Soma Bay: Horse Riding Beach and Desert Tour With Transfer

The best part of this two-hour horse ride is the change of scenery: one moment you are moving through golden desert, and the next you are beside the Red Sea with turquoise water and a cool breeze. It gives you a close look at Soma Bay’s coast without putting you on a boat or in a crowded vehicle.

I like the skill-based horse matching and the steady help from the guides. I also like the simple extras, a bottle of water and tea, plus the fact that staff take photos for you during the ride. The main consideration is that the ride is not a private, custom equestrian lesson. It is a guided outing, so your pace and route will depend on the group and your riding level.

Key points to know before you book

• Two settings in one ride: Follow desert trails, then ride beside the Red Sea shoreline.
• Suitable for beginners: Staff match you with a trained horse and adjust the outing to your experience.
• Optional hotel transfer: Pickup and return are available when you choose the transfer option.
• Good low-cost value: At $20 per person, the price includes the horse ride, guide, water, and tea.
• Photos are part of the appeal: Guides have taken pictures for riders, which is useful when your hands are busy with the reins.
• Extra transfer charges apply: Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna have a €10 per-person transfer fee.

A two-hour ride between sand and sea

This tour is built around a simple idea: see the Red Sea coast from horseback, then turn inland for desert scenery. The ride lasts two hours, long enough to feel like a real outing rather than a quick photo stop, but short enough to fit neatly into a holiday schedule.

You begin with a hotel transfer if you select that option. The ride takes you to an equestrian center in the Red Sea Governorate, where you meet the staff and prepare for the horses. If you arrange your own way there, you skip the transfer portion and head directly to the center.

The route combines beach riding and desert riding. Along the coast, you can expect open views of the water and a sea breeze. Inland, the setting changes to dry golden sand and wide desert scenery. That contrast gives the trip its character. You are not simply circling an arena or staying on one short stretch of beach.

The exact rhythm depends on your ability. You might spend much of the time walking at an easy pace, or you might enjoy a more spirited ride through open ground if the guide considers it suitable. The tour description allows the pace to reflect your preferences and experience, but safety remains the guide’s priority.

Meeting the horse that fits your riding level

At the equestrian center, staff match you with a trained horse based on your riding ability. This matters most if you are a complete beginner. A horse that is calm and manageable can make the difference between enjoying the view and spending the whole ride worrying about the reins.

The experience is also set up for riders with some background. You do not need to be an expert to take part, but the staff can take your experience into account when choosing the horse and setting the pace.

You should wear comfortable clothes made for sitting in a saddle for two hours. A hat is useful in the strong Red Sea sun, and the supplied information specifically recommends both a hat and comfortable riding clothes. Bring clothing that allows free movement rather than anything stiff or restrictive.

The details of a formal riding lesson are not provided, so you should not book this expecting a long training session or advanced instruction. Think of the preparation as a practical introduction before a scenic guided ride.

Following the coastline beside the Red Sea

The coastal part gives you the tour’s most memorable views. From horseback, you sit high enough to see across the water while still moving at ground level along the shore. The clear sea, pale sand, and open horizon make a strong contrast with the dry desert behind you.

The sea breeze is another small but welcome benefit. Red Sea conditions can feel hot, especially in open areas, so moving air helps make the ride more comfortable. You still need sun protection, and a hat is one of the few items specifically recommended for the trip.

This is a good choice if you want time away from busy resort areas. The route is described as taking you through natural surroundings far from crowds, although the exact beach section and the size of the group are not specified. You may see local wildlife, but wildlife sightings are not promised and should be treated as a bonus.

The beach section is also the best place for photographs. Guides have taken pictures for riders, including portraits along the water. Ask at the start how photography will work, since the guide’s ability to stop and take pictures may depend on the route and the group’s pace.

Turning inland for desert scenery

The desert section changes the feel of the tour. Instead of following the water, you move across open sandy ground with broad views and fewer visual distractions. The setting is spare and quiet, which makes it a useful break from resort pools, restaurants, and organized beach activities.

You should expect desert riding rather than a technical off-road adventure. The available information does not promise dunes, fast galloping, or challenging terrain. If you have a particular interest in speed or advanced riding, ask the provider what pace is available on your day.

For a first-time rider, the open desert can feel less intimidating than a crowded road or busy public beach. The guide can focus on keeping the group together and helping you stay comfortable. For an experienced rider, the open space may give you a little more room to enjoy the horse’s movement, subject to the guide’s instructions.

The desert also makes the tour feel more connected to the natural setting of the Red Sea Governorate. You get two different views of the region in one outing: the water-facing coast and the dry interior.

How the guides shape the outing

The guides are an important part of this experience. Their job is to help with horse selection, safety, pace, and comfort. The strongest feedback about the tour focuses on guides who are helpful, attentive, and willing to adapt the ride for first-time riders.

