Reviewed · HORSES

Horse Riding Tour 2 Hours Sea And Desert with Transfer – Hurghada

★ 4.5 · 37 reviews From $15 Operated by Noun Travel · Bookable on Viator
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Horseback riding reaches places a bus cannot. This Hurghada outing pairs a ride across the desert with the unusual chance to take your horse into the sea, all in about two hours. I like the low $15 starting price, and I like that a trainer, helmet, safety equipment, hotel pickup, and refreshments are included. The main concern is animal welfare and guide conduct, which deserves careful thought before booking.

I also like the family-friendly format and the help offered to first-time riders. The experience is short enough to fit into a busy beach holiday, but you should check the final cost carefully: a €10 tax is paid in cash, and another €10 transfer fee applies from several outlying resort areas.

Key points for this Hurghada horse ride

Horse Riding Tour 2 Hours Sea And Desert with Transfer - Hurghada - Key points for this Hurghada horse ride

  • Two very different settings: Ride through Hurghada’s open desert, then experience the memorable novelty of riding a horse through the sea.
  • Suitable for beginners: A trainer provides pre-ride coaching and assistance during the outing, with a helmet and other safety equipment supplied.
  • Low advertised price: The starting rate is $15 per person, though cash surcharges can apply.
  • Hotel pickup included: Transport is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle from Hurghada hotels.
  • A small time commitment: The activity lasts about two hours, making it easy to combine with a beach day or another excursion.
  • Important welfare concern: Some serious complaints describe skinny horses, scars, and troubling guide behavior, so I would not book without considering this carefully.

From Hurghada hotel to desert riding yard

Horse Riding Tour 2 Hours Sea And Desert with Transfer - Hurghada - From Hurghada hotel to desert riding yard

The experience begins with pickup from your Hurghada hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. That matters in Egypt, where even a short transfer in a hot, crowded vehicle can change the mood of the day. Pickup and return are included for hotels within the covered Hurghada area.

The exact pickup time is confirmed after booking, and confirmation is provided at the time of reservation. Since this is a shared activity with a maximum group size of 30, your ride may involve several hotel stops. I would allow a little flexibility around the stated two-hour duration, especially if you have a dinner reservation or another paid excursion afterward.

A separate transfer charge applies if you are staying in El Gouna, Safaga, Somabay, Makadi, or Sahl Hasheesh. The listed amount is €10 per person, paid in cash on the spot. A further €10 per person is listed for government taxes and value-added taxes, also payable in cash. At the advertised $15 price, those additions are not minor, so I would treat the starting rate as a base price rather than the complete amount.

Getting ready with a trainer and helmet

Horse Riding Tour 2 Hours Sea And Desert with Transfer - Hurghada - Getting ready with a trainer and helmet

At the riding location, you receive a horse and basic preparation before heading out. The tour includes a professional guide, a trainer, a helmet, and safety equipment. For a first-time rider, that instruction is one of the most useful parts of the package. You are not expected to arrive knowing how to mount, hold the reins, or respond to the horse.

The supplied information does not promise a private lesson or one-to-one instruction. With up to 30 people in the group, the amount of individual attention may vary. I would tell the trainer clearly if you have never ridden before, feel nervous, or need extra help mounting. A rider who is comfortable in the saddle may want a little more independence, while a beginner should stay close to the guide and follow instructions without trying to show off.

The experience is described as appropriate for children, but the data does not give a minimum age, height limit, or weight limit. If you are booking for a child, ask the operator directly about those restrictions. A helmet is provided to each rider, and the tour states that most people can participate, but that does not replace a personal check about fitness, balance, or comfort around horses.

Crossing Hurghada’s open desert on horseback

The first major setting is Hurghada’s desert. Horseback gives you access to broad, open ground without walking long distances under the sun. The appeal is simple: you can cover more space while sitting above the sand and watching the desert unfold around you.

