REVIEW · HURGHADA
2 hours Horse Riding on The Sea and Desert- Hurghada
Book on Viator →Operated by Nile Valley Tours · Bookable on Viator
Two hours, sea-splashed on horseback. This Hurghada experience mixes a desert ride with a Red Sea moment, where you start calm and end with a dip in the water while trained staff keep the experience smooth and safe. I like that it’s built for both first-timers and repeat riders, and that you get helmet + bottled water as part of the price.
In This Review
- What I like most: the structure and the people
- The main thing to consider before you go
- Key highlights at a glance
- Price and value: what $18.82 really buys you
- The flow of the tour: from A/C pickup to your mount
- Desert start: walking across the area and getting your rhythm
- Red Sea ride: the shallow “dip” that many people remember
- Coaching and safety: helmets, staff, and how the ride stays friendly
- Horse condition and handling: the good news and the one red flag
- Group size and the “how busy does it feel” question
- Who should book this horse-and-sea ride in Hurghada?
- Transfer tips: avoid the most common day-ruiners
- Should you book this tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the horse riding portion?
- Does this tour include pickup from Hurghada hotels?
- What’s included in the price?
- Can I choose camel riding instead of horseback?
- Is this tour suitable for beginners?
- How big is the group?
- Is the sea ride actually shallow?
- What if the weather is bad?
- Can I cancel for free?
What I like most: the structure and the people

Two things I really like are the two-hour riding block (not a vague “half a ride and lots of standing around”) and the fact that you receive pre-ride coaching plus help during the ride. In real rides, guides like Hussain are mentioned for being funny and safety-minded, and riders also name Sara as an example of how staff allocate you to your mount.
The main thing to consider before you go
Plan around the fact that the “desert” portion may feel more like a quick stretch than a wild, empty expedition. You may also pass through areas that don’t look like classic dunes, and at the beach the water is shallow enough that it’s more of a splash-and-wade than a swim—so if you want deep-water riding, this setup might disappoint.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hurghada.
Key highlights at a glance

- Desert-to-sea route: warm sand walking, then a Red Sea ride into shallow water
- Coaching before mounting: trainers help you get your seat and rhythm right
- Helmet included: simple, practical safety gear for everyone
- Small group feel: up to 15 people keeps things organized
- Family-friendly vibe: a 6-year-old rider was mentioned as well cared for
- Low-friction fun for beginners: riders describe it as workable even without prior experience
Price and value: what $18.82 really buys you

At about $18.82 per person, this tour is priced like a “do it once” activity that still includes real ride time. The included essentials matter: you get an A/C vehicle, bottled water, and a helmet, plus two hours of horse (or camel) riding. For a short, guided outdoor activity in Hurghada, that’s solid value—especially if you factor in that you’re not paying separately for the safety gear or basic refreshments.
That said, check the transfer situation. The tour says pickup is offered, but additional fees apply from certain hotel areas:
- Makadi and Sahel Hashish: extra $5 per person
- Safaga, El Gouna, Soma Bay: extra $10 per person
If you’re staying closer to Hurghada’s main pick-up area, your out-of-pocket may be closer to that sticker price. If you’re farther out, the final cost can rise quickly, so it’s worth doing the quick math before you lock it in.
The flow of the tour: from A/C pickup to your mount

This experience runs for about 3 hours total, with two hours riding. That timing is important because it keeps the day from turning into a long “wait and travel” day. Expect an organized start at the stables, and expect some standing around before the horses are brought out—more than one rider noted a moment of waiting when they arrived.
Here’s the practical way to handle that: arrive early if you can, and be ready to ask staff a simple question right away:
- Where do we gather?
- When do we mount?
- Is the guide speaking English for this group?
Some people were happy with the guidance and explanation, while one language mismatch shows that you should not assume everyone can speak your preferred language.
Desert start: walking across the area and getting your rhythm

Your ride begins with a calm walk, and trainers are there to coach you before you go. That first segment is more than a warm-up. It’s where you learn how the saddle feels, how to hold the reins, and what the horse is likely to do when it transitions from walking to faster movement.
What to expect in the “desert” part:
- You’ll walk in the sandy area near the stables.
- Some riders described it as short and even more mixed with built-up surroundings than true open dunes.
- In at least one account, people crossed from the stables area and later moved toward the beach through a space that felt like a worksite before the sea.
So yes, it has desert vibes, but it’s not a multi-hour trek through untouched wilderness. The value is in the ride experience and in getting to the Red Sea moment safely.
If you’re a beginner, this is actually a good thing. A shorter, more controlled desert segment means less stress while you find balance and timing.
Red Sea ride: the shallow “dip” that many people remember

