Horseback Riding with Pickup and Drop-off from Sharm El Sheikh

Leave the resort behind for a while. This two-hour horseback ride gives you a simple way to see Sharm El Sheikh from the beach and desert, with hotel pickup, a safety helmet, and help from a riding guide. You can choose one or two hours, so the outing works for both curious beginners and people who already know their way around a saddle.

I like the calm, well-behaved horses and the patient instruction offered to first-time riders. I also like the chance to spend much of the longer ride beside the beach, with some time in the sea, before heading into the desert. The main caution is that the operation can be uneven: safety briefings may feel brief, pickup problems have occurred, and the beach area may not always be tidy.

• Beach and desert in one short outing: The two-hour option combines coastal riding with a short route through the desert.
• Sa’id is praised as an instructor: His patient help is especially useful if you have never ridden before.
• Beginner-friendly, but not fully hands-off: Guides assist riders, though some people may want a longer safety briefing.
• Hotel pickup is included: Transport is by a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle from Sharm El Sheikh hotels.
• Bring your own water: It can be very hot, and water is not listed as included.
• Low advertised price, with an extra fee: The price is $10 per person, plus five euros per person for tax and fees.

Leaving Sharm El Sheikh for the Riding Area

The day begins with pickup from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh. A driver takes you in an air-conditioned vehicle to the riding area, which keeps the outing easy to arrange if you do not have a car or want to avoid negotiating local transport.

Pickup is included, but I would still confirm the time and meeting point with the operator before the morning of the ride. One booking had a serious delay when no driver arrived at first, and the resort had to help contact the excursion company. That appears to be an exception rather than the normal pattern, since other rides had prompt pickup, but it is a sensible reason to keep your hotel reception informed.

The transport may be a private taxi rather than a large shared coach. That can make the short transfer more comfortable and direct, though the exact vehicle arrangement may vary.

The activity allows a maximum of 15 people. That is small enough to avoid the feel of a huge organized group, but your riding group may still include people with very different levels of experience. A child, a first-time adult, and an older rider could all be on the same outing, so expect a relaxed pace rather than a serious equestrian lesson.

Meeting the Horses and Getting Ready

At the riding area, professional horse trainers provide an introduction before you mount. You are given a safety helmet, and a guide accompanies the group throughout the ride.

The horses have been described as calm, well behaved, clean, and fitted with decent saddles. That matters more here than fancy equipment. A quiet horse gives a beginner time to learn how to sit, hold the reins, and follow simple instructions without feeling rushed.

The instruction is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Sa’id, in particular, is praised for helping first-time riders learn the basics and gain confidence. The guide can assist you during the ride, and the pace may vary depending on the ability of the group.

Still, set your expectations correctly. This is a guided recreational ride, not a formal riding course. One mixed-age group, including a nine-year-old and a 72-year-old, enjoyed the outing but felt that the safety introduction could have been more detailed. If you are nervous, say so before you mount and ask the guide to explain how to stop, turn, and keep your horse under control.

The stated maximum weight is 150 kilograms. Most people can participate, but the activity provider makes the final practical decision based on the horse and equipment available.

The One-Hour Option: A Short Taste of the Ride

The one-hour choice is useful if you want to try horseback riding without committing to a longer outing. It may also suit you if you are traveling with children, have limited time, or are unsure how your body will handle a saddle.

You can expect the same basic structure: hotel pickup, a briefing, a helmet, a guided ride, and return transport. The route is along the beach and through the desert, though the exact balance between the two is not specified.

An hour can pass quickly once you have mounted and settled in. If you have never ridden before, part of that time goes toward learning the horse’s movement and getting comfortable. For that reason, I see the one-hour option as a sampler rather than the best value for a person eager to spend real time on horseback.

The shorter ride may be the better call for anyone who is uncertain about heat, balance, or comfort. It gives you a clear taste of the experience without making the entire day revolve around it.

The Two-Hour Route Along Beach and Desert

The two-hour option offers the fuller outing. A particularly appealing feature is the mix of coastal and desert scenery. The longer ride spends much of its time along the beach, with some riding in the sea, then turns inland for a stretch through the desert.

That change of setting gives the ride its character. The beach provides open views and the unusual sensation of moving through shallow seawater on horseback. The desert section offers a quieter contrast, with dry ground and wide open space rather than the enclosed feel of a stable or riding arena.

The route is not presented as an advanced gallop or a technical trail ride. On a very hot day, the horses may prefer to walk, and the group’s pace is shaped by the least experienced rider. That is not a flaw if you want a calm sightseeing outing, but it may disappoint experienced riders hoping for speed.

I would choose the two-hour option if you want the best chance to enjoy both parts of the route. The extra hour gives you time to settle into the saddle, appreciate the beach, and still see a little of the desert instead of spending the whole ride learning the basics.

The condition of the beach may vary. One account described rubbish around the beach area, which could take some shine off an otherwise scenic setting. You are buying access to a coastal riding route, not a carefully maintained private beach.

What the Ride Feels Like for a Beginner

You do not need previous riding experience. The guide teaches the basics and stays with the group, and several first-time riders found the instruction patient and clear.

The most useful help comes early, when you are learning how to sit comfortably and respond to the horse. Once the horse is moving, simple instructions and a steady walking pace can make the experience feel manageable. Sa’id has been singled out as a good instructor, especially for people who had never sat on a horse before.

Beginners should speak up. Tell the guide if you are uncomfortable, want a slower pace, or need help adjusting your position. The description promises safety assistance, but your own questions are important, particularly because the pre-ride briefing may not be as long or detailed as you expect.

