Reviewed · HORSES

Horseback Riding with Pickup and Drop-off from Sharm El Sheikh

★ 5.0 · 59 reviews From $10 Operated by Sun Trips · Bookable on Viator
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A ride beside the Red Sea gives you a very different view of Sharm El Sheikh. You can choose the beach or desert, then settle onto a calm horse with help from a trainer before setting off. I like the included hotel transport and the choice of one or two hours, since both save you from arranging taxis and let you match the ride to your confidence and schedule.

I also like the steady attention from the guides. Islam, Ahmed, and Abdun are praised for clear instruction, friendly help, and setting a pace that suits the rider. The main catch is the small extra charge: €5 per person in cash for fees and taxes, on top of the advertised $10 price.

Key points to know before you ride

  • Beach riding can include time in the sea, making the two-hour option especially memorable.
  • Beginners are welcome, with instruction and a calm horse selected to suit their experience.
  • Desert and beach routes are selectable, so you can choose scenery rather than accept a fixed setting.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Sharm El Sheikh hotels.
  • The group limit is 15 people, though some transfers may be private.
  • Bring €5 cash per person for the listed fees and taxes, since it is not included in the tour price.

Choosing between the desert and the beach

The main decision is simple: do you want open desert scenery, a beach ride, or a mix of both if the day’s route allows it? The experience gives you a choice of horseback riding in the desert or along the beach, so it works for two different moods.

A desert ride gives you wide, dry scenery and the sense of moving through the Red Sea region on horseback rather than from a tour vehicle. It is likely the better fit if you want the riding itself to be the focus. The broad setting also gives guides room to work with different riding speeds, though the exact route and pace are not specified.

The beach option adds the Red Sea to the picture. Several riders describe going with the horses into the sea, an unusual touch that can turn a standard riding trip into a strong holiday memory. Water conditions, route details, and how long you spend in the sea are not stated, so you should confirm those points when booking.

If you have enough time, the two-hour ride makes more sense than the one-hour option. It gives you more time to learn the horse, settle your balance, and enjoy the setting without feeling rushed. The one-hour choice is more practical if you are new to riding, traveling with a child, or fitting the activity between other plans.

Pickup from your Sharm El Sheikh hotel

The tour includes pickup and return from Sharm El Sheikh hotels in an air-conditioned vehicle. That matters in this part of Egypt, where a short ride in a cool vehicle is a welcome break from the heat and saves you from negotiating local transport.

The pickup process is presented as organized, with confirmation at booking and communication about pickup times. One rider specifically notes an on-time private transfer, while another praises Youstina for keeping the pickup information clear. The vehicle arrangement may vary, but hotel transport is part of the package rather than an optional add-on.

You should be ready at your hotel at the agreed time and keep your phone available in case the pickup details are updated. Since the activity lasts about two hours, allow extra time beyond the riding itself for hotel collection, the drive to the stable, preparation, and the return journey.

The group can reach a maximum of 15 people. That is small enough to keep the outing manageable, but it does not guarantee a private ride. If a private transfer matters to you, ask about it before paying rather than assuming it is included.

Meeting the horses and preparing for the ride

Before you leave, the trainers give you a safety briefing and explain the basics of handling a horse. This is particularly useful if you have never ridden before or only have limited experience.

The available feedback points repeatedly to calm, well-behaved horses. Riders describe being matched with easy horses, including one first-time rider who was given a particularly gentle mount. Names such as Kola also come up, showing that the horses can become part of the memory rather than simply being transport.

The tour includes a safety helmet. That is an important practical inclusion, especially for beginners and children. Wear comfortable clothing that allows your legs to move, and choose secure footwear. The supplied details do not specify a dress code or riding footwear, so it is sensible to ask the operator if you are unsure about what is provided.

The staff can help you mount, explain basic controls, and stay with you on the route. The stated service is guide assistance, not an independent horse rental, so expect to ride under supervision rather than set off alone.

What the riding pace feels like for beginners

This activity is designed to include first-time riders. The guide explains safety procedures, teaches the essentials, and accompanies the group throughout the ride.

That does not mean every part of the ride will feel effortless. Sitting on a horse for an hour or two can be tiring, especially if this is your first time. You may need a few minutes to become comfortable with the horse’s movement, reins, and posture.

The guides appear to adjust the pace to the rider. One account describes a trip moving at a comfortable speed, while another says a young rider quickly grew confident enough to gallop. That does not mean you should expect to gallop. It means the pace may be adapted to ability, subject to the guide’s judgment and safety rules.

If you are nervous, say so early. Ask for a calm horse and a slower pace. The staff have helped first-time riders and a family traveling with a small baby, so the tone appears patient, but you should still explain your experience clearly before mounting.

Experienced riders may find the guided format less challenging than a dedicated riding lesson or long-distance trek. This is best viewed as a scenic recreational ride, not an advanced equestrian session.

A completely different sort of day in Sharm el Sheikh:

The beach route and the Red Sea setting

The beach ride is the more distinctive choice. Riding beside the water gives you a clear view of the coast, and some outings include taking the horses into the sea. That makes this more than a routine ride around a stable.

The sea section can be especially appealing for couples, families, and anyone looking for photographs that feel specific to Sharm El Sheikh. Guides have helped riders take photos on their own phones, which is useful since you can keep the images without depending on a separate photo package.

Still, protect your phone from water and sand. The tour information does not promise waterproof storage or professional photography, so bring only what you can safely carry. If you want pictures in the sea, ask the guide when it is safe to use your phone.

Weather can affect the feel of the beach ride. Wind has been noted as a minor issue, although it did not trouble the horses during one outing. The coast can feel exposed, so a light layer may be helpful outside the hottest part of the day. Exact start times and seasonal weather guidance are not provided.