The standout moment is the sea portion. The way it’s described is a calm start ending with a dip in the sea—and people consistently point to the beach and water as the best part.
A key detail: the water ride is described as being around two feet deep, and there’s no swimming with your horse. That makes the experience feel safer and more controlled, but it also means you won’t get a full-on swim adventure.
What you will get:
- A close-up feeling of riding along the shoreline
- Cool water contact for both you and the horse
- That “we’re actually on the coast” thrill that’s hard to replicate inland
One rider also reported a dolphin coming near, so keep your eyes open. A sea animal appearance isn’t guaranteed, but the Red Sea setting gives you a real chance at wildlife moments.
Coaching and safety: helmets, staff, and how the ride stays friendly

This tour includes a helmet, which I appreciate because it reduces “last-minute safety scramble.” The rest of the safety setup comes down to the trainers and guides. You’ll get coaching before you ride and assistance throughout—so even if you’ve never ridden before, you’re not thrown into chaos.
The tone can be playful too. One rider described their instructor as funny and engaged, with lots of picture-taking. That matters because it turns “just a ride” into an experience you can actually enjoy while you’re learning.
Do bring the right mindset: you don’t need to be athletic, but you do need to follow instructions. The tour lists moderate physical fitness as the baseline. If you have mobility limitations that make mounting or dismounting hard, consider whether you’ll be comfortable with the physical steps, even if the pace is controlled.
Horse condition and handling: the good news and the one red flag

Most of what you’ll read here points to healthy, calm horses. Riders wrote that horses looked well looked after, were calm to ride, and that staff seemed to take care of both horses and riders. A family-friendly mention included good care for a child rider, and another person praised the farm’s family care and the horses’ health.
But one part deserves extra attention: there are a couple of negative notes about horse condition and handling—like a concern that horses looked skinny and another claim that an owner hit horses badly. That’s a big emotional issue, not a small one.
So here’s the balanced approach I’d suggest:
- If you arrive and horses look underfed or stressed, trust your instinct and ask questions before you mount.
- If you witness anything that concerns you, speak up right away. You can decide not to ride.
- If horses are calm and staff are gentle and consistent, you’re likely fine.
This kind of activity runs on animal trust. Your comfort and your ethics matter.
Group size and the “how busy does it feel” question
The tour caps at 15 travelers, which is a sweet spot for a short outdoor adventure. It usually means you get attention from staff without the “assembly line” feel of massive groups.
Still, remember this is a ride schedule, not a private guided walk. You might wait at the start, you’ll line up, and the group moves in batches. If you want maximum quiet or maximum flexibility, you might prefer a private option. If you just want a fun, structured ride, the small-group size supports it.
Who should book this horse-and-sea ride in Hurghada?
I’d point this tour toward people who want an outdoor experience that feels genuinely different from beach lounging.
It’s a good fit if you:
- Want beginner-friendly riding (you’ll get coaching)
- Like short, well-paced activities (about 3 hours total)
- Are excited by a beach and water moment, not just a ride in sand
It’s less ideal if you:
- Want a long, remote trek in deep desert
- Expect deep-water riding or swimming with your mount
- Are very sensitive to animal handling issues and need reassurance on-site
- Require a specific language, since language ability isn’t promised and may vary
Transfer tips: avoid the most common day-ruiners
One serious outlier in the data was a case where pickup didn’t happen. You can’t fix everything, but you can reduce risk.
Do these practical things:
- Confirm pickup details close to your start time.
- Keep your phone accessible, since messages like WhatsApp were referenced.
- Stand where the driver can actually find you at the hotel reception.
Even if the vast majority of rides run smoothly, this is the type of experience where a missed pickup can cost you the whole day. A little preparation beats a lot of frustration.
Should you book this tour?
Yes, I think it’s worth booking if you’re looking for a short, guided horse experience that includes both desert walking and a Red Sea moment. The included basics (helmet, water, A/C transport) and the focused two-hour riding time give it real value for the price.
Before you book, read yourself carefully:
- If you want classic long desert travel, this is more of a teaser route.
- If you want to swim with your horse, this isn’t that.
- If you care deeply about horse condition and gentle handling, take a close look when you arrive and don’t feel pressured.
If that fits your expectations, you’ll likely come away happy you did something different on your Hurghada trip.
FAQ
How long is the horse riding portion?
You ride for about two hours, and the full experience runs for around 3 hours total.
Does this tour include pickup from Hurghada hotels?
Pickup is offered, but there are extra charges for certain areas: $5 per person from Makadi or Sahel Hashish, and $10 per person from Safaga, El Gouna, or Soma Bay.
What’s included in the price?
The tour includes an A/C vehicle, bottled water, a helmet, and two hours of horse or camel riding (based on your choice).
Can I choose camel riding instead of horseback?
Yes. The included riding time is two hours, and you can ride horse or camel depending on your choice.
Is this tour suitable for beginners?
The experience is described as working for first-timers, and it includes pre-ride coaching and support from trainers during the ride. You should still have moderate physical fitness.
How big is the group?
The tour has a maximum size of 15 travelers.
Is the sea ride actually shallow?
Yes. One detailed description says the ride into the sea is about two feet of water, and there’s no swimming with your horse.
What if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Can I cancel for free?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid isn’t refunded.
















