Swimming by Horse at Red Sea Beach & Desert with Dinner- Hurghada

The unusual part comes first in your imagination: you ride a horse from dry desert trails onto a Red Sea beach, then enter the water with the horse beside you. That mix of desert riding and sea swimming is the reason to consider this Hurghada outing over a standard beach trip.

I like two things here. First, the three-hour riding plan gives you more than a quick photo stop, with one hour in the desert, one on the beach, and one in the sea. Second, the warm hospitality and patient support matter if you are new to riding. One rider described riding alone for the first time and formed a bond with a horse named Wardah. The main caution is that the advertised price does not cover all costs: taxes add €10 per person, and some resort areas require another €10 transfer fee.

Key points at a glance

• Three different riding settings: Spend one hour in the desert, one hour on the beach, and one hour swimming with your horse in the Red Sea.
• A good first riding challenge: Support from the guide helped one first-time independent rider feel comfortable on horseback.
• Personal horse connections: Previous riders singled out horses named Loza and Wardah, so you may remember your mount as much as the scenery.
• Pickup makes planning easier: Hotel transport in an air-conditioned vehicle is included for standard pickup areas.
• Dinner is part of the advertised outing: Confirm the exact meal timing and menu when you book, since the inclusions list focuses mainly on transport, riding, and the helmet.
• Extra charges need budgeting: Add €10 for government taxes and VAT, plus €10 for transfers from El Gouna, Safaga, Somabay, Makadi, or Sahl Hasheesh.

Three hours from desert trail to Red Sea water

This is built around a clear progression. You start on horseback in the desert, move toward the beach, and finish with the most unusual part, riding and swimming in the Red Sea.

The booking describes about four hours overall, while the horse program itself totals three hours. That difference likely covers pickup, preparation, changes between riding areas, dinner, or waiting time. I would allow the full four hours rather than planning another tight appointment afterward.

The route gives the outing a welcome change of pace. Desert riding offers open views, sandy tracks, rocky ground, distant mountains, and the steady movement of the horse. The beach section shifts the mood from dry and dusty to coastal and open. The final hour in the water is the main draw, but it also requires the most comfort with horses and swimming.

You do not need to be an experienced rider to see the appeal. One rider described riding independently for the first time after an hour with the guide. That suggests the activity can work for beginners, provided you are willing to listen carefully and take the first part at a calm pace.

Desert riding around Hurghada

The first hour takes place away from the shore, where the setting is defined by sand, rocky outcrops, and broad views toward the mountains. This part is not just filler before the sea. It gives you time to settle into the saddle and learn how your horse responds.

That preparation matters. A horse can feel very different once you are outside a stable area, and desert terrain may include uneven ground. The guide’s support is especially useful here. You can use this hour to find a comfortable rhythm, learn basic control, and become familiar with your horse before reaching the water.

The ride is described as moving along sandy trails and rocky stretches. You should expect scenery rather than a tightly packed sightseeing route. If you like open spaces and the simple feeling of moving through a dry region on horseback, this will probably be your most relaxed section.

The horses also add a personal element. Loza was remembered as a beautiful and friendly mount, while Wardah became a memorable companion for a first-time solo rider. Horse temperament varies, of course, but these details suggest that the connection between rider and animal is treated as part of the outing, not just as transport.

One hour along the beach

The second riding hour takes place on the beach. This is where the setting changes sharply. You have the Red Sea beside you, open sand under the horse, and a more dramatic backdrop for photographs than the inland section.

Beach riding can feel easier after the desert hour because you have already had time to adjust. It also gives you a chance to enjoy the horse’s movement without the same dry, enclosed feel of a stable or riding arena. The supplied plan specifically separates the beach hour from the swimming hour, so you should not assume the horse goes into the sea immediately.

I like this middle section because it helps the day feel like a small journey rather than a single activity repeated for three hours. You move through three settings, each with a different pace and view.

Still, the beach hour may not suit anyone seeking a fast gallop or advanced riding lesson. No detailed speed program is provided, and the experience is designed for a broad range of participants. Expect guided riding and scenery rather than technical training or a private equestrian session.

Swimming with your horse in the Red Sea

The final hour is the feature that sets this tour apart. You enter the sea with your horse and spend time in the water together. The combination is unusual, but it is also the part where you should pay closest attention to the guide’s instructions.

The water is described as warm and clear, with marine life visible below the surface. The supplied details do not promise a snorkeling session, so think of this as a horse-swimming activity first, not a dedicated reef excursion. You may see sea life, but the horse and the shared water experience are the focus.

This hour can be especially appealing if you have already ridden before and want something beyond a normal trail outing. For a beginner, it may feel like a big step. The desert and beach sections provide useful time to get comfortable before you enter the water, but you should still be honest about your swimming ability and comfort around horses.

A helmet is included. That is a useful safety provision for the riding portions, though the exact safety rules for entering the sea are not stated. Listen closely to the guide and follow the stable’s instructions about mounting, dismounting, and remaining near the horse.

Dinner and the pace of the day

Dinner is part of the tour title and description, so the outing is meant to finish with food rather than send you straight back to your hotel after the water session. The supplied inclusion list does not give a menu, serving style, or exact timing.

That is worth checking before you go. Ask when dinner is served, what it includes, and if drinks are covered. These are not reasons to reject the tour, but they help you compare the value with other Hurghada excursions.

