Hurghada: Sea & Desert Horse Riding tour/w Swimming&Transfer

A horse leaving the dry Hurghada desert and walking into the Red Sea is the memorable part of this outing. I like the sharp change from sand to sea, and I like that guides such as Rebecca, Abdul, Saeed, and Said match horses to your riding ability rather than sending every rider at the same pace. The stable also has friendly dogs, cats, and other animals, which gives the visit a relaxed, personal feel.

The main thing to consider is timing. A standard ride can last from 90 minutes to 3 hours, but the popular swimming option uses the 2-hour package and reduces the time spent riding on land. Swimming is also seasonal and normally ends after October 31, with colder weather and sea conditions deciding if a late exception is possible.

Key points at a glance

• Ride from desert to Red Sea beach: The route combines open sand, beach riding, and time near the water.
• Swimming is a summer add-on: Choose the 2-hour ride with swimming if you want to take your horse into the sea.
• Good for first-time riders: Staff give riding help and pair guests with suitable horses.
• Experienced riders can ask for more pace: Some riders have been able to canter or gallop on the beach when conditions and ability allow.
• Transfers cover Hurghada: Pickup and drop-off are available from Hurghada, with paid transfers from nearby resort areas.
• Photos are part of the fun: Guides can use your phone, and a photographer may be available for extra professional images.

From Lucky Horses Stable to the Red Sea

The outing begins at Lucky Horses Stable, a little away from Hurghada’s hotel strips. If you arrive by taxi or Uber, GPS may leave you beside the road near the building called Harmony. Look to the left after getting out. The stables are behind the building, and several horse operations are in the same area, so show your ticket to the correct guide.

The stable itself is part of the appeal. You will see horses, dogs, cats, and other animals before or after the ride. The setting is described as peaceful and animal-friendly, with horses sheltered from the sun. That matters if you care about how riding operations treat their animals, although you should still take a moment to look around and ask questions if animal welfare is important to you.

Staff fit the horse to your ability. Beginners may be given a calm, steady horse, while experienced riders can be matched with a more responsive mount. Horses named Hero, Fatima, Flower, Jojo, and Medihа have all been popular with riders, though the exact horse you receive depends on the day and the stable’s judgment.

Do not expect a formal riding school lesson with long classroom instruction. You receive practical guidance on handling the horse, then head out with a guide nearby. That arrangement works well for a holiday activity, especially if you want to spend more time outside than sitting through a lengthy briefing.

A route with three different moods

The ride generally moves through three settings: the stable and desert, the open beach, and the shallow sea. The contrast makes the outing more interesting than a simple paddock ride.

The desert section gives you space and a clear sense of place. Dry sand, open ground, and the Red Sea horizon create a striking setting for a first ride in Egypt. This is also where you get used to your horse and the basic controls. If you are nervous, tell your guide at once. Staff have helped first-time riders settle in, and guides such as Abdul have been praised for patience and reassurance.

At the beach, the ride becomes more scenic and, for capable riders, more active. Some outings are calm walks, while others allow a faster pace, including cantering or galloping when the guide considers it safe. Do not assume that speed is guaranteed. Group ability, beach conditions, your horse, and the guide’s decision all matter.

The beach is also the best place for photographs. Guides and photographers can position you with the sea behind you, and staff often take pictures while you ride. If you bring your own phone, the guide can help capture the key moments. A separate photographer may offer professional photographs for purchase, so ask about the cost before agreeing if you are watching your budget.

What the swimming option is really like

Swimming with a horse is the headline feature, but it is not available all year. The normal cutoff is October 31 because colder weather and sea temperatures are not suitable for the animals. After that date, swimming may happen only by prior agreement and only if the weather and sea conditions are right.

To include swimming, choose the 2-hour ride with swimming option. The horse enters the sea with you, creating the unusual moment most people book this activity for. It is refreshing in hot weather and makes a strong photo opportunity, but it is not the best choice if your main aim is a long beach ride.

One experienced rider specifically preferred the regular 2-hour beach ride because the swimming portion reduced riding time. That is useful advice. Choose swimming for the novelty and pictures. Choose the standard ride if you care more about time in the saddle, a longer beach route, or a chance to ride at a faster pace.

You should also be comfortable around animals and water. The stable is home to friendly dogs and cats, and the horses are close by throughout the visit. The operator makes clear that people who are afraid of animals should think carefully before booking.

Beginner-friendly, but not a riding lesson

This activity suits complete beginners because guides stay involved and adjust the outing to the group. Several first-time riders have been helped through initial nerves, and staff have paired beginners with calm horses. Helmets are provided, and children can receive safety jackets.

That does not mean every part of the ride will feel effortless. Horse riding uses muscles you may not normally use, and long pants are a good idea to reduce rubbing. Wear breathable clothes, especially in the warmer months, and avoid anything that restricts your legs or makes mounting difficult.

Experienced riders should explain their level clearly at the stable. Some riders have been allowed to go faster on the beach, while others have found the pace more controlled than expected. The guides’ first duty is to manage the horses and the group, not to provide an open gallop for every confident rider.

For families, the activity can work well if children are comfortable around horses and can follow instructions. Babies under one year are not suitable, and the activity is not designed for people with mobility impairments. The maximum rider weight is 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms, for the horses’ safety. Pregnant guests should consult a doctor before booking.

