Hurghada: Desert & Sea Horse Riding with + 360° Photos

The best part of this Hurghada outing is the change of scenery: one moment you are riding across dry Egyptian desert, and the next you are beside the Red Sea or in the water with your horse. It is a gentle way to see more than the resort strip, with time to brush and feed the horse before setting out. Guides including Ameen and Saleh are praised for their riding skills and friendly help.

I like the sea ride and optional horse swimming, which give this trip a memorable twist, and I like that photos and videos are taken during the outing. The main caution is practical: riding can be tiring if you are new to it, and the horse-safety limit is listed as 155 pounds, or 70 kilograms, even though another note gives a higher general limit.

Key things to know before you book

• Desert and Red Sea riding: The route combines dry desert scenery with riding near the beach, depending on the chosen program.
• Swimming with horses: This is available when you select the swimming option, and you should wear swimwear under your clothes.
• Two hours in the saddle: Each station lasts about 40 to 60 minutes, so expect real riding rather than a short photo stop.
• Horse care is part of the visit: You learn how to clean, brush, and feed your horse before or around the ride.
• Photos and videos included: Guides record the experience during the outing, giving you a visual souvenir.
• Check the rider limit: The clearest horse-safety instruction says riders should weigh no more than 70 kilograms.

Leaving Hurghada for the stable

Your day begins with pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned car or van. The exact time depends on where you are staying, so confirm it one day before departure. A delay of up to 10 minutes is possible, a small point that matters when you are waiting outside a busy resort entrance.

The transfer takes you to the horse stable, where the team greets you and prepares the horses. This is not simply a case of climbing on and being sent off. You receive an introduction to basic horse care, including cleaning, brushing, and feeding. I like this part because it gives you a better sense of the animal before the ride begins.

The stable visit also gives you a chance to ask for help with mounting and handling the horse. If you have never ridden before, say so clearly. Horseback riding requires balance and some physical effort, and the provider notes that beginners may find it difficult. The guides are there to help, but you should still expect to take an active role.

The horses are described as Arabian horses, and the available information points to well-trained animals. Guides such as Ameen and Saleh are specifically noted for their horse-riding ability and good manner with participants. That matters here. A calm horse and a guide who can manage the group make a major difference, especially when you are riding close to the shoreline.

Your first 40 to 60 minutes on horseback

The ride lasts about two hours in total, with each station taking between 40 and 60 minutes. The exact order can vary, but you should expect a guided ride through desert scenery or along the beach, with the possibility of combining both.

The desert section gives you a different view of Hurghada. Away from the hotel pools and tour boats, the surroundings feel open and quiet. The pace is meant to be calming rather than fast, so this is not the trip for anyone seeking galloping or an intense riding lesson. You follow scenic trails with the horse’s steady rhythm setting the pace.

That slower approach suits the setting. You have time to look around, take photos, and settle into the movement of the horse. It also lets a guide keep an eye on riders with different levels of experience. If you are nervous, the best plan is to relax your hands, listen carefully, and avoid trying to control the horse with sudden movements.

The desert can be exposed, and the activity is physical. Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move, and choose practical shoes. The instructions specifically ask you to bring comfortable shoes and a towel. A hat, sunscreen, and water may also be sensible personal choices, but they are not listed as included items, so plan accordingly.

Riding beside the Red Sea

The beach portion is the visual centerpiece. Riding alongside the Red Sea gives you a clear contrast with the dry desert trails, and the change makes the two-hour outing feel more varied than a standard stable ride.

At the water, the pace remains controlled. One activity description mentions riding near the beach, while the program can also include walking in the water. This wet section is a good fit if you want a relaxed seaside experience rather than a technical ride. It also creates the strongest photo opportunities, especially with the horse standing in the shallow water.

Sunset can be part of the experience, depending on the departure time. The sight of horses, sand, and sea in the changing evening light is one reason this outing appeals to couples and families looking for something quieter than a large group excursion. Confirm the pickup and ride time if sunset is important to you, since the exact schedule depends on the hotel and operating arrangements.

One practical caution is worth taking seriously. One family found walking along a main Hurghada road uncomfortable, particularly with an 11-year-old, because of passing cars. That does not cancel out the good parts of the trip, but it means you should ask the provider how much road riding is involved on your selected route. If you are bringing a child or feel uneasy around traffic, this question is especially important.

Swimming with the horses

Swimming is available if you select that option. It is not an automatic part of every booking, so choose it when reserving and confirm what is included in your price.

Wear your swimwear under your riding clothes. There is no changing area on the beach, so arriving prepared will save you an awkward search for privacy. Bring a towel, which is specifically listed among the items to take with you.

This part requires more planning than the ordinary beach ride. Wet clothes, sand, and horse handling are all part of the experience, so avoid bringing valuables that you would not want exposed to water. The supplied details do not describe the exact depth, swimming duration, or riding rules in the water, so listen closely to the guide and follow instructions around the horses.

For someone who loves animals and wants a story to tell later, swimming with the horse is the feature that makes this more distinctive than a normal riding lesson. If you do not swim or would rather stay dry, you can choose the regular desert and seaside ride instead.

