REVIEW · HURGHADA DESERT & BEACH RIDES
Horseback Riding with Pickup and Drop-off from Sharm El Sheikh
Horseback riding near the Red Sea is different. What makes this one memorable is the mix of beach and sea time with a bit of desert riding, plus a smooth hotel pickup and drop-off rhythm that keeps the morning simple. I also like the beginner coaching, especially when guides such as Sa’id are on the job, because first-time riders get taught what to do, not just pushed into the saddle.
One thing to watch: it can be brutally hot, and water is not guaranteed, so you should bring water. If you would rather not feel any sales pressure, also keep in mind that some people mention feeling pushed to buy photos after the ride.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you book
- Why this Sharm horseback ride feels special
- Price and value, plus the 5 euro detail
- Pickup and timing: keep your plans flexible
- The horses, the helmets, and the briefing
- On the ride: beach and sea first, desert in the mix
- How beginners usually do it (and how to set yourself up)
- Pace, heat, and what to pack
- The guide experience: Sa’id, patience, and real instruction
- Group size: small can be good, and it shapes your ride
- Comfort and cleanliness: what to expect near the beach
- Photos and sales pressure after your ride
- Who should book this horseback ride from Sharm el Sheikh
- How to make the most of your 1-hour vs 2-hour choice
- Should you book this horseback riding tour?
- FAQ
- Where does pickup and drop-off happen?
- How long is the horseback riding?
- Is a helmet included?
- Do I need previous riding experience?
- How many people are in the group?
- What is the weight limit?
- What is the price of the tour?
- Are taxes and fees included in the price?
- Do I get a ticket on my phone?
- Is there free cancellation?
Key things to know before you book

- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Sharm hotels in an air-conditioned vehicle, so you do not have to figure out logistics.
- Choose 1 or 2 hours on horseback, with the longer option giving more time along the beach and in the sea, plus some desert riding.
- Helmet included and you get guide assistance throughout, which matters a lot for first-timers.
- Small group size (max 15) means more time for instructions and less waiting around.
- Weight limit is 150 kg, so check this before you sign up.
More saddle and sand along the shore
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Why this Sharm horseback ride feels special

Sharm el Sheikh sits right on the Red Sea, so this excursion does not feel like a generic animal activity. You get the salt-air setting, wide open shoreline views, and a change of scenery when the route turns from sand and water toward drier ground. Even if you have never ridden before, the goal here is straightforward, learn the basics, follow the guide, and enjoy the ride.
The other big reason people like this tour is how “guided” it actually is. You get a briefing before you start, safety equipment in the form of a helmet, and hands-on help during the ride. That setup is what turns a “maybe I can do this” moment into a calm, controlled experience.
Price and value, plus the 5 euro detail
The advertised price is $10 per person, and that is genuinely budget-friendly for a 2-hour outing with pickup and helmet included. But there is an extra line item you should plan for: tax and fees of 5 euro per person are not included in the base price.
That means your real cost is more than just the $10 tag. Still, when you add hotel pickup, a guide on-site, and a structured ride with safety help, it usually lands as good value if you want a short adventure without a long day tour.
Pickup and timing: keep your plans flexible

This is built around convenience. A driver collects you from your hotel and brings you to the riding area, then returns you after your ride. The ride itself is about 2 hours total, though you can pick one or two hours of riding time.
Small-group activities can be smooth when everything runs on schedule, but one caution: there has been at least one reported case where pickup did not arrive right away. If your driver seems delayed, it is smart to involve your hotel staff to contact the operator, rather than waiting indefinitely outside.
The horses, the helmets, and the briefing

You will not be walking into this completely unprepared. Before you ride, professional trainers provide instructions and you get a safety helmet. That helmet detail is not just a formality, it signals that the operator is thinking about beginner safety, especially when you are learning how to mount, balance, and follow directions.
The quality of the horses can matter to you, and there is one mixed note in the feedback about horse condition and the pace being mostly a walk. I would treat that as a “bring your expectations down to the real world” reminder. Even in the best-case scenario, this is not a speed-focused ride. Think stable, controlled, scenic, and guided.
If you are sensitive to heat or you have mobility concerns, pay extra attention to how long you might be standing before mounting. A helmet helps, but comfort and patience matter too.
On the ride: beach and sea first, desert in the mix

The core experience is the route itself. The ride takes you along the beach, and for the longer option, you can expect more time where the ride includes the sea area as well. Then there is also a stretch through the desert, typically short but memorable because it changes the feel of everything around you.
For a first-time rider, that variety is a win. You get the easiest terrain first (shoreline riding is often less intimidating), and only after you are settled does the guide steer you into drier ground. And because horses move at a calm pace most of the time, you are more likely to enjoy the views than you are to feel rushed.
How beginners usually do it (and how to set yourself up)

