Horse Riding on the Beach And Desert 3 hours From Hurghada

Ride from golden sand into the Red Sea. This four-hour outing gives you about three hours in the saddle, with hotel pickup, trained horses, and help from guides who work patiently with beginners. I like the unusual mix of desert and sea, and I like that swimming with the horses is included rather than treated as a separate luxury. The main drawback is that the full three-hour riding time may feel long in Hurghada’s heat, and the experience can be less smooth if you expect every photo or video to be free.

For a first ride, this is a friendly way to try horseback riding without committing to a full day. Staff can hold or lead the horses at the start, then give you more control as your confidence grows. Bring a swimsuit if you want the Red Sea section, since skipping it means missing the most distinctive part of the outing.

Key points to know before booking

• Desert to sea in one ride: Follow sandy tracks and dunes before reaching Hurghada’s shoreline.
• Swimming with horses is included: The horse enters the sea, creating the most memorable part of the trip.
• Good for first-time riders: Guides provide instruction and can assist closely at the beginning.
• Hotel pickup from Hurghada: The transfer is included from Hurghada hotels, with extra charges for several nearby resort areas.
• Small personal touches: Some rides have included basic photos and videos, but professional photography may cost extra.
• Affordable for the time: At $23 per person, the price is low for transport, equipment, a guide, and three hours of riding.

From Hurghada hotels to the stable

The experience begins with pickup from your Hurghada hotel. One account describes a punctual collection followed by a drive of roughly 25 minutes toward the stables near El Gouna. Your exact transfer time depends on your hotel and the day’s route, but pickup removes the need to arrange a taxi to an out-of-town riding center.

At the stable, you can expect a waiting area before the ride begins. This pause is useful. It gives you time to meet the horse, ask questions, and get comfortable with the setting instead of being pushed straight into the saddle.

The operator, Billy Tours, accepts mobile tickets, and confirmation is provided at booking. The advertised group limit is 30 people. That is not a tiny private ride, so ask about the expected group size if personal attention matters to you. A larger group may mean more waiting at turns, in the water, or during photo stops.

Transfers are included from Hurghada hotels. Pickup from Makadi and Sahl Hasheesh costs an additional €5 per person. From Soma Bay, El Gouna, and Safaga, the supplement is €10 per person. Add that charge before comparing the price with other horse rides.

Meeting the horses and learning the basics

You do not need advanced riding skills. The horses are presented as well-bred Egyptian horses, and trainers are available for pre-ride instruction and support during the outing.

That help matters most during the first half hour. Several accounts describe the guides holding or walking beside the horses for beginners. One guide, Yasser, was specifically praised for helping a first-time rider and her daughter gain confidence before they managed the horses more independently near the water.

Your starting lesson should cover the basic controls and how to sit safely. If you are nervous, say so clearly before leaving the stable. The staff can then provide closer support instead of assuming you are ready to ride alone.

The horses were repeatedly described as gentle and easy to guide. That is encouraging for families and newcomers, but you should still remember that riding is an active experience. You may feel the effort in your legs and back, especially after several hours in warm weather.

Wear practical clothing that can handle dust, water, and contact with the saddle. Closed shoes are sensible for the desert portion. A swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and water are especially useful, though the supplied information does not confirm which of these items the operator provides.

A helmet is included. That is an important practical detail, particularly for first-time riders. Ask the guide to adjust it properly before setting off.

Crossing the desert on horseback

The first major section takes you through Hurghada’s desert. Expect sandy ground, dunes, and old pathways rather than a manicured riding trail. The scenery is spare and open, with the horse’s movement and the changing texture of the sand providing most of the interest.

This section has a peaceful quality. You are not simply being driven across the desert in a vehicle. You notice the horse’s pace, the sound of hooves, and the way the dunes change as you move. I like that this gives you a more physical connection to the area than a standard jeep excursion.

The pace may vary according to the group. Beginners usually need time to settle in, and guides may keep the horses together for safety. Do not expect a fast gallop or a private horseback expedition unless that has been specifically arranged. The available information points to a guided group ride, not an advanced riding lesson.

The desert also brings the main comfort issue: heat. One person found two hours sufficient because of the hot conditions, even though the scheduled riding time is three hours. If you tire easily, tell the guide early. You may enjoy the outing more by keeping a steady pace and treating the ride as a scenic experience rather than a test of endurance.

Reaching the Red Sea shore

The route then moves toward the beach, where the golden desert meets the Red Sea. This change of setting is what gives the excursion its appeal. You begin with dry sand and open desert, then finish beside cool water and a wide shoreline.

The beach section is also the best part for photographs. The contrast between the horses, pale sand, and blue water makes for striking images. Staff may take a limited number of photos or videos with a phone, and some basic picture-taking has been offered at no charge during rides.

You should clarify the photography arrangement before setting off. Professional photos are available for an extra fee. One unpleasant point arose when a rider expected phone images to be sent later without payment, while the operator expected an additional charge. The simple solution is to ask three questions at the start: who takes the photos, which images are included, and what costs extra.

