Soma Bay: Horse Riding Beach and Desert Tour With Transfer

The most appealing part of this two-hour ride is the change of scenery: golden desert under your horse’s hooves, then turquoise Red Sea water beside you. It gives you a quieter view of Soma Bay than a busy beach day or boat trip, with time to ride at a pace suited to your skill.

I like the beginner-friendly horse matching and the simple, useful extras: bottled water and tea are included. The staff also take photos, a detail that several guests singled out as a real plus. The main thing to check is your transfer fee, since Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna pickups cost an extra 10 euros per person.

Key points to know before you book

• Two riding settings: Follow trails through the desert, then ride along the Red Sea beach.
• Horse matched to your ability: The staff can accommodate complete beginners as well as experienced riders.
• Professional guide included: Arabic, English, German, and Russian are available.
• Photos may be taken during the ride: The guide can capture the experience, so you do not need to handle your phone on horseback.
• Hotel transfer depends on your option: Pickup and return are included when selected, but some resort areas carry a 10 euro per person surcharge.
• Flexible booking: You can reserve now and pay later, with a full refund available for cancellations made at least 24 hours ahead.

Riding from desert sand to the Red Sea shore

This is not a short pony ride around a fenced yard. The outing combines two settings that make the Red Sea coast special: open desert and a beach beside clear water.

You begin at an equestrian center in the Red Sea Governorate. The professional staff introduce you to a trained horse chosen for your riding ability. That early match matters. A first-time rider needs a calm horse and clear instructions, while an experienced rider may want a horse that responds more readily to direction.

After you are ready, the route heads into scenic desert terrain. The golden sand gives the ride a broad, open feel, with fewer visual distractions than you would find in a town or resort area. You are not simply sitting on a horse for a photo. You have time to settle into the rhythm of riding and take in the dry desert setting.

The second part follows the coast. Riding beside the Red Sea gives you the best visual contrast of the tour: pale sand and desert tones on one side, turquoise waves and sea air on the other. The gentle breeze can make the ride feel cooler and more comfortable than the sun alone suggests, though you should still bring a hat and wear practical clothing.

The exact balance between desert and beach riding is not specified, so do not book this expecting a fixed number of minutes in each place. Think of it as a two-hour route that uses both environments.

What the first-time rider experience is like

You do not need previous riding experience. The activity is designed for beginners as well as people who already ride, and the guide adjusts the pace and support to suit the group.

That does not mean you should expect a riding lesson with extended arena practice. The information provided describes a guided outdoor ride, not a formal course. Staff help you get comfortable with the horse and guide you along the route, but you should still tell them clearly if you feel nervous or need a slower pace.

The guide remains responsible for safety and comfort during the ride. The experience can include a peaceful walk along the shore or a more spirited ride through open ground, depending on your skill and preferences. If this is your first time, speak up before leaving the center. The more accurately the staff understand your confidence level, the better they can match your horse and pace.

Wear clothes that allow your legs and upper body to move freely. Comfortable riding clothes are specifically recommended, and a hat is useful in the exposed desert and coastal sun. Avoid treating this as a dress-up photo session if you want to stay comfortable for two hours.

Why the beach section is the highlight

The coastal stretch is likely to be the most memorable part for many people. The Red Sea is known here for clear, bright water, and the route offers a view from the shoreline rather than from a resort lounger or boat deck.

You can feel the sea breeze while your horse walks parallel to the water. That combination gives the ride a calm, spacious quality. It also creates better photos than a standard stable visit, especially with the desert behind you and the sea in the frame.

The guide may take pictures during the outing. This was one of the most praised details in the feedback, with particular appreciation for the number and quality of the photos. That is practical as well as pleasant. You can keep both hands focused on the reins instead of trying to take pictures while riding.

There is no promise of a specific wildlife sighting, so treat that as a possibility rather than a feature to plan around. The real attraction is the setting itself: sea, sand, open sky, and a horse beneath you.

The guide’s role and the pace of the outing

A good outdoor horse ride depends heavily on the guide. Here, a professional guide accompanies you throughout and helps set a pace that works for the riders in the group.

The feedback repeatedly praises the staff for being helpful, attentive, and good with first-time riders. One especially useful point is that the team catered to the needs of people riding for the first time. That suggests you should feel comfortable asking for extra help before the group heads out.

Guidance is also important once you leave the center. Desert trails and beach riding are not the same as riding in a controlled arena. The guide helps keep the ride organized and supports your comfort as the route changes.

Languages offered are Arabic, English, German, and Russian. This is helpful if you are not comfortable taking riding instructions in English. Since horse riding depends on clear directions, choose the language you understand best when booking or meeting the staff.

Transfer details from Soma Bay and nearby resorts

The transfer option makes this easy to add to a Red Sea resort stay. If selected, hotel pickup takes you to the equestrian center, and a return transfer brings you back after the ride.

That convenience matters because arranging transport to an outdoor activity can otherwise take more time than the activity itself. You do not need to worry about finding the center on your own, and you can finish the ride, have water or tea, and return to your hotel without arranging a separate car.

