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

Hurghada’s most unusual short outing takes you from desert trails to the Red Sea, where you can ride beside the water and, if you choose the right option, swim with your horse. Sunset adds soft light to the trip, while the horses give you a slower, quieter view of Egypt than a jeep or quad bike.

I like the two-hour riding time and the chance to learn basic horse care, including brushing, cleaning, and feeding. I also like that hotel transport, a guide, an Arabian horse, and photos and videos are built into the main package. The main caution is that this is real physical activity, and the listed weight limits are strict.

Key points to know before booking

• Desert and sea in one ride: The route combines dry desert scenery with a beach or Red Sea section.
• Swimming is optional: You can enter the water with your horse if you select that option, but bring swimwear under your clothes because there is no changing area on the beach.
• Two hours in the saddle: Riding takes place in stations of about 40 to 60 minutes, so expect a proper outing rather than a quick photo stop.
• Named guides include Ameen and Saleh: Ameen is praised for his riding skills, while Saleh is described as a kind and fun cowboy.
• Photos and videos are included: Guides record parts of the ride so you have more than a few rushed phone snapshots.
• Weight rules matter: The safety information lists 70 kilograms, or 155 pounds, as the riding limit, while another note says the activity is unsuitable above 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds. Ask the operator to confirm which rule applies to your booking.

From your Hurghada hotel to the stable

The day begins with pickup in a modern, air-conditioned car or van. This is useful in Hurghada, where hotel areas can stretch along the coast and a stable may be some distance from your accommodation.

Pickup is available from hotels in Hurghada. Transfers from El Gouna are included in the stated package, while pickup from Al Ahyaa, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Safaga, and Soma Bay costs an extra €10 per person. Confirm your exact pickup time one day before departure. The operator may be up to 10 minutes late, and the activity provider asks for your room number by email or WhatsApp when possible.

The exact start time depends on where you stay. That matters if you are trying to fit this ride around a full day of snorkeling, a boat trip, or a late hotel breakfast. The best plan is to leave some breathing room rather than booking another fixed activity immediately afterward.

At the stable, the team greets you and helps you get settled with your horse. This is more than a quick mounting point. You can learn how to brush, clean, and feed the animal, which gives the ride a more personal feel and helps you understand the basic work behind looking after a horse.

The main languages offered are English, German, and Arabic. Specific guides associated with the trip include Ameen and Saleh, though your guide depends on the departure. Ameen is noted for strong riding ability, and Saleh for a friendly, playful approach.

Getting comfortable with your Arabian horse

The package includes an Arabian horse for two hours. Arabian horses are known for their compact build and lively movement, so even a calm animal can feel different from a slow pony used for a short beach photo. Your guide is there to help you manage the horse and follow the route.

The riding is divided into stations lasting about 40 to 60 minutes. The supplied information does not give a full minute-by-minute route, so the time may be split between the stable area, desert riding, and the sea section. Ask the guide at the start how the two hours will be arranged, especially if swimming is your main reason for booking.

You do not need to treat this as a competitive riding lesson, but you should be comfortable with a physical activity. Beginners may find the saddle tiring, particularly during longer periods at a walk. If you have little or no riding experience, tell the guide at the stable. A calm pace and clear instructions will make a big difference.

Wear comfortable shoes. If you select swimming, wear your swimwear beneath your riding clothes because there is no place to change on the beach. Bring a towel, and consider clothing that dries reasonably fast. The provided requirements do not list helmets or other riding equipment, so ask the operator before departure if you have a safety concern.

Desert trails and wide-open views

The first major part of the outing takes you into the desert near Hurghada. The appeal is not speed. It is the change of rhythm. From horseback, you hear the animal’s movement and have time to look around rather than racing from one photo stop to the next.

The desert section is also a good match for people who want a softer alternative to motorized excursions. You avoid engine noise and dust from a convoy, although you still need to accept the physical work of staying balanced on a horse.

The route is described as passing through scenic trails and picturesque surroundings. Do not expect a long wilderness expedition. This is a two-hour activity connected to a beach and stable, not a multi-day desert trek. Still, the contrast between the dry interior and the water ahead gives the outing a clear sense of progression.

Your guide handles the horses and takes photos and videos during the tour. That is a practical benefit for solo visitors and couples who do not want to hand a phone to a stranger at every stop. It also means you can concentrate on riding instead of trying to film while holding the reins.

Photo quality and the number of final images are not specified, so treat the camera service as a useful extra rather than a professional photo shoot. The 360-degree photo reference suggests the operator offers a more memorable view than ordinary snapshots, but confirm exactly what is delivered if the images are important to you.

Riding beside the Red Sea

The sea portion gives this ride its strongest visual contrast. You move from dry ground to the coast, with the horse walking near or in the water. The setting is especially appealing around sunset, when the light changes across the beach and the sea.

The water section is not described as a fast ride. The experience focuses on walking with the horses and enjoying the setting. One particularly useful detail is that the horses may enter the water for swimming if you book that option.

Swimming with a horse is the part most likely to decide whether this trip feels special or simply pleasant. It is also the part that needs the most practical preparation. Wear swimwear under your clothes, bring a towel, and do not count on changing at the beach. You should also be ready to get wet and deal with sand afterward.

