Review · SHARM EL SHEIKH

Horse Riding on the beach With Transfer From Sharm El Sheikh

5.0 · 48 reviews From $8 Operated by Bella Trips · Bookable on Viator
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The best part of this Sharm El Sheikh outing is the change of pace: you leave the hotel, trade the resort pool for a saddle, and ride beside the Red Sea or through the desert. Beginners are welcome, with a briefing and hands-on help before you set off.

I like the choice of a one or two-hour ride, and I like that hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Guides such as Ahmad, Islam, and Eslam are often praised for their calm help, while Mustapha is known for taking good photos. The main caution is to confirm the actual riding time and check the saddle, helmet, and mounting setup before you begin.

Key points at a glance

Horse Riding on the beach With Transfer From Sharm El Sheikh - Key points at a glance

  • Beach or desert riding: Choose the setting that suits you, from Red Sea views to open desert scenery.
  • Beginner-friendly instruction: A guide explains safety and teaches basic riding if you have little or no experience.
  • One or two hours in the saddle: Check that your booking includes the longer ride, as transfer time has caused confusion for some customers.
  • Hotel transfers included: Pickup and return transport from Sharm El Sheikh hotels make this easy to add to a holiday.
  • Small enough to manage: Groups can reach 15 people, so this is not a private ride.
  • Very low advertised price: The listed price is $8.43 per person, but an additional five-euro fee per person is not included.

Riding beside the Red Sea or across the desert

Horse Riding on the beach With Transfer From Sharm El Sheikh - Riding beside the Red Sea or across the desert

Horse riding gives you a different view of Sharm El Sheikh. The town is known for beaches, diving, and resort life, but the area around it also opens into dry desert scenery. From the saddle, you see the region at a slower pace, with the horse setting the rhythm rather than a bus or sightseeing vehicle.

You can choose between a beach ride and a desert ride, although the exact setting may depend on the local riding area and the day’s arrangements. A beach route offers the strongest visual appeal, especially if you ride near sunset. The desert option gives you wider views and a more open feeling, with the horse and the sand providing the main focus.

The ride is designed for both first-time riders and people who already know how to handle a horse. That mix can be useful, but you should not assume that a beginner group will move at a fast pace. Guides need to keep the group together and match the ability of less experienced riders.

Some customers have been allowed to ride fast or gallop, particularly in the desert or along the beach. That is not guaranteed, and it should depend on your ability, the horse, the surface, and the guide’s safety judgment.

Hotel pickup keeps the outing simple

Horse Riding on the beach With Transfer From Sharm El Sheikh - Hotel pickup keeps the outing simple

Your driver collects you from your Sharm El Sheikh hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. After the ride, the same service returns you to your hotel. That matters in Sharm, where many resorts are spread across different parts of town and a riding stable may not be convenient to reach on your own.

The transfer also makes this a practical half-day add-on. You do not need to arrange a taxi, find the riding center, or work out how to return after dark. Still, allow extra time beyond the advertised two hours because the total outing includes transport and preparation.

One point deserves special attention. The experience is described as lasting about two hours, but you can choose one or two hours of horse riding. A customer who booked two hours reported receiving only one hour of riding once transfer time was included. Confirm this clearly before pickup: ask if your selected duration means time on the horse or total time from hotel to hotel.

The group limit is 15 people. That is not a private horseback ride, and the pace may be shaped by the least experienced rider. On the other hand, a group can make the outing more social, especially if you are traveling alone or with a small party.

The pre-ride briefing matters

At the riding center, professional trainers give a safety briefing before you mount. You should receive basic guidance on how to sit, hold the reins, stop, and direct the horse. If you have never ridden before, tell the guide plainly. The staff are expected to teach you the basics rather than simply place you on a horse and send you away.

Several guides receive especially warm praise. Ahmad is described as gentle and reassuring, while Islam and Eslam are praised for staying close and helping first-time riders. Names can vary by day, but asking for the guide assigned to your group may help you know who to approach with questions.

Use the briefing to explain any concern you have about height, balance, or riding speed. You can also ask how the group will be managed and whether faster riding is possible later. Clear communication at the start usually makes the hour in the saddle more comfortable.

A helmet is listed as included. Put it on before mounting and make sure it fits properly. One negative account raised concerns about not receiving a helmet, a loose saddle, and the lack of a step ladder or proper mounting aid. This is a useful warning, not a reason to reject the outing automatically. Check the equipment yourself, and ask the staff to adjust anything that feels wrong.

What the beach ride offers

The beach option is the most photogenic choice. Riding beside the sea gives you a strong sense of place, and the contrast between the horses, sand, and Red Sea makes for memorable photos. Sunset is particularly appealing, with softer light and cooler air.

Do not expect a long, solitary ride on an empty beach. The group may stop for pictures, and the route may include ordinary riding-center areas rather than a continuous stretch of open sand. Still, the sea views make this more than a simple arena lesson.

Some riders describe galloping along the beach and enjoying the scenery at sunset. If you hope to do the same, ask before departure if the conditions allow it. A guide may keep beginners at a walk, while experienced riders may get more speed when the route is suitable.

The beach can also be cooler than expected, especially in the evening. One rider specifically suggested bringing a jumper. Pack a light layer for sunset rides, even if the afternoon feels hot.

What the desert ride offers

The desert option has a simpler, more open character. You ride through dry surroundings with fewer visual distractions, and the horse becomes the center of the experience. It can feel more adventurous than a short beach photo ride, particularly if the route includes room for a controlled faster pace.

One customer described having a good gallop in the desert and enjoying the scenery. That does not mean every group will gallop. Your guide decides what is safe, and your own riding ability matters.

Wear long trousers. This is one of the most useful tips from the feedback. Shorts can rub against the saddle and leave your legs exposed to dust and sun. Closed shoes are also sensible, although specific footwear rules are not provided.

The desert ride may suit you better if you want riding rather than mainly seaside pictures. The beach ride is a stronger choice if your priority is the Red Sea setting, sunset light, and photographs.

The horses and equipment deserve your attention

Horse Riding on the beach With Transfer From Sharm El Sheikh - The horses and equipment deserve your attention

Many customers describe the horses as calm, friendly, majestic, and enjoyable to ride. That is good news for beginners, who generally need a steady animal while they learn basic commands. A well-trained horse can make the difference between feeling nervous and settling into the ride quickly.

At the same time, one detailed complaint raised concerns about the condition of the horses, a loose saddle, no water being offered to a horse, and poor mounting equipment. You should take that seriously. Before setting off, look at the horse’s general condition and ask the guide to check the girth and saddle.

A practical pre-ride check includes:

  • Make sure your helmet is supplied and fits securely.
  • Ask the guide to tighten and recheck the saddle.
  • Use a mounting step if one is available, especially if you are short or inexperienced.
  • Ask where the group will stop for water.
  • Tell the guide immediately if the saddle slips or the horse seems distressed.

The listed inclusion is a safety helmet, but equipment standards can vary. Do not feel awkward about asking for a replacement helmet or a saddle adjustment. A reputable guide should prefer a short delay to an unsafe start.

One hour or two: choose carefully

Horse Riding on the beach With Transfer From Sharm El Sheikh - One hour or two: choose carefully

The one-hour option is enough if you want a taste of horse riding, a few pictures, and a simple activity between other plans. It may also suit first-time riders who are unsure how their legs or back will feel after mounting.

The two-hour option gives you more time to settle in and enjoy the setting. Customers who chose two hours often describe it as the better experience, especially when they wanted time to ride rather than simply pose for pictures. I would choose two hours if horse riding is one of your main reasons for booking.

The catch is time verification. The advertised duration is approximately two hours, but the options refer to one or two hours of riding. Ask the operator to confirm the exact riding period in writing before the day. This is the clearest way to avoid paying for a longer ride and receiving less time in the saddle.

The price looks excellent, with one important extra

Horse Riding on the beach With Transfer From Sharm El Sheikh - The price looks excellent, with one important extra

The listed price is $8.43 per person, which is unusually low for an activity that includes hotel transport, a horse ride, a helmet, and a guide. Even after allowing for the short duration, it offers strong value if the transfer is convenient and you receive the riding time you selected.

There is an additional fee of five euros per person for fees and taxes. Add that to your calculation before deciding. The final cost remains attractive, but the advertised figure is not the full amount.

The low price also means you should judge the tour by basic safety and clear communication rather than expecting a luxury stable or a private equestrian lesson. This is a straightforward holiday activity. You pay for a guided ride with transport, not advanced riding instruction or a private training session.

Group discounts are available, which may make this especially useful for families or friends. The activity is described as suitable for most people and child-friendly, but specific age, weight, or riding restrictions are not provided. Ask the operator before booking for a child or anyone with limited mobility.

Photos, guides, and the social side

Photos are part of the appeal. Mustapha is praised for taking good pictures, and the beach setting gives you plenty of natural backdrops. Ask how photographs are handled and if there is a separate charge, since no photo fee is specified.

The guides are a major part of the experience. Ahmad, Islam, and Eslam are repeatedly singled out for patient instruction and personal support. A helpful guide can make a first ride feel relaxed, especially when you are unsure how to control the horse.

You may ride with other hotel visitors and meet people from different groups. A solo rider described making friends during the outing, while a group of five found the staff courteous and welcoming. That social feel is a plus if you enjoy shared activities, but it will not suit someone seeking quiet, private riding.

What to pack for a better ride

Bring long trousers, comfortable clothing, and a light jumper for evening or sunset rides. The guide supplies a helmet, but you should confirm that it is available and fits before mounting.

Bring water for yourself. A drink for the horse is not listed as an inclusion, and one complaint specifically raised concern about water provision. Do not assume refreshments are supplied.

Keep your phone protected from dust and secure it while riding. If photos are important, ask the guide when the group will stop so you can use your phone safely rather than trying to ride and take pictures at the same time.

Who should book this ride?

This is a good match for you if you want a low-cost outdoor activity, have little riding experience, and like the idea of seeing Sharm El Sheikh from a different angle. It also works well for couples, small groups, solo visitors, and families who want a short break from resort activities.

Choose the two-hour option if you genuinely want time in the saddle. Choose the one-hour option if you mainly want photos, a brief introduction to riding, or a compact activity in a busy holiday schedule.

I would be more cautious if you expect polished equestrian facilities, a private guide, guaranteed galloping, or exact timing without confirming the details. Check the helmet and saddle, ask how long you will actually ride, and confirm the extra fee.

Should you book Horse Riding on the Beach?

I would book this if the price remains close to the advertised amount and you treat it as a simple guided outing rather than a serious riding lesson. The combination of hotel pickup, beach or desert scenery, beginner help, and a very low starting price is hard to beat.

Book the longer option if possible, confirm that it means two hours on horseback, and ask for a quick equipment check before you leave the stable. With those points settled, this can be a memorable way to see the Red Sea coast or desert without spending much of your holiday budget.

The experience has a 4.9 rating and 98 percent recommendation figure, but the practical details matter more than the headline score. If the operator handles the timing and equipment clearly, the ride offers good value. If you cannot confirm those details, choose the one-hour option and keep your expectations modest.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding experience take place?

It takes place around Sharm El Sheikh, with a choice of riding on the beach or in the desert.

How long does the experience last?

The tour is listed as approximately two hours, but you can choose one or two hours of horse riding. Confirm whether your selected time refers only to riding or includes transfer and preparation.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from hotels in Sharm El Sheikh.

Is transport air-conditioned?

Yes. The driver uses a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.

Can beginners take part?

Yes. The tour includes a safety briefing, and the guide teaches basic riding to people without previous experience.

Is a helmet included?

Yes. A safety helmet is listed as included, but you should check that it is provided and fits correctly before riding.

How many people can join the group?

The maximum group size is 15 people.

Are there extra fees?

Yes. An additional fee of five euros per person for fees and taxes is not included in the listed price.

Can children take part?

The experience is described as child-friendly and suitable for most people. Specific age requirements are not provided, so confirm the rules before booking for a child.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

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Where to ride next

Pick a coastline, a desert or a mountain trail.