Hurghada: Desert & Sea Horse Riding with + 360° Photos

The memorable part of this Hurghada outing is the change of scenery beneath you: one moment you are riding across the Egyptian desert, and the next you may be walking horses through the Red Sea. I like the two-hour riding time and the chance to learn simple horse care, including brushing, cleaning, and feeding. I also like that guides take photos and videos throughout the trip, including the optional swim.

The main thing to consider is that horseback riding takes physical effort, even at a gentle pace. A short section near Hurghada’s main road has made at least one parent nervous, and riders must weigh no more than 70 kilograms for the horses’ safety. Check the pickup time carefully, too, since hotel collection varies by location.

Key points at a glance

• Desert and sea in one outing: Ride through dry desert scenery, then continue beside or into the Red Sea if you choose the swimming option.
• Two hours on an Arabian horse: Riding stations last about 40 to 60 minutes, giving you more than a quick stable visit.
• Swimming with the horses: Wear your swimwear under your clothes because there is no changing area on the beach.
• Photos and videos included: Guides document the ride, and the experience also advertises 360-degree photos.
• Hotel transfers included in key areas: Air-conditioned pickup is available from Hurghada hotels, with El Gouna and other resort areas handled according to the booking terms.
• A low-cost active excursion: At $21 per person, this is inexpensive for a guided two-hour ride, though extras and some transfers cost more.

Riding from Hurghada into the desert

Your outing begins with pickup in a modern, air-conditioned car or van. The exact time depends on where your hotel is located, so I would confirm it the day before. A delay of up to 10 minutes is possible, which is normal for a hotel collection route.

At the stable, the team greets you and introduces you to your horse. The opening part is not simply a photo stop before the ride. You can learn how to brush, clean, and feed the horse, which gives you a better sense of the animal beneath you and helps you settle before setting off.

The horses are described as Arabian horses, and the guides are there to manage the pace and help with riding technique. English, German, and Arabic are available. Specific guides praised for their riding ability and friendly manner include Ameen and Saleh, though you should not assume one of them will lead every departure.

The desert ride is likely to be the calmer part of the experience. You move through open, dry scenery on horseback rather than by quad bike or jeep. That slower pace matters. You have time to feel the horse’s rhythm, take in the wide surroundings, and enjoy an activity that is more peaceful than the louder motorized excursions common around Hurghada.

If you have never ridden before, do not expect the horse to feel like a sightseeing vehicle. You need to balance yourself, follow instructions, and stay comfortable in the saddle. The activity notes that riding can be difficult without experience, so beginners should tell the guide at the start and avoid pretending to be more confident than they are.

The Red Sea section and optional horse swimming

The ride continues near the beach, where the scenery changes from sand and open desert to sea views. Depending on the option you book, you may walk the horses into the water and swim with them. This is the most unusual part of the outing, but it also requires the most preparation.

Wear your swimsuit beneath your riding clothes. There is no place to change on the beach, and the practical alternative is to stay in wet clothing after the swim. Bring a towel, and choose comfortable shoes that you can manage around the stable and shore.

The supplied information says swimming is possible if the option is selected, so do not assume it is included in every $21 booking. Check the exact option before paying. If you are booking mainly for the water portion, this small detail matters more than the headline price.

The sea ride is also different from a standard beach horseback tour. You are not simply riding along a strip of sand for a few minutes. The appeal is the combination of horse, water, and open coastal scenery. If the timing works out around sunset, the light adds another pleasant layer to the outing.

That said, the tour should not be confused with a long, fast gallop. The listed riding time is divided into stations of about 40 to 60 minutes, and the focus is on guided riding through scenic areas. The exact amount of time in the water and desert is not specified, so ask the provider if one part is especially important to you.

Sunset views, photos, and the pace of the tour

A sunset ride can be the prettiest version of this experience. The desert becomes softer in the evening light, and the sea gives you a clear contrast with the dry interior. Sunset timing depends on the departure schedule and season, so confirm the planned start time instead of assuming every booking includes sunset.

Guides take photos and videos during the outing. That is useful because it lets you concentrate on handling the horse instead of trying to take pictures from the saddle. The experience also promotes 360-degree photos, which may appeal to anyone wanting something more distinctive than ordinary phone snapshots.

The photo service is a nice value at this price, but I would still treat it as a bonus rather than the main reason to book. The quality, number of images, and delivery method are not specified. If you want to know exactly what you will receive, ask before departure.

The pace sounds especially suitable for people who want a gentle outdoor activity. Several guide comments point to well-behaved horses, kind staff, and a relaxed atmosphere. That combination matters more than fancy equipment on a horse trip. A calm horse and an attentive guide can make a first ride enjoyable, while a rushed or poorly managed outing can quickly become uncomfortable.

What the $21 price really includes

At $21 per person, this is one of the more affordable ways to add a half-day-style activity to a Hurghada holiday. The core price includes an Arabian horse for two hours, a guide, and transfers from the stated included pickup areas. If you select the swimming option, swimming with the horses is included in that version of the booking.

