Hurghada: Sea & Desert Horse Riding tour/w Swimming&Transfer

The Red Sea has a saddle view. Hurghada’s Lucky Horses Stable combines a desert ride, beach time, and optional swimming with the horses, making this a pleasant break from boat trips and resort pools. I like the calm, animal-friendly setting and the way guides match horses to riding ability. The main catch is that swimming is seasonal, and the ride may feel slow if you are an experienced rider seeking long stretches of speed.

I also like the flexible format. You can choose a shorter outing or a two-hour ride, go in the morning or near sunset, and arrange hotel transport from Hurghada. Guides such as Rebecca, Abdul, Saeed, and Adil are repeatedly praised for patient instruction and close attention to both rider and horse. Bring long trousers, expect some waiting around pickup, and remember that photos taken on your phone are included, while food and drinks are not.

Key points before you saddle up

• Two very different settings: Ride from the desert to the Red Sea beach, with sand, open views, and time beside the water.
• Swimming is a special summer option: Choose the two-hour ride with swimming if you want to take your horse into the sea.
• Good for first-time riders: Staff give basic instruction and pair riders with horses suited to their confidence and ability.
• Experienced riders have some freedom: Cantering may be possible when conditions and the guide allow, but this is still a guided group ride.
• Strong value at $17: The price includes the ride, safety equipment, and optional hotel pickup from Hurghada when selected.
• Animal care is part of the visit: You will meet horses, cats, and dogs at the stable, so this suits animal lovers who are comfortable around them.

From Hurghada hotel pickup to Lucky Horses Stable

If you select the transfer option, plan to wait at your hotel entrance or security gate 10 minutes before pickup. Drivers may not be allowed inside some resorts, and traffic or hotel security can cause a delay of up to 15 minutes. Your exact time arrives by WhatsApp, email, or the GetYourGuide app, but I would still reconfirm the day before.

The transfer is included from Hurghada if you choose that version of the activity. Pickup from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Safaga, and Soma Bay is available for an extra €10 per person. If you stay elsewhere, you can arrange a meeting point or travel directly to the stable.

The stable can be slightly confusing to find by taxi or Uber. GPS may leave you on the roadside in front of the building called Harmony. Look to the left, then behind that building for the stables. Several horse operations are in the area, so show your ticket when you arrive and confirm that you are at Lucky Horses Stable.

The arrival is more than a quick check-in. You may meet friendly dogs and cats, as well as the horses waiting for their rides. This adds warmth to the place, though it also means the setting is not a polished resort attraction. If you are uneasy around animals, think carefully before booking.

Choosing the right ride length and pace

The activity ranges from 90 minutes to three hours, depending on the option you select. The central ride described for many bookings lasts two hours, and that is the option to choose if you want swimming with your horse during the warm season.

At the stable, staff provide a helmet, and children receive a safety jacket. You are given riding guidance before setting off. The horses are selected according to ability, which is one of the strongest parts of the operation. A first-time rider may be placed on a quiet horse, while an experienced rider can be matched with a more responsive animal.

That does not mean you should expect a private lesson. The guides lead the group and keep an eye on safety, pace, and the horses. First-time riders have described being helped gently through the early nerves, while experienced riders have sometimes been allowed to canter on the beach. Your pace depends on your ability, the group, the horse, and the guide’s judgment.

This balance works well for couples or families where riders have different levels. One person can be new to horses while another already rides regularly. Groups may be divided by ability, so beginners do not have to keep up with confident riders. Private and small-group options are also available, though you should check the exact option when booking.

Riding out through the Hurghada desert

The first section takes you away from the stable and into the desert around Hurghada. It is not a long wilderness expedition, but the change from resort buildings to open sand gives the outing its sense of place.

You will have time to learn how your horse responds to the reins and your body position. For a beginner, this is where the ride becomes manageable. Guides stay close, offer help, and encourage you to relax rather than pull nervously on the reins.

The desert setting also gives the photographer room to take pictures. Staff members use your phone to capture the ride, including images of you with the horse. This is particularly useful for solo riders and couples who do not want to rely on strangers to take their photographs.

The ride is not only about speed. Several people describe it as peaceful and relaxing, while others enjoyed a more active pace. If you want to gallop for most of the outing, tell the guide clearly about your experience, but accept that horse welfare and group safety come first.

The Red Sea beach is the highlight

The route continues to the beach, where the experience becomes more memorable. Riding beside the Red Sea gives you a different view of Hurghada than you get from a hotel sun lounger or a glass-bottom boat.

The beach section is also where confident riders may get a chance to move faster. Some riders have enjoyed cantering on the sand, while beginners have stayed at a comfortable walking pace. Guides keep the group together and help you control the horse near the water.

I would choose the two-hour ride even if you do not plan to swim. A rider named Steve felt that swimming reduced the time available for beach riding and preferred the full two-hour route along the shore. That is useful advice. If your priority is riding rather than getting wet, book the standard two-hour ride without swimming.

The beach can be exposed to sun and wind, so wear breathable clothing and use sun protection. Long trousers are a smart choice because they reduce chafing. Comfortable shoes are also sensible, although the supplied information does not specify a required type.

Swimming with the horses, only when conditions allow

Swimming is the most unusual option, but it is also the part most affected by the calendar and weather. It is offered in summer, and you need to select the two-hour ride with swimming. From early November, swimming is normally stopped because the water and air become too cold for the animals.

The stated last regular swimming date is October 31. After that, it may be possible only by prior agreement, depending on temperature and sea conditions. Contact the stable in advance if swimming is central to your plans. Do not assume that a warm afternoon automatically means the option will run.

