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

The best part of this Hurghada outing is the change of scenery: one minute you are riding through dry Egyptian desert, and the next you are beside the Red Sea on horseback. If you choose the swimming option, you can take your horse into the water, a rare and memorable way to see the coast.

I like the two-hour ride on an Arabian horse, plus the friendly, practical help from guides including Ameen and Saleh. I also like that the team shows you how to brush, clean, and feed the horses, rather than treating the animals as scenery. The main caution is that horseback riding is physical, and the strict 70-kilogram weight limit may rule this trip out for some people.

Key points at a glance

• Desert and Red Sea riding: The route combines dry desert trails with time near the beach.
• Swimming with the horses: Available if you select that option, so wear swimwear under your clothes.
• Two hours in the saddle: Each riding station lasts about 40 to 60 minutes.
• Personal help with the horses: You can learn basic grooming, feeding, and care before or during the outing.
• Photos and videos included: Guides record the experience throughout the ride.
• Low advertised price: At $21 per person, it offers good value, though some resort pickups cost an extra €10.

From Hurghada hotel to Arabian horse stable

Your day begins with pickup from your hotel in a modern, air-conditioned car or van. The exact pickup time depends on where you stay, so confirm it one day before the trip. A delay of up to 10 minutes is possible, which is normal for a hotel transfer that serves several locations.

The main pickup area is Hurghada. Transfers from places such as Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, Safaga, and Soma Bay cost an additional €10 per person. The information about El Gouna is inconsistent, with one part listing transfers as included and another placing them among the extra-charge areas. If you stay in El Gouna, confirm the pickup fee before you book.

The drive takes you to the stable, where the team introduces you to the horses and explains the ride. This early contact matters. You are not simply handed a horse and sent off. You get a chance to become comfortable around the animal, and you can learn how to brush, clean, and provide food.

That small care lesson adds something worthwhile. It helps you understand the horse as a working animal with needs, not just a way to reach the beach. It also gives nervous first-time riders a gentler start.

Getting comfortable in the saddle

The horses are Arabian horses, a fitting choice for an Egyptian riding experience. The guides provide instruction and lead the group along scenic routes through the desert or near the coast.

The ride is suitable for people with some riding experience, but you should not treat it as a passive sightseeing trip. You will spend a substantial part of the activity on horseback, and the physical work can be tiring if you have not ridden before. Your balance, legs, and back all play a part.

The activity information says you will be on the horse at each station for 40 to 60 minutes, with two hours of riding included in total. That suggests the outing is broken into sections rather than one uninterrupted ride. This gives you a chance to adjust to the horse and the pace as the route changes.

The guides are one of the strongest parts of the experience. Ameen is described as an excellent horse rider, while Saleh is praised for being kind and fun. The team also speaks English, German, and Arabic, which makes basic instructions easier for many visitors.

No advanced riding ability is promised, so be honest about your experience when booking. If this is your first ride, tell the guide early. The horses are described as well trained and well behaved, but even a calm horse cannot remove the physical demands of riding.

Desert trails with a different kind of quiet

The desert section gives you the broadest views of the outing. From horseback, the scenery changes slowly, with the horse’s steady movement setting the pace. This is much quieter than a motorized desert excursion, and you have time to notice the dry ground, open space, and changing light.

The activity is described as calming, and that makes sense. You are not racing across the desert. You are working with the horse’s rhythm, listening to the instructions, and watching the route ahead. For many people, the pleasure comes from this slower pace.

Do not expect an extended cultural tour or a long explanation of Egyptian history. This is a riding experience first. Its appeal is the combination of horse care, outdoor scenery, and access to the coast, not a formal sightseeing program.

The desert route also makes the sunset option especially attractive. As the light softens, the dry surroundings take on warmer colors, and the ride feels less like a standard beach activity. Timing can vary, so confirm the schedule if sunset is important to you.

Riding beside the Red Sea

The second major setting is the shoreline. Riding near the Red Sea gives you a very different view from the desert trails. You have the open water beside you, the horse beneath you, and a slower way to take in the coast.

One detail deserves special attention: the beach section may include walking in the water with the horses rather than a long gallop through the sea. That can still be a lovely experience, but you should have realistic expectations about the pace.

A previous rider found the water section especially pleasant, while another enjoyed the horses and the scenery but disliked riding along a main road in Hurghada. That is an important practical warning. The route may include a road section, and traffic can make that part less relaxing, particularly if you are riding with a child.

If road traffic worries you, ask the guide about the planned route before setting off. The provided information confirms desert and beach riding, but it does not specify how much time is spent beside roads. The seaside section is the highlight for many people, yet the route to reach it may not be equally peaceful from start to finish.

Swimming with your horse

Swimming is available if you select that option, and it is the most unusual feature of the trip. You enter the water with the horse under the direction of the guide, creating the kind of experience that is hard to repeat on an ordinary beach holiday.

You must wear your swimwear under your riding clothes. There is no changing area on the beach, so do not wait until you arrive to change. Bring a towel, and keep your clothing practical for getting wet.

The swimming option is not included in every booking, so check that you have selected it if this is the main reason you are interested. The activity information also says swimming with the horses is included when that option is chosen.