This excursion is marketed as suitable for beginners, and the guidance part is where it earns its reputation. The guide teaches you the basics and stays with the group, so you are not left guessing how to handle the reins or react when the horse changes pace.
A practical tip: if you are truly brand-new, ask for an extra walk-through before you mount. One comment points to the idea that the safety induction could be more detailed for non-riders, which makes sense. You do not want to feel awkward once you are on board. If instructions are brief, that is your cue to request clarity on the basics, especially how to start, stop, and turn.
Also, choose your comfort level honestly. If you feel unsure at the start, go for calm. The best rides are the ones where you trust the pace.
Pace, heat, and what to pack

This area can be hot, and horseback riding adds a physical factor even when the pace is slow. One key lesson from feedback: bring your own water, since it is not always offered.
What else helps?
- Wear light, breathable clothes you can move in.
- Have sun protection ready, since you will be outside for your ride.
- Closed-toe footwear is a smart choice for stability around the horse.
If you are prone to dizziness or heat stress, plan a slow day the rest of the afternoon. Even a “short ride” can feel intense when the sun is strong.
The guide experience: Sa’id, patience, and real instruction

A recurring highlight is instruction quality. People specifically mention Sa’id as a guide who can teach first-timers and keep things calm. That kind of coaching matters because horseback riding is not just sitting still. You need to learn what the horse is doing, how to respond, and how to hold yourself for balance.
When the guide is patient, you get more than safety. You get confidence. One rider described being taught enough to let them go at different paces, which is a great sign that the ride can feel interactive rather than purely passive.
Group size: small can be good, and it shapes your ride
There is a maximum of 15 travelers, which generally means you spend less time waiting for the whole group to catch up. Smaller groups also make it easier for the guide to notice who needs help adjusting or who is unsure about basic controls.
For you, that translates to a smoother experience if you are nervous. You are less likely to feel lost when there is still space for the guide to correct and explain.
Comfort and cleanliness: what to expect near the beach
The scenery is the big draw, but the beach area is not always picture-perfect. There is a note that the beach area can look cluttered with rubbish, which can take the shine off the shoreline portion.
You cannot control that, but you can control your mindset. If you arrive prepared for an urban-adjacent beach environment, the ride still works because your attention stays on the horse, the shoreline, and the desert segment. Just know this is not a private, manicured beach experience.
Photos and sales pressure after your ride
Most operators want to make a little extra money, and with horse riding, that often comes through photos. One person felt pressured to buy photos before being dropped back to the hotel.
If you care about this, set a simple boundary in advance. Decide whether you want photos before you see them. If you do not, be polite but firm. You are there for the ride, not for a hard sell.
Who should book this horseback ride from Sharm el Sheikh
This tour fits best if you want:
- A short adventure that fits into a half-day window.
- A beginner-friendly experience with helmet and guide help.
- Scenic riding along the beach and sea, plus a desert segment.
It may be less ideal if:
- You expect fast pacing or high-energy riding. This is typically calmer, more instructional than thrilling.
- You strongly care about immaculate horse condition. One comment raised concerns about body condition.
- You dislike any sales push. Some riders report photo pressure, so plan accordingly.
If you are traveling with mixed ages, the structure tends to work because the guide focuses on basics. Just make sure everyone understands instructions and can follow safety rules.
How to make the most of your 1-hour vs 2-hour choice
You get a choice: ride for one or two hours. The shorter option is a good pick if you want the beach and a taste of the desert without turning the day into a full activity. The longer option is for people who want more time outdoors and report more of the experience feeling like beach and sea riding, then a desert detour.
If you are deciding between them and you are a beginner, the 2-hour choice can be a plus because you have time to settle in. If you are worried about heat or stamina, start with 1 hour and keep it relaxed.
Should you book this horseback riding tour?
Book it if you want a value-priced horseback experience with hotel pickup, a helmet, and real beginner coaching. The mix of beach, sea area, and desert riding makes it more memorable than a ride that stays in one place.
Skip or reconsider if you are heat-sensitive, you expect a lot of instruction beyond the basics, or you really dislike photo upsells. Also keep expectations realistic about horse pace. If you arrive wanting calm scenic riding and patient guidance, this tour is likely to hit the mark. If you arrive wanting something more intense or perfectly groomed every second, you might leave a little underwhelmed.
FAQ
Where does pickup and drop-off happen?
Pickup and drop-off are included from Sharm Hotels.
How long is the horseback riding?
You can choose to ride for one or two hours. The overall experience is listed as approximately 2 hours.
Is a helmet included?
Yes, a safety helmet is included.
Do I need previous riding experience?
Most travelers can participate, and the guide teaches the basics for beginners.
How many people are in the group?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers.
What is the weight limit?
The maximum weight is 150 K.G.
What is the price of the tour?
The price is listed as $10.00 per person.
Are taxes and fees included in the price?
No. Tax and fees of five euro per person are not included.
Do I get a ticket on my phone?
Yes, the tour uses a mobile ticket.
Is there free cancellation?
Yes. Free cancellation is available, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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