Sharm El Shiekh: Beach and City Desert Horse Riding Tour

Ride into the Red Sea. This two-hour horseback outing takes you from Edelweiss Equestrian Center across the open desert around Sharm El Sheikh and down to a beach where your horse can splash through the water. I especially like the small groups of up to five and the careful matching of horses to riding ability. The main thing to weigh is that the $98 price does not include food, drinks, or optional photographs.

The flexible timing is another real plus. A sunrise ride gives you cool air and soft light, while sunset brings warm colors over the beach and Sinai hills. Guides such as Mohammed are praised for helping first-time riders, though the exact amount of time spent at the beach can vary, and some rides may feel closer to 90 minutes than the advertised two hours.

Key points to know before booking

• Horseback route from city desert to beach: Expect open spaces and desert tracks around Sharm El Sheikh, not a vast field of sand dunes.
• Red Sea water ride: You can take your horse into the clear coastal water and get wet, so plan your clothes with care.
• Beginner-friendly instruction: Horses are assigned by riding level, and guides can lead or walk beside nervous riders.
• Sunrise is especially memorable: Early departures offer cooler conditions and striking light over the beach.
• Optional photography can be excellent: Confirm the price in pounds before agreeing, since photographs cost extra.
• Transport is available but must be selected: Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only when you choose the transfer option.

From the Edelweiss stables into Sharm El Sheikh’s open desert

Your outing begins at the Edelweiss Equestrian Center. If you selected transport, an air-conditioned bus or coach collects you from your accommodation and returns you afterward. Give the local partner your WhatsApp number so the pickup time can be confirmed, and keep your passport or a copy ready for security purposes.

If you are arranging your own transport, you go directly to the center. The first useful step is the horse matching. You are asked about your experience, then given a horse suited to your confidence and ability. That matters here because the group can include complete beginners, children, older riders, and people who already ride regularly.

The stable receives strong praise for its clean facilities and well-cared-for horses. Names such as Candy appear often in the experience of returning riders, but your horse will depend on availability and your riding level. Calm, reliable horses are used for beginners, while a more spirited horse may suit an experienced rider who wants to trot or canter.

You receive a helmet before mounting. Riders are also given basic instruction on handling the horse, controlling speed, and staying secure in the saddle. Several first-time riders were able to progress from walking to trotting, but you should not assume that every participant will gallop. Your guide decides what is safe for the horse, the group, and your ability.

The early route leads through what is described as the city desert. Keep your expectations realistic. This is not a grand sweep of untouched Sahara dunes. One useful description places the riding area in a broad open space with buildings visible around the horizon. Even so, the route gives you a clear change from hotel pools and resort streets, and it creates room for faster riding when the guide considers it suitable.

Riding for beginners, families, and confident horse riders

This experience works best because the guides adjust the pace instead of forcing the whole group into one style of riding. A nervous rider can stay at the back, walk with a lead, or have a guide walk alongside. A more confident rider may be allowed to ride independently, trot, or canter when conditions and ability permit.

That flexibility is especially useful for families. A nine-year-old beginner was able to trot by the end of one outing, while an older first-time rider was given a gentle horse and close support. A rider in their sixties also enjoyed the trip with a carefully chosen horse. Children must still be managed sensibly, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems.

The guides are often singled out for patience. Mohammed is praised for explaining the basics clearly and keeping nervous riders calm. Other staff members may speak Arabic, English, Russian, or Italian. English communication appears strongest with some members of the team, but the riding instructions are supported by hands-on guidance and demonstrations.

You should also prepare your body for two hours in a saddle. First-time riders may feel tiredness in the inner legs and glute muscles afterward. That is normal for a sustained ride, especially if you trot or canter. Wear long trousers and consider gloves. One rider specifically warned that the saddle can rub bare skin, while another recommended trainers and waterproof shoes.

