2 hours Horse Riding on The Sea and Desert- Hurghada

Sea, sand, and horses make this Hurghada outing more unusual than a standard stable ride. You spend about two hours on horseback or camelback, moving from a dry desert area to the Red Sea shore, where the animals walk into the shallows. I like the chance to see Hurghada from a saddle, and I like that coaching and a helmet are included.

The price is attractive at $18.82 per person, especially with air-conditioned transport, water, riding equipment, and an instructor included. The main caution is that the desert may be a rocky or partly developed area rather than the sweeping dunes you may picture, and the sea section is a shallow ride, not a long swim with your horse.

This is best for first-time riders, families, and anyone who wants a gentle outdoor activity without giving up half a day. The tour has a maximum of 15 people, though the quality of the experience can depend on pickup coordination, language support, and how clearly the staff explain the routine when you arrive.

Key details before you saddle up

• Two hours in the saddle: Choose horse riding or camel riding across the desert area and along the Red Sea shore.
• A shallow sea ride: The horses enter roughly two feet of water in the sea section, but this is not a full swim.
• Beginners are welcome: Pre-ride coaching and assistance from trainers make the activity suitable for people with limited riding experience.
• Small maximum group: The stated limit is 15 people, which should keep the outing more manageable than a very large excursion.
• Pickup is included in some areas: Standard pickup is offered, but hotels in Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, Safaga, El Gouna, and Soma Bay require an extra charge.
• Strong overall rating: The experience is rated 4.7 out of 5, with 90 percent recommending it, though the lower ratings point to real issues worth checking.

From Hurghada hotel to riding stable

The outing lasts about three hours from pickup to return, with around two hours of riding. An air-conditioned vehicle and bottled water are included, which matters in Hurghada’s heat. You are not simply paying for a short saddle session and arranging your own way back.

Pickup is offered from Hurghada hotels, but the exact meeting plan needs attention. A failed pickup was reported after a driver waited at a hotel reception for 30 minutes, while the booking party apparently did not connect with the driver. That is a useful warning: confirm the pickup time, hotel entrance, and contact method before the day begins. Keep your phone available for WhatsApp messages, and do not assume that the driver will find you anywhere on a large resort property.

Hotels in Makadi and Sahl Hasheesh have an extra round-trip charge of $5 per person. Pickup from Safaga, El Gouna, and Soma Bay costs an extra $10 per person. That changes the final value a little, though the price remains low compared with many organized Red Sea activities.

At the stable, expect some waiting before the horses are brought out. That pause may feel poorly organized if nobody explains what is happening. I would use the time to ask where you will ride, how long the sea portion lasts, and whether your riding ability will affect the pace.

Meeting the horses and getting basic instruction

The tour includes a helmet and trainer assistance. That is important for beginners, since riding on open ground and near water feels different from sitting on a horse in a fenced arena. A pre-ride briefing should help you understand how to hold the reins, stop, turn, and keep a safe distance from the horse ahead.

The horses are described as Egyptian or Arabian horses, which several riders found smaller and more finely built than the sturdy ponies common in parts of Britain. Do not mistake a slim Arabian shape for poor health automatically. At the same time, one account raised concerns about thin horses and rough handling, so animal care deserves your attention.

The positive reports describe calm horses, friendly instructors, and careful help for children. One family found the staff particularly attentive to a six-year-old. Another praised an instructor named Hussain for his humor and for taking many photographs. These details suggest that the human side of the outing can be warm and encouraging, especially when the group has a good guide.

Still, standards may not feel identical from one day to the next. Before mounting, check your helmet, saddle, and stirrups. If something feels loose or uncomfortable, say so at once. A friendly attitude from the staff is welcome, but proper safety checks matter more.

The first ride across the desert area

The land section comes first. You will likely walk across a dry, stony area near the stable, sometimes across a road and through an area described as partly under construction. This is not the grand, empty Sahara scene suggested by some promotional language.

That does not make the ride worthless. The open ground gives a beginner time to settle in, learn the horse’s rhythm, and practice steering before reaching the shore. More experienced riders may be allowed to jog, depending on the guide and conditions. The description presents jogging as an option for those who want a little more energy, but you should not expect a fast or independent gallop.