That flexibility is especially useful for a mixed group. One person may already ride, while another has never sat on a horse. A fixed, fast route would not work well for both. Here, the stated plan is to tailor the ride to the group’s ability and preferences.

Guides have also taken many photographs for riders. That adds value because horseback riding is not an easy activity to photograph yourself. You can enjoy the coast without trying to hold a phone while managing the reins.

The listed languages are Arabic, English, German, and Russian. That gives you a better chance of explaining your comfort level and riding background clearly before setting off. The information does not assign a specific guide by name, so you should not expect a particular staff member when booking.

What the transfer adds to the $20 price

The advertised price is $20 per person. For that amount, you receive the desert and beach horse ride, a professional guide, a bottle of water, and tea. Hotel pickup and return are included when you choose the transfer option.

That is a strong value if you are staying close enough to use the standard transfer arrangement. You are paying for two hours of activity plus the convenience of getting to and from the equestrian center, rather than arranging transport and a separate riding session yourself.

Four areas carry an additional transfer charge: Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna. The fee is €10 per person. Add that to the advertised price when comparing the total cost, especially if two or more people in your party need pickup.

The price is most attractive for people who want a short outdoor activity without committing to a full-day excursion. It includes enough practical support to keep the outing easy, but it does not include a meal or other sightseeing stops. Tea and water are useful, though you should plan your own food around the tour if needed.

Who will enjoy this horse ride most

This outing suits first-time riders particularly well. The horse is selected for your experience, guides can respond to your comfort level, and the ride includes attractive scenery without requiring advanced skills.

It also works for casual riders who want a different way to see the coast. You do not need to spend a whole day at an equestrian center. Two hours gives you a taste of riding by the sea and in the desert, with time left for other plans.

Families and groups should consider the ability range of everyone taking part. The experience is described as adjustable, but the group still needs to follow the guide’s safety decisions. A person hoping to gallop freely may find the guided format more controlled than expected.

You should also choose this tour if photographs matter to you. The guide’s help with pictures has been a repeated strength, and the beach setting gives you a much better backdrop than an indoor stable or basic riding ring.

It may not suit you if you dislike sitting in a saddle, have limited comfort with outdoor heat, or want a highly technical riding program. There is no indication of advanced instruction, jumping, or a full training course.

What to bring and how to prepare

Keep your clothing practical. Wear comfortable clothes suitable for horse riding, and bring a hat for sun protection. Loose but secure clothing is preferable to anything that can catch on equipment or interfere with your legs.

The tour includes a bottle of water, but you may still want additional sun protection and personal water depending on the day. Only the bottle and tea are listed as refreshments, so do not expect a full meal.

Arrive ready to tell the staff about your riding background. Be honest if you have never ridden before. The horse matching and pace depend on accurate information, and beginners are specifically accommodated.

You may also want to decide in advance how much photography you prefer. Guides have taken pictures for riders, but you should still stay focused on the horse and follow instructions when the ride is moving.

Booking is flexible: you can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. That is useful if your Red Sea plans may change, but check the selected booking terms before finalizing.

Practical strengths and limits

The tour’s biggest strength is the combination of scenery and simplicity. You get a trained horse, a guide, refreshments, and optional transport in one compact activity. The beach and desert sections also give the ride more variety than a single-location stable outing.

The staff’s attention to beginners is another clear advantage. A first ride can be daunting, so having someone match the horse to your ability and adjust the pace helps you focus on the view.

The main limits are the missing details about group size, exact departure time, and the precise beach route. Those details matter if you need a private ride, have a tight schedule, or want a particular type of terrain. Ask the provider before booking if those points are important to you.

The extra transfer fee is the other practical issue. The base price looks especially good from nearby accommodation, while the total cost is higher from Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna.

Should you book the Soma Bay horse ride?

I would book this if you want a reasonably priced outdoor activity with strong scenery and a gentle introduction to horseback riding. It is a particularly good fit for beginners, casual riders, and anyone who wants beach photos without spending a full day on an excursion.

I would pause before booking if your main goal is fast riding, advanced training, or a private route. The available information points to a guided, safety-focused outing rather than a specialist equestrian session.

At $20 per person, the ride offers good value when you are near the main pickup area. Check the €10 transfer surcharge for the four named resort areas, wear comfortable clothes, bring a hat, and tell the staff your real riding level. Those simple steps will help you get the calm, scenic outing this tour is designed to provide.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding tour last?

The horse riding experience lasts two hours.

What does the riding route include?

The route includes riding through desert scenery and along the Red Sea beach.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select the transfer option.

Are there extra transfer fees?

Yes. Pickup from Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna costs an additional €10 per person.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. Staff match you with a trained horse suited to your riding skill, and the ride can be adjusted for first-time riders.

What is included in the price?

The package includes desert and beach horse riding, a professional guide, a bottle of water, and tea. Hotel transfer is included when you select that option.

What languages are available?

The available languages are Arabic, English, German, and Russian.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat and comfortable clothing suitable for horse riding.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later to keep your plans flexible.