Hurghada: Red Sea & Desert Horse Riding Tour with Swimming

Horseback riding meets the Red Sea. I love the rare chance to ride from desert sands to the beach, and I especially like that you can choose to swim beside your horse for about an hour. The guides, including Karim, Keo, Ameen, and Sasa, are praised for helping nervous beginners feel safe. The main consideration is that riding is physical, and pickup timing or vehicle comfort may not be perfect for everyone.

This is a low-cost, high-memory excursion rather than a polished luxury outing. At $20 per person, it offers hotel transport in Hurghada, riding in two very different settings, refreshments, safety gear, and the option to add the Red Sea swim. You should confirm the exact pickup time and the current special-offer day, since the supplied details mention both Tuesday and Friday in one place and Sunday and Friday in another.

Key points at a glance

• Horse swimming is the headline experience: Choose the swim option for roughly an hour in the Red Sea with your horse.
• Two distinct riding settings: Expect about one hour in the desert and one hour along the beach, with time on the horse at each station lasting 40 to 60 minutes.
• Beginner-friendly support: Guides provide an introduction, helmets, saddles, and help during the ride. Several guides are singled out for calming first-time riders.
• Strong value at $20: Hotel pickup and return in Hurghada, tea or coffee, water, a helmet, and chaps are included.
• Check your hotel location: Transfers from El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Soma Bay, and Safaga cost an extra €10 per person.
• Bring practical riding clothes: Flexible, breathable long trousers and swimwear make the day more comfortable.

Why this Hurghada horse ride is different

Many horseback outings give you a short ride near a stable and call it an adventure. This one has a more appealing shape: you move through the dry desert, ride beside the Red Sea, and can finish with a swim involving the horse itself.

That mix gives the trip its value. The desert section offers open views, sparse plant life, and a strong sense of space. The beach section brings sea air, waves, and a softer setting. The swim option changes the outing from a standard riding lesson into something unusual and memorable.

I would not book this simply because the price is low. I would book it because the route offers three different experiences in one outing: basic instruction, outdoor riding, and a possible horse swim. At $20, that is a strong deal if the logistics work for your hotel and you are comfortable with a physical activity.

The experience provider is FTS Travels. The outing is offered in English, German, and Arabic, so you have a good chance of getting instructions in a language you understand.

Hotel pickup and the ride to the stable

The day begins with collection from your hotel in Hurghada. The exact time depends on where you are staying, and you should confirm it the day before. A delay of up to 10 minutes is possible, which is worth remembering if you are arranging another activity later.

Pickup and return are included for hotels in Hurghada. If you are staying in El Gouna, Al Ahyaa, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Soma Bay, or Safaga, transport may be available for an additional €10 per person.

The transport is useful because you do not need to find the stable yourself. One small weakness is that vehicle comfort and pickup timing may vary. One participant specifically found the pickup experience less impressive than the ride itself, so keep your expectations practical. This is a budget excursion, not a private chauffeur service.

Send your room number by email or WhatsApp if possible. That makes the final pickup arrangement easier, especially in a large resort area.

Meeting the horses and learning the basics

At the stable, you meet the guide and are introduced to your horse. The session begins with a short safety briefing and basic riding guidance. You receive a helmet, saddle, and chaps, with the goal of helping you feel secure before leaving the stable.

This matters most if you have little or no riding experience. Several first-time riders describe feeling nervous at the start, then gaining confidence because the guides stayed close and explained what to do. Karim, Keo, Ameen, Sasa, Abdul, and other guides receive repeated praise for being patient, cheerful, and attentive.

The staff may also help individual riders during the route. One nervous rider was given someone to hold the horse, while a parent who felt unwell was offered help and an alternative way to return. Those details suggest a flexible approach, though you should still be honest about your fitness and confidence before mounting.

The tour is not a passive sightseeing ride. You sit on a horse for each section, and riding can become tiring, especially in heat. You may get a chance to trot or run, depending on your ability and the group, but you should never feel pressured to do more than you can manage.

One hour through the Hurghada desert

The first major section takes you into the desert. The dry ground, wide views, and quiet setting offer a sharp contrast with the resort areas along the coast. You may see local plant life and small signs of wildlife, though this is not a dedicated nature safari.

The desert ride is valuable because it gives you a feel for the region beyond hotel pools and waterfront promenades. The scenery is spare rather than lush. You get sun, sand, stone, and long open views, with the horse providing a slower way to experience it.

Expect roughly 40 to 60 minutes on the horse at each station, with the desert portion described as about one hour. The exact pace depends on the group and the riding abilities present. Beginners may move slowly while they learn to steer and balance, while experienced riders may receive more chances to trot.

The horses are described as calm, trained, and in good condition. Several people specifically commented on the stable care, friendly horses, and clean, comfortable atmosphere. You can also expect the guides to take photographs and videos on your own phone during the outing. That is a useful bonus, especially if you do not want to pay separately for every picture.

Still, remember that the horse is working in a hot, dry setting. The 100-kilogram, or 220-pound, maximum rider weight is stated for the horses’ safety. It is an important rule, not a minor booking detail.

Riding beside the Red Sea

The beach portion changes the mood completely. Instead of dry, open desert, you get sea air, waves, and views across the Red Sea. Riding along the shore is peaceful, and the water gives the horses a natural place to cool off.

This section is likely to be the most photogenic part of the standard ride. Guides often take pictures here, and the contrast between the horses, sand, and sea makes for memorable images. The beach ride also gives beginners a calmer setting after the first riding lesson.

You may ride near the water or into it, depending on the chosen activity and the group. The supplied details describe about one hour of beach riding, with each station lasting 40 to 60 minutes. Bring swimwear if you select the swimming option, and wear clothing that can handle salt water and sand.