You may also prefer to keep your own phone dry and secure. That is sensible, especially during the sea portion. If you want your own pictures, use a waterproof case and do not assume you can carry a regular phone safely into the water.

Swimming with the horses

Swimming with the horses is included in the advertised package. This is not just a beach ride where the horses stop at the shoreline. The animals enter the sea, allowing you to experience the water from the saddle or alongside the horse, according to the guide’s instructions and current conditions.

This is the outing’s most unusual feature. Horse rides are available in many holiday destinations, but the combination of desert tracks and a Red Sea swim makes this one more distinctive. You get the quiet of the desert followed by a playful, photogenic water stop.

Bring your swimsuit if you want to take part. One person reached the beach and wished to swim with the horse but had no bathing costume, so the opportunity was missed. A towel and spare dry clothes will also make the ride home more comfortable.

The sea section is not necessarily the best place to experiment with riding skills for the first time. Listen closely to the guide and follow instructions around the water. The provided information confirms that swimming with horses is offered, but it does not specify the depth, length of the swim, or exact riding method. Those details can depend on conditions and the group.

How long the experience really feels

The overall booking lasts about four hours, including transport, preparation, and the ride. The horseback portion is advertised as three hours in the desert and at the sea.

That distinction matters when you plan your day. You are not spending four continuous hours on horseback. You have pickup, waiting time, instruction, and transitions around the actual ride. Even so, three hours is a substantial amount of time for a beginner.

I would choose this for a relaxed half-day rather than squeezing it between two fixed activities. The ride may start later than expected if the group needs more instruction or if there is waiting at the stable. A flexible schedule will keep the experience from becoming a race back to your hotel.

The heat is the biggest variable. In mild weather, three hours can feel just right. In strong sun, you may prefer a shorter ride. Bring water, protect your skin, and tell the guide if you need a pause.

The value of $23 per person

At $23 per person, this is unusually inexpensive for a guided three-hour ride that includes hotel pickup from Hurghada, a helmet, a professional guide, and swimming with the horses.

The value is strongest if you are staying in Hurghada and plan to use the included transfer. You are paying for several elements at once: transport to and from the stable, horse use, instruction, equipment, and access to both desert and sea. A group discount may improve the price for families or friends booking together.

The value is less clear if you are staying outside Hurghada. Add €5 from Makadi or Sahl Hasheesh, and €10 from Soma Bay, El Gouna, or Safaga. The final cost remains reasonable, but the advertised $23 is not the complete price for every resort area.

Photography is another possible extra. Basic staff photos may be available, while professional images can cost more. Treat photos as an optional purchase, not as part of the core price, unless the details are confirmed before departure.

Who will enjoy this ride most

This outing suits first-time riders, couples, families with older children, and anyone looking for something different from snorkeling or a standard desert safari. The patient help described from the guides is especially useful if you are unsure around horses.

It also suits people who want a memorable setting rather than serious riding instruction. You will get desert scenery, a beach, and a swim with the horse, but you should not book it expecting advanced training, long independent gallops, or a private route.

Children can participate according to the supplied information, which says most people can take part. It does not give a minimum age, weight limit, or specific child policy, so families should confirm those points before booking.

Experienced riders may find the pace gentle. That is not necessarily a flaw. The ride is designed to work for mixed ability levels, and the guides may prioritize control and group safety over speed.

Practical advice for a smoother outing

• Wear clothes you do not mind getting wet or dusty.
• Bring a swimsuit if you want the sea swim.
• Use sunscreen and carry water.
• Wear secure footwear for the stable and desert.
• Tell the guide immediately if you are a beginner or feel nervous.
• Ask about photography charges before leaving the stable.
• Confirm your resort transfer fee if you are outside Hurghada.
• Keep your booking flexible because the total outing takes about four hours.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Within 24 hours, the payment is not refunded, and late changes are not accepted. The cut-off follows local time in Egypt.

Should you book the Hurghada desert and beach ride?

Book it if you want a low-cost, unusual half-day with a gentle introduction to horseback riding. The desert-to-sea route, helpful guides, included helmet, and horse swimming make it more than a basic beach trot.

Think twice if you dislike heat, do not want to get wet, or need a precisely timed activity. The ride can feel long in hot conditions, and the photography arrangements deserve a clear question before departure.

For most first-time riders staying in Hurghada, I think the price is strong value. Bring swimwear, keep your schedule open, and judge the experience as a scenic group ride rather than a fast equestrian adventure.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding experience last?

The full outing takes approximately four hours, including pickup, preparation, and return. The horseback riding portion is advertised as three hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Hurghada hotels. Extra transfer charges apply from some nearby resort areas.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $23 per person. Transfers cost an additional €5 per person from Makadi and Sahl Hasheesh, and €10 per person from Soma Bay, El Gouna, and Safaga.

Is swimming with the horses included?

Yes. Swimming with horses is included in the experience. Bring a swimsuit if you want to participate in the sea section.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. Trainers provide pre-ride instruction, and guides can assist during the ride. Most people can participate according to the provided activity information.

Is a helmet provided?

Yes. A helmet is included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not eligible for a refund.