The price is good value if you want several elements in one outing:

• Hotel transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Stable orientation and basic horse-care instruction
• Two hours of guided riding
• Desert and Red Sea scenery
• Guide-taken photos and videos
• Optional swimming, if selected

Lunch is not included, and neither are extras outside the program. Pickup from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Safaga, and Soma Bay may require an additional €10 per person. The pickup information also refers to Al Ahyaa, so I would confirm your resort’s exact transfer fee before booking.

The location of your hotel affects the real cost. For someone staying in central Hurghada, the advertised price looks particularly strong. For a resort farther away, the added transfer charge narrows the saving, though it may still be worthwhile compared with arranging a separate taxi.

The reserve-now, pay-later option is useful if your schedule is still shifting. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity, which gives you some room to adjust plans. Those terms are practical, but I would still check the swimming selection and pickup zone at checkout.

Horses, safety, and comfort

The strictest horse-safety limit is 70 kilograms, or 155 pounds. The booking information also says the activity is not suitable for people over 100 kilograms, but the 70-kilogram limit is the figure you should follow when deciding if you can participate. It is better to clarify before booking than arrive at the stable and be turned away.

Horseback riding is physical. You may feel the effort in your legs, hips, and lower back, especially if you have little riding experience. Wear clothes that allow movement, comfortable shoes, and something suitable for getting wet if you select the sea swim.

Children and nervous beginners need extra thought. One account describes an 11-year-old enjoying the activity overall, but also feeling uneasy during a section along Hurghada’s main road because of passing cars. That does not mean every departure follows the same route, but it is a fair concern for families. Ask the provider if the route includes road riding on your date.

The stable staff and guides are repeatedly praised for friendly service, helpful instruction, and well-trained horses. I would still listen closely to the guide, keep a steady seat, and avoid sudden movements. The safest ride is usually the least showy one.

Who will enjoy this horse ride most

I would recommend this activity to you if you want a quieter alternative to quad biking, a simple introduction to riding, or a day that combines land and sea. Horse lovers get extra value from the stable time, brushing, feeding, and the chance to spend meaningful time with the animals.

It also suits couples and small groups looking for memorable photos. The desert, beach, sunset possibility, and horse swimming give you several different settings without requiring a full-day commitment.

Families should ask about the road section and the child’s riding experience before booking. A confident older child may enjoy it, while a very young or nervous rider could find the saddle and traffic section stressful.

Experienced riders may find the outing slow. The description emphasizes guided scenic riding rather than fast riding, and there is no promise of cantering or galloping. If you want technical instruction or a serious riding lesson, this is probably not the right product.

You should also think carefully about the weight restriction, swimming choice, and resort transfer fee. These are not minor details. They determine if you can participate, what you will actually do, and how much you will pay.

Getting ready for the stable

Bring comfortable shoes and a towel. Add swimwear under your clothes if you choose horse swimming, since you cannot change at the beach.

Send your room number to the provider by email or WhatsApp when possible. That makes hotel collection easier, especially at large resorts. Confirm the exact pickup time one day before departure, and allow a little flexibility for a delay of up to 10 minutes.

I would keep valuables to a minimum. The supplied information does not explain how personal items are stored while you ride or swim, so do not arrive with more equipment than you need. Since guides take photos and videos, you can leave your phone put away during the active parts.

The experience is rated 4.7 out of 5 from 78 ratings, which fits the strongest pattern here: friendly guides, calm horses, good hospitality, and an enjoyable setting. The praise is not just about the scenery. The staff and horses are central to the appeal.

Should you book this Hurghada ride?

Book it if you want an inexpensive, scenic outing with real time in the saddle and the option to take a horse into the Red Sea. The combination of desert, beach, sunset possibilities, horse care, and included photos gives the $21 price good value, particularly from a Hurghada hotel.

I would skip it if you dislike physical activity, exceed the horse weight limit, need a fully private beach setting, or want a fast and technically demanding ride. Families should confirm the road route, and everyone should verify that swimming is included in the selected option.

For the best chance of enjoying it, choose the swim option only if you are prepared to wear your swimsuit under your clothes, confirm pickup the day before, and arrive ready for a gentle guided ride rather than a race. For horse lovers and first-time riders who want something more distinctive than a standard beach walk, this is an appealing small adventure.

FAQ

How long do I ride the horse?

The Arabian horse is provided for two hours. Riding stations last approximately 40 to 60 minutes each.

Is swimming with the horses included?

Swimming is included only if you select the swimming option. Check your chosen booking option before paying.

What should I wear for swimming with the horses?

Wear your swimwear under your clothes because there is no changing area on the beach. Bring a towel and comfortable shoes.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are available from hotels in Hurghada. The information also lists transfers from El Gouna, while pickup from Al Ahyaa, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi, Soma Bay, Safaga, and some other resort areas may require an additional €10 per person. Confirm your hotel’s exact arrangement.

What is the rider weight limit?

For the horses’ safety, riders should not weigh more than 70 kilograms, or 155 pounds. The activity is also marked as unsuitable for people over 100 kilograms.

Are photos and videos included?

Guides take photos and videos during the tour. The experience also advertises 360-degree photos, though the exact number and delivery method are not specified.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-and-pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.