In the water, you can experience the unusual sensation of being on horseback in the sea. Several people describe this as the most memorable part of the outing, especially for a first swimming ride. Guides remain nearby and help the group through the water.

There is a practical tradeoff. Swimming uses time that might otherwise be spent riding along the beach, and getting wet can make the rest of the outing less comfortable if you have no change of clothes. Pack a swimsuit, towel, and dry clothing if you select this option. The supplied details do not state that towels or changing facilities are provided, so plan as if they are not.

What the guides and horses add

The staff receive especially strong praise for patience, humor, and care. Rebecca is frequently singled out for being attentive to safety and sensitive to the needs of riders from different backgrounds. Abdul, Saeed, Adil, Abdulrahman, Mohamed, and Adel are also named for helping beginners, handling horses carefully, and keeping the mood relaxed.

Those names matter because the quality of a horse ride depends heavily on the people leading it. A nervous rider needs clear instructions and a steady guide, not pressure to perform. The experience appears well suited to someone who has never ridden before but wants more than a brief photo opportunity.

The horses also have individual personalities. Riders have enjoyed calm horses such as Jojo, Flower, Fatima, Hero, Mediha, and Noor. Hero is described as a strong gray gelding who liked the water, while Flower and Fatima were praised as gentle and polite. As with any living animal, behavior can vary, and one rider found Fatima a little unpredictable. Staff choose the horse for you rather than letting you pick freely.

The stable houses more than horses. You may see rescued dogs and cats, and one recent visit included a newborn donkey. This gives the place a relaxed farm atmosphere, but it may not suit anyone who wants a strictly formal riding center. The operator places strong emphasis on animal care, with shelter for the horses from the sun and a quiet environment around the stables.

Photos, cost, and what $17 really buys

At $17 per person, this is one of Hurghada’s better-value outdoor activities. The price covers the horse ride, guide support, helmet, and child safety jacket. With the transfer option, hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada are included. You also receive help taking photos on your own phone.

The price is especially good for couples, families, and solo visitors who want a half-day activity without paying for a large sightseeing package. The longer options can last up to three hours, so the cost per hour is low.

Do keep the limits in mind. Food and drinks are not included. Professional-looking photos may be available as an optional purchase, even though guides also take pictures with your phone. If you want a large set of edited images, ask about the cost before agreeing.

The low price does not mean you should expect a luxury transfer or a private instructor by default. Pickup depends on hotel location, and a small group may include riders with mixed abilities. For the money, the combination of desert, beach, horse care, and guide attention is strong, but the experience is still a simple stable outing rather than a high-end equestrian lesson.

Who should book, and who should think twice

I would recommend this for beginners, couples, families with older children, animal lovers, and experienced riders who want a relaxed Red Sea activity. It also works well for solo visitors because the guides can take photographs and help you feel part of the group.

Families should note that helmets and safety vests for children are provided. The activity is not suitable for babies under one year, people with mobility impairments, or anyone over the 220-pound, or 100-kilogram, weight limit. Pregnant people should ask a doctor before booking.

You should also be comfortable around animals. Cats, dogs, and horses are part of the stable setting, not a side detail. Anyone with a serious fear of animals may find the arrival and waiting period uncomfortable.

The main decision is pace. If you want a fast, technical ride with long stretches of independent galloping, this may feel controlled. If you want a safe introduction, attractive photos, a beach ride, and the option to swim, the format makes much more sense.

Practical tips for a smoother ride

• Wear long, breathable trousers to help prevent rubbing.
• Bring water, since food and drinks are not included.
• If swimming, bring swimwear, a towel, and dry clothes.
• Reconfirm your pickup time one day before departure.
• Arrive at the hotel entrance or security gate 10 minutes early.
• Show your ticket when you reach the stable.
• Tell the guide your real riding ability, not the ability you hope to have.
• Ask about swimming before November, since it may stop after October 31.
• If you prefer more beach riding, choose the two-hour ride without swimming.
• If you need a pickup from outside Hurghada, budget the additional €10 per person.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve while paying later. The tour runs every day, with morning and sunset choices subject to availability. Guides can assist in English, Arabic, Estonian, German, and Italian.

Should you book this Hurghada horse ride?

Book it if you want a friendly, low-cost way to see the desert and Red Sea shore from horseback. The strongest reasons are the careful horse matching, patient guides, animal-friendly stable, and the rare chance to swim with a horse in warm-season conditions.

Skip it if you dislike being around animals, need fully independent riding, or want guaranteed swimming outside the summer period. For most beginners and casual riders, though, $17 buys a memorable outing with a good mix of scenery, support, and character. Choose the standard two-hour beach ride for riding time, or the two-hour swimming option if the water experience is your main goal.

FAQ

How much does the Hurghada horse riding tour cost?

The listed price is $17 per person. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada are included only when you select the transfer option.

How long does the horse riding experience last?

Available options range from 90 minutes to three hours. A commonly selected ride lasts two hours.

Can I swim with the horse?

Yes, swimming is available with the two-hour ride and swimming option during the warm season. Regular swimming ends after October 31 because of colder weather, though it may be possible later by prior agreement if conditions are suitable.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The activity is suitable for beginners and experienced riders. Staff provide riding guidance and select horses according to each rider’s ability.

Are helmets provided?

Yes. Helmets are provided, and children receive safety jackets.

Is hotel pickup available outside Hurghada?

Pickup from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Safaga, and Soma Bay is available for an extra €10 per person. You can also travel directly to the stable.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable, breathable clothing, with long trousers recommended to reduce chafing. If you select swimming, bring suitable swimwear and a change of clothes.

What is the maximum rider weight?

The maximum rider weight is 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms, for the horses’ safety.