Soma Bay: Horse Riding Beach and Desert Tour With Transfer

Sea, sand, and a saddle make a fine morning. This two-hour ride gives you a pleasant way to see Soma Bay beyond the hotel pool, with horses matched to your riding ability and trails running beside the Red Sea. I especially like the combination of beach riding and desert paths, plus the calm sea views that make the outing feel more scenic than a basic arena lesson.

I also like the practical setup: a trained guide, water, tea, and optional hotel pickup and return. The main consideration is the transfer surcharge. Pickup is included only when you select that option, and hotels in Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna require an additional €10 per person.

This is not a full-day expedition or a technical riding course. It is a compact, easy-to-add excursion for people who want a little adventure, fresh air, and Red Sea scenery without giving up an entire day. The price of $20 per person is appealing, especially if you can reach the equestrian center without the extra transfer cost.

Key points before you saddle up

• Two hours on beach and desert trails: You get both shoreline views and golden sand rather than staying in one riding area.
• Horses matched to your ability: Beginners can request a gentle, suitable ride, while experienced riders can discuss a livelier pace.
• Red Sea views without a boat trip: The route gives you turquoise water, sea breeze, and open desert from horseback.
• Guides focus on comfort and safety: The staff help with the horse match and remain with you during the ride.
• Hotel transfer can simplify the day: Pickup and drop-off are available when selected, though some resort areas cost extra.
• Small comforts are included: Bring your own hat and riding clothes, while water and tea are provided.

A simple two-hour way to see Soma Bay

The appeal here is straightforward. You leave your hotel, reach an equestrian center, meet the staff, and set off on horseback. The ride lasts two hours, long enough to enjoy the setting but short enough to fit around a beach day, snorkeling trip, or resort dinner.

That length matters. A first horseback ride can become tiring, particularly if you are not used to the saddle. Two hours gives you time to settle in, see both the coast and desert, and still return with energy left for the rest of your day.

The route is built around contrast. On one side, you have the Red Sea and its clear, turquoise water. On the other, you have dry golden sand and wide desert views. You do not need a long sightseeing schedule to feel a change from the resort setting.

Hotel pickup and the transfer question

If you select the transfer option, the day begins with pickup from your hotel and ends with a return transfer. That is useful in the Red Sea resort area, where getting between hotels and activity centers can be less simple than the map suggests.

The base price is $20 per person, but you should check your hotel area before booking. Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna carry an extra transfer fee of €10 per person. For a solo visitor, that surcharge changes the value more noticeably than it does for a couple or family sharing the convenience of a planned ride.

If you are staying near Soma Bay and can arrange your own way to the equestrian center, the low starting price becomes especially attractive. If you are farther away, compare the total cost with other riding options before deciding. The transfer saves hassle, but it is not free from every resort area.

The transfer option also removes one small worry: arriving at the right place with suitable clothing, water, and enough time to prepare. Since the experience is only two hours, avoiding transport confusion helps protect the value of the outing.

Meeting the horse and choosing your pace

At the equestrian center, the staff match you with a trained horse based on your riding experience. This is one of the most important parts of the activity, especially if you have never ridden before.

The experience is designed to work for complete beginners as well as seasoned riders. If this is your first time, tell the staff clearly. The guide can tailor the ride to your comfort level, and the available feedback points to careful attention for first-time riders.

That does not mean you should expect a private riding lesson or advanced instruction. The supplied details promise professional guides and trained horses, not a formal course in jumping, dressage, or horse care. You are signing up for a scenic ride, not a long training session.

For a beginner, the best approach is to ask questions before leaving the center. Make sure you understand how to hold the reins, how to stop or slow the horse, and what the guide expects from the group. Comfortable clothes help, and a hat is worth packing for the open sun.

Experienced riders may appreciate the chance to request a more spirited pace through open terrain. Still, the pace depends on the guide, horse, and group. Do not assume the ride will become a fast gallop simply because you have riding experience.

Along the Red Sea beach

The beach section is the visual heart of the experience. You ride beside clear water with a sea breeze coming across the shore, while the route opens up views of the coastline and desert beyond.

There is a quiet pleasure in seeing the Red Sea from ground level. A boat trip shows you the water from offshore, but horseback riding lets you notice the meeting point between sand and sea. The changing view also gives the ride a more natural rhythm than circling an enclosed paddock.

The word beach should not make you picture a long stretch of nonstop riding through shallow water. The supplied description says the route runs along the coastline and parallels the clear water. Exact beach conditions, access to the water, and how much time is spent near the shore can vary, so ask the guide if those details matter to you.

You might also catch glimpses of local wildlife, though this is a possibility rather than a promised feature. The main reward is the open view, not a wildlife-spotting program.

The coast can also make a first ride feel less intimidating. Instead of facing a busy road or crowded city setting, you have broad views and a guide nearby. That said, the sun and wind are part of the deal. A hat, comfortable riding clothes, and sensible sun protection are practical choices.

Through the desert on horseback

The desert portion adds the sense of space that a beach-only ride would miss. Golden sand and open terrain replace the tight boundaries of a riding center, giving you a stronger feel for the Red Sea region.

I like this part because it gives the activity some local character. You are not simply sitting on a horse for a photo. You are moving through the same dry setting that frames the coastal resorts, with the sea and desert appearing together in the distance.

The route can be peaceful, with a gentle ride across the sand, or somewhat more spirited in open areas if your ability and the group allow it. The guide controls the pace, so your experience may be more relaxed than adventurous. That is a benefit for new riders and a possible limitation for experts seeking speed.