The ride is not ideal for anyone expecting a long, fast gallop. This is a guided outing with mixed abilities, and safety comes first. Some participants had their first proper ride here, while others already knew how to ride. The guides work to keep the group together, so the pace may feel slow if you are an experienced rider.

The optional one-hour swim with your horse

The horse swim is the main reason to choose the upgraded option. You enter the Red Sea with the horse for around one hour, creating a rare chance to experience the animal in the water rather than simply riding along the shore.

This part requires a little trust. Some people begin nervous about the water, but supportive guides such as Ameen, Karim, Keo, and Sasa have been praised for helping riders take things at their own pace. If you are uneasy, tell the guide before entering the water. Clear communication is more useful than trying to appear confident.

The swim is also the most physically demanding part. Water changes your balance, wet clothing adds weight, and you may tire faster than expected. You should be comfortable with a physical activity and follow the guide’s directions closely.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, and a change of dry clothing. The listed inclusions mention water, tea or coffee, helmet, and chaps, but they do not list towels or changing facilities. Do not assume those are supplied.

It is worth checking exactly what your selected package includes. The standard description presents the swim as an optional choice, and the timing can vary depending on the package. The broader outing lasts about three hours, while the horse swim itself is described as roughly one hour.

Food, drinks, and time at the stable

Coffee, tea, and water are included, which is welcome after riding in the sun. The highlights also describe a freshly cooked meal with music after the ride, but the formal inclusion list does not clearly include a meal.

I would confirm this before booking if food matters to you. Do not rely on the meal description alone. Bring a small snack if you need regular food, particularly if your pickup is early or your hotel is far from the stable.

The refreshments are a modest but useful touch. They give you time to cool down, talk with the guides, and settle after the ride. The stable atmosphere is part of the experience, and the horses are frequently described as friendly and well cared for.

Safety, comfort, and animal care

The tour includes a helmet and chaps, plus an introduction before riding. The guides are the strongest part of the safety setup. Beginners describe receiving hands-on help, reassurance, and instructions on steering, trotting, and staying balanced.

You should still treat this as a real riding activity. Wear breathable, flexible long trousers to reduce rubbing, and choose closed, comfortable footwear. Avoid loose clothing that may catch on equipment. Use sun protection, drink water, and tell the guide if you feel tired or unwell.

The 220-pound weight limit applies to riders. It is listed for the horses’ safety, and the operator may refuse a rider who exceeds it. Children are mentioned in the feedback, including an eight-year-old and an eleven-year-old, but no specific minimum age is provided in the tour details. Ask the provider before booking for a child.

The horses are repeatedly described as calm, healthy, friendly, and well trained. You should still watch how the animals are handled when you arrive. A good sign is a guide who explains the horse’s behavior and gives it time to settle before riding.

What the $20 price really buys you

At $20, this is unusually good value if you stay in Hurghada and choose the standard ride. You receive hotel pickup and return, a guide, about one hour in the desert, about one hour at the beach, safety gear, refreshments, and the chance to add the swim.

The price becomes less simple if you stay outside Hurghada. The extra €10 transfer charge from nearby resort areas is reasonable, but you should add it to your total before comparing this tour with other activities.

The biggest value comes from variety. You are not paying only for a short horseback loop. You get desert scenery, sea views, guide support, and the possibility of swimming with the horse. The tradeoff is that transport, timing, and group pace may feel basic.

Special offers are advertised on certain days, but the supplied information conflicts over the exact schedule. One part mentions Sunday and Friday, while another specifies Tuesday and Friday. Ask FTS Travels to confirm the current offer before you reserve.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it to:

• First-time riders who want patient instruction and close guide support
• Families with children who meet the provider’s requirements
• Couples looking for an unusual Red Sea activity
• Experienced riders who are happy with a guided, mixed-ability pace
• Anyone who wants a memorable photo opportunity without spending a lot

I would be more cautious if you dislike heat, struggle with balance, or want a long independent gallop. The ride is physical, and the horse swim adds another layer of effort.

You should also leave enough space around the activity. Pickup times depend on your hotel, and the ride itself can take around three hours, before allowing for transport.

Should you book the Hurghada horse ride?

Book it if you want a friendly, affordable outing with a genuine point of difference. Swimming with the horse is the key choice, and it is worth selecting if you are comfortable in the water and want the most unusual part of the day.

The standard desert and beach ride is still worthwhile, especially for beginners. Guides such as Karim, Keo, Ameen, and Sasa are repeatedly praised for helping nervous riders, while the horses are described as calm and well cared for.

Before paying, confirm the pickup time, the special-offer day, the exact swim package, and whether a meal is included. With those details clear, this is one of the better-value active excursions in Hurghada, provided you arrive ready to ride rather than simply sit and watch.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Hurghada.

Is transport available from El Gouna or Sahl Hasheesh?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from El Gouna, Al Ahyaa, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Soma Bay, and Safaga may be arranged for an extra €10 per person.

How long is the horse riding?

The desert ride is listed as one hour, and the beach ride is also listed as one hour. You are on the horse for about 40 to 60 minutes at each station.

Is swimming with the horses included?

Swimming is included only if you select the swimming option. The swim lasts around one hour.

Do I need riding experience?

No. A safety briefing and basic riding introduction are provided, and the guides help beginners. Riding is physical, so you should be comfortable taking part in an active outing.

What is the maximum rider weight?

For the horses’ safety, riders should not weigh more than 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable, breathable, flexible long trousers to help prevent chafing. Bring swimwear if you choose the horse swimming option.

Are helmets provided?

Yes. Helmets and chaps are included.

Are drinks provided?

Yes. Coffee, tea, and water are included.

Which languages are available?

The activity is available in English, German, and Arabic.