REVIEW · HURGHADA DESERT & BEACH RIDES
Sharm El Shiekh: Beach and City Desert Horse Riding Tour
Horseback riding in Sharm gets real fast. This 2 hour tour mixes desert runs with a Red Sea beach splash, guided by instructors who match your pace to your level.
I especially like how the guides pair riders with the right horse. Guides such as Mohamed and Kamal are big on patience, and you’ll often notice how much time they spend getting beginners comfortable before they let anyone go faster.
One thing to consider, it can be easy for the experience to shift toward photos on the beach, so if you want pure riding time, plan your expectations.
In This Review
- Key things you should notice before you book
- Why This Sharm Horse Ride Ends in the Red Sea
- Edelweiss Equestrian Center: Helmets, Horse Matching, and a Quick Setup
- The Ride Out: City Desert Views, Then Toward the Beach
- Beach Gallops and the Red Sea Splash: The Moment That Makes It Worth It
- Guides, Safety, and Rider Levels: What You Actually Need to Know
- Pickup, Timing, and What 2 Hours Really Feels Like
- What to Wear and Bring (So the Horse Ride Feels Fun, Not Annoying)
- Price and Value: Is $98 a Good Deal Here?
- Photography on the Beach: How to Get the Memorable Shots Without Regret
- Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Prefer Something Else)
- Should You Book This Sharm El Sheikh Horse Ride?
- FAQ
- How long is the horse riding tour?
- Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
- Where do I go if I do not select the transfer option?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is food or drinks included?
- What time options are available?
- What languages will the instructor communicate in?
- What should I bring?
- Is there a weight limit?
- Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems?
- Is a photographer included?
Key things you should notice before you book

- Small group size (up to 5) means you get more time with the instructor
- Horse choice based on your level helps beginners feel safe, and lets experienced riders canter
- Red Sea splash time is the main event, not a quick stop
- Sunrise, morning, or sunset departures change the vibe, especially the wind and lighting
- Photography is available for extra pay, so ask what’s included before you commit
- Transport is optional, with hotel pickup and drop-off when you select the transfer option
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Why This Sharm Horse Ride Ends in the Red Sea

This isn’t a “sit and watch horses” kind of outing. The whole structure is built around one simple idea, get you from Sharm’s dusty desert edge to the waterline, then let your horse do what horses do best, move, splash, and enjoy it.
What makes it memorable is the rhythm. You start with a controlled ride and instruction, then you build toward a beach gallop, then you land right where most horse rides only dream of going, into the turquoise Red Sea shallows.
If you’re the type who likes experiences that feel real and a little wild, this fits. It also works for first timers because the team adjusts. Your ride can be relaxed and guided, or you can press for more speed if your comfort level allows.
Edelweiss Equestrian Center: Helmets, Horse Matching, and a Quick Setup

Most of your adventure starts at Edelweiss Equestrian Center. When you arrive, you pick up a helmet and get your horse, and the team chooses the horse according to your riding level.
That matters more than it sounds. A well-matched horse lowers the stress for beginners, and it also keeps more advanced riders from feeling dragged along. In a lot of the feedback, you can see the same theme, calm horses, clean facilities, and staff who take time to explain what to do.
You’ll also get guidance during the ride. Even when riders are new, the instructors tend to teach step-by-step, then adjust how hands-on they are. Some riders start behind a lead, while others get more freedom once they show they can control the horse safely.
Practical note: you’ll want to show up prepared. Bring a passport for security, and be sure you’re within the maximum rider weight of 120 kg.
The Ride Out: City Desert Views, Then Toward the Beach

From the center you head out together into the Sharm “city desert” area. Call it desert, open space, or the edge of town, what you’re really riding through is the wide, sandy terrain that leads toward the beach run.
A useful detail from the experience is that this stretch isn’t like sand dunes and camels in a movie. Expect open space with plenty of room to move, and a horizon line that can look very human-made. If you’re craving huge dune scenery, you might be slightly surprised. If you want fast riding and wide sightlines, you’ll probably love it.
The pace usually builds. Many riders report starting at a walk and trot with coaching, then moving up to quicker gaits as the group settles in. If you’re nervous, you can ask for more support, and in past rides the guides have catered to riders who wanted a gentler approach.
Also, this is Sharm. Heat can affect both people and horses, so an efficient route and good timing matter. That’s one reason the early morning and sunset rides are popular, even though they come with different weather vibes (wind shows up more early).
Beach Gallops and the Red Sea Splash: The Moment That Makes It Worth It

The best part is the switch from sand to shore. As you ride toward the beach, you get that build-up feeling, like the whole ride is leading to one payoff.
Once you reach the coastline, the experience turns playful. You’re in position to gallop along the shore, then you get the moment most people come for, the horse splashes into the Red Sea and you feel the water with it.
Be ready for wet clothes. You’re not just getting your feet wet. The ride style is built around the water experience, so pack accordingly and wear something you don’t mind soaking.
Why this part is such good value: it’s rare. Most horse rides in the region focus on riding paths, not an actual seaside splash. Here, the water is the finish line.
And yes, speed can happen. Several riders mention trotting, cantering, and beach gallops depending on comfort and conditions, with guides staying close and in control.
Guides, Safety, and Rider Levels: What You Actually Need to Know

This is not a one-size-fits-all ride. Guides are trained to teach, then adjust. If you’re a first timer, the team generally starts with basics and checks your balance. If you’re experienced, they often offer more freedom after they trust you.
From the feedback, Mohamed and Kamal are standout names, and the consistent praise is about patience. That’s huge for families, older riders, and nervous first timers. One rider noted that even when they stayed on the calmer end of the ride, the guide still tailored the experience so they could enjoy themselves instead of just “survive” it.
There’s also a safety culture around equipment and instruction. You get a helmet, and during the ride you’ll follow the instructor’s cues. Some riders specifically noted a strap for holding onto the saddle for safety, so if that’s something you like, ask during your briefing.
Who should pay extra attention? Anyone with back problems, and anyone who is pregnant. The tour notes it’s not suitable for those situations. If that applies to you, save your vacation energy for a different activity.
Pickup, Timing, and What 2 Hours Really Feels Like

