Hurghada: Red Sea & Desert Horse Riding Tour with Swimming

Desert riding meets sea swimming on this three-hour Hurghada outing, where you guide an Egyptian horse over golden sand and into the Red Sea. I like the unusual mix of scenery and the fact that a trainer stays with you, so beginners are not left to figure things out alone.

I also like that hotel pickup, an air-conditioned transfer, bottled water or a soft drink, helmets, and a private group setting are included. The main point to consider is that riding conditions and time in the water may vary, so you should confirm the exact schedule and riding duration before setting out.

Key Points at a Glance

• Ride from desert sand to seawater: The route combines Hurghada’s dry inland scenery with the Red Sea coast.
• Swimming with the horses: The water section is the tour’s rare feature, and one review describes galloping on the beach before entering the sea.
• Beginner-friendly guidance: An experienced trainer accompanies the ride and helps you handle the horse.
• Egyptian horses and safety gear: Horses are provided, and helmets are included for every rider.
• Private group format: Only your group participates, which can make instructions and pacing more personal.
• Good value at $29: Transfers, the ride, a guide, and a drink are included, with a three-hour outing advertised.

From Hurghada Hotel to Desert Trail

The day begins with hotel pickup in Hurghada and a transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle. That matters in Egypt, where even a short ride under the sun can feel tiring. You do not need to arrange a separate taxi to reach the riding location, and the return transfer is included as well.

The tour lasts about three hours overall. The available description also notes that horseback rides in Hurghada can vary from one to two hours, with longer options sometimes offered. I would treat the three-hour figure as the full outing, including transportation and preparation, rather than assuming you will spend all three hours in the saddle.

Once you arrive, you meet the horses and the guide. The animals are described as Egyptian horses, adding a local touch to what could otherwise be a standard beach ride. You receive a helmet, and the trainer gives instructions before the ride begins.

That introduction is especially important for first-time riders. Riding is not quite like sitting on a sightseeing vehicle. You need to understand how to hold the reins, how to signal the horse, and how to respond to the guide. The presence of an expert trainer makes this a more sensible choice for beginners than an unguided horse rental.

Riding Across Hurghada’s Golden Desert

The first major part of the outing takes you through the desert. The contrast is simple and effective: pale sand, open space, and the Red Sea coast nearby. You get a different view of Hurghada than you would from a hotel pool, a glass-bottom boat, or a regular beach excursion.

Desert riding also gives the trip a sense of movement. You are not simply posing beside a horse for a photograph. You guide the animal across sandy ground, with the scenery changing as you approach the coast. The tour description presents the horses as suitable for beginners and experienced riders, but your own pace will still depend on the guide, the horse, and the conditions.

The ride may include walking, faster movement, or beach galloping when appropriate. A review of the experience specifically describes galloping on the beach, but you should not assume that every group will gallop. The guide decides what is safe and suitable for the riders and horses.

That flexibility is a good thing. An experienced rider may hope for more speed, while a first-time rider may prefer a calm pace. Since the tour is private to your group, you may have a better chance of receiving instructions suited to your level, though the available information does not promise a custom pace or a specific amount of galloping.

Reaching the Red Sea Coast on Horseback

The coastline is where the scenery becomes most memorable. You have the desert on one side and the Red Sea on the other, a pairing that gives the ride its special character. Sand, open water, and the horse beneath you create a much more unusual setting than a standard riding arena.

Depending on the route and conditions, you may ride on the beach, through the desert, or along a combination of both. Beach riding is likely to be the highlight for many people, especially if you want a holiday photograph that feels connected to Hurghada rather than copied from a hotel activity program.

The coastal section is also where you should pay attention to the guide’s instructions. Sand can change how a horse moves, and the shoreline may not offer the same footing as a prepared riding area. Helmets are supplied, and following the trainer’s directions is part of making the experience safe and enjoyable.

I like the fact that the guide can also explain more about the area and the horses. The information provided does not promise a formal history talk, but the guide can give context about the surroundings and help you understand the animals you are riding.

The Unusual Part: Swimming With the Horses

The sea swim is the reason this tour catches the eye. Instead of ending at the shore, the ride can continue into the crystal waters of the Red Sea with the horse. That is a rare activity, and it changes the outing from a simple desert ride into a proper adventure.

One detailed account describes a full sequence of desert riding, beach galloping, and swimming with the horses. That combination was the favorite part of a family’s wider holiday program, including two teenage daughters. It is easy to see why: the experience offers several distinct moments in one short trip.

You should keep your expectations practical. The information confirms the swimming element, but it does not give a set length for the swim, water depth, or exact riding route. The guide will control the activity, and the actual sea time may depend on safety and local conditions.

This is also the part where clothing matters. You should expect to get wet if you take part in the water section. The supplied details do not specify changing rooms, lockers, towels, or swimwear arrangements, so plan around the facilities that are confirmed rather than assuming a full beach club setup.

The water ride is best for someone who wants an active, unusual memory and does not mind a little mess. If you prefer to keep your clothes dry or feel nervous around horses in the water, the desert and beach ride may still be enjoyable, but you should ask the provider how participation in the swim works.

Karim’s Role and the Personal Feel of a Private Tour

Karim is praised as an excellent guide, and his role matters here. A good horse-riding guide does more than lead the group along a route. He helps you feel comfortable with the horse, explains what to do, and watches the pace and safety of the ride.

The private format is another useful feature. Only your group takes part, rather than joining a large mixed party. That can make the outing feel less rushed and may allow the trainer to spend more time helping a nervous rider or answering questions.

