Review · HURGHADA
Horse Riding Tour Two Hours Sun & Sea With Transfer – Hurghada
Desert dust meets sea water. This Hurghada horse ride gives you two very different scenes in one outing: an hour across the desert and an hour riding into the Red Sea. I like the calm, well-cared-for horses and the way the staff match them to different riding levels. I also like the simple door-to-door service, since hotel pickup and drop-off remove much of the usual holiday fuss.
The main thing to keep in mind is that this is not a quiet ride through untouched wilderness. You may spend the first 15 to 20 minutes riding along a road before reaching the desert, and one part of the desert route has been described as looking more like a building site than a postcard. The sea ride is the unusual part, while the desert setting can feel rough around the edges.
Five things to know before you book

- The ride is split evenly: You get about one hour in the desert and one hour in the sea.
- The horses suit beginners: The horses are described as mild, steady, and well cared for, with options for different experience levels.
- A helmet and safety equipment are included: An instructor accompanies the group and provides basic guidance.
- Pickup is included from Hurghada hotels: The air-conditioned vehicle makes this easier to fit into a holiday schedule.
- The advertised price is not the full cost for everyone: Government taxes add €10 per person in cash, while pickup from several nearby resort areas costs another €10 per person.
- The group can reach 15 people: This is small enough for instruction, but it may not feel like a private ride.
Starting with hotel pickup in Hurghada

The outing lasts about three hours from pickup to return, with roughly two hours on horseback. Your transfer arrives at your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle, then takes you to the equestrian center.
Prompt pickup has been one of the strongest points of the experience. Still, one booking had a pickup that arrived slightly earlier than expected, so I would be ready a little ahead of the stated time. That small step can save a rushed start.
The transfer is especially useful in Hurghada, where resort hotels can be spread along a long coastal road. You do not need to arrange a taxi, explain the riding center to a driver, or worry about finding your way back after the ride. Pickup and return are included for Hurghada hotels, but the extra transfer charge applies to El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, and Sahl Hasheesh.
At the center, you are paired with a horse suited to your riding ability. The tour includes an instructor, a helmet, and safety equipment. That matters if you are a complete beginner, since the ride is not presented as a simple photo session. You receive basic instruction and are led along the route.
The maximum group size is 15 people. That is not a tiny private group, but it keeps the outing more manageable than a large stable procession. If several riders have different levels, the pace and amount of instruction may vary.
More Two-Hour Trips in Hurghada:
- Horse Riding Tour 2 Hours on Sea And Desert & Transfer -Hurghada
★ 4.0 · 223 reviews - 2 hours Horse Riding on The Sea and Desert- Hurghada
★ 4.5 · 39 reviews - Horse Riding Tour 2 Hours Sea And Desert with Transfer – Hurghada
★ 4.5 · 37 reviews
The horse makes the first impression

The horses are one of the best reasons to consider this activity. Several comments describe them as mild, calm, and well cared for. That is important in a ride involving both roads and seawater, where a nervous horse could quickly make a beginner uncomfortable.
The staff also receive frequent praise for being welcoming and attentive. One guide was described as checking often to make sure everything was fine and taking plenty of photos along the way. You should not assume that photography is a formal part of the package, but the staff may help capture the occasion.
The experience is suited to a wide range of ability levels. Beginners can learn the basics and let the instructor lead, while confident riders may get a chance to move at a livelier pace in the desert. One account mentions a short gallop, and another describes the ride as more adventurous than a typical organized riding experience in the United States.
That last point deserves attention. The ride may feel less controlled and polished than a riding-school session at home. You could encounter an informal riding style, road sections, and a more open approach to pace. If you want a very slow, tightly managed introduction, tell the instructor clearly that you are new to horses.
One hour across the Hurghada desert