The total time is listed as 2 hours. That’s your equestrian adventure time, not necessarily including travel time from your hotel. If you’re trying to fit this around dinner plans, give yourself a buffer.
If you choose the transfer option, you’ll be picked up and dropped off at your accommodation using an air-conditioned bus or coach. If you don’t choose transfers, you’ll go directly to Edelweiss Equestrian Center.
Either way, communication matters. You’ll need to provide a WhatsApp number so the local partner can confirm your confirmed pickup time. This is the kind of small detail that can turn a smooth morning into a rushed one, so message them early.
Group size is limited to 5 participants. That tends to make the schedule feel smoother, because the guide can watch each rider closely without juggling a long line of horses.
If you’re selecting the time of day, think about what you want from the ride:
- Sunrise often means early starts, sometimes around 4 am, and a more dramatic light on the beach
- Morning tends to feel calmer and practical for most schedules
- Sunset gives the warm colors and a slower mood, but it can also attract riders who are focused on photos
What to Wear and Bring (So the Horse Ride Feels Fun, Not Annoying)

This activity is simple, but a few practical items can make a big difference.
Bring:
- Comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting wet
- Comfortable shoes
- Waterproof shoes (strongly helpful for the sea splash)
- Your passport (a copy is accepted)
Wear:
- Long trousers if you can. Some riders note saddle rub if you wear shorts or lightweight fabric
- Trainers can work, but if you plan to splash, waterproof footwear is smarter
Also, check your expectations about the beach. Even if it looks quiet, the experience has a strong photo component. If you want photos and riding, plan the order of priorities in your head before you go.
Price and Value: Is $98 a Good Deal Here?

At $98 per person for 2 hours, the value is tied to what’s included. You get an instructor, a helmet, and hotel pickup and drop-off if you select the transfer option. A small group also helps, since it usually means better attention.
What’s not included is food and drinks. That’s normal for a short adventure, but it’s worth noting. If you’re doing sunrise, you might want to eat beforehand and carry water if it’s appropriate for your schedule.
Where the money can change in real life is photography. Optional photo packages can add to your cost. Some riders say the photographer is clear about pricing and packages, but other people also recommend asking for the total before you say yes. If you love high-quality riding photos, that may be worth it. If you only want a couple quick shots, you can decide in advance how much extra you’ll pay.
My take on value: if your goal is a real horse ride with a seaside splash, not just a scenic walk, this is one of the more memorable ways to spend a short block of time in Sharm.
Photography on the Beach: How to Get the Memorable Shots Without Regret

A photographer is part of the vibe here. Many riders talk about professional photos taken on the beach, often saying it’s worth extra cash. So if you’re going for Instagram-ready memories, this is aligned with your goal.
The key is control:
- Ask what the photographer package includes before you start
- Decide your spending limit in your head
- Don’t assume one price covers everything
A couple pricing examples from past riders include package talk around £25 for around 30 pictures and another example around £30. One person also mentioned being charged an additional 600 Egyptian pounds on site, which is exactly the kind of moment that can feel frustrating if you are not expecting extras.
So be proactive. If you want photos, ask for the full breakdown early. If you don’t, you can simply skip it and focus on riding.
Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Prefer Something Else)
This tour fits best if you want:
- A real horseback experience, not just a short lesson
- The specific thrill of a beach gallop and Red Sea splash
- A small group so you can actually learn and ride
It also tends to work well for mixed experience levels, because the team matches horses and can tailor the pace. Several riders described first-time success, including older riders and kids who were gradually taught and supported.
If you’re an experienced rider, you might get more freedom once you show control. Some riders even mention cantering along the beach and moving faster when trust is earned.
Avoid if:
- You’re pregnant, or you have back problems
- You hate the idea of getting wet and plan to wear delicate clothing
- You dislike any sort of extra selling component, since the photo service can become a focus on the beach
Should You Book This Sharm El Sheikh Horse Ride?
Book it if you want a short, high-reward adventure that combines riding instruction with one rare payoff, horses in the Red Sea. Choose sunrise if you love early light and dramatic beach scenes, and choose sunset if you want warmer colors and a slower mood.
Skip it if you’re looking for a classic dune desert fantasy, because the ride area is more open space than steep sand mountains. Also skip or adjust your expectations if you only want “pure riding” with zero attention on photos, since the beach moment naturally turns into picture time.
If you go, do two things that make the day smoother: bring waterproof shoes, and decide your photo budget before you arrive. Then you can enjoy the ride for what it is, a fun, well-run horse experience with a splash you will not forget.
FAQ
How long is the horse riding tour?
The activity lasts about 2 hours.
Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select the transfer option.
Where do I go if I do not select the transfer option?
You go directly to Edelweiss Equestrian Center.
What’s included in the price?
The tour includes an instructor, a helmet, and hotel pickup and drop-off (when transfer is selected).
Is food or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included.
What time options are available?
You can choose a ride time for sunrise, morning, or sunset.
What languages will the instructor communicate in?
The instructor is listed as speaking Arabic, English, Russian, and Italian.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes, plus a passport (a copy is accepted). Waterproof shoes are recommended for the sea splash.
Is there a weight limit?
Yes, the maximum rider weight is 120 kg.
Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems?
No. It is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems.
Is a photographer included?
A photographer is available to create photos, and photo packages are generally an additional cost.
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