Horse Riding Beach or Desert with transfer from Sharm El Sheikh

Ride where desert meets the Red Sea. This two-hour horseback outing gives you a slower way to see Sharm El Sheikh, with sandy paths, open plains, and possible time in shallow seawater. I like the hotel pickup and the patient guides, especially for first-time riders. I also like the choice of a beach or desert setting, though the exact route and riding conditions can vary.

The experience is inexpensive at $7 per person, before the €5 government fee. That is excellent value if your main goal is a short ride and a few sea-side photographs. My main caution is horse welfare and organization: some riders found the horses calm and well cared for, while others felt their horse was tired or that the operation was rushed.

Key points at a glance

• Beach or desert setting: You may ride beside the sea, enter shallow water if conditions allow, or follow sandy desert paths.
• Good for nervous beginners: Guides can walk beside you, hold onto a novice rider, and set the pace to match your confidence.
• Hotel transfers included: Pickup and drop-off are offered from hotels in Sharm El Sheikh.
• Small group size: The maximum group is 15 people, though your actual ride may feel smaller.
• Bring your own drink and camera: Drinks are not included, and photographs may cost extra.
• Check the horse before mounting: Most reports praise the horses, but a few riders found individual horses hot, tired, or overworked.

Starting with pickup from your Sharm hotel

The outing begins with a transfer from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh. Pickup and drop-off are included, which matters in this part of Egypt, where the riding areas sit away from the main resort strips. You do not need to arrange a taxi or work out directions to the equestrian meeting point.

Transport is not always perfectly timed. One poor experience involved a late vehicle and a badly shortened ride, so I would keep your schedule flexible around the pickup window. A friendly driver has also made a good impression, but the driver may not speak much English. The riding guides are the better source of help once you arrive.

The maximum group size is 15 people. That is not a private ride, but it is still limited enough for a guide to keep an eye on the group. Your experience will depend partly on how many riders are booked that day and how different their abilities are.

The price looks almost too low at $7 per person. Remember to add the €5 government fee per person. Even with that extra charge, the cost is far below most organized riding experiences, making this a useful option for a short activity between beach time and evening plans.

Meeting the horses at the riding point

At the riding center, guides pair you with a horse suited to your ability. The horses have names and personalities, which can make the first few minutes more enjoyable. One beginner formed an instant attachment to a horse called Galaxy, while another found Madonna gentle and reassuring.

You can expect a basic introduction before mounting. Safety equipment, a helmet, and guide assistance are included. For nervous riders, this support is important. Guides have walked beside beginners, held onto a less confident rider, and allowed the rider to progress at a comfortable pace.

Mounting help is available. One larger rider appreciated the benches used to get onto the horse and found that a suitably sized horse was provided. The stated maximum weight is 150 kilograms, so tell the operator your weight accurately when booking or before the ride begins.

I would take a moment to look at the horse before you mount. Check that the animal appears alert and comfortable, and tell the guide if the saddle feels loose or painful. Most accounts describe calm, friendly, well-kept horses, but a few people who ride regularly felt that their horse was worn out. A quick check is sensible, especially in hot weather.

Along the beach and into shallow water

The beach option is the more memorable choice for many people. The route may take you along the coast in a protected area, with open views and the chance to photograph horse and rider beside the water. One particularly enjoyable version included a horse wading through low water, but the water did not reach waist height.

Going into the sea is optional, not a guaranteed part of every ride. Some riders were allowed to enter the water if they wanted, while another expected a deeper water experience and felt disappointed. Ask the guide before mounting exactly how much time, if any, the horse will spend in the water.

The beach is not always spotless. One account described litter, which takes some shine off the setting. You should also expect other activity nearby. Quad bikes can operate parallel to the riding area, and a road may be close by. This is not a silent wilderness ride.

Still, the sea-side setting has real appeal. From horseback, you get a different view of the coast than you do from a hotel beach chair or a boat. The pace is calm, and the horse’s movement gives the outing a simple rhythm. If your aim is a dramatic but easy holiday photograph, this option may deliver.

Take your own camera or phone if you want personal photographs. Bring a drink as well. Water is not listed as included, and the sun can make even a short ride feel demanding.

The desert route near roads and quad bikes

The desert option uses sandy paths and open ground rather than a remote mountain expedition. The setting may feel spacious, but you should not picture untouched dunes stretching far from all signs of development. A road and quad-bike activity can be nearby.

That is not necessarily a problem. The route can still offer a pleasant change from Sharm’s resort areas, and the sandy ground suits a gentle horse ride. It simply helps to set your expectations correctly. Choose this tour for a short desert outing, not for a full-day wilderness adventure.

Guides may lead the horses along marked or barriered sections of desert. Depending on the group, you may walk, trot, or possibly move faster under close instruction. One happy rider enjoyed being allowed to go faster while the guide watched and gave commands.

Your pace is not guaranteed. A novice group will move more slowly than a group of experienced riders. Guides appear willing to separate ability levels to some extent, but you should not book this expecting a long, independent gallop.

How the guides handle beginners

The strongest part of this experience is the human support on the ride. Several people who felt nervous at first were given time to settle in. Guides walked beside them or held onto the horse until they felt more secure.

That makes the outing suitable for families and first-time riders. A parent and daughter were able to ride at their own pace, and the daughter became comfortable with help from the staff. Another mixed-ability pair had a novice rider walking with guide support while the intermediate rider was allowed to trot.

If you already ride, explain your ability clearly. You may be allowed to trot or go faster, but the guide’s first duty is group safety. You will probably spend some time at a controlled pace if other riders are beginners.

