Sharm El Shiekh: Beach and City Desert Horse Riding Tour

The best part of this ride is the change of scene: you start at the Edelweiss Equestrian Center, cross the open desert area around Sharm El Sheikh, then reach the Red Sea on horseback. At the beach, you can splash through the water, trot along the shore, or gallop if your guide feels you are ready.

I like the calm, well-cared-for horses and the patient instruction, especially for first-time riders. I also like the choice of sunrise, morning, or sunset, since each gives the ride a different mood. The main caution is that the advertised two hours may include a long ride to and from the beach, leaving less time in the water than you expect.

Key points to know before booking

• The sea ride is the main event: You can take your horse into the Red Sea and get your clothes wet.
• Beginners are welcome: Guides can lead your horse, walk beside you, or let you ride independently as your confidence grows.
• Sunrise is especially memorable: Early rides offer cooler air and views of the sun coming over the Sinai hills.
• The setting is open city desert, not sand dunes: Expect broad riding space with buildings visible in the distance.
• Photography costs extra: A photographer may capture beach and riding shots, but confirm the price and currency first.
• Small groups keep the ride personal: Groups are limited to five participants, with hotel pickup available if selected.

Riding from the stable to Sharm El Sheikh’s open desert

Your outing begins at Edelweiss Equestrian Center. If you choose transport, an air-conditioned bus or coach collects you from your hotel and returns you afterward. If you skip the transfer, you make your own way to the center.

The staff first ask about your riding experience. This matters more than it may sound. A complete beginner needs a quiet horse, simple instructions, and time to get used to the saddle. A confident rider may want to trot or canter. The horses are assigned with those differences in mind.

You collect a helmet, meet your horse, and receive basic guidance before setting out. Several first-time riders found they could begin with a lead rope or a guide walking beside them, then ride more independently once they felt steady. I like this flexible approach because it avoids forcing a nervous rider to keep up with a faster group.

The ride heads through what is described as the city desert of Sharm El Sheikh. Keep your expectations clear: this is not a sweep of empty Sahara dunes. One useful description calls it a wide open area between buildings, with the city still visible around the edges. That setting is less remote than the promotional wording may suggest, but it gives you space to ride without leaving town.

The route is part of the appeal. You are not simply mounting at a stable and circling an arena. You travel from the center toward the coast, with the dry Sinai surroundings gradually giving way to the beach. Depending on the group, pace, and riding ability, you may walk, trot, or canter along the way.

Why the horses and guides matter

The strongest part of this experience is the human handling. Guides such as Mohammed, Mahmood, and Kamal are repeatedly praised for being patient, friendly, and attentive. Names can vary by date, but the important point is that instruction is part of the ride, not an afterthought.

If you are new to horses, you can learn how to hold the reins, control speed, and ask the horse to move. The guides can stay close, lead the horse, or offer a hand on the ground while you build confidence. One nervous rider chose to remain at the back with a lead rope, while her more experienced partner cantered ahead. That sort of adjustment is useful for couples and families with mixed abilities.

The horses are also a major reason to consider this outing. Many riders describe them as clean, gentle, fit, and well looked after. The stable itself is described as clean, with the horses in good condition. That does not remove the physical demands of riding, but it gives you a better starting point for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Experienced riders are not forgotten. Guides may allow you more freedom and a faster pace if they judge you capable. Some riders were permitted to trot or gallop along the beach, while others stayed at a walk. Do not assume that booking the ride guarantees a gallop. The decision depends on your ability, the horse, the group, and the guide’s safety judgment.

The instruction languages are Arabic, English, Russian, and Italian. Some individual guides may have limited English, but basic riding directions are still part of the experience. If you need very detailed instruction, tell the center about your experience when confirming the pickup.

Reaching the Red Sea beach on horseback

After the desert section, the ride reaches a beach where you can follow the shoreline. This is the point when the outing becomes more than a standard stable ride. The beach is described as relatively quiet and attractive, with open views and room for the horses to move.

You might walk at the edge of the water, trot beside the shore, or canter if permitted. The feel depends heavily on the tide, the horse, and the group’s ability. An experienced rider may find this the most exciting part, while a beginner may prefer to focus on balance and steering.

The main practical issue is time. The advertised duration is two hours, but one rider reported a total closer to one and a half hours. Other accounts make clear that the trip to the beach and the return journey take a substantial share of the session. In plain terms, do not book this expecting two full hours in the sea.

That is not necessarily a problem. The route to the beach is part of the ride, and some riders liked the long return trail as much as the shoreline. Still, if your only goal is swimming with a horse, ask how much time is normally spent at the beach on your chosen departure.

Taking your horse into the water

At the beach, the horse can enter the clear Red Sea water. You should expect to get wet, especially if the horse splashes or moves at a faster pace. Waterproof shoes are listed among the recommended items, and comfortable clothing is essential.

This is not a dry, photo-only stop. The plan is to let the horse wade or run through the water, creating the splash that makes the activity memorable. Some horses clearly enjoy the sea, while individual animals have their own character. The guide remains responsible for deciding how far and how fast each horse goes.

I would wear long trousers rather than shorts or a dress. Several riders warned that the saddle can rub, particularly during a two-hour ride. Comfortable trainers are useful for the desert and stable, but waterproof footwear is worth considering for the sea section. You may also want a change of clothes and a towel, even though these are not listed as included items.

