El Gouna: Desert & Sea Horse Riding With Swimming Optional

The unusual part of this El Gouna-area outing is the change of scenery: one moment you are riding across sandy desert, and the next you are beside the Red Sea. The horses are introduced carefully, and you can learn to wash, groom, and feed them before setting off. I like the well-kept horses and the calm pace for first-time riders. I also like the choice of a sunrise breakfast, sunset dinner, or a private ride with swimming.

There is one important catch: the activity is marketed for El Gouna, but the riding base may actually be in Makadi. That matters for pickup time and planning. The standard ride also is not a racing session, so experienced riders who want long stretches of fast riding should book a private option rather than a shared group.

Key points at a glance

• Desert to Red Sea scenery: Ride through sandy valleys and open desert before reaching the coast.
• Horses suited to beginners: Skill groups, a short driving test, helmets, and professional guides help new riders settle in.
• Several ways to go: Choose entry only, shared transport, a quad-bike and horse combo, sunset dinner, or a VIP four-hour ride.
• Swimming is not standard: Horse swimming is included only with the four-hour VIP option.
• Sunrise has the breakfast: The Oriental breakfast is available only on the 5:00 AM departure.
• Small groups matter: A private or smaller booking gives you a better chance of setting the pace and getting personal attention.

From hotel lobby to desert stable

You can book this with shared hotel transport or arrive at the stable on your own. Shared pickup is useful if you are staying in one of the main resort areas, but allow a wide window. The pickup can come roughly zero to one hour before the selected start time, and the exact time is sent the day before.

The drive is about 25 to 30 minutes from Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh, 40 to 45 minutes from central Hurghada, and as long as an hour from El Gouna, Soma Bay, Safaga, or Al Ahyaa. That makes the entry-only ticket appealing if you have your own transport, especially from farther away.

You should wait in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the confirmed pickup time. Keep your phone connected to WhatsApp, since that is the main way the local team sends updates. Leave large bags and valuables at the hotel. This is a stable, not a sightseeing bus, and space is limited.

At the base, you get about 15 minutes to rest before the riding program starts. That pause is useful after the transfer and gives you time to meet the horse, adjust your clothing, and ask questions. The team provides helmets and explains the safety rules before you mount.

Meeting the horses before the ride

The introduction is more than a quick photo opportunity. You learn how to approach, wash, groom, and feed the horse. For a first-time rider, these simple tasks make the animal feel less like a prop and more like a companion for the next few hours.

A short driving test takes place before the main ride. The guides use it to see how comfortable you are with steering, stopping, and basic control. Riders are grouped by ability, which is one of the strongest practical features of the outing.

The horses are described as trained for all levels, and the available feedback gives particular credit to their condition. One rider specifically noted that the horses were clean and well cared for, not thin or neglected. That is worth paying attention to on any animal-based activity.

The ride is guided, not competitive. You may be able to ride at different speeds in a private setting, but a shared group has to stay together. In a larger group, fast riding can be limited so nobody gets separated. If your priority is a relaxed ride and scenery, that is sensible. If your priority is speed, book private.

The two-hour desert and coast route

The standard two-hour ride gives you enough time to see the main setting without turning the day into a full expedition. Routes can pass through sandy valleys, open desert plains, and forest-style paths before heading toward the Red Sea.

The desert section is quiet and spare. Instead of a long list of sights, you get changing textures under the horse’s feet and wide views beneath the open sky. It is a good match for you if you want time away from hotel pools and organized resort entertainment.

As the route approaches the sea, the mood changes. The Red Sea adds color and a cooler visual line to the dry surroundings. Photo stops are part of the outing, so you are not expected to keep riding without a pause.

The exact route can vary, and the activity is not presented as a historical or archaeological tour. Its appeal is the physical contrast between sand and water, plus the simple pleasure of riding outdoors. I would choose it for scenery and atmosphere rather than for a long technical riding lesson.

The two-hour option is also the safest choice for mixed groups. Beginners have time to become comfortable, while experienced riders still get a proper outing. It may feel restrained if you already ride regularly and want a demanding session, but the short format works well for a holiday schedule.

Sunrise, afternoon, or sunset

The early ride begins at 5:00 AM and includes an Oriental breakfast. You need to choose that exact sunrise option if breakfast is important to you. Morning conditions are cooler, and the first light gives the desert a softer appearance.

The tradeoff is obvious: this is an early start, and pickup may happen well before sunrise. You should choose it for the cooler air and breakfast, not if you want a slow holiday morning.

An afternoon ride has a gentler pace and warmer light. It can suit you if you prefer not to wake early and do not need the dinner program. Bring sun protection, and use long clothing on windy days, since sand can make exposed skin uncomfortable.

The sunset version adds an evening program after the ride. The package includes an Oriental dinner, a live performance, and stargazing in the desert. This turns a basic horse ride into a longer night out, but it also means more time away from your hotel and a later return.

Stargazing depends on having dark skies and suitable conditions, so think of it as a planned part of the evening rather than a guarantee of a perfect astronomy session. Still, pairing sunset on horseback with dinner and a desert performance gives the ride a more memorable shape.

The VIP swim stop

The four-hour VIP option is the most distinctive choice. It includes a private ride and a swim stop with your horse in the Red Sea. This is not included in the regular two-hour ride, despite the broad description of desert and sea riding.

The swim stop is the reason to pay for the longer option. You need swimwear, a towel if appropriate for your arrangements, sunscreen, and clothing that is comfortable when wet. The supplied information confirms the swim stop, but it does not promise a specific beach, water depth, or length of time in the water, so do not book it expecting a full swimming lesson.