The ride to the beach and the best views

The route gradually leaves the stable area and heads toward the coast. At sunrise, you start in darkness or very early morning light, then watch the sky brighten as the horses move toward the beach. This timing means a very early pickup, sometimes around 4 a.m. It is not for anyone who wants a slow holiday morning, but the cooler air and quiet beach can make the early alarm worthwhile.

Sunset offers a different mood. The beach becomes the main stage as the light softens, and the Sinai hills can form a striking backdrop. The exact view depends on weather and the chosen departure time, but both sunrise and sunset have a clear advantage over the hotter middle of the day.

The ride itself includes walking and, for suitable riders, faster sections. Some outings spend roughly an hour getting to the water and then return by a similar route. That leaves less time on the beach than you might expect from the promotional description. If the beach is your main reason for booking, ask the provider how the selected departure normally divides time between the route and the water.

The setting is also less isolated than the word desert might suggest. You may see buildings on the horizon rather than endless dunes. I would still consider the route scenic and unusual, but it is best understood as a coastal horse ride through open ground near Sharm El Sheikh, not a remote desert expedition.

Entering the Red Sea on horseback

The most unusual part comes at the beach. Your horse can walk or run into the shallow coastal water, allowing you to splash through the clear Red Sea. You should expect to get wet. This is why waterproof shoes and practical clothing matter more than looking polished for the hotel breakfast afterward.

The water section is fun because it changes the ride from a standard desert trail into something distinctly Sharm El Sheikh. The horses seem comfortable around the sea, and the guides control the pace as riders approach the water. You may be able to let the horse move faster along the shore if your guide considers you ready, but do not treat the beach as a private racetrack.

Some descriptions use the word swimming, but the practical experience is a horse entering and splashing through the sea. The depth and amount of time in the water can vary. Ask the guide before mounting if you prefer a cautious water entry or want to spend as much time as possible near the shore.

The beach itself is described as quiet and attractive, with enough room for photographs and beach riding. It is also where the group can lose track of time. A photography session may become the focus, especially if several people have paid for pictures. If you mainly want to ride, say so early and ask the guide to protect enough time for the water and shoreline.

Photography, extra charges, and what the $98 covers

The $98 price includes the instructor and helmet. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select that option, which can make the price easier to justify if your accommodation is not close to the stable. Food and drinks are not included, so bring water or arrange your own refreshments before or after the ride.

A photographer may accompany the group or work at the beach. The photographs can be a strong part of the experience, with action shots of riders on the sand and horses in the water. Several riders considered the pictures worth buying, and some guides also take useful images or short videos.

The important practical point is to settle the price before the photo session begins. One complaint involved a charge quoted in British pounds rather than Egyptian pounds, and another rider reported an additional payment at the stable. These accounts do not change the value of the ride itself, but they show why you should ask three plain questions:

• What is the total price for the photographs?
• Is the price in Egyptian pounds, British pounds, or another currency?
• Are there any extra charges beyond the booking price?

You are not required to purchase the photo package. If you do want pictures, carry extra cash and agree on the number of images and final cost before posing. This small bit of caution helps keep a good outing from ending with an unpleasant surprise.

At $98, the experience is not the cheapest way to spend two hours in Sharm El Sheikh. The value comes from the combination of a trained horse, an instructor, a beach route, water riding, and optional hotel transport. For a first-time rider who wants a memorable activity rather than a basic stable lesson, that combination may justify the cost. For an experienced rider seeking a long, remote trail, the price may feel less attractive because the route is close to the city and the beach time can be limited.

Choosing sunrise, morning, or sunset

Sunrise is my strongest recommendation for most people. The cooler temperatures help the horses and riders, the beach can feel peaceful, and the changing sky gives the outing a special quality. The tradeoff is the very early start and the need to arrange your morning around pickup.

A morning departure is a sensible middle choice. You avoid the darkest start of sunrise while still missing the strongest heat of the day. It may suit families and first-time riders who want good light without a 4 a.m. alarm.