The water is the highlight, but it is also where you should stay realistic about safety. You are riding a living animal in moving water, not using a mechanical attraction. Follow the guide’s instructions and do not push for a faster pace simply because another rider is doing so.

Sunrise, morning, or sunset?

The choice of departure time changes the character of the ride.

A sunrise ride requires a very early start. Some pickups begin around 4 or 5 a.m., depending on the hotel and season. The reward is cooler air, softer light, and the sun rising over the beach and Sinai hills. Riders who chose sunrise described the quiet beach and early light as especially memorable.

Morning is the sensible middle choice. You still avoid the strongest heat of the day, and you have better light than a late ride if photography matters. It may suit families and beginners who want a clear, relaxed start without the very early pickup.

Sunset gives you warm colors and a cooler ride as the day fades. It can be beautiful on the beach, but low light may make some parts of the route less clear. If you are visiting in a hot month, an early or late departure is likely more comfortable than midday.

I would choose sunrise for the atmosphere, sunset for the color, and morning for the easiest schedule. Ask the center about the exact pickup time before you book, since the activity time does not include hotel transfer.

Photography, extra charges, and the real price

The listed price is $98 per person. That is a substantial amount for a two-hour riding session, but it includes an instructor, helmet, and hotel pickup and drop-off when that option is selected. For a visitor who wants a guided beach ride without arranging transport, the convenience adds real value.

The stable also offers photography, which is not included in the price. A photographer may take portraits on the beach, action shots, and pictures of you riding into the water. Several people considered the images worth buying, especially because it is difficult to photograph yourself while riding.

You need to clarify the photography price before the session. One booking account described a charge of £30 and said the currency was not clear at first. Another paid about £25 for roughly 30 images. Prices and packages may change, so ask whether the cost is in pounds or Egyptian pounds, how many photos you receive, and if the photographer is optional.

There was also one complaint about an additional 600 Egyptian pound charge at the stable. That does not match the otherwise positive reports, but it is enough reason to confirm every extra cost before you ride. The base price should not be treated as the final cost if you want photos or if the transfer choice changes the fee.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

This is a strong fit for first-time riders who want more than a short lesson. The guides can match the horse and pace to your ability, and several beginners progressed from being led to trotting independently.

It also suits experienced riders who want a faster ride in an unusual setting. The beach allows more freedom than a standard trail, though your guide must approve any cantering or galloping. You may not get a private fast ride if the group contains several beginners.

Families can consider it, but note the stated maximum rider weight of 120 kilograms. The material provided does not give a minimum age, so ask the operator directly if you are booking for a child. Children as young as nine and eight were described as taking part, but that does not replace checking the current age rules.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems. Even a gentle ride puts work on your lower back, hips, inner thighs, and glute muscles. First-time riders should expect some soreness after two hours and should not schedule the ride immediately before a demanding excursion.

Practical details that can save you trouble

Bring your passport, or a copy if accepted, because it is required for security purposes. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and choose long trousers to reduce rubbing from the saddle.

Give the local partner your WhatsApp number when booking so they can send the confirmed pickup time. If you arrange your own transport, go directly to Edelweiss Equestrian Center.

The group is limited to five participants, which helps the guides adjust the pace. Still, the ride may feel different depending on who is in your group. A confident rider paired with beginners may spend more time walking, while a group with similar experience may cover more ground.

The activity allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful if your Sharm El Sheikh schedule is still shifting.

Should you book the Edelweiss beach ride?

I would book this if you want a proper outing with a horse, not simply a short stable photo. The well-cared-for horses, patient guides, small groups, and route from the city desert to the Red Sea give it more substance than a basic riding lesson.

I would be more cautious if you want a long swim or a fully remote desert setting. The open riding area is close to the city, and the ride to and from the beach can reduce the time spent in the water. Confirm the schedule, transfer, and photo prices before paying.

For a first-time rider, a sunrise or morning departure is my pick. For an experienced rider, sunset may offer the best light for beach photos, provided you are comfortable with the later timing. At $98, it is not a budget activity, but the instruction, transport option, beach access, and unusual sea ride can make it worthwhile for the right visitor.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding tour last?

The stated activity duration is two hours. This includes the ride from the equestrian center through the desert area to the beach and back. Travel time from your hotel is separate.

Where does the ride start?

The ride starts at Edelweiss Equestrian Center in Sharm El Sheikh. You can arrange your own way there if you do not select hotel transfer.

Can beginners join the ride?

Yes. The instructor asks about your riding level and can choose a suitable horse. Beginners may be led by a guide or receive close help until they feel more confident.

Can I ride the horse into the Red Sea?

Yes. The route includes a beach stop where you can take your horse into the water and get wet.

Can experienced riders gallop?

You may be allowed to trot or gallop if your ability, the horse, and the conditions make it appropriate. The instructor decides the safe pace for the group.

What departure times are available?

You can choose a sunrise, morning, or sunset ride. Check availability for the exact starting time on your chosen date.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included when the transfer option is selected. You must provide a WhatsApp number so the local partner can confirm your pickup time.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothes, comfortable shoes, and preferably long trousers. Waterproof shoes are recommended because the horse enters the sea.

Is a helmet provided?

Yes. A helmet is included with the activity.

Are photographs included in the price?

No. Photography is an optional extra. Confirm the package price, number of images, and currency before accepting the service.

Is the ride suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems. The maximum rider weight is 120 kilograms, and you should bring a passport or accepted copy for security.