The first riding section takes place in the desert and lasts about an hour. You may begin with 15 to 20 minutes along a road while the group reaches the open desert area. This part is practical rather than scenic, and it can be less enjoyable if you expected to leave buildings and traffic behind at once.
Once the route reaches the desert, you get broad views toward the mountains and Red Sea. The setting gives you a different view of Hurghada, far from the hotel pool and beach lounger. The light, dry air, and open ground create the kind of simple contrast that makes this activity feel more memorable than an ordinary riding loop.
The scenery is not perfect. One section has been described as a building site, with limited visual appeal. I would set your expectations at desert atmosphere, not untouched desert wilderness. You may take photos, and the views toward the sea can be attractive, but construction and rough ground are part of the setting.
For experienced riders, the desert section may be the most enjoyable place to pick up the pace. A little gallop has been possible for some participants, but you should follow the instructor’s directions and stay within the group. Your horse, the surface, and the ability levels around you matter more than chasing a dramatic photograph.
For beginners, the desert is a useful place to settle into the saddle before entering the water. You have time to learn how the horse responds and to get used to the instructor’s signals. Ask for help early if the horse feels too large, too quick, or uncomfortable.
Riding into the Red Sea

The second hour is the special feature: you guide the horse into the Red Sea. The experience changes completely from dry sand and mountain views to warm water around the horses’ legs and bodies.
This is not simply a beach ride with the sea visible in the distance. The horses enter the water, giving you the unusual feeling of riding while the sea supports and slows their movement. The combination of horse, sunlight, and warm water is the memory most likely to stay with you.
The sea section is also the reason to book this tour instead of an ordinary horseback ride. You can ride through the desert in many places, but riding an Egyptian horse into the Red Sea is a far less common holiday activity.
You should expect the water section to be weather-dependent in feel, even though the tour is built around it. The supplied details do not promise swimming conditions, a particular beach, or a set depth. The exact route may depend on the horses, the group, and the day’s conditions.
Wear clothing that can get wet and choose items you will not worry about in salt water. The tour provides a helmet and safety equipment, but the supplied details do not list towels, changing facilities, or personal storage. Ask the operator about those points before you go if they matter to you.
A few more horse rides around Hurghada worth a look
- Hurghada: Red Sea & Desert Horse Riding Tour with Swimming
★ 4.8 · 2,198 reviews - Hurghada: Sea & Desert Horse Tour, Stargazing, Dinner & Show
★ 4.5 · 1,592 reviews - Hurghada: Arabian Desert and Sea Horseback Adventure
★ 4.5 · 778 reviews - Hurghada: Sea & Desert Horse Riding tour/w Swimming&Transfer
★ 4.8 · 649 reviews
How safe and comfortable is the ride?

The activity includes an instructor, a helmet, and all safety equipment. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. Those details make the tour accessible to a broad holiday audience, but they do not remove the need for ordinary riding caution.
A horse ride is still a physical activity. You will sit in the saddle for around two hours, handle a horse, and enter seawater. If you have concerns about balance, mobility, or riding experience, contact the provider before booking and explain your needs.
The horses are repeatedly described as gentle and suitable for inexperienced riders. I would take that as a good sign, not a guarantee that every rider will feel relaxed right away. Horses have their own behavior, and the desert and sea create different conditions from an indoor riding arena.
The staff’s attitude makes a difference here. Friendly support, frequent checks, and clear instructions can turn an intimidating first ride into a fun one. If you feel uncertain, say so. The best time to ask for a slower pace or more help is before the horse moves off.
What the $15 price really means

At $15 per person, this is an unusually low-priced activity for a two-hour ride with hotel transportation, safety equipment, and refreshments. The package includes one hour in the desert, one hour in the sea, a helmet, safety gear, coffee or tea, and water.
The important catch is the extra €10 government tax and value-added tax per person, paid in cash. That charge is listed separately, so you should include it when comparing the real price with other Hurghada horse rides.
A further €10 per person cash transfer charge applies if you are staying in El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, or Sahl Hasheesh. For a Hurghada hotel, the included transfer gives the tour particularly strong value. For the outlying resort areas, the final cost is higher, though the ride still includes a full two hours on horseback.
The low headline price may also explain why the experience feels informal in places. You are paying for an active local outing, not a luxury equestrian program with polished facilities and a private guide. If you judge it by adventure value, it offers a lot. If you expect a carefully staged resort excursion, the road section and rough desert surroundings may disappoint.
Who will enjoy this Hurghada ride most?