The drawback is visual. If you are hoping for tall dunes, isolated desert silence, or a long route through untouched sand, you may be disappointed. Several accounts describe the desert part as short, rocky, or close to construction. One rider felt the horses were eager to leave that area.

I would treat this section as a warm-up rather than the main event. Wear trousers that allow you to move easily, closed shoes, and clothing you do not mind getting dusty. The desert stop is useful for riding practice, but the sea is where this trip becomes distinctive.

Riding into the Red Sea shallows

The horses continue toward the beach and enter the water. This is the part I find most appealing because it gives you a view of the Red Sea from a completely different height and rhythm. The water can feel refreshing in Hurghada’s heat, and several accounts describe the beach section as the highlight.

Set your expectations carefully. The horses ride into roughly two feet of water. You remain mounted, and the outing does not appear to include a full swim with the animals. A description of the route says you ride out into the water for a limited time before returning, so this is best understood as a shallow-water walk, not a long aquatic session.

Conditions can make the shore section especially pleasant. One outing reached clear turquoise water and white sand, and a dolphin briefly approached the group. That kind of sighting is clearly a lucky event, not a promised part of the tour, but it shows why the sea ride can create a memorable moment.

The horses may enjoy cooling off as much as you do. Still, listen closely to the guide near the water. Keep your reins controlled, do not crowd another horse, and ask before attempting anything faster than a walk. The tour is designed around guided riding, not free riding.

There is also an awkward practical point. One account says that after returning from the sea, riders dismounted and the horses were taken away, with helmets no longer available. I would not treat that as a standard rule, but it is another reason to ask how the final part works before you leave the stable.

What two hours of riding really means

The advertised riding time is two hours, while the full activity takes about three hours. That difference likely covers transport, waiting, mounting, instruction, and moving between the stable, dry ground, and beach. You should not read the three-hour figure as three hours in the saddle.

For a first-time rider, two hours is plenty. Even a calm walk can leave your inner thighs and lower back tired, especially if you have not ridden for years. One person returned to riding after a ten-year break and still described the morning as enjoyable, but that does not mean the physical effort is trivial.

The activity requires a moderate fitness level. You need to mount, sit upright, balance, and tolerate a sustained ride. The tour is family-friendly in the broad sense, and a six-year-old received careful help, but no exact age, weight, or height rules are provided. If you are booking for a child, ask the operator directly about suitability.

The pace may be conservative. That is good news for nervous riders and families, but experienced equestrians should not book this expecting a demanding riding lesson or a long gallop. You may be offered a jog, but the guide controls the pace and route.

Guides, language, and the human factor

The guide can make or break a simple outing. Positive experiences describe instructors as professional, friendly, funny, and attentive. Hussain is specifically praised for keeping the group cheerful and taking photographs. The owner has also been described as friendly and able to speak good English.

Language support needs checking. A French-speaking guide was expected by one booking party, but the accompanying guide spoke neither French nor English. The driver spoke English only. If you need detailed explanations in French or another language, confirm that point in writing before booking rather than relying on a language option shown during reservation.

Communication also matters at the start. At least one account describes arriving, sitting down, and waiting without an explanation before the horses appeared. That is not a serious problem if you know to expect it, but it can make the operation feel disorganized. Ask simple questions early: when will we mount, how long is the sea ride, and who should I contact if I need help?

The best guides appear to combine humor with safety. The weaker experience seems to come when expectations are not explained clearly. Since the group limit is 15, you have a fair chance of receiving attention, but the actual group size and instructor ratio are not specified.

Horse welfare deserves a close look

This is the most important ethical question in the experience. Several accounts describe healthy, calm horses and a family-run stable that cared for its animals well. Those are encouraging signs. Another account, however, raised concern about thin horses and harsh treatment by an owner.

I cannot tell you that every horse will look or be treated the same on every departure. You can make your own quick assessment. Look for clean water, reasonable body condition, properly fitted tack, calm handling, and horses that are not being pushed when tired. If you see rough treatment or equipment that appears unsafe, speak up or choose not to ride.