Guides who make the difference

The quality of this experience depends heavily on the guide. Staff members including Rebecca, Abdul, Saeed, Said, Adel, and Abdulrahman have received repeated praise for calm instruction, horse care, humor, and attention to nervous riders.

Rebecca has been especially valued by riders of mixed ability. She has guided groups where an experienced daughter could ride faster while a novice parent stayed at a gentler pace. That kind of flexibility is important for couples and families who do not all ride at the same level.

Abdul and Abdulrahman have also been singled out for helping beginners and taking photographs. Saeed has been praised for careful handling of both horses and riders. Names and staff assignments can change, so do not book expecting a particular guide. Still, the pattern is clear: attentive human support is one of the strongest reasons to choose this stable.

The guides also help keep the outing social rather than stiff. Small groups and private options are available, and some departures are divided by riding level. If you want a quieter experience, ask about a private or small-group option before paying.

Transfers, timing, and the real cost

The listed price is $17 per person, which is strong value for a desert and beach activity with horse riding, basic safety equipment, and optional swimming. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada are included when you select the transfer option.

Transfers from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Safaga, and Soma Bay cost an additional €10 per person. That extra charge can still be reasonable if you are staying far from Hurghada and want a simple door-to-door plan. If you are staying nearby, arriving independently may save money.

The total activity can last from 90 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the option. A 2-hour ride is the clearest choice for most people. It gives you enough time to ride through the desert and reach the beach without committing to the longest package. Add swimming only if that specific moment matters more to you than extra riding time.

For hotel pickup, wait at the main entrance or the designated security point 10 minutes early. The driver may not be allowed inside some hotel compounds. Your exact time arrives by WhatsApp, email, or the booking app, and it is wise to confirm one day before. A delay of up to 15 minutes can happen because of traffic or hotel security checks.

Food and drinks are not included. Bring water if you need it, and do not plan the ride as a meal stop. The stable is focused on horses, riding, and animal care rather than catering.

Photos, animals, and the atmosphere at the stable

The stable has more personality than a simple transport stop. You may meet cats and friendly dogs, and there are stories of horses rescued from the Pyramids area or local villages. A newborn donkey has also been seen at the property, adding to the sense that this is an active animal home rather than a polished resort attraction.

That atmosphere will appeal to animal lovers, but it may not suit someone who wants a quiet, highly formal operation. Dogs and cats move around the stable, and you should be comfortable being close to several kinds of animals. The operator places strong emphasis on the wellbeing of the horses and the happiness of visitors, but you should still observe how the animals look and behave when you arrive.

The photography service is useful for solo visitors and couples. A guide can use your phone, so you do not need to ride while trying to take your own pictures. Professional photographs may also be offered at an extra cost. Ask before the ride so you know what is included and what you would pay later.

Who should book this ride

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want patient help in a relaxed setting
• Couples looking for an unusual beach activity
• Families with children who are comfortable around horses
• Experienced riders who want desert and beach scenery rather than a city attraction
• Solo visitors who want help with photographs
• Animal lovers interested in seeing a stable with dogs, cats, and rescued horses

I would be more cautious if you dislike close contact with animals, need fully accessible transport or riding arrangements, weigh over 100 kilograms, or want guaranteed fast riding. The pace depends on the guide, horse, group, and conditions.

The best booking choice depends on your priority. Pick the 90-minute option if you want a shorter introduction. Pick the standard 2-hour ride for the best balance of time and price. Pick the swimming version in summer if entering the Red Sea on horseback is the reason you are interested.

Should you book Lucky Horses Stable?

Yes, if you want an affordable outdoor activity with more character than a standard beach ride. The combination of desert, sea, helpful guides, and well-cared-for animals gives you a lot for $17, especially with Hurghada pickup included on the appropriate option.

Book the regular 2-hour ride if riding time matters most. Book the swimming option only during the warm season and only if you accept that some land riding time will be traded for the sea portion. Confirm the pickup point, wear long trousers, arrive early, and tell the guide your true riding ability.

This is not a luxury equestrian lesson or a guaranteed gallop. It is a friendly, practical holiday ride with a memorable route and strong personal attention. For most visitors to Hurghada, that is a very fair deal.

FAQ

Where does the horse ride start?

The ride starts at Lucky Horses Stable in Hurghada. If you arrive by taxi or Uber, GPS may leave you on the roadside near the building called Harmony. Look to the left after getting out, then show your ticket to the guide.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada are included when you select the transfer option. Transfers from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Safaga, and Soma Bay are available for an additional €10 per person.

Can beginners join the ride?

Yes. The activity is suitable for complete beginners and experienced riders. Guides provide instructions, match horses to riding ability, and can adjust the pace to the group.

Can I swim with the horse?

Yes, but swimming is a seasonal option. Choose the 2-hour ride with swimming option. Swimming normally ends after October 31 because of colder weather and animal welfare concerns, though it may be possible later by prior agreement if conditions allow.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable, breathable clothing. Long trousers are recommended to help prevent chafing. Helmets and safety vests for children are provided.

Is there a rider weight limit?

Yes. The maximum rider weight is 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms, for the horses’ safety. Pregnant guests should consult a doctor before booking.

Are photos included?

Guides can take photos using your phone during the trip. A photographer may also be available for professional photographs, and you should confirm any extra cost before purchasing them.