I would expect the desert portion to be the quieter half of the outing. It gives you time to settle into the horse, learn the rhythm of riding, and become comfortable with the guide’s directions before the sea portion. The desert is not presented as a historical tour, so do not book this expecting archaeological sites, Bedouin village visits, or a detailed account of ancient Egypt. The focus is the horse, the open terrain, and the change of setting.

The description refers to the horses as finely bred, but the practical quality of the ride depends on the condition and training of the individual horse assigned to you. You may find the horse calm and easy to handle, or you may need more support than expected. Stay alert to how the animal responds, and speak up immediately if the saddle feels loose, the horse seems distressed, or you feel unsafe.

That last point matters because several severe complaints raise concerns about animal condition. Allegations include skinny horses, scars, and poor treatment. Other complaints describe inappropriate or aggressive behavior by guides, including conduct that made women feel unsafe. The operator responded that it could not match the complaints to its customer records and requested trip details for investigation. That response does not prove or disprove the allegations, so I would consider them a real booking concern rather than ignoring them.

The unusual sea ride near Hurghada

Horse Riding Tour 2 Hours Sea And Desert with Transfer - Hurghada - The unusual sea ride near Hurghada

The tour’s most distinctive promise is horseback riding through the sea. This is the part most likely to create a strong holiday memory. Riding beside ordinary beach crowds is one thing; guiding a horse into shallow seawater is a much less common experience.

The supplied information does not specify the beach, water depth, tide, swimming time, or how long the horse remains in the sea. It also does not state whether you dismount or ride fully mounted through the water. I would ask the operator these questions before paying, especially if you are bringing a child or have no riding experience.

The sea section may be exciting, but it also calls for sensible behavior. Listen closely to the trainer, keep control of your horse, and do not push for speed or stunts. Water, sand, and moving animals create a more demanding setting than a flat riding arena. If you feel uneasy, tell the guide rather than trying to copy a more confident rider.

You should also plan your clothing with the sea portion in mind. The tour information does not list towels, changing rooms, or swimwear as included. I would avoid anything valuable that could be damaged by saltwater and confirm what you need to bring before pickup.

Why the $15 price is attractive, and where it changes

Horse Riding Tour 2 Hours Sea And Desert with Transfer - Hurghada - Why the $15 price is attractive, and where it changes

At $15 per person, a two-hour horse ride with transportation, a guide, helmet, safety equipment, tea, and water looks inexpensive. I like the value on paper, especially because hotel pickup removes the need to arrange a taxi to a stable or beach.

The extra cash payments change the calculation. The €10 government and value-added tax is listed for each person. Riders coming from El Gouna, Safaga, Somabay, Makadi, or Sahl Hasheesh must also pay €10 per person for the transfer. For someone staying in central Hurghada, the total may remain appealing. For a couple or family based farther away, the additional fees can make the outing much less of a bargain.

Group size matters too. The maximum is 30 people, which is large for an activity that depends on horses and trainer attention. A large group can make the price possible, but it may mean less personal coaching and more waiting between parts of the ride. If you want a private lesson, quiet trail ride, or close supervision throughout, this is probably not the right format unless the operator can arrange something separately.

The package does include tea and water, which is useful in the heat, but no meal is listed. I would eat beforehand and bring any extra water you need, while following the operator’s instructions about what is safe to carry during the ride.

What the mixed safety record means for you

Horse Riding Tour 2 Hours Sea And Desert with Transfer - Hurghada - What the mixed safety record means for you

The strongest positive feedback centers on enjoyment, friendly assistance, and the guide named Abd El Rahim. One rider enjoyed the experience so much that they booked the three-hour version for the next day. Abd El Rahim was praised for making the outing fun and for taking creative photographs. Another important detail is that this person had difficulty getting onto the horse, yet still described the experience positively, suggesting that assistance was available in at least that case.

Those positives should not erase the serious complaints. Three separate low-rated accounts describe concerns involving horse health, animal treatment, guide behavior, and safety for women. The wording is strong, including accusations of abuse and sexual rudeness. Because the operator asked for booking details to investigate, you cannot draw a firm final judgment from the available information alone. Still, these are exactly the sort of warnings I would take seriously when an activity involves animals and physical contact.

