Sharm El-Sheikh: 2-Hour Horse Ride Along Beach & Desert Trails

The desert meets the sea on horseback. This two-hour ride from Sharm El-Sheikh combines Sinai desert trails, mountain views, and the rare chance to guide a horse through Red Sea shallows, with an instructor nearby throughout. I like the hotel pickup and drop-off, which removes the hassle of reaching the stable, and I like the choice of morning, sunrise, or sunset timing. The main consideration is that you need a moderate level of fitness, and the extra $5 governmental fee, food, drinks, and professional photos are not included.

The experience costs $40 per person and takes about two hours and 30 minutes overall. I would treat it as a scenic guided ride rather than a lesson in advanced horsemanship. The setting is the real draw: open desert, striking mountain views, a beach, and water riding in one compact outing.

Key Points at a Glance

• Horse riding reaches the Red Sea beach, where your horse may walk through the clear shallows under instructor supervision.
• Desert and mountain scenery shape the route, giving the ride more variety than a simple stable loop.
• Instructor Eslam received especially strong praise for his friendly manner and riding experience.
• Sunrise, morning, and sunset options let you choose softer light or a livelier part of the day.
• Hotel transport, a helmet, and the horse ride are included in the advertised $40 price.
• Groups can reach 20 people, so the ride may feel less private during busy departures.

From Your Hotel to the Edelweiss Equestrian Center

Your outing begins with pickup from your accommodation in Sharm El-Sheikh, using an air-conditioned bus or coach. You can also use the designated meeting point in Sharm El Sheikh 2, South Sinai Governorate, if that suits your plans better.

I like this arrangement because horse-riding stables are rarely convenient to reach on foot from a resort area. A direct transfer also keeps the morning or evening simple, especially if you are carrying a water bottle, camera, or light jacket. Confirm your pickup details when booking, since the experience offers both hotel collection and a meeting-point option.

The destination is the Edelweiss Equestrian Center. Once there, you receive a helmet, meet your horse, and get guidance from an instructor before heading out. The information provided does not give a detailed stable orientation or lesson length, so you should expect basic preparation rather than a long formal riding class.

That is not necessarily a weakness. If you already ride, you will likely appreciate getting on the trail without a long delay. If you are new to horses, use the time before departure to tell the instructor about your experience level and any concerns. The tour is guided, but it is still an active outing, not a passive sightseeing trip.

Riding into the Sinai Desert

The first major part of the route leads into the Sinai desert. Here, the attraction is space. You leave the built-up resort setting behind and ride through open terrain with mountain views around you.

The desert gives this outing a strong sense of place. You are not simply circling a riding arena or following a short path beside hotel compounds. You get a look at the dry interior around Sharm El-Sheikh, where the mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to the ride.

I especially like the contrast between the desert and the coast. In a single outing, you move from dry ground and rugged mountain scenery to a beach and the sea. That change makes the experience feel more memorable than a standard beach activity.

The route is guided, and the instructor remains central to the experience. A particularly praised guide is Eslam, who was described as friendly and highly experienced with riding. Since the ride may include people with different levels of ability, a good instructor matters. You want someone who can help a beginner feel steady while also keeping a more confident rider engaged.

The pace deserves a realistic note. One description praised the horse as nice and fast, but the tour is still conducted under instruction. Do not book it expecting an unsupervised gallop across open desert. The actual speed will depend on the guide, the horses, the group, and your riding ability.

Mountains, Open Ground, and Changing Light

The mountain views are one of the strongest reasons to choose this ride. They give the desert section shape and scale, especially if you choose a time when the light is low and warm.

A sunrise departure can offer a quiet start and cooler conditions. A morning ride gives you daylight for seeing the desert clearly. Sunset should appeal to anyone who values warm light and a more atmospheric setting, though the exact feel will depend on the chosen departure time and local conditions.

The option to choose your timing is useful, but it also means you should match the ride to your priorities. I would favor sunrise or morning if heat is a concern. Sunset may suit you if photographs and softer light matter most. The supplied details do not promise a particular sunset view, so think of the timing as a choice of mood and temperature rather than a guaranteed spectacle.

The terrain also affects comfort. Horseback riding uses your legs, core, and balance, and the description asks for a moderate fitness level. You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable sitting on a horse for an extended outing. If you have limited riding experience, expect some stiffness afterward.

Wear practical clothing. Long trousers and closed shoes make more sense than beachwear, even though the route eventually reaches the shore. A helmet is included, and you should use it. Bring sun protection and water, since food and drinks are not part of the price.

Reaching the Red Sea Beach

The ride continues to a picturesque beach, creating the most unusual part of the experience. You get the chance to ride alongside the Red Sea and take your horse through the clear shallows.

This is the section that gives the tour its strongest sense of adventure. A desert ride is pleasant, but a horse splashing through seawater is a more distinctive memory. The change in setting also breaks up the ride, giving you a coastal view after the dry desert trails.

Keep your expectations measured. The description says you can ride through the sea waters, but it does not specify how far into the water the horses go, how long the water portion lasts, or whether every horse enters at the same depth. The instructor will guide the group, and the actual water experience may vary according to conditions, horse behavior, and safety decisions.

