Horses and sea water in one ride. This Hurghada trip mixes desert riding, a Red Sea swim with your horse, and beach time, all wrapped into a short half-day outing that still leaves room for the rest of your day.

What I really like is how much hands-on coaching you get before and during the ride. The trainers keep it calm and adjustable, so you’re not just dropped onto an animal and sent off.

The other big plus for me is the value: the price is $59 and it includes pickup/drop-off, helmet, tea or coffee, bottled water, and the swim. One thing to watch, though: the experience should include that sea time and the full riding allotment, and a few past issues suggest you should confirm you’ll get the full schedule when you show up.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Helmet provided for every rider, plus a safety disclaimer form before you start
• 3 hours of riding split between desert, beach, and the Red Sea swim
• Trainer support before and during the ride, with a pace that can be adjusted
• Horse or camel option for both desert and sea riding (you choose)
• Free hotel transfers in Hurghada, with extra fees from nearby areas
• Small group limit (max 30) for a more manageable experience

Why this Hurghada horse ride feels different

If you’ve done the usual beach day, this is a change of pace. You still get the Red Sea setting, but instead of just looking at it, you’re moving through it from horseback. That’s the hook: a ride that turns the ocean into part of the experience, not just the backdrop.

Another reason I like it is that you’re not stuck in one mode. You’ll go from sand work in the desert to moving along the beach, and then to the water segment. It’s more variety than most “horse rides” that are basically a quick loop and back again.

And yes, it’s family friendly on paper—there’s a helmet provided and the activity is marked as appropriate for kids—but the real test for suitability is comfort on the horse. For the swimming section, you need to be able to hold on and stay steady.

Getting set up: pickup, helmet, and that pre-ride reality check

This is built for an easy start. If you’re staying in Hurghada, you get round-trip transfers included, and the tour also offers transfers from other areas with a small extra fee (Makadi/Sahl Hasheesh/Ahia: $5 per person; Safaga/El Gouna: $10 per person).

Once you’re picked up, expect the typical rhythm: meet the team, get your helmet, and sign the required disclaimer about personal injury and damage. That sounds formal, but it’s part of why the operation can run smoothly with mixed skill levels.

Then comes the part that makes a difference: the trainer support. You’ll get coaching before you ride and help during the ride. In real terms, that means you should feel more like a participant than a passenger. One past rider praised how the trainers went only as fast as comfort allowed, which is exactly what you want if you’re new.

Quick practical tip: wear something you can move in. You’ll be out in sun and salt. Dry quickly helps. If you’re bringing your phone, keep it protected.

Desert time: one hour of riding that builds confidence

The structure includes one hour of horse riding in the desert. This is where the pace and control matter most, especially for first-timers. Riding in sand can feel different than stable ground, and that’s where the trainer’s guidance really earns its keep.

I like this desert segment because it’s not just for thrill. It’s also where you learn the basics: how to sit, how to hold the reins or follow instructions, and what the horse is doing as it adjusts its footing.

If you prefer camel, you can choose horse or camel for the desert portion too. That’s a neat option if horses aren’t your thing, or if you want a different feel of Egyptian animal training.

Consideration: desert sun can be harsh. Even if the morning is cooler, plan for heat building. A past comment complained about water not being available when it was asked for—so it’s smart to be proactive. Since the tour includes bottled water, ask when it will be handed out and don’t wait until you’re parched.

Beach riding: short, sweet, and focused on the sea vibe

Next is one hour horse riding on the beach. This is the segment that most people picture in advance: the shoreline, the breeze, and an easy visual connection to the Red Sea.

What I’d keep realistic: beach rides can turn into photo moments. One experience note said the beach portion felt short and that a big chunk of time went to taking pictures. That doesn’t automatically mean it’s bad—it can be fun if you want memories—but if you’re chasing maximum time in motion, you’ll want to set your own expectation.

The good part? This is a great time for calmer riding. If you’re building confidence, it’s a practical bridge between desert riding and the water segment that comes next.

If you’re thinking about photos, treat it like a trade-off. Say early what you want: more time riding versus more time stopping for pictures.

The Red Sea swim with your horse: the main event

This is the headline: Swim With Horse At Red Sea, included as part of the experience, and part of the total riding time (listed as 3 hours of riding across beach, desert, and swimming).

In practice, this isn’t a scuba-type activity. It’s horse-and-water time, and you’ll likely be focused on staying balanced and following trainer instructions. One rider specifically warned that for swimming you should be able to hold on while on the horse—so if you’re the type who gets nervous around animals, or you’re not steady in water, keep that in mind.

Why it’s worth doing: it changes how the sea looks and feels. Instead of only walking along the shore, you’re interacting with the environment directly, right where the Red Sea is warm and open. It also makes the trip memorable in a way that a normal beach stop rarely does.

One caution from past feedback: a shortfall issue popped up where an experience didn’t match the description about swimming happening. That’s not something you can fully predict, but it is a reason to ask a clear question when you arrive: will there be actual time for swimming with the horse, and when will it happen?

Also ask about comfort and safety. Helmet is included, but the swimming segment is still physical. Don’t fake bravery here. If the trainers can tell you’re unsure, they should guide you toward what’s safe.

