Soma Bay: Horse Riding Beach and Desert Tour With Transfer

The best part of this Soma Bay outing is the change of scenery: one minute you are crossing golden desert sand, and the next you are riding beside clear Red Sea water. I like the skill-matched horses and guides, especially for first-time riders, and I like that the route gets you away from crowded resort pools without taking up a full day.

The main catch is that this is a riding experience, not a full sightseeing tour. You should also check your pickup zone carefully, since Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna carry an extra transfer charge of 10 euros per person.

Key points to know before you book

• Two hours in the saddle: The ride combines desert paths with a stretch along the Red Sea beach.
• Suitable for beginners: Staff match you with a trained horse and adjust the ride to your ability.
• Strong personal service: Guides help with first-time riding, safety, comfort, and taking photos.
• Coast and desert views: Expect turquoise water, open sand, sea air, and possible wildlife sightings.
• Transfer choices: Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only when you select the transfer option.
• Low-cost half-day addition: At $20 per person, the ride offers a reasonably priced break from resort activities, though some areas pay more for transport.

Riding from golden sand to the Red Sea

This tour gives you two very different settings in a single horseback outing. The desert section brings wide views, warm sand, and open space. The beach section adds the cool air and bright water of the Red Sea.

That contrast is what gives the ride its appeal. You are not simply circling an arena or following a short path near the equestrian center. The route is designed to show you the area’s natural setting, with trails running through the desert and alongside the coast.

The advertised riding time is two hours. That is long enough to settle into the saddle, learn how your horse responds, and enjoy both parts of the route without turning the experience into an all-day commitment.

You might see local wildlife along the way, but this is not presented as a wildlife-focused trip. Treat any animal sightings as a bonus rather than a promised part of the program.

What happens before you mount

If you select the transfer option, the day begins with a ride from your hotel to the equestrian center. This removes the need to arrange a taxi or find the riding stables on your own, which is useful if you are staying in the Soma Bay area and want a simple door-to-door plan.

At the center, professional staff help pair you with a horse suited to your riding ability. That matters more than it may sound. A calm, well-trained horse and a sensible pace can make the difference between a relaxed first ride and an uncomfortable one.

The experience is designed for both complete beginners and seasoned riders. If you have never ridden before, tell the staff clearly. The available information indicates that the pace and ride can be adapted to your wishes, and first-time riders have received extra help during the outing.

You should not expect a long formal riding lesson unless the guide decides one is needed. The practical focus is getting you safely mounted, comfortable with the horse, and ready for the trail.

A gentle start for first-time riders

The strongest feature for beginners is the attention from the guide. The staff are there to help with safety and comfort, and the ride can be kept peaceful if that is what you prefer.

One particularly useful detail is that guides take photos during the outing. That means you can enjoy the ride without constantly trying to photograph yourself on horseback. Photo quality can depend on the guide and conditions, but the service adds value for anyone hoping to bring home a few memorable images.

The pace may range from a quiet ride along the shore to a more spirited stretch through open desert, depending on your ability and preference. Do not assume you will gallop. If you want a faster pace and have the experience to handle it, discuss that with the guide before setting off.

For a first ride, comfortable trousers and practical clothing are more important than looking polished for resort photos. A hat is recommended, and you should wear clothing suitable for sitting in a saddle for two hours.

The desert section and its open views

The desert portion gives the tour its sense of space. Golden sand and broad horizons replace the hotel buildings and organized beach areas you may have been seeing around the resort.

There are no listed historical stops or major sights along this route. Its value is visual and physical: you get to move through the desert on horseback rather than simply looking at it from a vehicle.

The openness can also make the sun feel strong. Bring a hat and choose clothing that protects you while allowing easy movement. A bottle of water is included, but I would still plan your clothing and sun protection carefully because two hours outside can feel long if you are not dressed for it.

The desert setting is likely to appeal most to anyone who wants a quieter activity. It is a better choice for a break from organized resort entertainment than for someone seeking a packed schedule of monuments, markets, or cultural stops.

Riding beside the beach

The coastal section is the visual highlight. You ride parallel to crystal-clear Red Sea water, with turquoise waves on one side and desert sand on the other.

The sea breeze should make this part feel more comfortable than the exposed desert section. It also creates the best setting for photographs, especially if the light catches the water and the horses are moving along the shore.

Beach riding can mean different things on different days and at different tide or beach conditions. The information here confirms riding on the beach and along the coast, but it does not promise swimming with the horses or galloping through shallow water. Book this for the shoreline scenery, not for a water-based horse show.

The route is also a chance to see a less developed side of the Red Sea region. You remain close to the resort area, yet the ride is intended to take you away from the busiest parts.

How the guides shape the experience

The guide is central to the quality of this tour. A horse ride can be pleasant or stressful depending on how clearly the staff explain the basics and how carefully they adjust the pace.

Here, the guide is expected to help match each person with a suitable horse, keep an eye on safety, and respond to different riding levels. That is especially valuable when one person in a group is experienced and another is riding for the first time.

The service also appears to include a friendly, personal touch. Guides have helped first-time riders follow the activity at their own pace, and they have taken photos for participants during the ride. If you want particular photos or have concerns about speed, saddle comfort, or distance, mention them early rather than waiting until the ride is underway.

Arabic, English, German, and Russian are available. That broad language choice may make instructions easier to follow for many visitors, though the specific guide assigned to your group can vary.

