If you want a day that mixes sea air and sand under your boots, this is it. You get horse riding plus a Red Sea swim in one 4-hour outing, with both coastline and desert scenery on the menu. I love the simple idea here: you don’t have to choose between beach time and the desert; you get both.

Two things I especially like: the tour includes a helmet and the essential “stay comfortable” basics (water, coffee or tea), and it keeps the group small with a max of 15 people. One thing to keep in mind: you’ll likely get wet, and legs can chafe if you ride in the wrong clothing—plan for that early.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

• Beach + desert riding in one trip (Hurghada’s coastline and golden sand, same day)
• Up to 3 hours on horseback with Red Sea swimming
• Small group size with a maximum of 15 travelers
• Helmet provided for the ride
• Local guide moments and photos, including lots of help from Ali
• Pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle

Horse, Sea, and Desert in About Four Hours

This is a “do it all, don’t overthink it” kind of Hurghada experience. The whole tour runs about 4 hours, with up to 3 hours dedicated to riding and swimming. That timing matters. It’s long enough to feel like a real outing, but short enough that you won’t lose an entire day just to do one activity.

The big appeal is the mix of environments. First you’re on the beach side, with sea views and that cooling breeze. Then you’re in the desert terrain, riding across golden sand and rugged ground. Having both in one tour makes it feel like two different experiences without needing two separate bookings.

Also, the tour is built for real-life participation. The info says most travelers can join, and the group is capped at 15. That usually means fewer waiting games and more riding time.

Getting Set Up: Pickup, Briefing, and Your Helmet

Your day starts with hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle. The pickup part matters in Hurghada because distances and heat can mess with plans fast. Having transport handled helps you show up ready, not rushed.

Once you’re there, you’ll get a helmet. That’s a big deal for comfort and peace of mind, especially if you’re new to riding. You’ll also have access to basic refreshments included on the tour: water plus coffee and/or tea. Even if you don’t drink much, it’s good to have it on hand before and after time in sun and water.

If you’re thinking about shoes or clothing, don’t treat this like a “dry” activity. You’re going to be on horseback and you’ll also swim in the Red Sea. So plan for wet gear and quick dry options.

Coastal Horse Riding: How the Beach Section Works

The first act is a tranquil ride along Hurghada’s coastline. Expect classic beach-riding vibes: the sound of the sea, views of turquoise water, and a slower pace that feels like you’re moving through the scenery rather than fighting it.

This beach section is valuable for a few reasons:

1. It’s your warm-up to riding. Even if you’ve ridden before, beach riding tends to feel more relaxed than sand-only terrain.
2. You get the photo-friendly setting early. Light on the coast can look great, and you’re likely to spend the first part focused and steady.
3. It gives you time to settle in. If you’re a beginner, the rhythm matters. You want some easy moments before you hit desert ground.

A practical note: if you’re worried about comfort, this is the point where you should check how your clothing sits while riding. Small adjustments early prevent big annoyance later.

Swimming in the Red Sea: What to Expect During the Water Time

This tour includes swimming in the Red Sea alongside the riding experience. That combination is the fun twist. You’re not just taking photos from the shoreline—you’re getting in the water.

But here’s the honest part: plan for your clothes to get wet. One of the best bits of advice from a rider was straightforward: wear pants because your legs can chafe, and make sure everything you wear can get wet since you’ll swim with the horse.

So what does that mean for your prep?

• Bring clothing you don’t mind getting soaked.
• Think about how you’ll protect your legs from rubbing while mounted.
• Have a plan for dry items after the swim (even if you just keep them in your bag and change quickly afterward).

Also, the tour says “up to 3 hours” for horseback riding and swimming. That implies the sea time is part of the full activity block, not an optional add-on. You’re not stuck waiting around in one place for ages.

Desert Horse Riding: Golden Sands Change the Ride

After the coast, the tour heads into the desert riding section—golden sands and rugged terrain. This is where the experience shifts from scenic and calm to a little more “real adventure.”

Why this matters: desert riding changes the feel of the horse and your own balance. Sand can be less predictable than packed surfaces. Even if you don’t consider yourself an experienced rider, the tour info says most people can participate, so you’re not expected to be a professional.

Still, treat it as the more demanding part of the day. If you’re prone to slipping or you don’t like friction, prioritize clothing that stays put. The desert portion is also when chafe risk can rise, because you’re moving on sand with more contact and friction.

If you’re going for the “wow” moment, this desert segment is it. It’s the part that makes your Hurghada day feel different from just beach time or just a camel photo stop.