Desert riding can also be physically demanding. Even at a modest pace, sitting in the saddle for two hours takes effort. If you rarely ride, you may feel it in your legs afterward. That is not a reason to skip the tour, but it is a good reason to avoid planning a demanding activity immediately afterward.

The guides, photos, water, and tea

The guide is central to the quality of this outing. Staff help match you with a horse, explain the ride, and remain responsible for safety and comfort along the route.

The strongest praise focuses on personal care. One guest specifically appreciated a guide who looked after the group and took many photos. Another praised the help given to first-time riders, while another described the organization and the photos as especially good.

Those details matter because horseback riding is partly about confidence. A scenic route cannot rescue an uncomfortable horse match or unclear instructions. The repeated praise for helpful staff suggests that the human side of the activity is one of its strongest features.

Photos are a useful bonus, but the exact number, method, and delivery are not specified. You should still bring only what you can carry safely. A phone may be awkward on horseback, so it is better to ask the guide before trying to take pictures during the ride.

Water and tea are included. The bottle of water is welcome in the Egyptian sun, while tea gives the outing a simple local touch. These are small additions, but they mean you do not need to arrange every refreshment yourself during a short activity.

The staff speak Arabic, English, German, and Russian. That makes the tour easier to arrange for a wider range of visitors, though you should choose your preferred language when booking or contacting the provider.

What the $20 price really buys

At $20 per person, this is inexpensive for a two-hour guided ride with beach and desert sections. The basic package includes the horseback ride, professional guide, water, and tea. If you need transport and are near the main pickup area, the cost is easy to justify.

The value comes from the setting as much as the riding. A similar length ride in a less scenic location might offer the horse and guide but not the Red Sea coastline, desert views, or the chance to move between both environments.

The price becomes less simple when you add the €10 transfer fee for Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, or El Gouna. It may still be fair if you value door-to-door transport, but compare the final total rather than judging the $20 headline price alone.

You should also keep your expectations in line with the cost. This is a guided recreational ride, not a luxury equestrian retreat. The information does not promise private groups, premium facilities, advanced riding instruction, or a full meal. For a short scenic activity, that is perfectly reasonable.

The rating of 4.9 from 31 reviews supports the idea that the experience delivers well on its basic promise. The most consistent strengths are the helpful staff, care for beginners, attractive photos, and smooth organization. Those are the areas I would value most when deciding.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it to a first-time rider who wants to try horseback riding in a striking setting without committing to a long excursion. The two-hour length is manageable, and the staff can adapt the experience to your ability.

It also suits couples and families looking for something different from swimming, sunbathing, and boat trips. The beach and desert combination gives you varied scenery, while the optional transfer keeps the day simple.

Experienced riders may enjoy the route and views, especially if they can arrange a more active pace. However, you should not book it mainly for fast riding. The emphasis is on a safe, guided experience with a trained horse and scenic trails.

I would be more cautious if you dislike sitting in a saddle, struggle with direct sun, or want a highly athletic ride. The activity is outdoors, and the desert offers little shelter. Comfortable clothing is not just a suggestion here, it is part of making the two hours pleasant.

What to wear and what to bring

Wear comfortable clothing suitable for riding. Loose but secure clothes are more practical than anything stiff, delicate, or difficult to move in.

Bring a hat. The tour description specifically recommends one, and the open beach and desert setting offer limited shade. You should also think about sun protection, though the supplied information does not list specific products or equipment.

Avoid bringing unnecessary valuables. The details do not explain storage arrangements at the equestrian center, so keep your belongings limited to what you need. Ask the staff about phones and photography before mounting.

Water is included, so you do not need to pack a bottle for the ride itself. Tea is also provided, giving you a simple refreshment during the activity.

Booking flexibility and practical limits

You can reserve the experience and pay later, which is useful if your Red Sea schedule is still changing. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you some protection if plans shift.

The booking information does not specify the exact pickup time, group size, minimum age, riding restrictions, or accessibility arrangements. If any of those affect your decision, ask S B T Travel before paying.

You should also confirm the transfer fee for your exact hotel. The listed extra-charge areas are Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna, but a precise pickup point is still worth checking. A short message can prevent an unpleasant surprise on the day.

Should you book the Soma Bay horse ride?

Book it if you want a short, affordable outdoor activity with Red Sea beach views, desert scenery, and patient guidance for beginners. The combination is more memorable than a standard riding-center session, and the repeated praise for staff care and photos gives the experience a strong practical advantage.

Skip it if you are looking for a full-day horse trek, advanced riding instruction, or guaranteed fast riding. Also calculate the total cost if you need the €10 per-person transfer from one of the listed resort areas.

For most visitors staying around Soma Bay, this is an easy add-on with a good price and a clear payoff: two hours of fresh air, open scenery, a trained horse, and a change from the resort routine.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding experience?

The horseback riding portion lasts two hours.

Where does the tour take place?

The experience takes place in the Red Sea Governorate of Egypt, with riding along the Red Sea beach and through desert areas near Soma Bay.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you select the transfer option.

Are there extra transfer fees?

Yes. Pickup from Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna costs an additional €10 per person.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The staff match you with a trained horse suited to your riding ability, and the ride can be adapted for complete beginners.

What is included in the price?

The experience includes desert and beach horseback riding, a professional guide, a bottle of water, and tea. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only when the transfer option is selected.

What should you bring?

Bring a hat and comfortable clothing suitable for horseback riding.

Which languages are available?

The staff can provide service in Arabic, English, German, and Russian.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.