Names can matter when you need help. Muhammad was singled out for being attentive and helpful during a beach ride, while Mustafa was praised as a good host. Individual guide quality can affect the whole outing, so ask for assistance directly if you feel unsure.

One serious complaint described a rider who felt alone and unsafe, with an uncomfortable interaction involving a quiet guide. That does not match the more common positive accounts, but it is a useful reminder: speak up immediately if you are uneasy, and do not continue at a pace that feels beyond your ability.

The real two-hour schedule

The advertised duration is about two hours. That usually includes arrival, choosing and mounting the horse, instructions, the ride itself, and returning the horse. The time in the saddle may be shorter.

At least one booking produced a one-hour ride, and another poorly managed outing ended after about 30 minutes. These seem to be exceptions, but they show why it is wise to confirm the expected riding time at the start.

A likely flow looks like this:

• Hotel pickup in Sharm El Sheikh
• Arrival at the riding point and horse assignment
• Helmet fitting and guide instructions
• A guided beach or desert ride
• Optional shallow-water riding on the coastal route
• Return to the riding point and transfer back to your hotel

The experience works best when you treat it as a compact activity, not an all-day excursion. It can fit neatly into a morning or afternoon, but late transport or a delayed departure may affect plans afterward.

Photographs, extra charges, and what to bring

A photographer may take pictures during the ride, especially at the beach. The photographs can be good, and one rider considered the extra cost worthwhile. But the price is not included, and the amount can be significant. Charges of £30 for photographs and €20 per person have been reported.

The sales approach has not pleased everyone. One rider felt pressured to buy pictures and was unhappy with the attitude after refusing. Another paid for photographs but never received them. If you want the photos, ask clearly how many images you will receive, the total price, and how they will be delivered before paying.

Bring:

• Comfortable long trousers, such as jeans
• Trainers or other secure shoes
• Sun protection
• Insect repellent
• A drink
• Your own phone or camera
• A small amount of cash for possible extras

Jeans and trainers have worked for previous riders. A helmet and safety equipment are provided, but you should still wear clothing that covers your legs and allows you to move comfortably.

Do not bring large bags if you can avoid it. The supplied information does not explain storage arrangements, so pack lightly and keep valuable items secure.

Horse welfare and the mixed evidence

The horse care is the biggest point to consider carefully. Many people found the horses beautiful, calm, friendly, and well looked after. Those comments are encouraging, especially for families who want a gentle introduction to riding.

At the same time, a few experienced riders raised concerns. One felt the horse was tired and took every opportunity to stop. Another thought the horses were hot and overworked. These observations may apply to individual animals or particularly warm days, but they should not be ignored.

You can make a small difference by watching the horse’s condition. Look for signs of heavy breathing, extreme lethargy, or discomfort. Tell the guide if the animal seems unwilling to move or if the tack appears to rub. A good guide should take that seriously.

The horse should not be pushed simply to create a faster or more exciting ride. The best experience is one where the animal seems settled and the pace matches both horse and rider.

Who will enjoy this Sharm El Sheikh ride

I would recommend this outing most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want close guide support
• Families with older children who can follow instructions
• Couples with different riding abilities
• Visitors who want a short beach or desert activity
• Riders who value photographs and a gentle sightseeing pace
• Larger riders who fit within the 150-kilogram limit and want mounting assistance

It may not suit you if you want a remote desert ride, long stretches of independent galloping, or a polished stable operation. It is also not the best fit if you are very concerned about horse welfare and need detailed information about rest periods, stable conditions, and daily workloads before booking.

The rating of 4.7 from 56 ratings, with 93 percent recommending it, reflects the many successful outings. The low ratings point to specific risks: late transport, a shortened ride, pressure over photographs, nearby quad bikes, dirty beach conditions, and concerns about tired horses.

Cancellation and practical booking notes

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Inside that 24-hour window, you receive no refund, and changes are not accepted.

Confirmation is provided when you book. Most people can participate, but the 150-kilogram maximum weight applies. Ask your hotel reception to confirm the pickup details on the day, and allow extra time in case the vehicle runs late.

Should you book this horse ride?

Book it if you want a low-cost, short horseback outing with hotel transport and patient guides. The beach route is the more appealing choice for sea views and photographs, while the desert route offers sandy riding but may feel close to roads and quad bikes.

I would book with realistic expectations and ask three questions at the start: Is this a full two-hour experience, how much time will be spent in the water, and what is the exact photograph price? Check your horse, wear practical clothes, bring water, and tell the guide your true riding ability.

For beginners and families, this can be a lot of fun for little money. For experienced riders seeking a serious trail ride, it may feel too controlled and too short. The value is strongest when you see it as a friendly holiday activity, not a full equestrian adventure.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding experience last?

The advertised duration is approximately two hours. The actual time in the saddle can vary, and some rides have lasted only one hour.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off service is offered from hotels in Sharm El Sheikh.

Can I choose between beach and desert riding?

The experience offers horse riding by the sea or in the desert. The exact route and setting should be confirmed with the provider.

Can beginners take part?

Yes. Most people can participate, and guides can match horses to riding ability. Beginners may receive extra support and be led at a slower pace.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum stated weight is 150 kilograms.

Is a helmet provided?

Yes. Safety equipment, a helmet, and guide assistance are included.

Can the horse go into the sea?

On the beach route, horses may wade into shallow water if the conditions and guide allow it. Entering the water is not guaranteed and deeper water should not be assumed.

Are photographs included in the price?

No. Photographs may be offered at an additional charge. Reported prices include £30 for a set and €20 per person, so confirm the current price before buying.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.