The private format does not automatically mean the schedule is completely flexible. The tour still follows the provider’s operating plan, and the available details do not list exact departure times or a choice of routes. Still, it is a meaningful advantage for families, couples, and small groups who want to ride together without strangers setting the pace.

Families with teenagers may find this especially appealing. The two teenage riders mentioned in the supplied account enjoyed the full sequence from desert to beach to sea. Younger children are not specifically covered in the information, so you should ask the provider before booking for them.

Horse Care, Helmets, and Riding Confidence

The horses are described as very well cared for, which is one of the strongest positive details associated with this activity. That matters both ethically and practically. A horse that is healthy and properly handled is more reassuring for a first-time rider.

Helmets are provided for all riders. You should wear one and listen carefully during the safety briefing, even if you have ridden before. Horseback riding involves an animal with its own reactions, and the desert, beach, and water each bring different conditions.

The tour welcomes beginners and experienced riders, with an expert trainer present throughout. Still, beginner-friendly does not mean effortless. If you have never ridden, expect to spend some time learning the basics and building trust with the horse before moving across the sand.

Experienced riders may appreciate the chance to ride in a less common setting, but the outing is not advertised as a technical riding lesson or a long-distance trek. The focus is on scenery, the Red Sea, and the novelty of entering the water.

What the $29 Price Really Covers

At $29 per person, this is an inexpensive Hurghada excursion for what is included. The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned transfer, the horseback ride, a guide, and bottled water or a soft drink. You also receive the helmet needed for the activity.

That package reduces the extra costs that can make a low headline price less useful. You do not need to budget separately for the main transfer or a drink, though personal spending and tips are not included.

There are extra transfer charges for some nearby resort areas. Pickup from El Gouna, Safaga, or Soma Bay costs $10 per person. Transfers from Makadi and Sahl Hasheesh also cost $10 per person. Check your hotel area before comparing the price with other excursions, since the added fee changes the final total.

The private group arrangement adds value, particularly if two or more people in your party want to ride together. Group discounts are available, though the exact discount is not provided. Ask about the group rate before paying if you are booking for several people.

I would not judge the price by the swimming portion alone. You are paying for the combined desert, beach, and sea setting, plus transport and guidance. If you want a long, serious riding session, another activity may suit you better. If you want a memorable half-day outing with several different settings, $29 is a strong price.

Who Will Enjoy This Horse Ride Most

I would recommend this tour to:

• First-time riders who want an introduction with a trainer nearby
• Experienced riders looking for a memorable beach and sea setting
• Couples seeking an active outing rather than a passive sightseeing trip
• Families with teenagers who are comfortable around horses
• Small private groups that want to share the same pace
• Anyone drawn to the unusual idea of swimming with a horse

You may want to choose another activity if you dislike getting wet, feel uneasy around large animals, or want a tightly scheduled riding lesson. The available information also does not provide detailed accessibility guidance, so ask the provider about mobility needs before booking.

The experience is active, but the exact level of exertion is not stated. You should be comfortable sitting on a horse and following instructions. If you have concerns about your riding ability, tell the trainer at the beginning rather than trying to keep up silently.

Timing, Pickup, and Simple Planning Tips

The total duration is about three hours, which fits neatly into a Hurghada holiday schedule. You still need to allow for pickup timing, preparation, and the return transfer. The exact departure time is not listed, so confirm it with FTS Travels after booking.

Wear clothing that can handle sand and seawater. The information confirms bottled water or a soft drink, but it does not confirm towels, changing facilities, or storage for valuables. Bring only what you need and ask about personal belongings before the ride begins.

Tips and personal expenses are extra. A tip is not required by the listed price, but you may wish to budget for one if the guide gives you helpful riding support. Karim is specifically praised, so you may want to recognize good instruction if he leads your outing.

The tour is booked with a mobile ticket, and confirmation is received at the time of booking. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Inside that window, refunds are not provided and changes are not accepted.

Is the Red Sea Horse Ride Worth Booking?

I would book this tour if you want a short, affordable activity with a genuine sense of adventure. The combination of desert, beach, Egyptian horses, and sea swimming is unusual, and the included transfer makes the day easy to arrange.

The biggest strengths are the private group setup, beginner support, helmets, and the care given to the horses. The main uncertainties are the exact riding time, the amount of galloping, and the practical arrangements for getting wet. Confirm those points if they matter to you.

For a first ride, a family outing with teenagers, or a memorable break from Hurghada’s resort routine, this is a good pick at $29. For a serious equestrian session, look for a tour that clearly lists riding time and training details. For everyone else, the chance to ride from desert sand into the Red Sea is a compelling reason to reserve ahead, especially since the activity is often booked well before the date.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding tour last?

The full experience lasts approximately three hours. The riding portion may vary, as horseback riding outings in Hurghada can range from one to two hours, with longer options sometimes available.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Are transfers from all Hurghada-area hotels included?

Transfers from El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, and Sahl Hasheesh are available for an additional $10 per person.

Can beginners join the tour?

Yes. The tour is described as beginner-friendly, and an experienced trainer guides and assists riders throughout the experience.

Are helmets provided?

Yes. Helmets are provided for all riders.

Does the tour include swimming with the horses?

Yes. The experience includes the opportunity to guide your horse into the Red Sea and swim with the horses.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates in the private tour or activity.

What is included besides the horse ride?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned transfer, a guide, and bottled water or a soft drink.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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