Reviewed · HORSES
Horse Riding Tour 2 Hours on Sea And Desert & Transfer -Hurghada
The unusual part comes quickly: you get to ride an Egyptian horse through Hurghada’s desert and into the shallow sea. I like the two-part setting, since you see the dry inland side of Hurghada and its beach in one outing. I also like the hands-on instructors, especially Ahmed and Mohammad, who are praised for helping nervous first-time riders.
The low starting price is appealing, but check the final cost before booking. A €10 governmental tax is paid in cash, and pickup from El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, or Sahl Hasheesh costs another €10 per person. You should also treat the advertised one hour in the sea as an aim, not a guarantee.
Key points to know before you book

- You ride in two very different settings: The route includes about one hour by the beach and one hour in the desert, although actual sea time can be much shorter.
- Beginners can join: A trainer gives pre-ride coaching and stays with the group, with Ahmed receiving special praise for calming nervous riders.
- The experience is usually gentle rather than fast: Some outings include quicker horse riding, but the pace depends on your ability, the guide, and the horses.
- The $14 price is not the complete cost: Add the €10 cash tax, plus a €10 transfer fee from several resort areas.
- Horse welfare deserves your attention: Some riders found the horses friendly and well behaved, while others reported thin horses and sores.
- Plan for a small group: The maximum group size is 15 people, with hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, water, and tea included.
Riding from Hurghada’s desert to the beach

This tour gives you a quick taste of two sides of Hurghada. The desert section offers wide, open ground and a chance to see how naturally horses fit the dry setting. The beach section supplies the memorable photograph: horse, rider, sand, and Red Sea water in the same frame.
The experience is sold as two one-hour rides, one by the beach and one in the desert. In practice, timing can vary. One family spent about an hour in the desert but only 15 to 20 minutes in the sea. Another outing lasted roughly two hours from hotel pickup to return, with about 75 minutes actually spent on horseback.
That difference matters. If your main reason for booking is a long ride through the water, you should keep expectations modest. The sea portion may be a short wade and photo stop rather than a full hour of continuous riding.
You may also spend part of the route moving between the stable, beach, and open riding areas. One poor experience described walking beside roads and through a commercial area, while other accounts describe a longer, more direct ride. The exact route appears to depend on the stable, starting point, group, and local conditions.
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What the desert ride feels like

The desert section is likely to be the more substantial part of the outing. Here you can ride away from Hurghada’s developed streets and see the stark, open surroundings from horseback. For a first-time rider, this setting can feel more exciting than a short ring ride because the horse is moving through a real outdoor environment.
Do not assume that every horse will gallop. The pace is controlled by the guide and matched, at least in principle, to the ability of the rider. Some people were offered a faster hopa hopa pace, while others spent most of the ride walking.
That is a good arrangement for beginners. You can learn how to sit, steer, and slow the horse before asking for more speed. It is also worth saying clearly: faster riding can feel unsafe if you have never ridden before. One person enjoyed the outing but still found the quicker section a little dangerous.
Your legs and seat may tire sooner than expected. A first-time rider described a sore bottom afterward, which is normal after spending time in a saddle. Wear practical clothing, and do not plan a strenuous activity immediately afterward.
Entering the Red Sea on horseback
Riding a horse into the sea is the tour’s headline moment. It is unusual, photogenic, and likely to be the part you remember most. For an adventurous beginner, it can also be intimidating, since the horse behaves differently near water and you may feel less certain about your balance.
The guide should be close by during this part. Several riders praised the instructors for staying near nervous participants and offering steady help. Ahmed, in particular, was described as patient with people who had not ridden for many years or had never ridden at all.
Still, sea time is the least reliable part of the advertised schedule. Some outings include a genuine ride into the water. Others use the sea mainly for pictures. If you are booking specifically for an extended water ride, ask for clarification on the day’s plan before setting off.
Bring clothing that can get wet and leave valuables at the hotel. The supplied information does not promise lockers, waterproof storage, or changing facilities, so keep your packing simple. A towel and a change of clothes would be sensible, though they are not listed as included.
The instructors make the difference

A horse ride is only as good as the person managing the group. This experience includes a professional instructor, pre-ride coaching, and assistance during the route. Helmets are supplied, and the guide is expected to help with mounting, control, and pace.
Ahmed is repeatedly praised for helping uncertain riders build confidence. Mohammad is also singled out for explaining the activity clearly and offering help when needed. Names can change by departure, but these comments show what you should want from the guide: clear instructions, close supervision, and a willingness to slow down.
The language barrier may be a concern for some people. One first-time rider felt that the guide did not fully understand their worries. If you are nervous, say so plainly before you mount. Ask the instructor to show you how to stop and turn the horse, and confirm whether faster riding is optional.
The guide may also take photographs during the ride. That is a useful touch, since taking your own phone out while mounted is awkward and risky. Confirm the photo arrangement before handing over your phone, as the supplied details do not state whether photography is included in the price.
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Horse care is the main concern