The ride can include different paces, depending on the group and conditions. One first-time rider enjoyed being able to move at more than one pace, while another group found that the heat encouraged the horses to walk. Both experiences are plausible. The horse, temperature, route, and riding ability all affect the rhythm of the outing.

You should also expect some physical effort. Riding for two hours can make your legs and seat feel tired, even at a walking pace. Wear practical clothing that you do not mind getting dusty or splashed, and use sun protection. Water is not included, so bring your own bottle.

Heat, Comfort, and Practical Clothing

Sharm El Sheikh can be extremely hot, and the heat is a real part of this activity. One ride took place on a particularly hot day, and the horses were more interested in walking than moving quickly.

Plan for sun rather than hoping the breeze will solve everything. Bring water, wear light clothing, and protect exposed skin. A hat may be useful before and after the ride, but you will need to follow the guide’s instructions about what is safe while mounted. The included helmet should be worn as directed.

Closed, secure footwear is the sensible choice, although the supplied details do not specify a required shoe type. Avoid loose items that could fall or catch on tack. You should also expect dust, sand, and possibly seawater during the beach portion.

The air-conditioned pickup vehicle is a welcome comfort at the start and end of the outing. It does not change conditions at the riding area, so do not treat the transfer as a break from the heat throughout the activity.

Horse Care and the Quality of the Setup

The horses have generally been described as calm and well equipped, with clean coats and good saddles. That is encouraging, especially for new riders who need a steady mount.

One account raised concern about horses appearing underweight and in less-than-ideal body condition. I would not ignore that point. Horse welfare is part of the quality of any riding experience, and you should look at the animal assigned to you before mounting. If a horse appears unwell, unusually thin, lame, or distressed, raise the issue with the guide.

The available information does not provide a formal description of the stable, feeding, rest schedule, or veterinary care. You should therefore judge the setup on arrival and ask reasonable questions if something concerns you.

This is also a place where expectations matter. The activity offers an authentic, working-horse experience rather than a polished luxury equestrian center. Some people will value the informal atmosphere; others may prefer a more controlled and carefully presented stable environment.

Photos, Extra Charges, and the Real Cost

The advertised price is $10 per person, which makes this one of the least expensive ways to add an activity to a Sharm El Sheikh holiday. Hotel pickup, return transport, the ride, helmet, and guide assistance are included.

The important qualification is the extra five euros per person for tax and fees. The final cost is therefore higher than the headline figure, so check the total before paying.

There may also be a photography service at the riding area. One person felt pressured to buy photos before returning to the hotel. You can enjoy the ride without purchasing images, and it is wise to ask the price before agreeing to any photographs.

At the advertised rate, the experience offers good value if your priority is a short beach and desert outing with transport included. The value is weaker if you expect a highly polished stable, a long formal lesson, fast riding, or a spotless beach.

I would compare the price with the level of service you want, not just with other excursions. The low cost is attractive, but it comes with some uncertainty around organization and presentation.

Who Will Enjoy This Sharm El Sheikh Ride?

This outing suits you best if you want something gentle, outdoors, and different from a hotel pool or standard sightseeing trip. It is especially suitable for:

• First-time riders who want a guide nearby
• Families with participants across a wide age range
• Couples looking for a quiet morning or afternoon activity
• Visitors who want both beach and desert scenery
• People who value hotel pickup and a simple two-hour plan

It may not suit you if you want a demanding riding experience, a guaranteed fast pace, or a highly formal lesson. It is also not ideal if you dislike heat, dust, seawater, or sitting in a saddle for an extended period.

The maximum group size is 15, and the activity says most people can participate. The stated weight limit is 150 kilograms. Beyond those points, the supplied details do not provide specific accessibility information, so ask the operator directly if you have mobility, balance, or medical concerns.

Booking, Timing, and Cancellation

The experience is often booked about nine days ahead, so reserving before your holiday may be sensible if you have a fixed schedule. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the ticket is mobile, which means you can show it on your phone.

Because pickup coordination has not been perfect every time, confirm the pickup details with Bella Tours and your hotel. If the driver is late, ask reception to help contact the provider rather than waiting without information.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted, so keep that deadline in mind when arranging your plans.

Should You Book Horseback Riding in Sharm El Sheikh?

I would book this if you want an inexpensive, easy-to-arrange introduction to riding, especially the two-hour option that combines beach, sea, and desert. The calm horses, helpful guides, and patient instruction make it approachable for beginners, with Sa’id a particularly good name to request if available.

I would book with a few clear expectations: bring water, prepare for fierce heat, ask for a proper safety explanation, and do not feel obliged to buy photos. If the horse’s condition or the beach area concerns you, speak up before the ride begins.

For a polished equestrian center or a serious riding lesson, choose another activity. For a simple Red Sea outing that lets you sit in the saddle and see the coast from a different angle, this offers solid value at a very low starting price.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding experience last?

You can choose a one-hour or two-hour ride. The overall activity also includes hotel pickup, the transfer to the riding area, preparation, and the return trip.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from Sharm El Sheikh hotels are included, using a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.

Can beginners take part?

Yes. Most people can participate, and the guide provides basic instruction and safety assistance. Sa’id has been noted for patiently teaching first-time riders.

What is included in the tour?

The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, one or two hours of horseback riding, a safety helmet, and guide assistance.

Is there an extra fee?

Yes. Tax and fees of five euros per person are not included in the advertised price.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum stated weight is 150 kilograms.

What is the cancellation policy?

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