Soma Bay: Horse Riding Beach and Desert Tour With Transfer

Ride beside the Red Sea, then cross the sand. I like this experience for its mix of beach views and desert trails, all packed into a manageable two-hour outing. I also like the care taken with horse matching and pacing, especially for first-time riders. The main drawback is that transfers from Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna cost an extra 10 euros per person.

The ride keeps things simple: hotel pickup if selected, a trained horse, a professional guide, water, tea, and a return transfer. The 4.9 rating from 31 reviews also fits the strongest feature here: helpful staff who take pictures, adjust the ride for beginners, and keep the outing well organized.

Key Points To Know

• Two hours on horseback: The route combines Red Sea beach riding with open desert trails.
• Good for first-time riders: Staff match you with a suitable horse and adapt the pace to your experience.
• Coastal scenery: Expect turquoise water, golden sand, sea air, and wide views with few crowds.
• Hotel transfer available: Pickup and return are included when you choose the transfer option.
• Useful extras included: You receive bottled water, tea, and a professional guide.
• Watch the transfer fee: Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna pickups add 10 euros per person.

Starting With The Hotel Transfer

If you select the transfer option, the experience begins with pickup from your hotel and a ride to the equestrian center. That matters in the Red Sea Governorate, where beach resorts and riding facilities can be spread across a broad area. You do not need to arrange a separate taxi or work out directions before an early activity.

The return transfer is included as well, so the day has a clear beginning and end. Check the pickup cost carefully if you are staying in Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, or El Gouna. Those areas carry an extra 10 euro charge per person, which can affect the value for couples or families.

The transfer option is not just a minor convenience. After two hours in the sun and saddle, having a ride back to your hotel is welcome. If you are staying elsewhere in the Red Sea area, confirm the available pickup details before paying, since the supplied information specifically identifies the four areas with an extra charge.

Meeting Your Horse At The Equestrian Center

At the riding center, professional staff match you with a trained horse suited to your riding level. That is one of the strongest parts of the experience because a good horse match can make the difference between a relaxed outing and a nervous one.

You can join as a complete beginner or as someone with riding experience. The pace and style can be adjusted to your comfort, from a calm ride along the shore to a more spirited outing through open terrain. The available information does not promise advanced riding instruction or fast galloping, so you should think of this as a scenic ride with personal attention rather than a serious equestrian lesson.

The staff also work with first-time riders. Several comments specifically praise the way the activity was adjusted for people riding for the first time. That makes this a more sensible choice for a beginner than a ride built around speed or technical skill.

Wear clothing that allows easy movement and suits horse riding. A hat is recommended, and it is a practical choice in an exposed coastal and desert setting. You should also expect sand, sun, and wind, so choose clothes you do not mind getting dusty.

Riding Along The Red Sea Coast

The most memorable section is the beach ride. You follow scenic routes beside the Red Sea, with turquoise water on one side and golden sand on the other. The sea breeze gives the ride a cool, open feeling, while the broad views make the setting feel far removed from the busy parts of a resort holiday.

The coastal setting is valuable because you experience the Red Sea from ground level. From a hotel pool or boat, you see the water. On horseback, you move beside it at a slower pace, with time to notice the contrast between the clear sea and the dry desert around it.

Your guide remains with you throughout the ride, helping with safety and comfort. The exact riding pace depends on your skill and preference. You might spend much of the time walking peacefully along the shore, or you might have a more active section across open terrain if that suits your ability.

Keep your expectations realistic. The description offers beach and desert riding, but it does not specify a long gallop, swimming with the horses, or a private ride. If you want a high-speed equestrian session, ask before booking. If you want scenery, fresh air, and a gentle introduction to riding, the format makes better sense.

Crossing The Desert Trails

The desert portion gives the two-hour ride a second mood. Instead of following the water, you move through dry, open ground with the Red Sea still part of the wider view. The change from coast to desert helps the outing feel more varied than a short beach-only ride.

The scenery is spare and spacious. You may see broad sand areas, distant views, and perhaps local wildlife, although wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. The appeal is the quiet setting rather than a long list of planned stops.

For many people, this will be the best part for photographs. The open desert gives you clean lines, warm sand, and a strong contrast with the sea. Staff have been praised for taking photos, including pictures that riders found especially good. You should still ask the guide when it is safe to stop for photos and avoid letting a camera distract you while riding.

The desert also exposes the practical side of the activity. There is little shade mentioned, and the area is open to the sun and wind. Bring a hat, wear comfortable clothes, and take the supplied bottle of water. Tea is included too, adding a small social pause to an otherwise active outing.

A Ride Adjusted To Your Pace

The most useful promise here is flexibility. You are not expected to arrive as an experienced rider. Staff can match you with a trained horse and shape the outing around your comfort level.

That does not mean every part of the ride will be completely custom. You are still joining a set two-hour experience with a planned route. But the comments about first-time riders being accommodated suggest that the guide pays attention to ability and confidence rather than pushing everyone at one speed.