That uncertainty is normal for an animal-based activity. You are riding a living creature, not following a fixed amusement-park track. If entering the water is the main reason you want to book, ask the provider about current conditions and the planned water section before you go.

The sea also creates a few practical concerns. Keep phones and cameras protected from splashes, and do not bring anything you cannot afford to get wet. Professional photography is available for an additional charge, but it is not included. That may be useful if you want action images without trying to manage a camera from the saddle.

How the $40 Price Holds Up

At $40 per person, the cost is reasonable for a two-hour guided ride that includes hotel pickup and return transport. You also receive the horse ride, an instructor, and a helmet.

The value is strongest if you are staying in Sharm El-Sheikh and want several settings in one outing. Desert trails, mountain views, a beach, and sea riding would each require separate planning in an unguided visit. The air-conditioned transfer adds practical value, especially when the stable is outside your immediate resort area.

The price is not all-inclusive. You should budget an additional $5 per person for governmental fees. Food and drinks cost extra, and professional photographs are also separate. That does not make the base price poor, but it changes the final amount you should expect to pay.

I would compare this experience with other horseback rides based on what is included, not just the headline price. A cheaper ride without transport may become less convenient once you add a taxi. A more expensive outing may include meals or photography, but those extras may not matter to you.

The average booking lead time is 16 days, which suggests that planning ahead is sensible, particularly for a preferred sunset or sunrise slot. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the maximum group size is 20 people.

Group Size and Riding Comfort

A maximum of 20 people is manageable for a guided activity, but it is not an intimate private ride. The group may include beginners and experienced riders, so the pace and route will need to work for everyone.

If you want a quiet, personal outing, ask whether a private ride or smaller departure is available. The supplied details only confirm the maximum group size, not the usual number on each departure. That distinction matters: a group of six feels very different from a full group of 20.

The instructor is important here. Eslam received particularly warm praise for being friendly and experienced, which is encouraging for riders who want clear help without a stiff or formal atmosphere. Still, staffing can change, so do not assume he will lead every departure unless the provider confirms it.

This ride suits people with at least some physical readiness. You need to mount, sit in the saddle, follow instructions, and remain comfortable for roughly two hours of activity. The tour may suit confident beginners, but anyone with serious mobility concerns should check directly before booking because no specific accessibility information is provided.

What to Bring and What to Leave Behind

The tour includes a helmet, but you should bring clothing suited to both desert and beach conditions. Long trousers, secure footwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a small bottle of water are sensible choices.

Avoid carrying loose items that can fall from the saddle. If you want photos, use a secure phone case or ask about the paid professional photographer. The water section makes protection especially important.

Food and drinks are not included. The available information does not promise a meal stop, so eat before departure if needed and carry water if permitted. Do not assume refreshments will be supplied at the stable or on the route.

The transfer is by air-conditioned bus or coach, which should make the ride to and from the center more comfortable. You will still want to leave room for riding gear and any small personal items.

Who Will Enjoy This Ride Most?

I would recommend this experience to you if you want a short outdoor adventure with strong scenery and limited planning. It is particularly suitable if you like horses, want to see more than the resort area, and are drawn to the unusual idea of riding through Red Sea shallows.

It can also work well for mixed-interest groups. Someone who wants desert scenery, someone who wants a beach outing, and someone who wants to ride can all find part of what they want here.

I would be more cautious if you are seeking a private, slow, highly personalized lesson. The group may reach 20 people, and the tour is built around a guided route rather than detailed equestrian training. I would also think twice if you dislike uncertainty around animals or are not comfortable with moderate physical activity.

Families and first-time riders should confirm age requirements and ability guidelines directly, because those details are not provided. The same applies to anyone with mobility limitations or a strong need for a specific horse or riding pace.

Cancellation and Final Booking Advice

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local time.

I would book this ride if the combination of desert, mountains, and sea matters more to you than a polished, luxury-style excursion. The price is fair, transport is included, and the route offers more variety than a simple beach ride.

I would skip it if the extra $5 fee, paid photographs, and separate refreshments bother you, or if you need a private group and a guaranteed long water ride. Before paying, confirm the pickup time, the departure period you want, and the current plan for entering the sea.

For most reasonably fit visitors who want a memorable two-hour activity in Sharm El-Sheikh, this is a sound choice. Its best features are simple ones: a horse beneath you, Sinai mountains ahead, and the Red Sea at the end of the trail.

FAQ

How long does the horse-riding experience last?

The experience lasts approximately two hours and 30 minutes overall, with the horseback riding described as a two-hour activity.

What is included in the $40 price?

The price includes horseback riding, an instructor, a helmet, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup and return transport are offered from your accommodation. You may also choose to meet at the designated meeting point in Sharm El-Sheikh 2.

Can I ride a horse through the Red Sea?

The experience includes the opportunity to ride along the beach and through the sea waters. The exact distance, duration, and water depth are not specified.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the price.

Is there an extra fee?

Yes. A governmental fee of $5 per person is not included in the advertised price.

Is a helmet provided?

Yes. A helmet is included as part of the experience.

What is the cancellation policy?

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