A horse’s body type can be misleading. Arabian horses are often lighter and narrower than many European riding horses, so a slim outline alone does not prove neglect. But repeated signs of poor care should not be ignored simply because the activity is inexpensive.

The low price should not be the only measure of value. A good bargain is one that includes safe instruction, suitable equipment, reliable transport, and responsible care of the animals. I would keep that full checklist in mind before booking.

Is $18.82 good value?

At $18.82 per person, this is one of Hurghada’s cheaper organized activities. You receive two hours of horse or camel riding, a helmet, bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle, and trainer support. For a visitor who wants a short activity rather than a full-day excursion, that package has clear appeal.

The value is strongest if you are staying in Hurghada and standard pickup applies. The extra $5 or $10 for more distant resort zones is reasonable for round-trip transport, but it should be added to your mental budget before you compare options.

The price also reflects the modest setting. You are not paying for a polished equestrian center, a long wilderness route, or a private riding lesson. The desert section can look more like rough ground near development, and the sea portion is brief and shallow.

I would call it good value for the novelty of riding into the Red Sea, provided you accept the simple setup. It is less compelling if your main goal is serious horseback riding, dramatic desert scenery, or swimming with horses.

What to bring and how to prepare

Wear long trousers and comfortable closed shoes. A swimsuit may be useful if you expect to get wet, but the provided details do not promise a full swim, so do not dress as if you are joining a water-sports session.

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a phone or camera that you can protect from splashes and dust. Bottled water is included, but you may still want personal water for before or after the ride. The helmet is provided, yet you should make sure it fits securely before setting off.

Tell the instructor if you are nervous, inexperienced, or returning after a long break. The ride begins calmly, and that gives you a chance to get comfortable. Do not feel pressured to jog simply because someone else wants more speed.

Finally, confirm pickup details the day before. Be at the stated meeting point early, and watch for messages from the operator. This small step may prevent the most frustrating problem associated with the outing.

Who should book this Hurghada ride?

I would recommend it to:

• First-time riders who want a guided, gentle introduction.
• Families looking for an outdoor activity with trainer support.
• Couples or friends who like unusual photo opportunities.
• Riders who are curious about Arabian horses.
• Visitors who want a short excursion at a low price.

I would be more cautious if you want a long desert route, strong galloping, a private experience, or a genuine swim with a horse. I would also ask more questions if animal welfare is a major concern, if you need a French-speaking guide, or if you are staying far outside central Hurghada.

Should you book it?

Book this experience if your priority is a reasonably priced ride with a memorable Red Sea moment. The calm horses, helpful instructors, family-friendly approach, and sea shallows receive the strongest praise, and the chance to ride beside the coast is unusual for the money.

Skip it if you picture endless dunes and horses swimming far out in the water. The desert can be rocky and developed, the sea section is short, and organization may feel loose at the start. Confirm the pickup plan, language support, animal-care standards, and exact sea activity before paying.

With those limits understood, this is a cheerful half-day add-on for a Hurghada holiday. It is not a grand equestrian expedition. It is a simple, affordable ride with one very good idea at its center: letting you experience the Red Sea from the back of a horse.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The full activity lasts approximately three hours, including transport and time at the stable. The riding portion lasts two hours.

Can I choose between horse riding and camel riding?

Yes. The included activity allows you to choose two hours of horse riding or camel riding.

Does the ride include the desert and the sea?

Yes. The route includes a dry desert area and the Red Sea shore.

Will the horse swim with me?

No full swim is promised. The horses enter shallow water, reported at about two feet deep, for a limited part of the ride.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes. Trainers provide pre-ride coaching and assistance during the activity. A moderate fitness level is required.

Is the activity suitable for children?

The activity is described as family-friendly, and one account describes staff taking good care of a six-year-old. Exact age restrictions are not provided.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered. Extra charges apply for hotels in Makadi and Sahl Hasheesh, and for hotels in Safaga, El Gouna, and Soma Bay.

How much do distant hotel transfers cost?

Round-trip transfer costs an extra $5 per person from Makadi or Sahl Hasheesh. It costs an extra $10 per person from Safaga, El Gouna, or Soma Bay.

Is a helmet provided?

Yes. A helmet is included with the experience.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can receive a different date or a full refund.