The meal also makes sense in practical terms. Three hours on horseback, including time outdoors in desert heat and seawater, can leave you ready for a proper break. If you are booking this as a half-day outing, remember that pickup and drop-off make the total commitment about four hours.

What the $21 price really covers

At $21 per person, the base price looks low for hotel transport, three hours of riding, a helmet, sea access, and dinner. It becomes particularly attractive if you want several activities in one short outing instead of paying separately for a desert ride and a beach trip.

The price needs a careful reading, though. Government taxes and VAT add €10 per person in cash on the spot. If you are staying in El Gouna, Safaga, Somabay, Makadi, or Sahl Hasheesh, the transfer fee adds another €10 per person, also paid in cash.

That means your final cost could be notably higher than the headline price. If you stay in central Hurghada and do not incur the special transfer fee, the value is stronger. If you are in one of the listed resort areas, calculate the extra €10 before booking.

Group size can reach 40 people. That is a useful detail for setting expectations. You may not receive a quiet, private ride, and the time spent preparing horses or moving between sections could feel less personal in a full group. On the other hand, the group format helps keep the base price accessible.

Group discounts are available, but the exact reduction is not specified. Ask for the price before finalizing if you are booking for several people.

Hotel pickup and practical planning

Pickup and drop-off use an air-conditioned vehicle. That removes one of the main hassles of arranging a desert activity in Hurghada, especially if you do not have a rental car.

The standard service is not automatically the same for every resort district. El Gouna, Safaga, Somabay, Makadi, and Sahl Hasheesh carry the extra transfer charge listed above. Confirm your hotel location and the exact pickup fee during booking.

Wear clothes you can move in and do not mind getting wet or dusty. The provided information does not specify changing facilities, lockers, towels, or swimwear, so you should confirm those points before the day. A helmet is included, but the details do not say whether other riding equipment is supplied.

A mobile ticket is offered, and confirmation is provided at booking. That makes the basic check-in process simple. Keep the confirmation available on your phone and carry cash for the required on-site charges.

The activity allows service animals, and most people can participate. No detailed restrictions are given for age, weight, medical conditions, or swimming skill. If any of those points apply to you, contact Lions Travel before paying rather than assuming you will be accepted.

The horses and the human side of the outing

The strongest personal detail in this experience is the way riders remember individual horses. Loza became a special companion for one rider, while Wardah was the horse another rider hoped to meet again.

That tells you something useful about the pace and support. You are not simply being placed on a horse for a five-minute photograph. The program allows enough time to become familiar with the animal and enjoy the relationship.

The guide also received praise for support and hospitality, though no guide names are provided. If you are a beginner, say so clearly at the start. You can use the first desert hour to ask for help with reins, posture, mounting, and stopping.

A pleasant attitude from the staff helps, but the quality of a horse outing also depends on how calmly and responsibly the animals are handled. The supplied information does not give details about horse welfare practices, group riding ratios, rest periods, or sea procedures. If those issues matter strongly to you, ask direct questions before booking.

Who should book this experience

I would suggest this outing to you if you want a short, active Hurghada excursion with several settings and a memorable central idea. It suits first-time riders who want guidance, as well as casual riders looking for a different way to see the coast.

It may also work well for couples, families with eligible participants, and groups. The group discount and pickup service make it easier to arrange for several people, though the maximum group size of 40 means you should not expect a private atmosphere.

You should think twice if you dislike getting wet, feel uneasy around large animals, or want a quiet luxury outing. The low price and possible group size point toward a practical, shared activity rather than a private equestrian retreat.

It is also not the right choice if your main goal is reef snorkeling. You may see marine life in the clear water, but the advertised focus is swimming with the horse, not underwater exploration.

Cancellation and final booking checks

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes during that same period are not accepted.

Before booking, I would confirm four points: your pickup fee, the €10 tax payment, the dinner details, and what you need to bring for the water section. Those questions are especially useful because the main description includes dinner while the detailed inclusions concentrate on transport, riding, and the helmet.

Should you book the Red Sea horse swim?

Book it if you want a varied half-day outing that combines desert tracks, beach riding, and an unusual hour in the Red Sea. At $21 before listed extras, it offers strong value for a multi-part activity, especially for first-time riders who appreciate guide support and included transport.

Approach it with realistic expectations. The total outing is about four hours, the group may be large, and taxes or resort transfers can raise the final price. If you accept those limits and confirm the dinner and safety details, this is a practical way to add something genuinely different to a Hurghada stay.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The overall outing is approximately four hours. The horse riding portion lasts three hours, split into one hour in the desert, one hour on the beach, and one hour swimming with the horse in the Red Sea.

What is included in the horse-riding program?

The program includes desert riding, beach riding, and swimming with the horse in the Red Sea. A helmet is also included.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle are included for the standard service area.

Are there extra transfer charges?

Yes. A €10 per-person transfer fee is listed for pickups from El Gouna, Safaga, Somabay, Makadi, and Sahl Hasheesh. This fee is paid in cash on the spot.

Are taxes included in the advertised price?

No. Government taxes and VAT are listed as an additional €10 per person, payable in cash on the spot.

Is dinner included?

Dinner is part of the advertised experience description and title. The available details do not specify the menu, drinks, or exact serving time, so confirm those points when booking.

What is the maximum group size?

The activity can include a maximum of 40 participants.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not eligible for a refund.