A private format also solves the main weakness of group riding: having to match the pace of strangers. You can ask for a calmer rhythm and receive more direct attention. The extra hours make sense for riders who want the horse-care introduction, desert route, sea section, and swim stop in one outing.

For a casual first ride, four hours may be more than you need. The two-hour option is less tiring and costs less. I would reserve the VIP format for you if the horse swimming is the main goal or if you want the most personal version of the experience.

The quad bike and horse combination

The double-adventure option gives you one hour on a quad bike followed by one hour on horseback. It is scheduled in the cooler morning hours, which helps with both activities.

This is the most active choice, but it gives you less time on horseback than the standard two-hour ride. Choose it if you want to compare motorized desert travel with a slower animal-led route. Choose the standard ride if horses are the real reason you are booking.

The combination also changes the feel of the day. A quad bike is noisy and mechanical, while horseback riding is quieter and more dependent on the group’s pace. That contrast can be fun, but it is not the best match for someone seeking a peaceful, single-focus ride.

What the $26 price really buys

At $26 per person, the advertised starting price is appealing for a two-hour ride, especially when you consider the guide, horse introduction, helmet, safety briefing, desert and seaside route, and photo stops. It is a reasonable low-cost way to add an outdoor activity to a Hurghada holiday.

You need to check which version the price covers. Entry-only, shared transport, quad bike, sunset dinner, and VIP swimming are different products. Transfers may be selected, while private transport and a private guide cost extra. Horse swimming is also limited to the four-hour VIP option.

The price is strongest for the basic shared ride if you mainly want scenery and a gentle outing. The value changes if you are coming from a distant resort and spend up to an hour each way in transport. In that case, compare the travel time with the two-hour riding time before booking.

I also would not choose based on photos alone. One very poor assessment focused on disappointment with the pictures, while other feedback praised the horses, staff, and organization. Photo stops are included, but the quality and selection of images may not match every expectation. Treat the camera service as a bonus, not the main reason to go.

Who will enjoy this ride most

This suits you if you are a beginner, a couple, or a small group looking for an easy outdoor activity. It also works well for a first-time rider who wants help from a guide rather than a free-form rental.

The experience is particularly good for:

• Beginners who want trained horses and a short skills check
• Couples who prefer a quieter private ride
• Families with suitable older participants, provided everyone meets the health and weight requirements
• Riders who want desert and sea scenery in one outing
• Anyone interested in a sunrise breakfast or sunset dinner
• Active visitors choosing the quad-bike combination

It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or anyone over 110 kilograms. Smoking is not allowed in the vehicle, and pets, alcohol, drugs, jewelry, luggage, and large bags are not allowed.

You should wear comfortable shoes, seasonal clothing, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, and sunscreen. On windy days, long sleeves and trousers can protect you from sand. Helmets are supplied and must be worn throughout the ride.

Location, groups, and the El Gouna question

Double-check the meeting location before you pay. The activity is presented for El Gouna, but the base may be in Makadi. That is not a minor wording issue if you are staying in El Gouna and planning your day around a short local transfer.

The team greets you at the entrance, and you should have the booking name ready. If you cannot find the meeting point, WhatsApp or phone support is available. Confirming the exact pickup and stable location the day before can prevent a long wait or an unnecessary drive.

Small groups are important here. One account of a private two-person ride praised the ability to choose the pace. Another pointed out that a shared group made faster riding difficult. I would book private if you want flexibility, personal attention, or a more relaxed experience with a partner.

The standard group is a better deal if you are happy to ride at the group’s speed. It also gives beginners more security, since the guide can watch the whole line and keep the pace controlled.

Should you book it?

Book this ride if you want a reasonably priced change from resort routine, care about the condition of the horses, and like the idea of crossing from desert to sea. The two-hour shared option is the sensible starting point for most people, especially beginners.

Choose the sunrise ride for cool air and the Oriental breakfast. Choose sunset if dinner, a live show, and stargazing appeal to you. Choose the four-hour VIP ride only if swimming with your horse or having a private pace is worth the extra cost.

I would skip it if you want a fast, demanding riding lesson, dislike group schedules, or are staying far away and do not want a long transfer. Confirm the stable location, pickup time, and exact package before booking. With those details clear, this is a pleasant and unusual Red Sea outing that offers more variety than a standard desert ride.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding take place?

The experience is promoted for the El Gouna area, but the riding base may be in Makadi. Confirm the exact meeting location and pickup details before the tour.

How long is the activity?

The listed activity lasts about 3 to 5 hours, depending on the option you choose. The main rides last two hours, while the VIP horse ride lasts four hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only when you select an option with transfer. Entry-only tickets require you to reach the base independently.

How long can the transfer take?

The drive is about 25 to 30 minutes from Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh, 40 to 45 minutes from central Hurghada, and up to one hour from El Gouna, Soma Bay, Safaga, or Al Ahyaa.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. Riders are grouped by skill, horses are trained for different levels, and a safety briefing and short driving test take place before the ride.

Is horse swimming included in the regular ride?

No. Swimming with your horse is included only in the four-hour VIP option with a swim stop.

Is breakfast included?

The Oriental breakfast is available only on the 5:00 AM sunrise ride. It is not included with every departure time.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and comfortable seasonal clothing. Long clothing is useful on windy days.

Are helmets provided?

Yes. Helmets and safety equipment are provided, and helmets must be worn throughout the ride.

Who cannot join the activity?

The ride is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people over 110 kilograms.