Horse Riding Beach or Desert with transfer from Sharm El Sheikh

Saddle up by the Red Sea. This two-hour horse ride gives you a different view of Sharm El Sheikh, with sandy paths, open desert, and the chance to take your horse into shallow seawater. I like the patient guides and the choice of a beach or desert setting. The main caution is that the setting can be busier and less wild than the pictures suggest, with quad bikes, roads, and occasional concerns about horse welfare.

The package is attractively priced at $7 per person, but you also need to allow for a government fee of €5 per person. Hotel pickup, a helmet, safety equipment, and guide assistance are included. I also like that the group is capped at 15 people, though transport and timing can be uneven.

Key Details Before You Book

• Shallow-water riding is possible: Some rides take horses into the sea, though the water may only reach low on the horse’s legs rather than the waist.
• Guides work with different ability levels: Novices may be led or supported while more confident riders can sometimes trot or canter under supervision.
• Hotel pickup is included: The service covers pickup and return from Sharm El Sheikh hotels, but one reported outing had a late vehicle.
• Horse choice matters: Guides match horses to ability, and named horses such as Galaxy and Madonna have left especially good impressions.
• Expect an extra fee: The listed price does not include the government charge of €5 per person.
• Bring your own drink and camera: A drink is useful in the heat, and taking your own photos can help you avoid pressure to buy the photographer’s package.

From Your Hotel to the Riding Point

Your day begins with pickup from your Sharm El Sheikh hotel. The drive takes you to the equestrian meeting point, either near the coast or in a desert area, depending on the option selected.

The transfer is one of the tour’s useful features. You do not need to find a stable or arrange a taxi in an unfamiliar part of town. Several rides have had friendly, punctual drivers, and one driver was praised for being especially talkative and helpful.

Still, allow some patience. One poor experience involved a late pickup and a badly shortened ride. That appears to be an exception rather than the normal pattern, but it is worth keeping in mind if you have a dinner reservation or another activity later in the day.

The riding point may not look like a traditional stable. One account describes horses waiting at a simple site rather than in a full stable complex. That is not necessarily a problem, but it helps set expectations. You are booking a straightforward outdoor activity, not a polished ranch visit with extensive facilities.

Meeting the Horses and Guides

At the riding point, guides pair you with a horse according to your size and riding ability. The horses are described as calm, friendly, and suitable for beginners, with several particularly warm comments about their appearance and care.

Names can matter when you are nervous around horses. Galaxy was singled out as a beautiful horse, while Madonna was praised for being gentle with a beginner. Another rider who needed a larger horse was pleased with the size of the mount and with the benches available for mounting.

The guides are an important part of the experience. Muhammad was praised for helping a larger rider feel comfortable, and Mustafa was described as a good host. In several accounts, guides stayed close to nervous riders and adjusted the pace instead of rushing them.

That flexibility is valuable. One family included a nervous parent and daughter, and the staff allowed them to proceed at their own pace. Another novice was held or led by a guide while a more experienced rider was allowed to trot. This makes the ride more accessible than a one-speed group outing.

You should still speak clearly about your ability before mounting. Say if you have never ridden, if you are uncomfortable with speed, or if you want to trot. The guides appear willing to adapt, but the quality of the experience depends heavily on clear communication.

The First Hour on Sandy Paths

Once mounted, the group follows sandy tracks and open ground. The pace can be relaxed, especially for beginners, with guides checking that riders are secure and comfortable.

For a first-time rider, the appeal is simple. You get the thrill of sitting high above the sand without needing advanced riding skills. The horse’s steady movement gives the ride a gentle rhythm, and the guide remains nearby.

More experienced riders may get a chance to trot or canter. One especially positive account described a guide who allowed faster riding while keeping close control of the group. This is not a free-for-all, and you should not expect long stretches of independent galloping. Speed depends on your ability, the horse, the group, and the guide’s judgment.

The desert option may offer open views and a sense of space, but do not expect total isolation. Some riders found quad bikes operating nearby, with a road running alongside parts of the area. The desert section may be enclosed or marked off rather than remote mountain country.

That distinction matters. If you want a dramatic wilderness ride, this may feel modest. If you want an easy horse outing close to Sharm El Sheikh, the location is more practical than remote.

Riding Beside the Sea

The beach option offers the most distinctive scenery. The horses move along the shore, with the sea providing a bright backdrop for photographs and a pleasant change from ordinary desert riding.

Some outings include wading into shallow water. The horses may enter only low water, and the depth is not guaranteed to reach the horse’s waist. You should treat the water portion as an optional highlight, not a promise of a full swim.

One account says riders were allowed to enter the water if they wished. That choice is helpful for anyone who wants the photo but does not feel ready to get wet. Ask the guide before setting out how much water entry is planned.

The beach itself may not be pristine. One unhappy account described rubbish on the shore, so do not picture an untouched strip of sand. The coastal setting can still be attractive, but the condition of the beach may vary.

The sea ride works best for people who want a memorable photo and a gentle outdoor activity. It is less suitable if you expect a secluded beach, crystal-clear conditions, or a long swim with the horse.

Photos, Extra Charges, and the Pressure Point

Photography is part of the experience for some groups. A photographer may take pictures by the sea or while the horses are in the water. One rider found the photos excellent and considered the extra cost worthwhile.

The price is not always clear at the start. A Dutch-language account described repeated photo offers at €20 per person, while another person paid £30 and never received the photos. These are serious reasons to agree on the price, number of images, and delivery method before paying.

