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

The unusual part of this Hurghada outing is the change of scenery: you may ride from Egyptian desert trails to the Red Sea, then enter the water with your horse if you choose that option. It is a calm way to see the coast, not a fast-paced riding lesson, and the guides take photos and videos during the trip.

I like the friendly, capable horse guides, with Ameen and Saleh receiving especially warm praise, and I like that you are shown how to brush, clean, and feed the horse. The main caution is practical: riding is physical, each station lasts 40 to 60 minutes, and the horse-safety limit is 155 pounds, or 70 kilograms.

Key points to know before booking

• Desert and sea in one ride: Follow scenic trails, then ride beside or into the Red Sea.
• Optional horse swimming: Choose the swimming option and wear your swimsuit under your clothes.
• Two hours on an Arabian horse: This is a real riding activity, not simply a short photo stop.
• Personal help at the stable: You can learn how to brush, clean, and feed your horse.
• Photos and videos included: Guides document the outing, including the sea ride and sunset views.
• Low headline price: The tour costs $21 per person, but some resort pickups cost an extra €10.

From your hotel to the horse stable

The day begins with pickup in a modern, air-conditioned car or van. The exact time depends on your hotel, so confirm it the day before. A delay of up to 10 minutes is possible, which is normal for a pickup run serving several hotels.

Pickup is available from hotels in Hurghada. Transfers from El Gouna are included in the stated arrangements, while pickup from Al Ahyaa, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Soma Bay, and Safaga may require an additional €10 per person. Send your room number to the provider by email or WhatsApp if possible. That small detail can save time when the driver is trying to find you.

The drive matters because it turns this into a door-to-door outing rather than an activity you must arrange yourself. You do not need to find the stable, negotiate a taxi, or worry about getting back after riding in wet clothes. Still, confirm your pickup area before paying, since the extra transfer fee depends on where you stay.

At the stable, the team greets you and introduces you to the horse. This first stage is more useful than it may sound. You get a chance to become comfortable near the animal, and you can learn basic care such as brushing, cleaning, and feeding.

Meeting the Arabian horses

The ride uses Arabian horses. You should expect a guided outing rather than free riding on your own. The guides lead you along the route and help you handle the horse, which is important if you have limited riding experience.

Several guests gave special credit to the guides. Ameen was praised for his riding ability, while Saleh was described as a kind and fun cowboy. The staff were also praised for being welcoming and helpful. These details matter because a good guide can make the difference between sitting stiffly on a horse and relaxing into its rhythm.

You should still be honest about your riding background. Horseback riding uses your legs, hips, and core, and it can become tiring even when the pace is gentle. The activity information warns that it may be difficult if you lack experience. That does not mean beginners cannot join, but you should expect instruction and physical effort rather than a passive sightseeing trip.

The provider gives a strict horse-safety limit of 155 pounds, or 70 kilograms. Elsewhere, the activity is described as unsuitable for people over 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms. Because the lower limit is more specific and is clearly tied to the horses’ safety, I would treat 70 kilograms as the important restriction and confirm it before booking if you are near the limit.

Riding through the desert

Once mounted, you follow scenic trails through the desert around Hurghada. The setting is open and spare, with the horse, sand, and sky doing most of the work. This is not a long expedition into remote country. It is a short, accessible way to experience the desert without committing to a full-day safari.

The ride is divided into stations lasting between 40 and 60 minutes. That wording suggests you may spend time in more than one riding area, such as the desert and the coast. The overall horse time is listed as two hours, so you should be prepared to remain in the saddle for a substantial part of the outing.

I like this format because it gives the ride some variety. A desert trail offers quiet and space, while the sea section gives you changing views and a chance to cool off. The tradeoff is that you do not get an entirely free-flowing journey. The guides need to keep the horses and group together, so the pace and route are controlled.

Expect the guides to take photos and videos during the ride. This is useful because handling a phone while on horseback is awkward and not especially safe. The activity is also promoted with 360-degree photos, although the available information does not explain exactly how those images are delivered, how many you receive, or whether they are included in every booking. Ask about that if the photo package is a major reason you are booking.

Riding beside the Red Sea

The strongest part of the outing is the move from dry desert to the Red Sea. Riding near the beach gives you a very different feel from the inland trail. The water, open coast, and slower pace make this section especially appealing if you want photographs that look distinct from the usual Hurghada excursion.

One guest enjoyed walking the horses in the water, and another group chose to swim with them. That distinction is worth noting. Entering shallow water with the horse may be part of the regular route, while swimming with the horses is an optional activity that must be selected.

You should wear your swimwear under your clothes if you choose the swimming option. There is no way to change on the beach, so this is not the place to arrive in a complicated outfit. Bring a towel and wear comfortable shoes that you can manage around the stable and beach.

The sea portion is not for everyone. If you are nervous around horses, water, or open beach areas, you may prefer to ride along the shore without swimming. You can still enjoy the coastal views and photographs without making the wet portion the center of your day.