The advertised price is $20 per person, but location affects the real cost. Pickup and drop-off from Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna require an additional 10 euros per person. Check your resort area before comparing this with other horse-riding options. A low headline price can look different once a transfer supplement is added.

The transfer is included only if you select the transfer option. Do not assume every booking includes transport. If you are staying outside the listed areas, confirm the pickup terms when reserving rather than relying on the base price alone.

What is included for the $20 price

At $20 per person, this is a strong-value activity if you want a full two-hour outing rather than a brief stable ride. The price covers horse riding in the desert and on the beach, a professional guide, a bottle of water, and tea.

The value comes from the combination of riding time and scenery. You are paying for access to a trained horse, staff support, and a route that uses both coastal and desert areas. The water is a small but worthwhile inclusion in a hot, exposed setting.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only when you choose that option. The extra transfer charge for several resort zones is the main cost issue to keep in mind.

There is no mention of meals, riding equipment, or other refreshments beyond water and tea. Plan accordingly. Bring the clothing and personal items you need for the ride instead of expecting a full day-tour setup.

The practical side of comfort and safety

Horse riding uses muscles you may not normally notice, especially if you are new to it. Comfortable clothes are more important here than a polished holiday outfit. A hat helps with sun exposure, and you should wear clothing suitable for sitting in a saddle for two hours.

The ride takes place outdoors, with little described shelter along the desert and shore. You should be prepared for sun, sand, and wind. The sea breeze is pleasant, but it does not replace basic sun protection.

The staff match horses to riding skills and guide you along the route. That makes this suitable for a mixed group, including beginners and more experienced riders. Still, tell the team about your experience before the ride starts. A confident rider and a nervous first-timer may need different pacing.

The activity is not presented as a high-speed ride. You may have the chance for a more spirited pace through open terrain, but the guide controls the outing with safety and comfort in mind. If you are looking for a fast, technical horseback adventure, this may feel gentler than expected. If you want scenery and a manageable ride, that is a benefit.

Photos, water, tea, and the small touches

The practical extras help the experience feel well organized. A bottle of water is included, which is useful in the dry Red Sea climate. Tea at the end or during the visit adds a simple local touch, though the exact timing is not stated.

The photo service is more valuable than it may sound. Horseback photos beside the Red Sea are difficult to take safely by yourself, and several comments praise the guide for taking many pictures and producing attractive results. You should still regard photos as part of the guide’s service rather than a guaranteed professional photography package.

The strongest comments also praise the organization and the staff’s attitude. That matters because the difference between an enjoyable horse ride and an awkward one often comes down to instructions, horse selection, and how carefully the guide watches the group.

Who will enjoy this ride most

I would recommend this for:

• First-time riders who want staff support and a scenic route
• Couples looking for a quieter Red Sea activity
• Families or mixed-skill groups who need flexible pacing
• Experienced riders who want an easy coastal outing rather than a demanding trek
• Anyone who wants photos in a desert and beach setting
• Resort visitors who value hotel transport

It is less suited to someone seeking a long expedition, advanced riding practice, or a full-day desert program. The experience lasts two hours, so it offers a focused outing rather than a major day trip.

It may also be a poor fit if you dislike sun, sand, or sitting on a horse for an extended period. The setting is beautiful, but it is exposed. Comfortable clothing and realistic expectations will make a big difference.

Booking flexibility and useful planning tips

You can reserve the experience and pay later, which helps if your Red Sea plans are still changing. Cancellation is free when made at least 24 hours in advance, giving you some protection if your schedule shifts.

Before booking, check four things:

• Your hotel’s location and any transfer surcharge
• Whether you need a beginner pace or a more active ride
• The language you want for instructions
• Comfortable clothing and a hat for the two-hour outing

If you are riding for the first time, say so clearly. The staff have experience adjusting the outing for beginners, and early communication gives them the best chance to choose a suitable horse and pace.

Should you book the Soma Bay horse ride?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, two-hour outdoor activity with both desert and Red Sea views. The combination of a trained horse, professional guide, flexible pacing, water, tea, and possible photos gives the $20 base price good value.

The strongest reason to choose it is the staff support. The feedback consistently highlights helpful guides, good organization, and care for first-time riders. The beach setting and photos add the memorable part.

Check the transfer surcharge before paying, especially from Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, or El Gouna. If the total still fits your budget, this is an easy choice for a scenic and gentle horseback outing. Skip it only if you want advanced riding, a longer expedition, or a fully shaded activity.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding experience last?

The horseback riding adventure lasts two hours and includes both desert and beach riding.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select the transfer option. An extra 10 euros per person applies for transfers from Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna.

Can beginners join the ride?

Yes. The staff match you with a trained horse according to your riding skill, and the activity is suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced riders.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable clothing suitable for horse riding and bring a hat.

Which languages are available?

The professional guides can provide the experience in Arabic, English, German, or Russian.

Can I reserve now and cancel later?

You can reserve and pay later. Cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund.