Horse Riding Tour 2 Hours on Sea And Desert & Transfer -Hurghada

Horse riding in the sea is the hook. This Hurghada outing combines two very different settings, with one hour by the beach and one hour in the desert on an Egyptian horse. I like the hotel pickup, the included helmet, and the presence of an instructor who can stay close to nervous or first-time riders. The low price is appealing, too, though you should check the extra cash charges before booking.

The strongest part of the experience is the staff. Guides named Ahmed and Mohammad receive repeated praise for patience, safety help, photos, and adjusting the pace to the rider. My main caution is that the advertised timing may not always match the actual ride: some people had less time in the water, and a few described horses that appeared thin or poorly cared for.

Key points to know before you book

• The sea ride may be brief: Some outings include only a short water session or a photo stop rather than a full hour in the sea.
• Ahmed and Mohammad earn special praise: Both guides are described as friendly, encouraging, and helpful with nervous beginners.
• The $14 price has important exceptions: A €10 government tax and VAT charge is listed, with another €10 transfer charge for several resort areas.
• You ride in two distinct settings: The planned format is one hour at the beach and one hour in the desert.
• This is suitable for beginners, but not entirely passive: Horses may walk, trot, or run faster, and you need to follow the instructor’s directions.
• Horse welfare deserves attention: Some descriptions praise gentle, well-cared-for horses, while others raise serious concerns about weight and sores.

What the Hurghada horse tour actually offers

This is a short riding excursion built around contrast. You leave your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle, reach the riding stable, receive basic instruction and safety equipment, and then head out with a guide. The ride is planned to last two hours, split between the beach and desert, while the full outing takes about three hours including transport.

That split gives the activity its appeal. The desert section lets you see Hurghada beyond its hotels and main roads. The beach section creates the unusual photograph most people are hoping for: a horse standing or moving through shallow Red Sea water with the coast behind you.

At $14 per person, the listed price is remarkably low for hotel pickup, a vehicle, two hours of riding, an instructor, safety equipment, water, and tea. But do not treat the headline price as the final cost until you check your pickup area. A €10 per-person government tax and VAT payment is listed in cash. People staying in El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, or Sahl Hasheesh are also charged €10 per person for the transfer.

That changes the value calculation. For someone staying in central Hurghada, this can still be a very inexpensive half-day activity. For a couple in one of the outlying resort areas, the add-ons can make the total noticeably higher than the first price suggests.

Hotel pickup makes this easier than finding a stable

Pickup and drop-off are included, which matters in Hurghada. You do not need to arrange a taxi to an unfamiliar riding center or work out directions in a place where the stable may be outside your hotel zone.

The vehicle is air-conditioned, a welcome detail in Egypt’s heat. The total excursion is listed as roughly three hours, though actual timing can vary. One private outing that included transport lasted about two hours overall, with around one hour and 15 minutes actually spent on horseback. Another account describes a transfer of about 30 minutes each way from Soma Bay.

So I would plan with flexibility. This is not a tightly timed connection or a tour you should book immediately before a flight. It is better treated as a relaxed activity that may include waiting, mounting, instructions, photography, and road time.

The maximum group size is 15 people. That is small enough for an instructor to manage more easily than a large riding line, though your exact experience will depend on how many people join your departure. Private rides have also been available, giving couples more control over their pace.

Getting ready at the stable

Before you ride, a trainer provides coaching and assistance. A helmet is supplied to every rider, and a disclaimer covering damage and personal injury must be signed before the outing begins.

That initial help is especially useful if you have never ridden. Several first-time or returning riders were nervous at the start, then became more comfortable once the guide stayed close and explained what to do. Ahmed is singled out for helping a rider who had not been on a horse for 30 years, remaining nearby until confidence improved.

Still, beginner-friendly does not mean effortless. You need to listen to the instructor, keep your balance, and understand basic control. Some riders enjoyed a faster hopa hopa section, while others found running a little dangerous. If you want only a slow walk, say so clearly before setting out.

The language barrier may also affect instructions. One first-time rider felt the guide did not fully understand the concern being expressed. Good communication is part of safe riding, so make your comfort level clear at the start and repeat it if the pace changes.

The desert hour: open space and a faster pace

The desert portion is likely the more substantial riding section. You move away from Hurghada’s built-up areas and into broad, dry terrain that would take much longer to cover on foot. It gives you a different view of the resort town, with dust, open ground, and the simple rhythm of following a guide on horseback.

The word safari appears in descriptions of the outing, but this is not a wildlife safari. Think of it as a horse ride through desert terrain, not a search for animals or a guided study of Egypt’s natural world.

The pace can depend on your ability and the group. Some rides stay at a walk, while others include a quicker run. A guide may lead the line and help with turns and stopping. One rider appreciated being allowed to control the horse’s direction and brakes while following the instructor.

For experienced riders, that faster section may be the highlight. For beginners, it can be the moment when the outing becomes physically demanding. Sore legs and a sore backside are common complaints, especially on a first ride. Wear practical clothing and expect the saddle to feel less comfortable as the hours pass.

One important limitation is that the route may not be pure desert from start to finish. A negative account described walking along sidewalks, passing through a commercial area, and crossing busy roads. That may not happen on every departure, but it is worth asking where the horses are based and how much of the route uses streets before you pay.

The beach and sea section: unusual, but check the timing

Riding into the water is the tour’s most distinctive feature. It is a rare chance to take an Egyptian horse into the sea, and the setting makes excellent photographs. Guides may help take pictures, and several riders valued the chance to capture the moment without having to manage a camera while mounted.

The water experience is also the least consistent part of the advertised program. The plan calls for one hour of riding by the beach, but some outings reportedly included only 15 or 20 minutes in the sea. In another case, the water portion amounted mainly to making photographs, while most of the ride took place in the desert.

That does not make the outing worthless. A short sea entry can still be memorable, particularly if this is your first time on horseback. But if your main reason for booking is a long ride through the water, ask the operator to explain exactly what one hour by the beach means. It may include riding along the shoreline, waiting for photos, and only a short time with the horses actually in the water.

The beach section may also feel intimidating if you are new to horses. One beginner was nervous about entering the sea but found the guide helpful. Take the same approach: tell the instructor if you want a slower introduction, and do not feel pressured to copy a more confident rider.

Guides, safety, and the human side of the outing

The instructors are the clearest strength of this experience. Ahmed is repeatedly praised for helping nervous riders and making the outing enjoyable. Mohammad is described as explaining things well and stepping in quickly when help was needed. Other accounts also praise friendly guides who took photos and watched rider safety.

That personal attention matters more than a fancy stable for a beginner. A calm instructor can help you mount, understand the reins, keep your balance, and avoid panicking when the horse moves faster than expected.

Helmets are included, and most people can participate. Children are allowed, making this a possible family activity, and one family with two young children had a positive time. But children still need to follow instructions and remain comfortable around large animals. The presence of a helmet does not remove the normal risk of falling or losing control.

Pregnant women are not permitted to ride. Service animals are allowed according to the supplied information. Everyone must sign the liability and injury disclaimer before riding.

There is also a practical difference between safety and comfort. A guide can be attentive while the route still involves roads, sidewalks, or faster movement. Ask for a clear explanation of the route and riding pace if you have limited experience, a previous accident, or any concern about running.

Horse care is the main point to consider carefully

The horse welfare reports are mixed enough that I would not skip this issue. Some riders describe the horses as gentle, friendly, well behaved, and well cared for. One person specifically said the stable was good and the horses were looked after. Those positive impressions support the idea that the animals can be calm and suitable for a range of riders.

Other descriptions are troubling. A few people felt the horses looked underweight, with visible bones. One very negative account alleged sores and poor care, while another said the animals looked worn out and did not want to run.

