If you want a change of pace, this Soma Bay ride hits the sweet spot. You get horse riding along the Red Sea coastline, then switch gears into desert trails, with a guide watching for your comfort the whole time.

I especially like how they match your horse to your riding skill level, so first-timers are not thrown into the deep end. I also love the simple extras, like a bottle of water and tea, plus guides who help you make memories with plenty of photos.

One thing to consider: you may need to pay an extra transfer fee if your hotel is in certain areas, and you’ll want to wear proper clothing for time in the saddle.

Key highlights

• Skill-matched horses for beginners and more confident riders
• Beach + desert route with turquoise Red Sea views
• Hotel transfer included when you select the transfer option
• Professional guide support for safety and comfort
• Water and tea to keep you steady through the ride

Soma Bay Horse Riding: Why This Combo Works

Soma Bay has a way of making people slow down. This tour fits that vibe perfectly because it mixes two very different settings in one ride. You’re on the beach, with salt air and wide Red Sea views, then you’re moving across sandy terrain with desert scenery opening up around you.

That “two places in one” part matters more than it sounds. A beach ride can be gorgeous but can also feel repetitive if it stays only on one track. Adding desert trails gives your brain something new to process, and the ride stays interesting even if you’re not an advanced rider.

You’re not doing this alone either. Professional staff handle the horse selection, and guides keep an eye on how you’re doing. If you’re nervous about getting on, staying balanced, or understanding basic instructions, that support is the difference between a nice experience and a stressful one.

From Hotel Pickup to the Equestrian Center

If you choose the transfer option, the day starts with pickup and ends with drop-off back at your hotel. That’s a practical win in a place like Soma Bay, where waiting around for transport can eat up your limited vacation time.

Once you arrive at the equestrian center, the staff will match you with a trained horse based on your riding level. This is one of the most important details in the whole experience. A calmer horse and the right pace help you enjoy the scenery, not spend the entire time thinking about what your hands and legs should do.

Then you meet your professional guide. In plain terms, this is where you learn what to expect, get safety basics, and get your route explained at a level you can actually use while riding. You’ll feel less like you’re joining a “one size fits all” activity and more like the tour is adjusted for you.

Beach Riding Along the Red Sea Coast

This is the part people remember. You ride along scenic trails that run parallel to the Red Sea. Think gentle sea breeze, turquoise water in your line of sight, and golden sand under your horse’s path.

The big value here is perspective. At ground level, you see the coastline differently than you do from a hotel balcony or a beach walk. You’re moving at a slower speed, and your eyes can track small details like water color changes and how the shoreline curves.

Another reason the beach section is worth your time is the pacing. The tour is designed to match your speed and comfort. If you prefer a peaceful ride, you’ll likely get that. If you want a bit more action, you can often ride with more energy on open terrain sections, guided for safety.

Practical tip: bring a hat and keep your sunscreen plan simple. The sea breeze helps, but sun still hits while you’re riding, and you’ll be out long enough to notice the difference if you forgot your protection.

Desert Trails and Skill-Based Horse Matching

After the beach portion, the tour shifts into desert riding. This is where the scenery broadens into desert tones and open terrain feel. It’s also where the “skill-matched horse” approach really matters.

A trained horse helps in two ways. First, it reduces surprise movements that can spook beginners. Second, it helps keep a steady rhythm, so you can focus on enjoying the ride and not wrestling for balance.

Guides and staff also matter here. They keep the ride comfortable and safe, and they can adjust how you’re moving based on what your body is telling them. If you’re new, you’ll usually be guided toward a smoother pace. If you’re more experienced, you can often ride at a more spirited speed when the terrain allows.

And yes, you might spot local wildlife depending on conditions. Nothing is guaranteed in nature, but the region has plenty of living things to catch your eye. Even if you don’t spot wildlife, the change in environment from sea to desert is a satisfying contrast.

What the Guide Does, Beyond Saying “Follow Me”

Good horseback guides do more than point and smile. You can feel it in how the ride flows and how you’re supported before you even start moving.

