Horseback by the sea beats the usual Sharm tours. This 2-hour ride in Sharm El Sheikh is a simple way to get horse time plus big views, either along the beach or through a desert-style route. I also like that you get hotel pickup and drop-off, so you don’t burn vacation hours figuring out transport. One thing to consider: a small number of riders reported hiccups with timing and photo delivery, so it’s smart to set expectations before you go.

Here’s what you’re really buying with this tour: a controlled, guided ride with safety gear, not a free-for-all. Most riders say the staff are patient with beginners and supportive on the horse, which matters if you’re nervous or riding for the first time. The possible drawback is that the desert segment may not feel remote or mountain-like, and beach conditions can vary.

Key Things To Know Before You Saddle Up

• Hotel pickup and drop-off make the experience easy, especially if you’re not renting a car.
• Sea or desert riding gives you options depending on the vibe you want that day.
• Small group size (max 15) helps keep things organized and personal.
• Guides with helmets and safety equipment keep the ride more controlled.
• Photos are a separate deal and there have been a few complaints about late or missing photo delivery.
• Extra government fee (5€ per person) is not included in the base price.

Why This Sharm El Sheikh Horse Ride Feels Different

Sharm El Sheikh has plenty of standard excursions. This one is different because you’re not just looking at the place—you’re moving through it at horse speed, with a guide close by. If you want something active but not exhausting, it fits.

I like the mix of coastal moments and the option of a desert-style route. One day can feel breezy and playful on the waterline; another can feel more like a sandy trail with wider open stretches. Riders also praised the horses themselves—many described them as well looked after and calm, which is a big deal when you’re sharing time with an animal.

Still, you should know the trade-offs. There are some reports of the area feeling less remote than some photos suggest, plus occasional concerns about timing, beach cleanliness, and photo sales pressure. That doesn’t cancel the value—but it does mean you should travel with clear expectations.

Pickup, Horses, and What the 2 Hours Actually Does

The experience starts at an equestrian center, then you’re matched with a horse that fits your skill level. The operator says guides pair you with a proficient horse, including for beginners. In practice, you’ll usually spend time getting settled and briefed before you head out.

The whole thing runs about 2 hours. That includes the ride time plus the moments before and after when you’re getting on and off, plus guide check-ins. One good sign from the reviews: staff often adjust the pace. Intermediate riders reported opportunities to trot, while novices reported slower guidance and support while they got comfortable.

You should also expect that this isn’t a classic stable tour. One rider noted there are no stables in the way you might imagine—more like a staging point where horses are ready after each ride. That’s normal for short horseback outings, but it helps to know if you’re imagining a big facility.

Sea Ride: The Beach Version of Sharm Adventure

If you choose the beach option, the ride often follows the shoreline and can include a chance for horses to wade into shallow water. Several riders specifically highlighted riding along the sea and said they took great photos near the water.

A few details matter here. First, water depth seems variable. One rider reported not going waist height into the water and felt unsafe because of that mismatch with expectations. Others said the horses waded in low water. So if water depth is important to you, ask the guide what to expect at the start.

Second, plan for beach reality. Some riders mentioned the beach can be less clean than you’d hope. That means you’ll want flip-flops or easy-to-rinse footwear, plus a small towel or wipes if you’re picky about sand.

If you want a calm ride with scenic stops, the sea version is usually the best match. It also tends to be the easiest option to enjoy even if you’re not confident on a horse, because there’s a simple route and the shoreline keeps things visually clear.

Desert-Style Riding: Sand Trails With a Reality Check

The description includes a desert ride option. Some riders loved the feeling of moving through sand and open areas. Another review, though, raised an important reality check: the area may have lots of quad bikes nearby and isn’t far from roads or urban activity.

So think of the desert segment as a sand-and-track experience, not a wilderness escape. You might still get that “wide open” feeling, but you may not get the silence you’d expect from a deep desert.

The upside is that the route can still be fun if your main goal is horse riding. You get to see Sharm from the back of a horse, which is the real point.

Guides, Safety, and the Pace That Fits You

Safety equipment and helmets are included, and guide assistance is part of the package. That matters because it signals the operator is trying to keep the ride controlled, especially with mixed skill levels.

What stands out from the reviews is how guides respond to nervous riders. One rider mentioned being nervous and feeling the staff were patient, moving at the person’s pace. Another mentioned their novice partner being held on to by a guide while they walked, while the more experienced rider got trot time.

Guide names came up too:

• Muhammed was described as helpful and supportive, including for larger riders.
• Mustafa was described as a good host and a positive guide.

These details are useful because you’ll know which staff tend to be praised in feedback.

Even with all this, there’s one caution worth respecting: one review called the experience unsafe. I can’t confirm what went wrong in that specific case, but it’s a reminder to speak up early. Ask how the ride works, where you’ll go, and what the plan is for the water (if you’re on the beach). If something feels off, don’t tough it out.