Camel vs horse: choosing the right comfort level

You can choose horse or camel for both desert and sea riding. That flexibility is a genuine advantage because different people feel different things about horses and camels.

• If you like a more familiar riding feel, horse is often the more straightforward choice.
• If you want something more unusual, camel can be a fun switch.

My advice: choose the animal that matches your comfort with balance and movement. During the swim section especially, your ability to hold steady matters more than the species.

If you’re traveling with kids, this decision matters even more. A helmet is provided for each rider and the tour is marked as child appropriate, but the kid still needs to be able to follow instructions and stay secure.

Included comforts that make the day easier

Beyond the riding, the tour includes a few practical things that add up:

• Coffee and/or tea, plus bottled water and refreshments
• Helmet for safety
• Training support before and during the ride
• Pickup/drop-off so you’re not stuck figuring out transport

Even with those included, I’d still bring a little extra caution for heat and sun. If you’re sensitive, add sunglasses and sun protection. If you’re the type who gets lightheaded in hot weather, eat something before pickup.

Time and pacing: how to plan the rest of your day

The tour is listed as 4 hours approx., and the riding time is described as 3 hours total across desert, beach, and swimming.

That means it’s an easy fit with other Hurghada plans. You’re not committing to a full-day trip, so you can still do dinner plans, a marina stroll, or a second excursion later.

One thing to watch: a past review said the timing didn’t match the description (they expected 3 hours but got about 2, and swimming didn’t happen). I can’t promise every run matches perfectly, but you can protect yourself by checking expectations at the start—especially that sea portion.

If your schedule is tight, try not to book this right before something that has a hard deadline.

What the guide team experience should feel like

Most of the positive feedback points to one theme: patience. Riders praised Moussa and his team for being friendly and taking the experience at a comfortable speed. That’s huge, because it’s the difference between a ride that feels safe and one that feels rushed.

The same is true for assistance with movement and balance. Good trainer support should show up immediately: they explain what to do, they stay close, and they correct gently when needed.

One negative note mentioned a language problem—someone on the horse side didn’t speak French and a separate person wasn’t there with the group. The takeaway for you: if you need instructions in a specific language, plan for it to be limited and focus on the key safety directions from whoever is assigned. Don’t assume translation will be available.

Value check: is $59 really a fair deal?

At $59 per person, this is priced for what you’re actually getting: helmet, hotel pickup in Hurghada, training, two riding segments plus the Red Sea swim, and refreshments.

To judge value, I look at two things:

1) Do you get more than a quick photo loop? Here, the plan includes desert time, beach time, and a swim segment.

2) Are safety supports included? Helmet and trainer coaching are included.

If the swim segment is important to you, that’s the part to lock in with a question at the start. If everything runs as described, it’s strong value for the “do something you can’t do anywhere else” factor.

Who should book this (and who might skip it)

This tour is a great match if you want:

• A short half-day activity instead of a long excursion
• A hands-on experience with trainer coaching
• The Red Sea not just as a view, but as a real part of your ride
• A choice between horse or camel

Skip it (or be extra cautious) if:

• You’re expecting a strict, hour-by-hour schedule with zero variation
• You want a lot of guaranteed photo stops (some time gets used that way)
• You’re not comfortable holding steady for water time
• You’re relying on specific language support

My practical advice before you go

A few small actions can make a big difference:

• Wear clothes you can get wet and then dry quickly.
• Bring sun protection. Even with morning starts, you’ll likely feel heat.
• Ask at the beginning how the swim will work and when it happens.
• If you have kid riders or beginners, mention it early so trainers can pace and coach appropriately.
• If you care about a full riding experience, confirm you’re getting the full time breakdown promised.

Should you book this Hurghada horse-and-sea ride?

If you like the idea of doing something a bit unusual and you’re comfortable with animal handling, I think it’s worth booking. The biggest reason is the combo: desert + beach + Red Sea swim with trainer support and a helmet included at a realistic price.

But don’t treat it like a guaranteed “exact minute” experience. Ask clear questions on day one, especially around swimming and total riding time. If you get a smooth explanation and the team seems ready to coach, you’ll likely come away happy—and with a story you won’t forget.

FAQ

How long is the horse riding experience?

The tour runs for about 4 hours, with horse riding for 3 hours total across beach, desert, and swimming.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included. Transfers are free from Hurghada hotels, and there are extra fees for transfers from Makadi/Sahl Hasheesh/Ahia ($5 per person) and Safaga/El Gouna ($10 per person).

What’s included in the price?

Included items are pickup/drop-off, 3 hours of horse riding (beach, desert, swimming with horse), helmet, tea or coffee, bottled water and refreshments, and the desert/beach riding segments plus the Red Sea swim.

Do I get a helmet?

Yes. A helmet is provided to each rider.

Can kids join?

The activity is described as child appropriate.

Can I ride a camel instead of a horse?

Yes. You can choose horse or camel upon your choice at both desert and sea riding.

Is swimming with the horse included?

Yes. Swimming with your horse in the Red Sea is included.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. After that, the amount paid is not refunded.