dry ground, the experience makes more sense.

The heat can make this portion pleasant for both rider and horse. One account noted that the horses seemed to enjoy being in the water. Another described a dolphin approaching briefly during a ride in a clear turquoise lagoon. Wildlife sightings are never promised, but the coastal setting can provide a memorable moment even without one.

Follow the guide closely at the shoreline. Seawater, sand, reins, and moving horses require attention. You should also ask in advance how long the horses remain in the water and what happens to your helmet and belongings afterward. One account raised a concern about equipment being removed once the rider dismounted, so it is wise to keep track of your personal items.

What the two-hour ride feels like

The outing is designed as a guided ride, not an independent trail adventure. You ride with an instructor who sets the pace and helps manage the group.

That is good news for beginners and families. A six-year-old was reportedly handled with care by the instructors, and the activity is presented as family-friendly. Even so, a child should be confident around horses and able to follow simple instructions. The supplied information does not give a minimum age, weight limit, or detailed child policy, so ask before booking for young children.

Experienced riders may find the pace restrained. The attraction is the setting, not advanced horsemanship. You get the unusual combination of horse, desert, shore, and seawater, but you should not book it expecting a technical riding lesson or long stretches of free galloping.

The group limit of 15 helps keep the activity manageable, though the actual group size can be smaller or close to the maximum. A larger group may mean more waiting while horses are assigned and more time spent following one another in a line.

The guide’s personality can make a difference. Hussain received especially warm praise for being amusing and taking photographs. Another account found the guide friendly but had difficulty communicating because the guide did not speak the promised French or English. If language matters to you, confirm which language the riding instructor speaks, rather than assuming every staff member will provide explanations.

Horse welfare deserves your attention

Horse welfare is an important part of deciding on any riding activity. The available feedback is mixed.

Several accounts describe the horses as healthy, calm, and well cared for. One rider specifically praised the family at the farm and felt the horses looked healthy. Another said the horses were easy to ride and that the instructors took good care of a young child.

There is also a troubling account describing thin horses and harsh treatment by an owner. That concern should not be brushed aside. The operator’s replies thank the person for the feedback but do not provide a detailed explanation of the care standards or the specific incident.

I recommend looking carefully at the horses when you arrive. Their general condition, clean water, shade, tack, and behavior can tell you something. If a horse appears unwell, severely underweight, injured, or distressed, speak up and do not feel pressured to ride it.

This is not a reason to reject the tour automatically, since the positive descriptions are also clear. It is a reason to treat animal welfare as part of your decision, not as an afterthought.

Is $18.82 good value?

At $18.82 per person, the price is unusually low for a guided coastal activity that includes two hours of riding, a helmet, bottled water, and an air-conditioned vehicle. For a budget-conscious holiday, it offers more variety than a basic stable ride.

The value is strongest if you want a first taste of horseback riding and do not need a polished resort-style operation. You receive coaching, a guide, transport, and two different settings for less than many half-day excursions.

The value is weaker if you are paying mainly for a long beach ride or a true swim with your horse. The beach section may be brief, and the desert may include rocky or developed areas. In other words, you are paying for the combination of experiences, not for a perfect stretch of untouched coast.

You should also add the transfer fee if you stay in Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, Safaga, El Gouna, or Soma Bay. Even with that extra cost, the tour can remain affordable, but compare the final total rather than focusing only on the advertised base price.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want a guided, gentle introduction
• Families with children who are comfortable around horses
• Couples looking for unusual Red Sea photographs
• Horse lovers who enjoy seeing a different type of horse
• Budget-minded visitors with one free morning or afternoon
• Riders who are happy with a controlled pace rather than a serious riding workout

I would be more cautious if you want a long, fast ride through open dunes, a fully developed equestrian center, or an extended swim with a horse. The route appears practical and local rather than carefully staged for scenery at every moment.

You should also think about your comfort with basic outdoor conditions. The ride includes heat, dust, rocks, a road crossing, and seawater. Moderate fitness is required, and the tour requires good weather.

Booking tips that can prevent disappointment

Confirm the following before you set off:

• The exact pickup point and time at your hotel
• Any transfer supplement for your resort area
• Whether your chosen option is horse riding or camel riding
• The language spoken by the riding guide
• How long the horses actually enter the sea
• Whether photographs are included or handled separately
• Where your belongings and helmet go during the water section

The activity is confirmed at booking, and the maximum group size is 15. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside 24 hours, changes and cancellations are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Book the ride early if your schedule is tight. It is booked on average 18 days ahead, which suggests that popular dates can fill before the last few days of a Hurghada stay.

Final verdict: a fun coastal ride with realistic limits

I would book this tour if I wanted an inexpensive, family-friendly way to combine horseback riding with a short Red Sea experience. The calm horses, friendly instructors, included helmet, and chance to ride into turquoise water give it real appeal.

I would not book it expecting untouched desert, a long swim, or a luxury stable. The route can include rocks, construction, and a little waiting, while communication and pickup need careful confirmation. Horse welfare also deserves a quick check on arrival.

For $18.82, the balance is favorable if you value novelty over polish. Set your expectations correctly, confirm the practical details, and this can become one of the more unusual half-day activities in Hurghada.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

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

Can I choose between a horse and a camel?

Yes. The included activity allows you to choose two hours of horse riding or camel riding.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Pickup is offered in an air-conditioned vehicle. Extra round-trip charges apply to hotels in Makadi and Sahl Hasheesh, and a higher extra charge applies to hotels in Safaga, El Gouna, and Soma Bay.

Is a helmet included?

Yes. A helmet and bottled water are included in the tour price.

Is the activity suitable for beginners?

Yes. Trainers provide pre-ride coaching and assistance during the ride. You should still have a moderate level of physical fitness.

Will I swim with the horse in the sea?

The horses enter the Red Sea, but the water section is generally shallow and may be brief. Extended swimming with the horse is not guaranteed.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.