I would make a few practical checks before departure:

  • Ask to see the horse assigned to you before riding.
  • Confirm that the saddle and helmet fit properly.
  • Tell the trainer if you are a beginner or feel uncomfortable.
  • Ask how concerns are handled during the ride.
  • Do not accept shouting, unwanted comments, or pressure to do something unsafe.
  • If the horse appears visibly unwell or poorly treated, reconsider participating.

These steps are not a substitute for responsible management, but they give you a clearer basis for deciding at the meeting point. A cheap activity is not good value if you spend the ride anxious about your safety or the animal’s welfare.

Who will enjoy this two-hour outing

I would consider this tour a good match for a first-time rider who wants a memorable activity without committing to a full day. The trainer, helmet, transfer, short duration, and family-friendly description make it approachable. It also suits someone who wants a change from hotel pools, organized beach time, and standard desert vehicle trips.

Horse lovers may especially enjoy the chance to combine two settings in one outing. The sea ride gives the experience a clear point of difference, while the desert section provides space to get used to the horse.

I would be more cautious if you have strong animal welfare concerns, need guaranteed one-to-one instruction, or are uncomfortable in a large group. It is also not ideal for someone seeking a detailed cultural program, archaeological sites, or a long scenic ride. The focus is active recreation, not a guided history tour.

Families should ask about child requirements before booking. The activity is described as child appropriate, but no age range or size limits are supplied. Parents should also consider whether their child can follow instructions, remain balanced in the saddle, and stay calm around a large animal.

Booking, cancellation, and practical planning

Horse Riding Tour 2 Hours Sea And Desert with Transfer - Hurghada - Booking, cancellation, and practical planning

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancelling within 24 hours, or making changes inside that window, does not qualify for a refund. I would avoid booking this too close to your arrival if your schedule is uncertain.

The activity accepts mobile tickets, offers group discounts, and allows service animals according to the supplied information. The maximum group size is 30 people. Since the ride lasts approximately two hours, it can fit into a morning or afternoon plan, but I would leave extra time around pickup and return.

Bring comfortable clothing suited to riding and expect the possibility of contact with seawater. The tour provides a helmet, tea, and water, but the information does not confirm towels, lockers, changing facilities, or photographs. Abd El Rahim has been praised for creative photos, but photography is not listed as an included service, so ask before assuming pictures are part of the price.

Should you book the Hurghada sea and desert horse ride?

I would book this only after confirming the full cost, pickup details, child requirements, and current animal welfare standards. The concept is genuinely appealing: two hours, hotel transport, desert riding, and the rare chance to ride into the sea at a very low base price.

The positive experience associated with Abd El Rahim and the included trainer support make it attractive for beginners. Yet the allegations about horse condition and guide conduct are too serious to brush aside. If the operator answers your questions clearly and you are satisfied with the animals and staff when you arrive, this could be a fun, compact Hurghada excursion. If anything looks unsafe or the horses appear unwell, walk away. Your holiday memory should be exciting for the right reasons.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding tour last?

The experience lasts approximately two hours.

What does the tour include?

It includes hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, desert horse riding, sea horse riding, a professional guide, a helmet, safety equipment, tea, and water.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for the covered Hurghada area.

Is the activity suitable for beginners?

Yes. A trainer provides pre-ride coaching and assistance during the ride, and a helmet is provided to each rider.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The activity is described as child appropriate and family friendly. The supplied information does not state a minimum age or other child restrictions, so confirm those details before booking.

Are there extra charges?

Yes. A €10 per-person charge for government taxes and value-added taxes is paid in cash on the spot. Riders from El Gouna, Safaga, Somabay, Makadi, or Sahl Hasheesh must also pay €10 per person in cash for the transfer.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 30 people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.

Who operates the experience?

The experience is operated by Noun Travel.

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