Here I would be cautious. Many riders describe the horses as gentle, friendly, well behaved, and easy to follow. That is encouraging for families and beginners.
At the same time, some accounts raise serious concerns about horse condition. Descriptions include horses that appeared thin, bones showing, and sores on the body. Other people said the animals looked underweight but were still calm and well handled.
Those reports cannot be ignored. Before you ride, take a quick look at the horse assigned to you. If you see open sores, marked weakness, obvious distress, or equipment that appears unsafe, speak to the guide and ask for another horse or a refund discussion. You are not required to accept an animal that appears unfit.
This is also a useful moment to remember that a friendly horse is not necessarily a healthy horse. The tour’s strong ratings for staff and riding do not remove the need for basic observation. Horse welfare should be part of your booking decision, not an afterthought.
Pickup, timing, and the real price

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from the main Hurghada area, with an air-conditioned vehicle. The advertised duration is about three hours, but that includes transportation and preparation. Actual time on horseback may be closer to one to two hours, depending on the departure.
The maximum group size is 15 people. That is not a private ride, and a larger group may mean more time spent waiting while people mount, adjust, or receive help. Private outings have received particularly good feedback because the guide could match the pace to the pair and avoid rushing.
The $14 price is excellent if you are staying nearby and mainly want a short, unusual activity. But calculate the real cost first:
- Base price: $14 per person
- Governmental tax and value-added taxes: €10 per person, paid in cash
- Extra transfer from El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, or Sahl Hasheesh: €10 per person, paid in cash
The tax information is presented separately from the headline price, so do not arrive with only the online amount. Currency conversion can also make the final figure less straightforward. Even after the extras, the outing may still be good value compared with longer desert excursions, but its value depends on receiving a reasonable amount of riding time.
Who should book this horse ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to:
- First-time riders who want a supervised introduction
- Families with children who can follow instructions
- Couples looking for unusual beach photographs
- Horse lovers who want a short outdoor activity
- People staying in Hurghada who value hotel pickup
- Visitors comfortable with a flexible itinerary and variable sea time
The activity is described as child appropriate, and most people can participate. Service animals are allowed. Pregnant women are not permitted to ride, and every participant must sign a disclaimer concerning damage and personal injury.
I would be more cautious if you need a precisely timed, polished excursion or if you have serious concerns about horse welfare. I would also avoid treating this as a serious riding lesson. It is a sightseeing activity with horses, not a formal training session.
What to wear and bring

Wear long trousers or comfortable clothing that will not rub against the saddle. Closed shoes are sensible, though the supplied information does not specify a footwear requirement. Avoid loose items that could fall while riding.
Use sunscreen and bring water for before and after the ride. Water and tea are provided, but the tour does not promise a meal. A hat may help during the transfer or waiting period, but you will need to remove it under the helmet.
Bring a small amount of cash for the €10 tax and any transfer charge that applies to your hotel. Keep your phone secure. The guides may take photographs, but you should not assume that a full photography service is included.
Cancellation and practical booking notes
Confirmation is provided when you book. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.
If you are staying outside Hurghada, enter your hotel details carefully. El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, and Sahl Hasheesh carry the additional €10 transfer charge per person. The operator is Delight Trips.
Should you book this Hurghada horse riding tour?
Book it if you want a low-cost, memorable ride with a desert setting, a beach section, and the chance to take a horse into the sea. The strongest part is the personal help from guides such as Ahmed and Mohammad, particularly for beginners who need calm coaching.
Go in with realistic expectations. The sea ride may be brief, the total horseback time may fall below the advertised two hours, and the horse condition deserves a careful look before you mount. If those limits are acceptable, this can be a fun half-day addition to a Hurghada stay. If you want guaranteed long water riding or a high standard of stable presentation, choose a provider that gives clearer detail about horse care and exact riding times.
FAQ
How long does the tour last?
The advertised duration is about three hours, including hotel transfers and the activity. Actual time on horseback can vary, with some outings lasting around two hours in total and providing about 75 minutes of riding.
How much does the tour cost?
The starting price is $14 per person. You must also pay €10 per person in cash for governmental taxes and value-added taxes.
Is there an extra transfer charge?
Yes. Pickup from El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, or Sahl Hasheesh costs an additional €10 per person, paid in cash on the spot.
Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes. A professional instructor provides coaching before the ride and assistance during it. Ahmed and Mohammad are named as guides who have helped nervous and first-time riders.
Are helmets and safety equipment provided?
Yes. A helmet and other safety equipment are included. You must also sign a disclaimer concerning damage and personal injury before riding.
Can children take part?
The activity is described as child appropriate and family friendly. The supplied information does not give a minimum age, so confirm age requirements when booking.
Can pregnant women join the ride?
No. Pregnant women are not permitted to ride a horse on this experience.
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