If you are bringing a child, think carefully about comfort and confidence around horses and traffic. One family outing was praised overall, but walking along the main road in Hurghada made one parent nervous with an 11-year-old. That does not mean every departure follows the same stretch of road, but it is a fair question to ask before setting out.

Sunset, photos, and the calmer side of Hurghada

A sunset ride can be a strong choice if you want an evening activity that is quieter than a dinner show or a loud desert camp. The horse’s pace gives you time to watch the colors change, and the sea adds a natural backdrop for photographs.

I would not book this solely for the sunset unless the operator confirms your departure time. Pickup varies by hotel and the exact riding schedule is not stated. The sunset is a highlight when the timing works, not a guaranteed feature of every start time.

The photos and videos are useful because horseback riding leaves your hands occupied. You can enjoy the ride and still receive a record of the desert, beach, horse, and possibly the swim. Guides may take pictures throughout the tour, so wear clothing you are happy to see in photos and keep valuables secure.

There is also a simple pleasure in the horse-care portion. Brushing and feeding help you connect with the animal before riding. For children and first-time riders, this can make the horse feel less intimidating. For experienced riders, it may seem brief, but it still offers a look at the stable routine rather than treating the horses as props.

What the $21 price really covers

At $21 per person, this is a low-cost way to add a horse ride to a Hurghada stay. The price includes an Arabian horse for two hours, a guide, and transfers from the stated included pickup areas. It also includes the photo and video service described for the tour.

That is good value if you want a compact outing with transport already arranged. A separate taxi, horse rental, guide, and photo service could quickly cost more, though the exact prices of those alternatives are not provided.

The sea-swimming option may be an extra choice rather than part of every booking, so check that you select it if swimming is the main attraction. Lunch is not included, and neither are unlisted extras. Plan to eat before or after the activity rather than expecting a meal at the stable.

The €10 per person transfer surcharge from several resort areas is reasonable to factor into the total price. It can change the value calculation if you are staying far from Hurghada, especially for a couple or family. Confirm the complete cost before paying.

The reserve-now, pay-later option can help if your schedule is still moving around. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you some protection if weather, illness, or a change in plans affects your day.

Who will enjoy this ride most

This outing suits you if you like horses, want a slower activity, and enjoy combining two different settings in a short trip. It is also a good fit for couples seeking sunset photographs and for first-time visitors who want something beyond standard beach time.

Horse lovers get the most from the stable visit, the grooming, and the time spent with the animals. If swimming with horses is available for your date, that option adds a clear reason to choose this trip over an ordinary beach ride.

You should think twice if you dislike physical activity, feel nervous around large animals, or expect a polished riding-school lesson. The information warns that riding can be difficult without experience. The 70-kilogram safety limit also excludes many adults, and the separate 100-kilogram suitability note creates an important point to clarify before booking.

Families can enjoy the gentle pace, but children need to be comfortable following instructions and sitting on a horse for long periods. The road section mentioned by one family makes it sensible to ask about the route if you are traveling with a young child.

Small details that make the day easier

Wear comfortable shoes with enough grip for walking at the stable and near the beach. Bring a towel even if you are not certain you will swim, especially if your booking includes the water option.

Keep your hotel room number and contact details ready for the pickup message. Since departure time depends on your hotel, confirm it the day before rather than relying on a general start time.

Use sunscreen and bring water if permitted, though the supplied information does not list refreshments. Avoid bringing items you cannot protect from sand or water. The beach has no changing facility, so plan your clothing with that limitation in mind.

Ask three questions before you leave the stable:

• How long will each riding station last?
• Is the beach section included in your selected option?
• Are you permitted to enter the water with your horse?

These questions can prevent the main disappointment, especially if you have booked because of the swimming or sunset.

Should you book the Hurghada horse ride?

I would book this for the desert-to-sea contrast, the relaxed two-hour pace, and the unusual chance to swim with a horse. The $21 price is attractive when your hotel transfer is included, and the guides, grooming session, and photo service give the outing more substance than a short beach photo stop.

I would not book without checking the weight restriction, pickup charge, and swimming option. Confirm the route if you are traveling with a child, and remember that riding takes effort even when the horse is well behaved.

If you love horses and want a memorable Hurghada activity without spending a full day on a boat, this is a sensible choice. If you want guaranteed professional photography, a long open-country ride, or a fully private experience, ask the operator for details before committing.

FAQ

How long do I ride the horse?

The Arabian horse is provided for two hours. Riding at each station lasts between 40 and 60 minutes.

Is swimming with the horses included?

Swimming with the horses is available if you select that option. Check your booking choice before departure.

What should I wear for swimming?

Wear your swimwear under your clothes because there is no way to change on the beach. Bring a towel.

Where is hotel pickup available?

Pickup and drop-off are available from hotels in Hurghada. Transfers from El Gouna are included in the stated package.

Is there an extra transfer charge from other resort areas?

Yes. Pickup from Al Ahyaa, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Safaga, and Soma Bay is available for an extra €10 per person.

What languages do the guides speak?

The available languages are English, German, and Arabic.

Is the ride suitable for someone with no riding experience?

Horseback riding is a physical activity and may be difficult if you lack riding experience. Tell the guide about your experience at the stable.

Are photos and videos included?

Guides take photos and videos during the tour so you have memories of the experience. The exact number and format of the images are not specified.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund.