Horse Riding 3 Hours Desert Beach Swimming by horse in Hurghada

The unusual part comes when the desert trail reaches the Red Sea. You ride from dry sand into the water, then return through the desert as the sun drops. It is a very different way to see Hurghada, and swimming with a horse is the moment most people book this trip for.

I like the choice of horses for beginners and experienced riders, plus an instructor who helps you make contact with the animal before setting off. I also like the small maximum group of 10, the included helmet, and the low price of $26.10. The main caution is that the advertised three hours may not always mean three full hours in the saddle. One account describes about two hours overall, with only 30 minutes of actual riding, so confirm the timing before you go.

Key points at a glance

• Three riding settings: Follow a route through the desert, along the beach, and into the Red Sea.
• Horse selection by ability: Beginners and advanced riders are matched with different horses.
• Afternoon timing: A later start can bring sunset light on the return to the stable.
• Small group size: The maximum is 10 people, which should allow closer help from the instructor.
• Hotel pickup included: Transfers use an air-conditioned vehicle, with extra charges from some resort zones.
• A real timing question: The planned duration is three hours, but the amount of actual riding can vary.

A desert ride with an unusual finish

Most Hurghada excursions keep you on a boat, in a coach, or behind a quad bike. This one puts you on horseback and takes you from the desert to the edge of the Red Sea. The change from dry, golden sand to salt water gives the outing its character.

You are not expected to arrive as an accomplished rider. The stable has horses for beginners and more advanced riders, and an instructor is available before and during the ride. That matters because riding in a new place can feel awkward at first. You need time to learn how your horse responds, how to hold the reins, and how to sit comfortably.

The route is described as a three-hour horseback outing, not a quick photo stop. You ride through the desert, continue toward the beach, enter the sea with the horse, and return to the stable through the desert. Music and a party atmosphere are also part of the stated plan, though the exact format is not explained.

The horse swim is the headline feature, but it is also the part that needs the most honest preparation. One person found the bareback riding in the sea too uncomfortable for some of the group. You should expect water, movement, and direct contact with the horse rather than a calm beach stroll.

Starting at the stable near Hurghada

Your air-conditioned transfer collects you from your hotel and takes you to the stable. Pickup and return are included for Hurghada hotels, which makes the $26.10 price especially attractive if you want a half-day activity without arranging a taxi.

The transfer rules change outside the main Hurghada area. Pickup from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, or Ahia costs an extra $5 per person. From El Gouna or Safaga, the additional charge is $10 per person. Check your hotel’s location when you book, since these fees affect the final price.

At the stable, you meet the instructor and spend time getting familiar with your horse. This introduction is important, not filler. The horse’s size, pace, and temperament affect how relaxed you feel once you leave the stable. Ask the instructor to explain the basic commands and tell them clearly if you are a first-time rider.

Helmets are included. Bottled water is included, too, which is useful in Hurghada’s heat. You should still wear practical clothes and footwear that you do not mind getting wet, since the trip includes both sand and seawater. The supplied details do not state that riding clothes, shoes, towels, or lockers are provided, so do not count on them.

Choosing a horse for your riding level

The stable offers different horses for beginners and advanced riders. That is one of the strongest practical features of the tour. A nervous beginner should not be placed on a horse chosen for speed, while a confident rider may want a horse with a more active pace.

The instructor remains available before and during the ride. Use that help. Tell the staff how much riding you have done, not how much you hope to do. If you are uneasy, say so before the group leaves. If you want more speed and have the skill to handle it, make that clear as well.

One positive account describes healthy, well-fed horses and a guide willing to provide plenty of speed when requested. That is encouraging, but it is still sensible to inspect your horse briefly. Look for a calm manner and equipment that appears secure, then ask for adjustments if anything feels wrong.

The physical demand is moderate. You need enough balance and strength to sit on a moving horse for a long outing, walk through uneven sand, and handle the sea section. The tour specifically calls for a moderate fitness level. It is not the right pick if you want a passive sightseeing ride with no physical effort.

Riding across the desert to the beach

Once mounted, you follow the horse through the desert toward the coast. The setting is simple and open: golden sand, broad views, and the changing light of the afternoon. This is not a polished theme-park ride. You are using a working stable horse on natural ground, and the pace can depend on the group’s ability.

The desert section gives you room to settle into the rhythm of riding. Beginners may spend much of this part walking, while experienced riders may be offered a faster pace if the guide considers it suitable. The supplied information does not promise a particular gait or speed for every person, so treat fast riding as something to request and agree on, not something automatically included.

The route also gives you a chance to see how the horse behaves before the water. Pay attention to the instructor’s directions and keep enough space between horses. The group limit of 10 is helpful here. It is small enough to be more manageable than a large procession, though the ride will still move at the pace of the least confident person.

One important detail is the difference between total tour time and riding time. The planned duration is three hours, but an account of the outing describes only 30 minutes of riding during a two-hour visit. That may have been an unusual day or a timing problem, but it is the clearest reason to ask the operator how long you will actually be mounted.

Entering the Red Sea on horseback

At the coast, the route changes from desert riding to water riding. You may wade with the horse along the shore and swim with it in deeper water. The idea is simple and memorable: the horse moves through the sea while you feel the motion of the water beneath you.

The swimming section is described as taking place in the sea, with the group returning afterward through the desert. You should not assume that every rider will spend the same amount of time in deep water. Conditions, confidence, horse behavior, and the instructor’s judgment can all affect the exact routine.

This is also where comfort becomes a personal issue. One account describes bareback riding in the sea as intolerable for some people. Bareback means no saddle between you and the horse, so the horse’s movement transfers directly to your body. Salt water, wet clothing, and the horse’s motion can make this section harder than it sounds.

If you are excited by the water portion, ask before setting out how the entry will work. Find out if the horse swim is done bareback, how deep the horses go, and what happens if you do not want to enter deeper water. The supplied information confirms swimming in the sea, but it does not set out a detailed safety procedure or an alternative for people who stop at the shoreline.

The helmet is included for the ride, but the details do not say if it is worn in the water. Ask the instructor. Follow the stable’s directions closely, especially when mounting, dismounting, or moving near other horses.

Sunset on the return route

The best start time is described as afternoon so you can catch dusk. That timing gives the return through the desert a softer look and helps avoid the flat midday feel that can make open sand seem harsh.

The sunset is a bonus, not the main reason to book. Weather and seasonal timing will affect how much light remains during the return. The tour requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Music and a party are listed as part of the outing. The information does not say if this means music at the stable, during a break, or at the end of the ride. If you want a quiet, nature-focused ride, ask about the atmosphere before booking. If you like a social finish after the horse swim, this may suit you.

After returning to the stable, the transfer takes you back to your hotel. Water is included, but food is not listed. Plan around your own meals rather than expecting refreshments beyond bottled water.

What the $26.10 price really buys

At $26.10 per person, this is inexpensive for a three-hour outing with hotel transportation, a helmet, bottled water, entry, an instructor, and both desert and sea riding. The included transfer is a major part of the value because taxis between Hurghada hotels and activity stables can add hassle.

The price is strongest if you want one distinctive activity rather than a full-day cultural tour. You get an animal encounter, desert scenery, beach access, and a memorable water section in one booking. It is also a practical add-on for a Hurghada stay when you do not want to spend a full day away from the resort.

The value becomes less clear if your actual riding time is much shorter than planned. Because one account reports two hours overall and only 30 minutes of riding, ask for a clear timetable before paying. A low price is not a bargain if most of your time is spent waiting or being transported.

Transfers from the outer resort areas cost extra. Add $5 from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, or Ahia, and $10 from El Gouna or Safaga. The final price remains reasonable, but compare it with the total shown at checkout rather than the base figure alone.

Who should book this ride

I would recommend it to a first-time rider who wants something more unusual than a standard beach activity, provided that person is comfortable with moderate physical effort. The instructor support and horse choices make it more approachable than a ride designed only for experienced equestrians.

It also suits confident riders who want a faster pace in the desert. One strong account specifically praised the guide’s willingness to provide speed when requested. Still, speed depends on the horse, the group, the ground, and the instructor’s judgment.

This is a good match for couples, friends, and small groups who want a striking holiday memory. The maximum of 10 people keeps the outing from becoming a huge procession. If you care about photographs, note that one account included a photographer, but photography is not listed among the included services. Treat it as a possibility, not a guarantee.

I would be cautious if you have little tolerance for heat, wet clothes, saddle discomfort, or uncertainty about the exact schedule. The sea portion is not simply standing beside a horse for a picture. It involves riding or sitting with the horse in moving water, and that can be physically demanding.

Booking details that matter

Confirmation is provided at booking. You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and cancellations inside that window are not refunded.

Good weather is required. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy is useful for a sea-based activity, since wind and water conditions can affect both safety and comfort.

The group limit is 10 people. Pickup is offered, and the ticket is mobile, so you can keep the booking on your phone. The stated duration is approximately three hours, but the reported difference between planned time and actual riding makes a direct timing question worthwhile.

Final call: book it for the horse swim, not just the ride

Book this tour if you want the unusual combination of desert horseback riding and entering the Red Sea with a horse. The low price, hotel transfer, instructor support, helmet, and small group make it an appealing Hurghada activity, especially for a beginner who wants help getting started.

Do not book it expecting a carefully timed three-hour riding lesson or a polished equestrian center. Confirm how much time is spent actually riding, ask about the bareback sea section, and check the transfer fee for your hotel. If those details suit you, this can deliver a memorable afternoon that feels very different from the usual Hurghada schedule.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding experience last?

The planned duration is approximately three hours. The amount of actual riding may vary, so confirm the riding time with the operator before departure.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Round-trip pickup and return are offered from Hurghada hotels in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Are there extra transfer charges?

Yes. Pickup from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, or Ahia costs an additional $5 per person. Pickup from El Gouna or Safaga costs an additional $10 per person.

Can beginners take part?

Yes. The stable has different horses for beginners and advanced riders, and an instructor helps you before and during the ride.

Does the experience include swimming with horses?

Yes. The route includes riding to the beach and swimming or wading with the horse in the sea.

What is included in the price?

The package includes an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, a helmet, and entry or admission.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.