Horses and Comfort: What You’ll Notice Fast

This is a short ride, so your comfort matters in the first minutes. Riders described the horses as calm and friendly, and some loved that the horses were gentle for beginners.

For body comfort, there’s a hard limit: a maximum weight of 150 kg. If you’re near that range, this is a key detail to confirm before booking. One rider also said there were benches to help you get on, which can be a genuine comfort and safety benefit for larger riders.

Clothing matters too. Riders mentioned jeans and trainers worked well. If you ride in the sand, trainers grip better than flip-flops, and jeans help protect you from rubbing.

Also: bring insect repellent. At least one rider specifically mentioned it. Sharm’s outdoors can include bugs, and being unprepared is the kind of small annoyance that can ruin a good morning.

Price and Value: The $7 Question (and the 5€ Fee)

The price is listed at $7 per person. That’s strikingly low, so the best way to judge value is to look at what’s included and what’s not.

Included:

• Pickup and drop service from Sharm hotels
• Horse riding (sea or desert)
• Safety equipment and a helmet
• Guide assistance

Not included:

• Government fees: 5€ per person

When a tour is low-cost but includes pickup and a guided ride, you’re likely getting a simple, short outing with limited extras. That’s fine. In fact, it can be a smart buy if your goal is the horse ride itself, not a packed-day experience.

But if you care about photos or extra services, the final cost can rise. And a few riders reported photo issues (missing photos or paying for photos that didn’t arrive). So I’d treat photos as optional, not automatic.

Photo Selling at the Beach: How to Handle It

Photographs are part of the setup. Multiple riders talked about photo moments by the sea. Some said photographer photos were good and worth the extra cost. But a few reviews called out photo pressure or problems with delivery.

Here’s the practical approach I recommend:

• If you want photos, ask when and how you’ll receive them.
• If you’re buying, check the process right after the ride, not hours later.
• If you don’t want upsells, say no calmly at the start. One rider mentioned they refused repeated photo sales and didn’t purchase.

Also bring your own camera phone. One rider advised taking your own photos and bringing a drink. That’s solid advice because even if you buy a photographer package, your best shots will often be the ones you control.

What to Pack: Small Things That Save the Day

You don’t need much gear, but you do need basics. Based on what riders found useful, here’s a practical packing list:

• Jeans or other long pants
• Trainers for sand grip
• Insect repellent
• A drink, especially if you’ll be outside in sun
• Sunscreen and a hat (you’ll be outside)
• Towels or wipes for sand and salt

If you’re doing the beach option, consider bringing something to rinse off sand and seawater later.

And one more comfort tip: if you’re nervous, wear something you can move in. Feeling restricted makes nerves worse, even if the horse is calm.

Group Size and Timing: When Logistics Matter

This activity caps at 15 travelers, with group discounts mentioned. Smaller groups usually mean less waiting and more attention from guides—exactly what you want for beginner-friendly rides.

Timing is where the occasional complaint shows up. A couple reviews mentioned late transport and a shorter-than-expected experience due to pickup delays. That’s not a reason to avoid the tour, but it is a reason to build a little buffer into your day.

Also, a mobile ticket is part of the experience, and confirmation is received at booking. That reduces the stress of scrambling for details on the day.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This is a great fit if you want:

• A short, guided horse ride without complicated logistics
• A beginner-friendly introduction to riding
• Scenic time on the beach with photo moments
• A small-group outing with hotel pickup

It may be less ideal if you’re expecting a wilderness-style desert adventure with total remoteness. One review specifically suggested the area can be busy with quad bikes. Also, if beach cleanliness is a dealbreaker for you, treat the sea option as a “try it, but don’t expect pristine.” Conditions can vary.

The Quick Honest Verdict

I think this tour is strong value for the chance to ride a horse with pickup and safety gear included. Most reviews are high and focus on calm horses, patient guides, and a genuinely fun ride.

My advice: book it if you want horse riding more than everything else. Ask upfront about what the day’s route includes, especially water depth for beach rides, and double-check the photo process if you plan to purchase. If you’re sensitive to timing issues, build buffer time and stay flexible.

If you’re looking for a low-effort way to add a memorable animal-and-scenery experience to your Sharm trip, this one is worth considering.

FAQ

Is pickup and drop-off included from Sharm hotels?

Yes. Pickup and drop service from Sharm hotels is included.

How long is the horse riding experience?

It runs for about 2 hours (approx.).

Do I need to pay an extra government fee?

Yes. Government fees of 5€ per person are not included.

Is the ride only for experienced riders?

No. The operator pairs horses based on your skill level, and the experience is designed so most travelers can participate.

What’s the maximum weight limit?

The maximum weight limit is 150 kg.

How big is the group?

The activity has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Are helmets or safety equipment provided?

Yes. Safety equipment and helmet are included, and you’ll have guide assistance.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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 won’t be refunded.