Hurghada: Desert & Sea Horse Riding with + 360° Photos

Hurghada’s desert and Red Sea make a striking setting for a two-hour Arabian horse ride. You move from dry desert trails to the coast, with the chance to watch the sunset from the saddle and, if you select that option, enter the water with your horse. The rhythm is calm, though the activity still asks work from your legs and back.

I like the personal touch at the stable, where you can learn to brush, clean, and feed your horse before riding. I also like the practical hotel pickup, the included photos and videos, and the chance to ride beside the sea rather than only around a dusty paddock. The main caution is that riding can be uncomfortable if you have little experience, and one section beside Hurghada’s main road may feel tense, especially with a child.

Key points to know before booking

• Two hours in the saddle: Each riding station lasts about 40 to 60 minutes, so expect a real riding session rather than a quick photo stop.
• Desert and Red Sea scenery: The route combines dry desert trails with coastal riding and possible sunset views.
• Swimming is optional: You may ride into the sea with your horse if you choose the swimming option.
• Friendly horse care: Time at the stable includes learning how to clean, brush, and feed the horse.
• Photos and videos included: Guides take pictures throughout the trip, giving you a record of the ride.
• Check the weight rule carefully: The horse-safety limit is listed as 155 pounds, or 70 kilograms, even though another note gives 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms, as the general maximum.

Starting with hotel pickup in Hurghada

The day begins with pickup in a modern, air-conditioned car or van. That matters in Hurghada, where a horse stable may sit outside the main hotel strip and local transport can be less pleasant in the heat. You will receive your exact pickup time from the operator, but confirm it the day before because the time depends on your hotel.

Allow for a possible delay of up to 10 minutes. Send your room number by email or WhatsApp if requested, since that can make the meeting easier for the driver.

Pickup and drop-off are available from hotels in Hurghada. Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Soma Bay, Safaga, El Gouna, and other listed resort areas may require an extra charge of €10 per person. The supplied information gives slightly different wording about El Gouna, so I would confirm the fee and pickup point before paying.

The transfer is included in the basic cost for the covered pickup areas. You do not need to arrange a taxi to the stable, and the return shuttle takes you back after the ride.

Meeting the horses at the stable

At the stable, the team introduces you to the horses and explains the ride. This is more useful than it may sound. If you have not ridden recently, the first few minutes are a chance to understand how your horse responds and how the guide expects you to sit, hold the reins, and control your pace.

You can also learn how to clean, brush, and provide food for your horse. For children and first-time riders, this stable time may be one of the most memorable parts because it creates a direct connection with the animal before the riding begins.

The horses are described as well trained and well behaved, and several guests singled out both the horses and the guides as major strengths. Guides named in individual experiences include Ameen and Saleh, though your guide may be someone else. Ameen was praised for his riding ability, while Saleh was described as a kind and fun cowboy.

The staff speak English, German, and Arabic. That gives you a useful choice when discussing safety, riding experience, or the swimming option.

Riding through Hurghada’s desert trails

The first riding section takes you through desert surroundings on scenic trails. The dry setting gives you the classic Hurghada experience: open ground, pale sand, and a wide sky with little to distract from the horse beneath you.

The pace and route can vary, but you should not expect a fast gallop or a private cross-country ride. The description focuses on guided riding and a calm connection with the horse. That makes this a better choice for a gentle outing than for an advanced rider seeking speed or technical riding.

You stay on the horse at each station for about 40 to 60 minutes. This is enough time to settle into the saddle and enjoy the ride, but it can also feel long if you have never ridden before. Horseback riding uses muscles you may not notice until later, especially in your thighs, hips, and lower back.

Wear comfortable shoes with a secure fit. Loose sandals are not the best choice for a physical activity around horses. Bring a towel even if you are not sure you will swim, since the sea option may tempt you once you see the setting.

Along the Red Sea and into the water

The coastal part is the special feature here. You ride near the Red Sea and may take the horse into the water if you choose the swimming option. This is not simply a beachside photo with a horse standing behind you. The activity allows you to enter the water with the animal, creating a very different feeling from the desert section.

Swimming with a horse requires confidence and comfort around both water and animals. If you are nervous, you can enjoy the coastal ride without selecting the swimming option. Ask the guide what the water portion involves before you start, particularly if you are riding for the first time.

You must wear your swimwear under your riding clothes if you plan to swim. There is no place to change on the beach, so this small detail can save you an awkward problem later. Bring a towel in your day bag, and expect your clothes to get wet if you enter the sea.

The coast also provides the strongest photo setting. The combination of horse, sea, and open sky gives the guide plenty of material for pictures and short videos. Keep in mind that the photos are taken during the activity, so do not expect a formal studio session or a guaranteed number of edited images.

Sunset views and the rhythm of the ride

If your departure lines up with sunset, the ride takes on a quieter mood. Watching the light change while sitting on a horse is more peaceful than viewing the same sunset from a hotel terrace. The desert gives you open views, while the sea adds a bright horizon.

The timing is not described as a fixed sunset departure, so you should not book this solely as a guaranteed sunset tour. Ask the operator about the start time for your date if that view matters to you.