Photos, videos, and the 360-degree promise

The guides take photos and videos throughout the trip. This is useful because it is difficult to photograph yourself while holding the reins, and the beach section is much easier to enjoy when someone else handles the camera.

The experience title refers to 360-degree photos, but the supplied details only clearly promise photos and videos taken during the tour. I would confirm exactly what media you receive before booking if the 360-degree feature is a deciding factor. Ask whether the files are sent digitally, how many are included, and if any special photo fee applies.

The guides may also help position the horse for pictures. Keep your expectations realistic: this is a horse ride first, not a dedicated professional photo session. Still, the combination of desert, sea, and Arabian horses gives you plenty of natural settings for memorable images.

What the $21 price really covers

At $21 per person, this is an inexpensive way to add an animal experience to a Hurghada holiday. The price includes an Arabian horse for about two hours, a guide, and transport in an air-conditioned vehicle from the stated service area. That makes it stronger value than an activity where the ride itself is cheap but transfers and basic support cost extra.

The swimming option may change the price, so check the selected package. Lunch is not included, and neither are extras outside the stated program. You should also ask about pickup before assuming it is covered.

Pickup and drop-off are available from hotels in Hurghada. The information also refers to El Gouna transfers, but a separate note lists El Gouna, Al Ahyaa, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Safaga, and Soma Bay as areas that may require a €10 per-person add-on. Because the two transfer notes do not match perfectly, confirm your hotel and any extra charge in writing.

The value is best for someone who wants a fairly short, organized activity with transport and a guide already arranged. It is less compelling if you only want a quick ten-minute horse photo, since you will spend much longer in the saddle and must be comfortable with the physical side of riding.

The rider limit and comfort questions

The clearest horse-care rule says riders should not weigh more than 155 pounds, or 70 kilograms. Another note says the activity is unsuitable for people over 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms. Those figures conflict, but you should follow the stricter 70-kilogram limit and contact FTS Travels if you are close to it.

This is not a judgment about riding ability. The limit is presented as a safety measure for the horses. Being honest about your weight helps the provider assign a suitable horse and prevents a wasted journey.

You should also think about your riding experience. The program is suitable for people who want a calm guided ride, but it still demands balance, leg strength, and comfort with an animal moving beneath you. If you have back, hip, knee, or mobility concerns, the available information does not say whether special arrangements are possible, so ask before paying.

Children may enjoy the horses, but the road section noted above is a reason to ask about the route. No minimum age is provided, so do not assume a very young child can join without checking.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this for:

• First-time riders who want a guided introduction rather than a long lesson
• Horse lovers who value time with the animal before and during the ride
• Couples seeking a quieter alternative to a large sea excursion
• Families with older children who can follow riding instructions
• Anyone who wants both desert scenery and a Red Sea setting
• Visitors who like having photos and videos taken during an activity

I would think twice if you dislike physical activity, feel nervous around horses, or want a fast-paced ride. The experience is built around calm movement, not speed. I would also avoid booking the swimming option unless you are prepared to arrive in swimwear and carry a towel, since changing at the beach is not possible.

The languages listed are English, German, and Arabic. That gives you a useful choice when discussing riding experience, comfort, and the swimming option with the team. Send your room number by email or WhatsApp if possible, and confirm the pickup time the day before.

Is this Hurghada horse ride worth booking?

For $21, this is a good-value outing if you want a simple, scenic horse ride with transport and guide support. The best reasons to book are the mix of desert and sea, the chance to enter the water with the horse, and the time spent learning basic horse care rather than treating the animal as a prop.

I would book it if I were comfortable riding for up to two hours and could meet the stricter 70-kilogram limit. I would also confirm the pickup charge, ask about any road riding, and verify what the 360-degree photo package actually includes.

Skip it if you want a highly polished equestrian center, a private riding lesson, or a guaranteed professional photo shoot. Choose it if you want a relaxed, unusual Hurghada outing with friendly guides, well-behaved horses, and a real chance to come away with sandy shoes, wet swimwear, and better memories than another afternoon by the hotel pool.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding experience?

You spend about two hours with an Arabian horse. Each station lasts between 40 and 60 minutes.

Where does the ride take place?

The route can pass through the Egyptian desert and along the Red Sea or beach. The exact route may depend on the selected program and operating conditions.

Can I swim with the horse?

Yes, swimming with the horses is available if you select that option when booking.

What should I wear for swimming with the horses?

Wear your swimwear under your clothes because there is no place to change on the beach. Bring a towel.

What is included in the price?

The stated inclusions are an Arabian horse for two hours, a guide, and transfers by air-conditioned vehicle from the listed service area. Swimming is included only when that option is selected.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup and drop-off are available from hotels in Hurghada. Some nearby areas, including Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Safaga, and Soma Bay, may require a €10 per-person charge. Confirm the fee for your hotel before booking.

Is the activity suitable for beginners?

It can suit beginners, but horseback riding is physical and may be difficult if you have no riding experience. Tell the guide about your experience and follow the riding instructions carefully.

Is there a rider weight limit?

Yes. For the horses’ safety, riders should not weigh more than 155 pounds, or 70 kilograms. The information also gives a separate 100-kilogram limit, so contact the provider if you are near or above 70 kilograms and follow the stricter figure.