A horse ride beats another beach walk. This guided ride along the Red Sea coast (or the desert) gives you a down-to-earth taste of Arabia, with pickup and a safety briefing that helps even first-timers feel steady.

Two things I really like: the hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, and how the guides actively teach you—people named Ahmad, Islam, and Eslam get praised for making riders comfortable. One possible drawback: you’ll need to be alert about equipment details (helmets and how you mount), since safety feedback has been mixed even though a helmet is included.

Key Points You Should Know Before You Go

• Beach or desert choice: pick the vibe you want for your 1-2 hour ride
• Short, structured ride: a pre-ride briefing plus an escort keeps things organized
• Real guide energy: names like Ahmad, Islam, and Eslam show up in the praise
• Photos can be part of the experience: Mustapha gets mentioned for great shots
• Group size stays small: a maximum of 15 travelers means less waiting around

Why This Sharm El Sheikh Horse Ride Feels Different

Sharm el Sheikh is famous for sun and sea. Still, there’s something special about switching from sandals to stirrups for a couple of hours. You trade hotel views for motion. The wind changes. The coastline and desert scrub feel closer when you’re actually on horseback, not just staring out from a tour bus.

The promise here is simple: you’ll ride along the beach or through the desert around the Red Sea, guided by trained staff who handle the basics and keep you pointed the right direction. For many people, the best part isn’t even the duration—it’s the feeling of doing something hands-on with animals, while a guide handles the logistics.

I also like that this isn’t sold as a complicated “expert only” activity. The tour is framed for beginners too, which matters in a place where “adventure” sometimes means you’ll be left figuring things out on your own.

Hotel Pickup and the Briefing That Sets Expectations Right

Your day starts with pickup from Sharm hotels. The vehicle is air-conditioned, which is a big deal when you’re going to spend time outdoors. Then it’s straight into the parts that make the ride smoother: pre-ride instructions and safety measures.

Even when you’ve never ridden before, a decent briefing does two things. First, it teaches you how to hold on and how to move with the horse. Second, it reduces that panic feeling you get when you’re suddenly responsible for an animal. In the feedback, guides are repeatedly praised for teaching riders how to ride and staying close enough that you don’t feel like you’re being ignored.

Here’s what you should pay attention to during the safety talk:

• Ask how the walk/trot/gallop works, if your route includes faster sections.
• Confirm what happens if you feel unsure mid-ride.
• Use the briefing to understand how the group stays together.

One more practical tip: some riders suggest being ready for cool weather. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it is smart. If the ride happens near sunrise or later in the evening, bring a light warmer layer so you’re not shivering for the first 20 minutes.

Beach vs Desert Riding: Choosing Your 1-2 Hours

This tour gives you a choice. You can ride along the beach or in the desert. Both can be great. The trick is matching your choice to what you want from the day.

Beach riding: easygoing scenery and a fun, visual ride

Beach rides are often the “smile-per-minute” option. You’re close to the water, the scenery is obvious, and it’s a visually rewarding ride even if you’re still learning how to steer. People mention great views, and in particular, the idea of galloping along the beach for a lively experience shows up in the positive notes.

If you’re going with friends and you want the kind of outing that feels light and social, beach riding tends to deliver. It’s also a good pick if you’re nervous about riding in sand or uneven ground.

Desert riding: more motion and a wilder feel

Desert riding shifts the vibe. The ground can feel different underhoof, and the scenery is more open. People describe the desert as beautiful and praise the experience as emotional in a good way—more “I’m really out here” than “I’m watching from the shore.”

If you like the idea of a slightly more adventurous ride and don’t mind that it may feel more physical, desert riding is worth it. One note: desert rides can include faster moments. If you’re prone to getting tense while moving, ask the guide how they handle pacing for beginners.

The time reality: 2 hours total, 1-2 hours on horseback

The tour is about 2 hours in total. That includes pickup, briefing, the ride itself, and drop-off. Your riding time is flexible up to 1 or 2 hours, depending on your selection.

One caution: if you book the longer ride, it’s smart to confirm what the schedule looks like for your day so your “2 hours” expectation matches how your timing will actually play out.

The Horses, Helmets, and Safety Checks Worth Doing

The experience lives or dies on safety and animal handling. And here’s the honest part: the feedback is mostly glowing about safety, trained horses, and instructors who keep watch. But there is at least one strong negative note about equipment—specifically about helmets and how riders mounted.

So I recommend you do a quick safety check before you swing into the saddle, even if the tour says it includes a safety helmet.

What to check in plain language:

• Helmet availability: make sure you get one before riding.
• Saddle fit and firmness: if anything feels loose, speak up immediately.
• How you mount: if there’s no easy support, ask how they handle stepping up safely.
• Your comfort: if the horse seems uneasy, stay calm and let the guide address it.