The tour works best when you let the horse set a steady rhythm. You will likely spend less time looking at a checklist of sights and more time noticing the animal’s movement, the sand under its hooves, and the change from desert to coast. That calm pace is a strength for anyone wanting a break from Hurghada’s louder excursions.

It is less suitable if you want a packed program with quad bikes, dune stops, lunch, or a long list of attractions. Lunch is not included, and the focus stays on the horses.

What the photos and videos add

Guides take photos and videos during the ride. This is valuable because taking your own phone out while mounted is inconvenient and can be unsafe. You can concentrate on riding, then keep images of the desert, sea, and horse afterward.

Bring your phone only if you can protect it from sand and water. The supplied details do not promise a specific delivery method, image count, or 360-degree format, so ask how the pictures will be sent and what is included before you go. The title refers to 360-degree photos, while the activity details describe photos and videos, so confirm the exact media package if that feature is important to you.

The strongest pictures are likely to come from the sea portion and the sunset, but the guide controls the timing and angles. Treat the photos as a pleasant extra rather than the main reason to book.

Safety, comfort, and the weight limit

The operator lists a maximum rider weight of 155 pounds, or 70 kilograms, for the horses’ safety. A separate note says the experience is not suitable for people over 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms. Because these figures do not match, I would use the stricter 155-pound limit and confirm directly with FTS Travels if you are close to it.

You should also consider your riding background. The activity information warns that horseback riding may be difficult if you lack experience. That does not mean a beginner cannot join, but you should be ready for a physical session and follow the guide’s instructions closely.

One experience included walking along Hurghada’s main road, which made the rider nervous around traffic, particularly with an 11-year-old child. The route may differ, but this is worth asking about if you are bringing a young rider or feel uneasy near vehicles.

Children are not otherwise given a specific minimum age in the supplied details. Do not assume the tour is suitable for a very young child without checking first.

The $21 price and what you receive

At $21 per person, this is a low-cost way to combine a horse ride, desert scenery, coastal time, hotel transport, a guide, and photos or videos. The two-hour duration makes the price especially appealing if you want more than a short stable ride.

The value improves if you choose the swimming option and use the included transfer. You are getting several distinct elements in one outing: contact with the horse at the stable, riding through the desert, coastal riding, and possible sea time.

There are extra costs to watch. Pickup from several resort areas costs €10 per person, and lunch is not included. Any service not listed in the program is also extra. If your hotel is in central Hurghada, the basic price is easier to assess. If you are staying farther away, add the transfer fee before comparing it with other horseback tours.

The cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve and pay later, which is useful if your Hurghada schedule depends on weather or other day trips.

Who will enjoy this horse ride most

I would recommend this for:

• Couples who want a quiet desert and sea outing
• First-time riders who are comfortable trying a physical activity
• Horse lovers who value time at the stable, not just a saddle photo
• Families with older children who can follow instructions and handle a full riding session
• Anyone who wants photos of a less ordinary Red Sea activity
• Visitors looking for a reasonably priced half-day-style excursion without lunch or a large activity program

I would be more cautious if you have no riding experience, back or leg problems, strong fear of horses, or discomfort around open water. The ride may be gentle, but it is still exercise. The weight restriction also needs careful attention.

The experience suits someone who prefers a steady pace and close contact with the horse. It is not the right pick if your main goal is a fast ride, a private route, or a full day of sightseeing.

Should you book it?

Book this ride if you want desert and sea in one outing, enjoy horses, and like the idea of entering the Red Sea with your mount. The price is fair for two hours, transport, a guide, and activity photos, especially from a Hurghada hotel.

Before booking, confirm your pickup fee, the exact weight requirement, the start time if you want sunset, and what the 360-degree photo package includes. Wear swimwear under your clothes if you plan to swim, bring a towel, and expect some soreness if you are new to riding.

For most suitable riders, this offers a memorable change of pace from pool days and standard boat trips. Just go in expecting a guided, physical horse outing rather than a polished riding-school lesson or an adrenaline ride.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding experience?

The Arabian horse ride lasts two hours. You will be on the horse at each station for about 40 to 60 minutes.

Where does the activity take place?

The ride takes place in and around Hurghada, including the Egyptian desert and areas beside the Red Sea.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are available from hotels in Hurghada. Hotels in El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Soma Bay, and Safaga may require an extra €10 per person.

What languages do the guides speak?

The guides speak English, German, and Arabic.

Can I swim with the horse?

Swimming with the horses is available if you select that option. You should wear swimwear under your clothes because there is no place to change on the beach.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and a towel. Swimwear under your clothes is also important if you plan to enter the water.

Are photos and videos included?

The guides take photos and videos during the tour. Confirm the exact format and delivery details if the 360-degree photos are important to you.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Horseback riding can be difficult if you have no riding experience. Beginners should follow the guide’s instructions and be prepared for a physical activity.

What is the horse weight limit?

The horse-safety guidance lists a limit of 155 pounds, or 70 kilograms. Another note gives 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms, as the general maximum, so confirm with the operator if you are near the limit.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $21 per person. Lunch, unlisted extras, and some resort-area transfers are not included.