The desert route and the open scenery

The desert option trades the sea for a quieter, more open setting. You get the visual contrast of horses, sand, and the dry surroundings near Sharm El Sheikh. It is a good choice if you prefer a traditional desert outing or want to avoid getting wet.

The desert route also suits riders who want to concentrate on handling the horse. The ride can include walking and faster movement when appropriate, although the exact balance depends on the guide and the group. If your party has mixed abilities, the guides will need to keep everyone together, so advanced riders should not expect a full-speed session.

The desert is also exposed to sun and wind. Use sun protection, drink water before leaving, and ask whether water is available during the ride. The provided details do not list bottled water, refreshments, or hotel facilities at the stable, so do not assume they are included.

A two-hour ride versus a one-hour ride

The advertised experience lasts about two hours, but you can choose one or two hours of riding. That flexibility is valuable because horseback riding is not equally comfortable for everyone.

Choose one hour if you are:

  • A complete beginner who is unsure about balance or stamina
  • Traveling with a young rider
  • Short on time between other activities
  • Mainly interested in trying a horse ride and taking a few photos

Choose two hours if you are:

  • Comfortable spending longer in the saddle
  • Keen to combine desert riding with beach or sea time when available
  • Looking for a fuller outing rather than a brief introduction
  • Traveling for a birthday, couple’s activity, or special occasion

The longer ride costs more if the operator applies a different rate, but the supplied price is listed as $10 per person without a separate one-hour or two-hour breakdown. Confirm the final price for your selected duration before booking. At the advertised rate, the experience offers strong value, but the additional €5 cash charge should be included in your budget.

What the guides add to the experience

The horse and setting matter, but the guide determines how relaxed the ride feels. Islam is singled out for being friendly, while Ahmed is praised for teaching the essentials and improving the tour through his guidance. Abdun is also mentioned as one of the leaders during a well-organized outing.

You should expect a guide to walk you through the safety rules, help match you with a horse, and accompany you along the route. This is reassuring for first-time riders and families. It also means you can ask for help if you feel unsure rather than trying to control the horse without support.

The staff are described as friendly and professional, and the horses are repeatedly described as well cared for. Those are meaningful points. A calm animal and a patient guide do more for safety and enjoyment than fancy equipment or a long sales pitch.

The exact staff lineup is not guaranteed. Islam, Ahmed, and Abdun are names associated with the experience, but another guide may lead your group. You can mention any preference or concern when arranging the ride, though the operator may not be able to promise a particular person.

Horse care and equipment

The strongest practical reassurance is the repeated description of horses that are calm, well behaved, and looked after. Several riders felt comfortable with their mounts, including people riding for the first time.

The included helmet is the main equipment detail provided. No other riding gear is listed, so assume you need to dress for the weather and bring suitable footwear. You should also ask whether the stable supplies any other protective equipment if that is important to you.

Horse welfare is worth paying attention to on any riding activity. Here, the available information gives a positive picture of the animals’ condition, but it does not provide formal welfare standards, stable details, or information about working hours. If you have concerns, look at the horse’s condition before mounting and speak up if anything feels wrong.

Who will get the most from this outing

I would recommend this experience most strongly to:

  • First-time riders who want instruction and a supervised route
  • Couples looking for a scenic activity outside the hotel
  • Families with children who can follow safety guidance
  • Riders who want the unusual option of entering the sea with the horses
  • Visitors who value hotel transport and a short, easy-to-plan activity

It may be less suitable if you want advanced riding instruction, a private trail, or a long independent trek. The maximum group size is 15, and the route, pace, and beach access may depend on the guide and conditions.

Most people can participate, according to the supplied activity information, but no detailed medical, age, weight, or mobility rules are provided. If you have a physical condition, limited mobility, or concerns about mounting a horse, contact Sun Trips before booking.

Price, extra fees, and cancellation

The advertised price is $10 per person, which is low for an activity that includes hotel pickup, drop-off, riding, a helmet, and guide assistance. The value is especially good if you are already staying in Sharm El Sheikh and would otherwise pay separately for transport.

You must also pay €5 per person in cash for fees and taxes. That charge changes the real cost, so carry the money rather than treating the headline price as the full amount.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. Confirmation is received at booking, and a mobile ticket is available.

Should you book this horseback ride?

Book it if you want an affordable, guided introduction to riding with the choice of desert or beach scenery. The calm horses, patient instruction, hotel transport, and chance to ride into the sea give it more character than a basic stable loop.

I would choose the two-hour option for a special occasion or for anyone eager to enjoy the beach properly. Pick one hour if you are testing the idea, traveling with a young rider, or unsure about time in the saddle.

Before you confirm, ask about the exact route, whether sea riding is available on your date, the final price for your chosen duration, and the pickup time. If those details suit your plans, this is an easy, good-value way to add a little horse time to a Sharm El Sheikh holiday.

FAQ

How much does the horseback riding experience cost?

The listed price is $10 per person. An additional €5 per person for fees and taxes must be paid in cash.

How long does the activity last?

The experience lasts approximately two hours. You can choose one or two hours of horseback riding.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from Sharm El Sheikh hotels are included in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Can I choose between beach and desert riding?

Yes. The activity includes a choice of horseback riding in the desert or on the beach.

Are beginners allowed to participate?

Yes. Beginners receive instruction in the essentials and a safety briefing before the ride, with guide assistance throughout.

Is a safety helmet provided?

Yes. A safety helmet is included.

How many people can join the group?

The maximum group size is 15 people.

Will I receive confirmation after booking?

Yes. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and a mobile ticket is available.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.

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