What the $20 price really includes

At $20 per person, this is an inexpensive way to add a distinct outdoor activity to a Red Sea holiday. The price covers the horseback riding, professional guide, a bottle of water, and tea.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you choose the transfer option. This is an important point when comparing the advertised price with your final cost. From Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna, the transfer costs an additional 10 euros per person.

For someone already staying close to Soma Bay, the value is particularly good. You get two hours of riding, two different settings, guide support, refreshments, and the chance to see the coast from a different angle.

The value is less clear if you are mainly looking for a polished equestrian lesson or advanced riding instruction. The activity is built around a scenic guided ride, not a formal training session. Experienced riders may enjoy the setting but could find the pace too gentle if the group includes beginners.

Transfer details that can affect your budget

The transfer option is useful because it simplifies the day. You do not need to arrange separate transport to the equestrian center, and the return transfer is included when that option is selected.

Check the pickup area before paying. The extra 10 euros per person for Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna can make a difference for couples or families. The listed price is $20 per person, but the correct total depends on your hotel location and whether you choose transport.

The supplied information does not give a precise pickup time, group size, or exact meeting point. For that reason, allow some flexibility around the two-hour riding period. The ride itself is two hours, but transfer time is separate and will depend on where your hotel is located.

If you are arranging another activity on the same day, avoid booking it too tightly against this one. Hotel transfers can take time, and you will want a little breathing room before and after the ride.

What to wear and bring

Keep your clothing practical. Wear comfortable clothes suitable for horseback riding, with trousers that allow you to sit and move easily.

A hat is specifically recommended. The desert and beach offer limited shade, so a hat is more useful than a stylish accessory that you will not want to wear for two hours.

A bottle of water is included, along with tea, but comfortable clothing remains your responsibility. Choose shoes that feel secure and suitable for riding. The supplied details do not specify a footwear type, so focus on comfort and stability rather than beach sandals.

You may also want to bring sunscreen, though it is not listed among the required items. Keep personal belongings limited, since you will be riding rather than carrying a day bag from place to place.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this outing to several types of visitors:

• First-time riders: Staff can match you with a trained horse and adjust the activity to your comfort level.
• Couples: The beach and desert settings offer a more memorable shared activity than another afternoon by the pool.
• Families with suitable-age riders: The guide can cater to different abilities, but the supplied information does not state an age limit, so confirm that before booking for children.
• Experienced riders seeking scenery: You can enjoy the coast and desert on horseback, though the pace may be shaped by the least experienced person in the group.
• Photographers and social media fans: Guides take photos during the ride, reducing the need to handle a phone in the saddle.
• Resort visitors wanting a short outing: Two hours of riding leaves much of the day free.

I would be more cautious if you dislike outdoor heat, feel uneasy around horses, or want a high-speed riding session. The activity is built around comfort, scenery, and guide support rather than an adrenaline-heavy ride.

How the activity compares with a resort day

A Red Sea resort can make it easy to spend every day beside a pool or on a hotel beach. This tour gives you a simple way to change the rhythm without committing to a long excursion.

The experience is also more active than a standard sightseeing transfer. You see the area at horse level, feel the sea air, and move through the desert at a slower pace. That can make the setting feel more immediate than it would from a bus.

At the same time, you should keep your expectations realistic. There is no stated visit to a village, archaeological site, nature reserve, or local market. The attraction is the ride itself and the combination of beach scenery with desert surroundings.

That focus makes the tour easy to understand. If you want a scenic outdoor activity with little planning, it fits. If you want a full picture of Red Sea culture and history, pair it with another excursion.

Booking flexibility and practical limits

You can reserve the activity and pay later, which is helpful if you are still arranging your holiday plans. Cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The activity is offered in Arabic, English, German, and Russian. That should help with basic instructions and communication, but you may still want to state your riding experience clearly when you arrive.

No accessibility information is provided, so you should ask the provider directly if you have mobility concerns or need assistance mounting a horse. The same applies to age limits, group size, and any weight restrictions, since those details are not specified.

The experience provider is S B T Travel. The overall rating is 4.9 from 31 reviews, and the most praised elements are the helpful staff, good organization, beginner-friendly approach, and photos taken during the outing. Those are the details I would give the most weight when deciding if this is right for you.

Should you book the Soma Bay horse ride?

Book it if you want a modestly priced, two-hour outdoor activity that combines desert sand with Red Sea views. It is especially appealing for beginners, couples, and anyone who wants personal help, a calm pace, and photos without planning a complicated excursion.

Think twice if you are looking for advanced riding, guaranteed galloping, swimming with horses, or cultural sightseeing. Also calculate the transfer supplement if you are staying in one of the four listed resort areas.

For most visitors based in or near Soma Bay, the $20 base price offers good value. Select the transfer option for convenience, wear practical clothes and a hat, and tell the guide your ability and preferred pace at the start.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding experience?

The horseback riding portion lasts two hours. Transfer time from and back to your hotel is separate.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select the transfer option. Extra transfer fees of 10 euros per person apply from Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. Staff match you with a trained horse suited to your riding level, and the guide can adjust the ride to your ability and preferences.

Does the ride include both desert and beach riding?

Yes. The experience includes horseback riding in the desert and along the Red Sea beach.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat and wear comfortable clothing suitable for horseback riding. A bottle of water and tea are provided.

Which languages are available?

The activity is available in Arabic, English, German, and Russian.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can reserve your spot and pay later. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.