Most positive feedback says riders are very safe and horses are well looked after. People describe calm, well-trained horses that feel good to ride. That’s a strong signal. Still, your five seconds of checking can protect you from a bad day.

Also, pay attention to your own body. If you’ve got balance issues or trouble stepping up, tell the staff right away. Guides should be used to adapting for different riders.

Guided Riding That Actually Teaches: Ahmad, Islam, and Eslam

What makes this tour work for beginners is the guidance. The ride isn’t just “here’s a horse, good luck.” People highlight instructors teaching technique and keeping riders comfortable.

Names that come up in the praise include Ahmad, Islam, and Eslam. Those are not just random mentions—multiple comments point to guides who stay helpful throughout the experience, especially for first-time riders.

Here’s what that teaching usually means in practice:

• You learn how to sit and hold the reins without fighting the horse.
• You get coached on simple movements: turning, stopping, and staying in sync with the group.
• You’re guided on the pace so you aren’t thrown into anything you’re not ready for.

If you want photos, watch for the photo moment. Mustapha is specifically mentioned for good photos, which suggests the guides take the time to capture the beach/desert views with you in the frame.

Pro move: when you take a photo, relax your grip for a second. In many horseback situations, tense hands and stiff arms make things harder for both you and the horse.

Value in Real Terms: The Price Plus the Five Euro Fee

The price is listed at $8.43 per person. That’s eye-catching. But the tour also notes an extra fee of five euro per person, not included in the base price.

So what does that mean for value? Here’s my take: at this price point, you’re paying mainly for three things:

1) transport from your hotel

2) a guided ride (including a helmet)

3) the structure that makes it beginner-friendly

If you were to add a private guide, transportation, and a safe, organized horse setup separately, the cost would climb fast. So even with the extra five euro fee, it still looks like it can be solid value—especially if you’re choosing a beach or desert ride rather than just paying for a scenic viewpoint.

That said, this is the part you should treat like a checklist: confirm your riding duration choice (1 hour vs 2 hours), and be ready to do a quick safety check on helmet and mounting. Low price is great, but it doesn’t remove your responsibility to speak up if something feels off.

Logistics That Matter: Group Size, Pickup Timing, and the Flow

A maximum of 15 travelers keeps the group small. That’s good. Smaller groups often mean less crowding around the horses and faster attention when you need help.

Pickup is offered, and there’s a mobile ticket. Confirmation is received at the time of booking. The tour is also near public transportation, which can be useful if you ever need a backup plan.

Your day flow usually feels like this:

• Pickup from your hotel
• Pre-ride briefing and safety instructions
• Ride for your chosen time (1-2 hours)
• Return and drop-off back to your hotel

The ride itself is the headline. The rest is there to get you safely to the horses and back without stress. If you’re hoping for a huge “all-day adventure,” this one is more compact. It’s about the ride.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Sit This One Out)

This tour fits best if you:

• want a fun, scenic activity in Sharm without committing to a long day
• are a first-time rider and want teaching and support
• like the idea of choosing beach vs desert depending on your mood
• care about price and want a structured experience with pickup

It might not be your best fit if:

• you’re very sensitive to cold and don’t plan a warm layer (some riders advise bringing one)
• you have difficulty mounting a horse and might feel unsafe without proper support
• you expect a “luxury stable” feel, since at this price point you’re more likely getting practical guidance than spa-level comfort

And one more real-life note: if you want the longer ride, double-check the schedule so you actually get the time you paid for.

Should You Book This Horse Riding Tour From Sharm El Sheikh?

If you want a guided horseback ride with hotel transfer and a chance to ride either the beach or desert, I think this is an easy yes—especially at the listed price. The big strength is the combination of friendly instruction and a small-group setup, plus repeated mentions of guides like Ahmad, Islam, and Eslam making first-timers comfortable.

I would book it with two smart habits:

1) bring a light warm layer so you’re not miserable

2) do a quick helmet and equipment check before you mount

If those boxes are good, you’ll likely walk away with that rare travel memory: not just photos of a place, but a moving experience you can actually tell people about.

FAQ

How long is the horse riding experience?

The total tour time is about 2 hours. Horse riding is available for one or two hours depending on the option you choose.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

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

Do I need prior riding experience?

No. The tour includes a pre-ride briefing and guides who teach you how to ride if you have no experience.

Is a safety helmet provided?

Yes. A safety helmet is included with the tour.

What extra fees should I expect?

A fee of five euro per person is not included and is listed as an additional cost.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; within 24 hours, the amount paid is not refunded.