I would recommend it to first-time riders who want something more unusual than a standard desert loop. The calm horses, instructor, helmet, and gentle pace options make it approachable, while the water section gives confident riders a memorable twist.
It also suits couples and small groups looking for a half-day activity. The hotel transfer means you can fit it around other Hurghada plans without spending much time on transport. A group discount is available, though the exact discount is not specified.
This is a good pick for you if you enjoy:
- A mix of desert and sea rather than one repeated setting
- Informal outdoor activities
- A budget-friendly excursion
- Photos with horses and Red Sea scenery
- Trying horseback riding as a beginner
- A ride that can include a little faster movement for confident riders
I would be more cautious if you want perfect scenery from start to finish, a private group, or a formal riding-school structure. The group may include people at different levels, and the desert route can include built-up or unfinished areas.
Practical tips for a smoother outing

Arrive ready before pickup time. The transfer has generally been prompt, but one pickup arrived earlier than expected.
Wear clothes that allow movement and can get wet. The sea section is central to the outing, so avoid anything valuable or delicate. Bring only what you need, since the available storage arrangements are not specified.
Tell the instructor your experience level at the start. If you are new to riding, ask for a calm horse and clear help with mounting, stopping, and turning. If you ride regularly, ask what pace is suitable for the group and the route.
Carry cash for the €10 government tax per person. If you are staying outside Hurghada in one of the listed resort areas, also budget for the €10 transfer charge per person.
The activity includes coffee or tea and water, but not a full meal. Plan food around the timing of your ride if you need more than a drink.
Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, so check your plans before that deadline.
Should you book it?
Book this tour if you want a low-cost, active Hurghada outing with a real point of difference. The chance to ride through the desert and then into the Red Sea is unusual, and the calm horses, helpful staff, helmet, and included transfer make it friendly for beginners.
Skip it if you need polished scenery, a private ride, or complete control over the pace. The road approach and rough desert surroundings are genuine drawbacks.
For most people, the best value comes from seeing the tour as a relaxed adventure rather than a luxury equestrian experience. Add the cash tax to your budget, wear clothes that can get wet, and keep your expectations realistic. Do that, and this can be one of Hurghada’s more memorable ways to spend two hours.
FAQ
How long does the horse riding experience last?
The horseback riding lasts about two hours, split between one hour in the desert and one hour in the sea. The total outing takes approximately three hours, including transfers.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Pickup and drop-off from Hurghada hotels are included in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Is there an extra transfer charge from nearby resort areas?
Yes. Pickup from El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, and Sahl Hasheesh costs €10 per person in cash on the spot.
Is the government tax included in the listed price?
No. Government taxes and value-added taxes cost an additional €10 per person in cash.
Are helmets and safety equipment provided?
Yes. A helmet and all safety equipment are included, and an instructor accompanies the group.
Can beginners join the horse ride?
Yes. Most people can participate, and the horses are matched to different experience levels. The horses are described as calm and suitable for inexperienced riders.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.
Just added around Hurghada
- Two hours adventure Horse Riding with Transfer From Hurghada★ 5.0 · 10 reviews
- 2 Hour Horse Riding Experience in Hurghada★ 5.0 · 2 reviews
- Swimming by Horse at Red Sea Beach & Desert with Dinner- Hurghada★ 5.0 · 2 reviews
- Swimming by Horse 3 Hours ,Beach, Desert & Dinner – Hurghada★ 5.0 · 3 reviews
- Horse Riding 2 Hours & Relaxation Turkish Bath & Sauna – Hurghada★ 5.0 · 4 reviews
- Horse Riding 3 Hours Desert Beach Swimming by horse in Hurghada★ 3.5 · 5 reviews
- 3 Hours Swimming By Horse in Red Sea Riding on the Beach and Dessert – Hurghada★ 4.0 · 15 reviews
- Horse Riding 1-Hour Adventure Trip With Transfer – Hurghada★ 4.5 · 4 reviews
Hurghada Horseback Riding Tours, compared.

Red Sea & Desert Horse Riding Tour with Swimming
Read our review →
Sea & Desert Horse Tour, Stargazing, Dinner & Show
Read our review →
Sea & Desert Horse Riding tour/w Swimming&Transfer
Read our review →
Horse Riding Tour 2 Hours on Sea And Desert & Transfer -Hurghada
Read our review →
Desert and Sea Horseback Riding Tour with Transfer
Read our review →More rides of this kind