From what you can expect, your professional guide ensures safety and comfort throughout. They’ll also help you with the basics of getting comfortable on the horse and staying relaxed. That relaxation isn’t fluff. When you’re tense, you grip harder, and that can make the ride less enjoyable for you and your mount.

There’s also the photo factor. Many people leave with stronger memories because the guide supports picture-taking during the experience. That means you’re not constantly stopping, fiddling, and hoping someone gets the shot. It’s built into how the experience is managed, not treated like an afterthought.

Small comfort details also add up. You get a bottle of water and tea. It’s not a luxury meal, but it helps you reset mid-tour or after the ride without needing to hunt for a drink.

Route Value: 2 Hours That Don’t Drag

The horseback riding itself is about 2 hours. That duration is a sweet spot. Long enough to feel like you did something real, short enough that you’re not exhausted by the time you’re back at your hotel.

It’s also a good length for mixed groups. Even if someone is brand new and someone else is more comfortable, the pacing can still work when a guide is managing the ride and the horses are selected by skill level.

The tour format is also easy to fit into a day. You’ll have travel time for pickup and drop-off, but the main activity is focused. You’re not spending half the day in transit, which is how you get more actual experience for your money.

Price and Logistics: Is $20 Worth It?

At about $20 per person, this tour sits in the “reasonable add-on” category for Soma Bay. The real question is value: what do you get for that price?

You get a trained horse, riding on both beach and desert, a professional guide, and on-the-ground support throughout. You also get bottle water and tea. Then there’s the hotel pickup and drop-off if you select the transfer option. Those extras matter because they remove the hassle and cost of finding your own way to the equestrian center.

There is one possible cost catch. If your hotel is in Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, or El Gouna, extra transfer fees apply, listed as 10 Euros per person. If you’re staying in those areas, budget for that. It doesn’t make the tour bad, it just changes the true total.

Overall, if you’re in the typical Soma Bay hotel zone and you select transfer, the price feels fair for a guided, skill-adjusted horse ride in two environments.

What to Bring, and What to Wear

You don’t need special gear, but you do need to think like a rider, not like a beach tourist.

Bring:

• Hat
• Comfortable clothes

Wear comfortable clothing suitable for horse riding. That means breathable fabrics that let you sit without chafing and clothing that won’t restrict movement. If you’re choosing between fashion and comfort, comfort wins here.

Also think practical sun management. Even with the sea breeze, you’re outdoors, and you’ll be out long enough to feel it. Water is included, but you’ll still want your own protection habits so you don’t end up sore or cranky after.

Who Should Book This (and Who Might Skip It)

This is a smart choice if:

• You’re new to riding and want the horse and pace adjusted to you
• You want Red Sea views without spending the whole day on a boat
• You like nature time that feels calmer and less crowded
• You want a guided experience with clear support

It may be less ideal if:

• You dislike riding horses or aren’t comfortable with animals
• You’re short on time and prefer only one setting, beach-only or desert-only
• You’re staying in an area that triggers extra transfer fees, and you’re trying to keep costs tight

If you’ve been on a few tours already and want something that’s genuinely different, this checks that box. It’s active, outdoorsy, and visually satisfying.

Should You Book Soma Bay Horse Riding Beach and Desert Tour?

Yes, you should seriously consider booking if you want a guided 2-hour ride that mixes Red Sea coastline with desert scenery, and you’d like your experience tailored to your skill level. The included guide support, plus water and tea, make it feel more complete than a “just rent a horse” type activity.

If you’re deciding last minute, do this quick sanity check: confirm whether your hotel is in an area with extra transfer fees, and wear the right clothes for riding. If both are fine, this is one of those low-fuss activities that delivers big on views and memories, without needing expert riding skills.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding portion?

The horseback riding adventure is about 2 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select the transfer option.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off (if selected), horse riding on both desert and beach, a bottle of water, tea, and a professional guide.

Are there extra transfer fees for some areas?

Yes. Extra transfer fees are listed as 10 Euros per person for Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna.

What should I bring or wear?

Bring a hat and wear comfortable clothes suitable for horse riding.

What languages are available for the tour?

Arabic, English, German, and Russian are listed.

Can I change my plans after booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the listing offers a reserve and pay later option so you can book without paying right away.