The water section requires comfort around both horses and the sea. You should follow the guide’s instructions closely and avoid treating it as a free-form swim. The experience depends on the horse, the conditions, and the group, so the exact time in the water may vary.

Photos, videos, and the 360-degree promise

The guides take photos and videos throughout the tour, giving you a record of the desert, beach, and horse sections. This is useful because it is difficult to take good pictures while managing a horse, especially near the water.

The experience is promoted with 360-degree photos, but the provided details do not explain exactly how those files are delivered or how many images you receive. Ask the operator how the media will be sent if this feature matters to you.

The photos are more than a small extra. Horseback riding is a hands-on activity, and you may not have a free hand for your phone. The guide can capture the moments when you are riding, brushing the horse, or entering the sea.

Still, do not judge the trip only by the photos. The light, timing, horse, and route all affect the final images. The real value is having a guide handle the camera while you focus on riding safely.

What the $21 price really covers

At $21 per person, this is a low-cost way to combine a two-hour horseback ride, hotel transport from Hurghada, a guide, and photos or videos. The price is particularly good if you want more than a short photo stop and do not need lunch or a full-day program.

The included Arabian horse is the central value. You are paying for time in the saddle, not only access to a stable. The desert and sea settings also give the outing more variety than a simple paddock ride.

The price does not include lunch, and extras not listed in the program cost more. Pickup from several resort areas adds €10 per person. That can change the total for couples and families, so calculate the transfer cost before comparing this with another excursion.

The swimming option also needs checking at the time of booking. It is included only when that option is selected. At $21, the base price is attractive, but the final cost depends on your hotel and chosen version of the activity.

Who should book this ride?

I would suggest it to horse lovers, couples, and active visitors who want a slower alternative to quad bikes or desert jeeps. It also suits anyone looking for an unusual Red Sea memory, especially if swimming with the horse is a priority.

It can work for first-time riders, but only if you are comfortable with a physical activity and willing to listen closely to the guide. You do not need to arrive as an expert, yet you should not expect a completely effortless ride.

Families need to think carefully. The horse section may appeal to older children, but one person felt uneasy during the road section while riding with an 11-year-old. Ask about the route and consider your child’s confidence around traffic, horses, and open water.

The weight rule is firm. Riders should not weigh more than 155 pounds, or 70 kilograms, for the horses’ safety. Another note says the activity is not suitable for people over 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms, but the stricter 70-kilogram limit is the one you should follow unless the operator confirms otherwise.

What to bring and what to wear

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for riding and bring a towel. If you choose swimming, wear your swimsuit beneath your clothes because there is no place to change on the beach.

Choose clothing that can handle dust, sun, and salt water. The supplied information does not list helmets or other riding equipment, so ask the provider what is supplied if you have a specific safety concern.

Bring only what you need for the ride. A phone may be useful, but the guides already take photos and videos, and you will want your hands free while riding. Confirm pickup details by email or WhatsApp, and send your room number if possible so the driver can find you.

Booking, flexibility, and cancellation

You can reserve the experience and pay later, which helps if your Hurghada plans may change. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Confirm the pickup time one day before the ride. The provider will send exact details, but the time depends on your hotel. Allow for a possible 10-minute delay rather than waiting anxiously in the lobby.

The experience has a rating of 4.7 from 78 ratings, with particularly strong praise for the guides, the well-behaved horses, the beach setting, and the swimming section. The more critical point is the road riding in Hurghada, so that is the detail I would clarify before booking.

Should you book this horseback ride?

Book it if you want a two-hour horse experience with both desert and sea, and especially if you like the idea of entering the Red Sea with your horse. The $21 starting price is fair for the riding time, hotel transfer from Hurghada, guide, and photo coverage.

Skip it if you dislike physical activities, feel uneasy around horses, or exceed the 70-kilogram safety limit. You should also think twice if road traffic would make the ride stressful, particularly with a young child.

For the best version of the day, choose the swimming option, wear your swimsuit under your clothes, confirm the route and pickup cost, and ask about the 360-degree photos before you go. If those details suit you, this is an affordable and memorable way to see Hurghada beyond the hotel pool.

FAQ

How much does the horseback riding experience cost?

The advertised price is $21 per person. Pickup from some resort areas, including Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, Safaga, and Soma Bay, costs an additional €10 per person.

How long do I ride the horse?

The activity includes two hours with an Arabian horse. Each station lasts between 40 and 60 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and return transfer are available from hotels in Hurghada using an air-conditioned vehicle. Extra charges apply to several resort areas. If you stay in El Gouna, confirm the fee because the transfer details list it both as included and as an add-on.

Can I swim with the horse?

Yes. Swimming is available when you select that option. Wear swimwear under your clothes because there is no changing area on the beach.

What languages do the guides speak?

The guides speak English, German, and Arabic.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and a towel. If you plan to swim, wear your swimwear beneath your riding clothes.

Do I need riding experience?

The activity can be difficult if you have no riding experience because horseback riding is physical. Tell the guide about your experience so you can receive suitable help.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. For the horses’ safety, riders should not weigh more than 155 pounds, or 70 kilograms. The activity is also marked as unsuitable for people over 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.