Photos, Coffee/Tea, and Ali’s Guide Touch

Here’s a detail that makes a difference: the guide can help you capture the moment. One rider specifically highlighted Ali for taking lots of photos and videos. That’s not a small perk. When you’re horseback riding, your hands aren’t always free, and you’ll miss shots if you’re trying to self-record the whole time.

So if you care about memories, don’t over-focus on filming. Let Ali do the heavy lifting. You’ll get better results with less frustration.

You’ll also have coffee and/or tea and water included. That’s not just “nice.” It’s practical when you’re blending sun, saltwater, and physical activity in the same half day. You’ll feel it later if you skip hydration.

Group size is capped at 15, so you’re not fighting a crowd for attention. That helps the guide manage everyone’s pacing and makes it easier to ask quick questions when you need them.

Price and Logistics: The Real Cost After Taxes and Transfers

The price is listed at $22.00 per person and the tour lasts about 4 hours. That’s a strong value for a combo activity: horseback riding plus Red Sea swimming, plus pickup and drop-off.

But you should factor in two extra cash items:

• Governmental taxes and VAT: €10 per person, paid in cash on the spot.
• Transfer from certain Hurghada-area locations (like El Gouna, Safaga, Somabay, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh) costs €10 per person, also paid cash on arrival.

So your total depends on where you’re starting. If you’re already close enough that standard pickup covers you, the experience can feel like a bargain. If you need the extra transfer, it becomes more of a “mid-budget” outing—but you’re still paying for transport, equipment basics, and a full horse-and-swim experience.

Also look for the small upgrades in how the operator runs it: pickup is offered, there are group discounts, and you get a mobile ticket. Those details help reduce friction when you’re traveling.

What to Wear: Your Chafe-Proof Checklist

If you take one thing from the advice people actually gave, take this: dress for wet riding and leg comfort.

Because you’ll ride and then swim, you want clothes that handle water, plus fabric that reduces rubbing. The most useful tip was to wear pants since legs can chafe. That’s the kind of detail that prevents the “I had fun but now I’m miserable” effect.

Here’s what you can do to make the day easier:

• Wear pants or protective leg coverage while riding.
• Choose swim-friendly or quick-dry items.
• Avoid anything that you’ll regret once it’s soaked.
• Plan for friction points around your legs and seat area.

You should also expect that your timing and comfort depend on how well your clothing works while mounted. So test what you wear before you step into the riding portion.

How Long You’ll Spend on Each Part

The schedule isn’t broken into exact minutes in the info you have, but here’s the practical way to think about it: your total duration is about 4 hours, and up to 3 hours are dedicated to horseback riding and swimming.

Translation for your day plan: you’ll be active for most of the outing. This isn’t a “sit and watch” activity. If you’re pairing it with other activities in Hurghada, give yourself buffer time afterward—especially since you’ll likely want to change out of wet clothes.

The tour also includes hotel transport, so you can plan your schedule around a half-day block instead of a full day.

Who Should Book This (and Who Might Not)

This is a great fit if you want:

• A real mix of experiences (sea + desert) in one outing
• A short, manageable commitment of about 4 hours
• Horse riding that’s approachable for most travelers
• A chance to swim in the Red Sea as part of the adventure

It might be less ideal if you:

• Have zero tolerance for getting wet
• Hate any friction or rubbing on legs (unless you dress for it)
• Need a fully relaxed, minimal-physical-activity trip

The good news is the tour includes a helmet and basic support items like water and tea/coffee. That makes it easier to focus on the fun parts rather than logistics.

Should You Book the Horse Riding & Swimming Tour in Hurghada?

If you like the idea of combining coastline views with desert riding, this is one of those trips that can give you strong value for the time spent. The mix is the main reason to book: you’re not doing a single-note activity.

I’d book it if you’re prepared for wet riding and you dress to prevent chafe—especially with pants. I’d skip it if you’re looking for a dry, low-motion experience, or if you’re very sensitive to friction and sun exposure.

One last decision helper: if you care about photos and videos, the guide attention (including help from Ali) is a practical bonus. You’ll spend less time trying to manage your phone and more time just enjoying the ride.

FAQ

How long is the Horse Riding & Swimming in the Sea & Desert experience?

It’s about 4 hours total, with up to 3 hours for horse riding and swimming.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. The tour includes hotel pick up & drop off by air-conditioned vehicle.

Do I get a helmet?

Yes. A helmet is included.

What’s included in the tour besides riding and swimming?

Coffee and/or tea, and water are included.

What extra costs should I expect on the spot?

Governmental taxes and VAT are €10 per person paid cash on the spot. If you need transfer from El Gouna, Safaga, Somabay, Makadi, or Sahl Hasheesh, there’s an additional €10 per person paid cash on the spot.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is offered. 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 is not refunded.