If you are new to horses, tell the staff clearly at the start. Mention any concern about mounting, balance, speed, or handling the reins. The more direct you are, the easier it is for the guide to set an appropriate pace.

Experienced riders should also explain what they hope to do. The ride may include a livelier section through open terrain, but the supplied details do not guarantee extended trotting or galloping. This is best suited to riders who want scenery and a relaxed outdoor activity, not a demanding training session.

Families and mixed-ability groups may find the format useful because the experience can cater to different levels. Still, the information does not give an age limit, weight limit, or special policy for children. Ask the provider directly if those details matter to your booking.

The Guide’s Role And Photo Stops

The professional guide is central to the experience. A beach and desert ride sounds simple, but the guide helps with horse handling, safety, pacing, and the transition between different types of terrain.

The strongest praise focuses on staff being helpful, attentive, and good at organizing the outing. One especially practical benefit is photography. The guide may take pictures during the ride, giving you a chance to keep images of the beach, horses, and desert without trying to manage your phone while mounted.

Do not assume every photo service is a formal package or that every image is guaranteed. The supplied details only indicate that guides have taken photos for riders. If photographs matter to you, ask when and how they will be provided.

Communication should be straightforward for many visitors because staff speak Arabic, English, German, and Russian. That language range can make safety instructions easier to understand, especially for people who have never ridden before.

What The Two Hours Are Worth At $20

At $20 per person, this is a low-cost way to add an outdoor activity to a Red Sea stay. The price includes the horse ride through both desert and beach areas, a professional guide, bottled water, tea, and hotel pickup and drop-off when that option is selected.

The value is strongest if your hotel is covered without an extra fee. You receive transport, equipment in the form of the horse, guide support, and a scenic two-hour activity. That is a fair package for someone who wants more than a resort pool day but does not want to spend most of the day on a large excursion.

The calculation changes for the four listed resort areas. An extra 10 euros per person for Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna makes the total $20 price less representative. For two people, the transfer surcharge adds 20 euros, so compare the combined amount with other riding options before booking.

Time is another part of the value. Two hours is long enough to experience both settings without committing to a full day in the saddle. It is also short enough to fit around other plans, though the total door-to-door time will be longer once transfers are included.

Comfort, Clothing, And Practical Preparation

The clothing advice is basic but important. Wear comfortable clothes suitable for horse riding, and bring a hat. Loose but secure clothing is more useful than anything stylish, since you will be sitting in a saddle and moving through sand.

Take the supplied water during the activity, especially in warm weather. Tea is included, but it is not a replacement for water. You should also expect your clothes and shoes to encounter dust or sand.

The information does not list helmets, riding boots, sunscreen, or lockers. Because those items are not confirmed, ask the provider if you specifically need them. Do not arrive assuming that your normal beach outfit will be suitable for riding.

Cancellation is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Red Sea plans are still changing. These terms are useful, but check the final booking details for the exact transfer selection and pickup arrangements.

Who Will Enjoy This Most

I would choose this ride for a first-time rider who wants a gentle introduction with strong scenery. The staff attention and adjustable pace are more important for a beginner than a long list of riding tricks.

It also suits an experienced rider looking for a short coastal outing. The two-hour length leaves room for other plans, and the beach-to-desert route offers more variety than a single trail. Just confirm how active the riding can be before booking if speed is your main goal.

Couples may like the setting and the photo opportunities. The guide can take pictures, and the mix of sea, horses, and desert gives you more interesting memories than a standard resort activity.

This is less suitable if you dislike sun, sand, or outdoor heat. It may also disappoint anyone expecting a private ride, a full-day journey, horse swimming, or a formal riding lesson, since none of those features are promised.

Should You Book The Soma Bay Horse Ride?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced two-hour outing that combines the Red Sea coast with desert scenery. The best reasons are the beginner-friendly approach, trained horses, helpful guides, and included transfer when selected. The strong 4.9 rating from 31 reviews supports the view that the organization and personal attention are reliable strengths.

Before paying, check three things: the pickup area, the extra transfer charge, and how much riding speed you want. If you are staying in Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, or El Gouna, include the 10 euro per person surcharge in your budget.

For a first ride, a scenic break from the resort, or a short activity with good photo potential, I think the $20 base price offers solid value. For advanced riders seeking serious training or guaranteed fast riding, ask more questions first.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding experience?

The horseback riding portion lasts two hours. The total time will be longer if you select hotel transfers.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select the transfer option. Transfers from Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna cost an extra 10 euros per person.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. Staff match you with a trained horse suited to your riding ability, and the pace can be adjusted. The experience has also accommodated people riding for the first time.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat and wear comfortable clothing suitable for horse riding. Bottled water is included, as is tea.

Which languages do the staff speak?

The staff and guides speak Arabic, English, German, and Russian.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience also offers a reserve-and-pay-later option.