One point deserves attention: an otherwise very positive account raised concern about walking along the main road in Hurghada, especially when accompanying an 11-year-old. This may not affect every route or group, but it is a sensible question to ask if you are riding with a child or feel uneasy near traffic. Confirm how much of the route is on roads or beside them before you go.

Sunset, photos, and the pace of the outing

The tour is promoted as a chance to see the sunset from horseback. Timing will depend on your selected departure and hotel location, so do not assume every booking reaches the coast at the exact same sunset moment. Confirm the pickup time and ask whether your chosen departure is scheduled for sunset.

Sunset makes the ride feel special without requiring a long program. The desert becomes softer in the evening light, and the Red Sea provides a strong backdrop for the horse photographs. The guides’ photo and video work is a real convenience, particularly for couples and families who want pictures together.

The photos also help address one limitation of horseback riding. You are concentrating on balance, the horse, and the guide, so you may not have many chances to take your own pictures. Ask how the images are sent afterward and whether 360-degree images are part of the standard package or tied to a particular option.

Do not expect a private photographer or a carefully staged studio session. The guide is managing horses and a group at the same time. The result may be informal, but that often fits the experience better than posed pictures.

What the $21 price really covers

At $21 per person, this is an inexpensive way to combine a two-hour horse ride, a guide, and hotel transportation. The value is strongest if you want several elements in one short outing: desert scenery, Red Sea views, optional swimming, and photos.

The price includes the Arabian horse for two hours, the guide, and transfers from the listed Hurghada and El Gouna areas. Swimming with the horses is included only if you select that option. Lunch is not included, and neither are extras outside the stated program.

The transfer surcharge can change the calculation. Pickup from Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Soma Bay, Safaga, and other listed resort areas costs an extra €10 per person. For a couple, that adds €20, so check the final total before comparing this with other excursions.

There is no lunch stop described, which keeps the outing short and helps explain the low price. Eat before you go or plan food afterward. Since you may spend time in the sun and use physical effort, bring water if your provider allows it, though water is not listed among the included items.

The option to reserve now and pay later is useful if your schedule is still changing. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Keep those terms in mind, but confirm the exact booking conditions at checkout.

Who will enjoy this horse ride most

I would recommend this to you if you want a relaxed outdoor activity with a clear visual payoff. It suits horse lovers, couples, first-time riders who are comfortable with physical activity, and families with older children who can follow instructions and handle the time in the saddle.

It is also a good choice if you have already done the main Hurghada boat trips and want something different. The combination of desert and sea gives you two settings without taking up a full day.

You should think twice if you dislike animals, have no interest in riding, or expect a fast, technical horseback experience. The guides control the pace, and the ride is built around calm scenery and time with the horses.

You also need to consider the weight limit carefully. The stated 70-kilogram limit is for the horses’ safety. Do not treat the less specific 100-kilogram restriction as permission to ignore the lower figure.

Useful preparation for the day

Wear clothes that allow you to sit comfortably in the saddle. Comfortable shoes are listed as essential, and a towel is needed if you swim or enter the water with the horse.

Put on swimwear before leaving your hotel if you selected the swimming option. There is no changing area on the beach, so bringing a towel alone will not solve the problem.

Keep your expectations realistic about riding ability. Even a gentle horse can leave you sore if you have not ridden recently. Listen to the guide, sit upright, and avoid trying to control the horse beyond the instructions you receive.

Give the provider your hotel and room number, then confirm the pickup time one day before departure. The team speaks English, German, and Arabic, which should help with basic instructions and questions.

Should you book this Hurghada experience?

Book it if the idea of riding an Arabian horse from desert trails toward the Red Sea appeals to you, especially if you want the option of swimming with the horse. The $21 price is strong for two hours, transfers, a guide, and photo coverage, provided your hotel is within the included pickup area.

I would make the booking after confirming three things: your body weight meets the 70-kilogram horse-safety limit, your resort transfer fee, and whether the 360-degree photos are included in the form you expect. If you are taking a young child, also ask about any road-side riding.

For horse lovers, the personal care at the stable, the sea ride, and the chance to swim make this more than a standard photo stop. For anyone uneasy on horseback, it is still possible to enjoy, but only if you are ready for a physical two-hour activity and a guided pace.

FAQ

How long is the horseback ride?

The Arabian horse portion lasts two hours. You will ride at each station for between 40 and 60 minutes.

Where does the experience take place?

The ride takes place around Hurghada, through desert areas and along or near the Red Sea.

Is swimming with the horses included?

Swimming with the horses is included only 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.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and a towel. A towel is especially important if you choose the swimming option.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are available from hotels in Hurghada. Transfers from El Gouna are listed as included, while pickup from Al Ahyaa, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Soma Bay, and Safaga may cost an extra €10 per person.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $21 per person. Extra charges may apply for pickup from some resort areas.

Is the experience suitable for beginners?

It may suit beginners, but horseback riding is physical and can be difficult if you have no riding experience. The guides provide direction during the activity.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. For the horses’ safety, riders should not weigh more than 155 pounds, or 70 kilograms. The activity is also marked as unsuitable for people over 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms, but the 70-kilogram limit is the stricter condition.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.