Sunset is ideal if you want warm photographs and a relaxed end to the day. The beach and surrounding hills can look particularly good in the evening light. Keep in mind that summer heat can still affect the ride before the sun drops, and the exact return time depends on the route and transport.

The provider offers all three time choices, but availability changes. Check the start time before paying and remember that the two-hour activity length does not include all hotel travel time. Pickup, the drive to the stable, and the return journey may make the total outing longer.

Group size, safety, and physical comfort

The group limit is five participants, which is a useful size for a mixed-ability ride. A small group gives the instructor more time to help beginners and makes it easier to adjust the pace. It can also make the photography stop feel less crowded than a large excursion.

Your safety depends on following the guide’s instructions. Keep your helmet on, stay at the pace assigned to you, and tell the instructor if you are nervous or uncomfortable. The saddles include a strap that can offer extra security, but it is still important to sit correctly and avoid sudden movements.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems. The operator also sets a maximum rider weight of 120 kilograms. If you have limited riding experience, say so clearly at the start. The staff can choose a gentle horse and decide if you should be led, walked alongside, or allowed more freedom.

Wear comfortable clothes that can get wet. Long trousers are better than shorts or a dress because they reduce rubbing. Comfortable trainers are useful, and waterproof shoes are specifically recommended. Bring your passport or a copy, but leave valuables you do not need at the stable.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Sharm El Sheikh schedule is still changing.

Who should book this horseback ride?

I would recommend it to first-time riders, couples, families with suitable children, and experienced riders who want the novelty of riding into the Red Sea. The staff’s ability to match horses and adjust support is the strongest reason beginners can consider it.

It is also a good choice if you care about photographs. Sunrise and sunset give you the best chance of memorable light, and the horse-in-water setting is far more distinctive than a standard stable portrait. Just treat photography as an optional extra and confirm the price first.

I would be more cautious if you want a true dune adventure, a long remote trail, or a guaranteed amount of cantering. The city desert may show buildings, and the beach portion may be shorter than expected. You should also skip it if you are pregnant, have back problems, exceed the 120 kilogram limit, or dislike getting wet.

Final verdict: a memorable coastal ride with a few conditions

This Edelweiss Center outing earns its strong reputation for good reasons: calm, well-cared-for horses, patient guides, small groups, and the rare chance to ride through Red Sea water. Mohammed and the wider team receive particular praise for helping complete beginners feel safe, while experienced riders can sometimes enjoy faster riding.

Book it if you want a distinctive two-hour activity and are happy to follow the guide’s judgment. Choose sunrise for cooler air and quiet views, sunset for photographs, and the transfer option if you do not want to arrange your own way to the stable. Go in with realistic expectations about the city setting, bring long trousers and waterproof footwear, and settle any photo or extra charges before you agree. With those details handled, this is a lively and memorable way to see a less polished side of Sharm El Sheikh.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding activity last?

The activity is advertised as two hours. This refers to the ride itself and does not include hotel travel time. Some individual outings may finish earlier, so ask how the time is normally divided between the desert route and the beach.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $98 per person. Food, drinks, and optional photography are not included.

Can beginners take part?

Yes. Horses are selected according to riding ability, and instructors can lead or walk beside nervous riders. Beginners may learn to walk, trot, and possibly canter if the guide considers it safe.

Can I ride a horse into the Red Sea?

Yes. The route reaches a beach where you can take your horse into the water and splash through the Red Sea. Expect your clothes and shoes to get wet.

Are sunrise and sunset rides available?

Yes. You can choose a sunrise, morning, or sunset departure, subject to availability.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select the transfer option. If you do not select it, you must make your own way to Edelweiss Equestrian Center.

What languages do the instructors speak?

The listed languages are Arabic, English, Russian, and Italian.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothes, long trousers, comfortable shoes, and waterproof shoes. Long trousers help prevent rubbing from the saddle.

Do I need to bring my passport?

Yes. Bring your passport for security purposes. A copy is accepted.

Is the activity suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems?

No. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems. The maximum rider weight is 120 kilograms.