My practical advice is simple: take your own phone or camera if you can do so safely, and bring a drink. Ask if you may keep your phone in a secure pocket or bag while riding. Do not feel obliged to buy photographs, and confirm exactly how paid images will reach you.

This is also a good place to mention the overall price. At $7 per person, the activity looks like a bargain, especially with transport and equipment included. After adding the €5 government fee, it remains inexpensive, but the low headline price may not cover every cost you face on the day.

Horse Welfare and Safety

Most of the positive comments focus on calm horses, kind guides, and careful support for beginners. That is the strongest reason to consider booking. A good guide can turn a frightening first ride into a comfortable one.

At the same time, horse welfare deserves serious attention. Some riders felt that horses looked hot, tired, or worn out. One rider who regularly rides horses said the horse seemed exhausted and took every opportunity to slow down.

You cannot control the full operation, but you can pay attention. Look at the horse before mounting. If it appears distressed, overheated, or unable to keep a steady pace, tell the guide. Do not push for speed just to get a more exciting photograph.

Helmets and safety equipment are included. The maximum stated rider weight is 150 kilograms, and most people can take part. Mounting benches are available, which can help larger riders or anyone with limited flexibility.

One very negative account described feeling unsafe and unhappy with the guide’s manner. That is not the general picture, but it reinforces the need to speak up if instructions are unclear or the pace feels wrong. You should feel able to ask for a slower ride or to stop.

Timing, Group Size, and the Real Two Hours

The stated duration is about two hours, and the maximum group size is 15 people. The time includes meeting the horses, mounting, instruction, riding, and returning to the starting point.

Some accounts describe shorter rides, including a one-hour outing that was enjoyable but left the rider wanting more. Another account suggests that transport and organization reduced the actual riding time. If you want a full two hours in the saddle, confirm the riding duration when you arrive.

A group of up to 15 can feel manageable, especially with several guides, but it is not a private ride. Beginners may move slowly while confident riders wait. If your party includes mixed abilities, explain that when booking and again at the riding point.

The ride can work well in the morning. One positive account called it a relaxing morning activity and a pleasant way to finish the day’s plans. Earlier temperatures may also be more comfortable for both riders and horses, though the exact departure time is not specified.

What to Wear and Carry

Wear long trousers and secure shoes. Jeans and trainers worked for one rider, though proper riding footwear is not listed as provided.

A helmet and safety equipment are included, so you do not need to bring those. A small drink is a good idea, especially in warm weather. Insect repellent was also recommended by one rider.

Bring sun protection, but keep loose items to a minimum. Phones, cameras, and bags can be awkward on horseback. If photographs are offered, decide in advance how much you are willing to pay.

You should also be ready for sand, dust, and possible splashes. If you choose the beach option and enter the water, avoid wearing anything you cannot get wet.

Who Will Enjoy This Ride Most?

I think this activity suits first-time riders, families with older children who can participate, couples wanting a different coastal outing, and confident riders who are happy with a guided route.

It is especially appealing if you want:

• A short horse experience without committing to a full-day excursion
• Hotel pickup and return
• A guide who can support a nervous beginner
• Beach photographs or a short ride into shallow water
• A low-cost outdoor activity near Sharm El Sheikh

I would be more cautious if you are an experienced rider looking for a long, fast, technical ride. The route may be busy, the desert area may be close to roads and quad bikes, and the horse’s condition can vary.

You should also reconsider if you expect luxury facilities, a spotless beach, or a fully remote setting. The experience is basic and practical. Its best moments come from the horses, the guides, and the coastal views, not from elaborate infrastructure.

Cancellation and Booking Details

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

The activity is provided by Meeka Tours. Confirmation is issued when you book, mobile tickets are available, and group discounts may be offered. The stated maximum weight is 150 kilograms, and the group limit is 15 people.

Because the headline price excludes the €5 government fee, check the total amount before confirming. Also ask about the exact beach or desert option, expected riding time, and photo charges if those details matter to you.

Should You Book Horse Riding in Sharm El Sheikh?

Book it if you want an inexpensive, easy-to-arrange ride with hotel transport and a good chance of personal attention from the guides. The strongest parts are the gentle horses, patient support for beginners, and the chance to ride beside the sea or into shallow water.

Book with realistic expectations. This is not always a remote desert adventure, and the beach may be untidy. Transport can run late, some rides may be shorter than expected, and you should watch for extra photography charges and signs that a horse needs a rest.

For most first-time riders, families, and casual holidaymakers, the value is good at the advertised price plus the government fee. Ask clear questions, protect your time, and speak up about safety. Done that way, this can be a memorable two hours rather than just another activity squeezed between pool time and dinner.

FAQ

How long does the horse ride last?

The experience lasts approximately two hours, including the arrival, horse selection, preparation, and ride. Some accounts describe a one-hour ride, so confirm the actual riding time on the day.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and return service from hotels in Sharm El Sheikh are included.

Can beginners take part?

Yes. Most people can participate, and guides match horses to riding ability. Beginners may be led or supported by a guide while more confident riders may be allowed to trot.

Can the horses go into the sea?

The beach option may include riding into shallow seawater. The water may only reach low on the horse’s legs, and entering the water may be optional.

What is not included in the price?

The government fee of €5 per person is not included. Photography may also cost extra, and the price and delivery of photographs should be confirmed before purchase.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum stated rider weight is 150 kilograms.