These observations cannot be confirmed for every departure, but they are serious. Before mounting, look at the horses yourself. Notice their body condition, coats, legs, and general behavior. If an animal appears injured, exhausted, or distressed, speak up and ask whether another horse is available. You are paying for an experience, but the horses’ welfare should be part of your decision.

The operator’s responses to the most severe complaints asked for hotel and booking details so the matter could be investigated. That does not settle the concern, but it does show that the issue should not be brushed aside. I would choose this trip only if the horses look fit and the stable appears to provide water, shade, and reasonable care.

What to bring and how to prepare

The tour includes water and tea, plus safety equipment, but you should still prepare for a dusty, sunny activity. Wear long trousers and closed shoes that will not slip easily from the stirrups. Clothes may become dusty in the desert and wet around the beach, so avoid anything precious.

Bring sun protection and a secure way to carry a phone. You may be offered help with photos, which is useful, but keep your device protected from sand and seawater. Do not count on having a long break for food because meals are not included.

Drink water before the ride. Two hours in a saddle can be tiring, particularly if you have not ridden recently. The most common comfort complaint is a sore backside, and that is not a surprise after an extended ride on an unfamiliar horse.

You should also tell the guide whether you are a complete beginner, an occasional rider, or confident at faster speeds. The ride works best when the instructor knows your limits rather than guessing.

Is the $14 price good value?

For central Hurghada, yes, the advertised price can represent strong value if you receive close to the planned two hours on horseback. Hotel transport, a professional instructor, helmet, other safety equipment, water, and tea are all included. The desert and sea combination also gives you more variety than a basic arena ride.

The value drops if your actual riding time is much shorter or if the sea portion is only a photo stop. It also drops once the cash tax and possible resort transfer charge are added. At that point, you should compare the final cost with other horseback outings in Hurghada, especially if you want a private ride or a longer water session.

A low price is not a reason to ignore horse condition. The right question is not simply How cheap is it? Ask what you will actually receive, how long you will be mounted, and whether the horses look healthy on arrival.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations inside that window are not refunded, and changes made within 24 hours are not accepted.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it to an adventurous beginner, a family with children who can follow instructions, or a couple looking for an unusual Hurghada photograph without paying for a full-day excursion. It is also a good match for riders who enjoy a mixture of gentle walking and the possibility of a quicker pace.

You may want a different activity if you require a long, guaranteed ride through the sea, dislike uncertainty around timing, or have serious concerns about horse welfare. Experienced riders expecting a challenging trail may also find the route too controlled or too short.

Should you book the Hurghada horse ride?

Book it if the combination of desert riding, beach scenery, and a short sea entry sounds exciting, and if you are comfortable confirming the extra charges and asking questions at the stable. The helpful instructors, especially Ahmed and Mohammad, are a real reason to consider it, and many riders find the outing friendly, safe, and enjoyable.

I would not book blindly. Confirm the total price for your hotel, ask how much time will be spent actually in the water, and inspect the horses before you ride. If those answers are clear and the animals look healthy, this inexpensive outing can deliver a memorable slice of Hurghada beyond the hotel pool.

FAQ

How long does the Horse Riding Tour in Hurghada last?

The full outing lasts approximately three hours, including hotel transportation. The planned riding time is two hours, split between the beach and desert.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $14 per person. A €10 per-person government tax and VAT charge is listed as payable in cash.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Is there an extra transfer charge?

Yes. A €10 per-person transfer fee applies to pickups from El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, and Sahl Hasheesh.

How much time is spent riding in the sea?

The planned schedule includes one hour by the beach, but the actual time in the sea can be shorter. Some outings included about 15 to 20 minutes in the water, while another description says the sea portion was mainly for photographs.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. A professional instructor provides coaching before the ride and assistance during it. Beginners should still tell the guide about their experience and comfort level.

Are helmets provided?

Yes. A helmet is provided to each rider, and other safety equipment is included.

Can children take part?

Yes. The activity is described as child appropriate and family friendly.

Can pregnant women join the ride?

No. Pregnant women are not permitted to ride a horse on this tour.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience begins. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted or refunded.