Horse riding plus a Red Sea swim is hard to beat.

This Hurghada tour strings together desert riding and a beach ride with real time in the saddle, plus the option to do a guided swim with your horse. Two things I really like are how clearly they teach beginners the basics before you move out, and how much care they put into comfort and safety with helmets, chaps, and a proper intro to how to handle the horse. One drawback to plan for: you are on horseback for multiple stretches (and it is physical), so if you are brand-new or a little nervous, you’ll want to wear the right clothes and take the guide’s instructions seriously from the start.

After hotel pickup, you’ll meet at the stable, get oriented, and then head out with your guide to ride through sand and along the water. I also like the human touch I’ve seen echoed by guide names like Karim, Ameen, Keo, and Sasa: they actively help people feel settled, not just fast-track you into the fun.

If you pick the swim option, you’re adding the most unique part of the day: about 1 hour swimming with your horse in the Red Sea. It’s unforgettable, but you should come prepared with a swimsuit and expect to get wet, even if you’re not a confident swimmer.

Key things to know before you ride

• Desert + beach riding in one tour: two horse segments plus optional horse swimming.
• Optional 1-hour horse swim in the Red Sea for a truly rare experience.
• Safety gear is included: helmet and chaps, plus an introductory safety briefing.
• Beginner-friendly instruction: they teach you the basics before you go.
• Time in the saddle adds up: each riding station runs about 40–60 minutes.
• Photo time is part of the day: guides often capture lots of moments, including photos on your own phone.

What you’re really buying for $20 in Hurghada

At around $20 per person, this tour is one of those deals that makes you ask, what’s the catch? The value isn’t just the low price. It’s the combination: real riding time, Red Sea scenery, and the option to swim with the horse—an activity you basically can’t replace with a typical beach excursion.

You also get practical inclusions that matter when you’re on vacation and don’t want to think too hard: hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada, a guide, helmet, chaps, water plus coffee/tea, and transport back at the end. The tour also includes a freshly cooked meal after your ride with music, which turns it from a quick activity into a full half-day outing.

The other value point is human support. Across the guide names people mention—Karim, Ameen, Keo, Abdul, Sasa, and others—the common thread is reassurance and hands-on help, including with first-time riders and even kids.

One thing to keep in mind: this isn’t a walk-the-horse-and-take-a-photo type of experience. Horseback riding is physical, and you’ll need comfortable clothes that let you stay seated without chafing.

Pickup, stables, and the pre-ride briefing that makes a difference

Your day starts with pickup from your hotel in Hurghada. You’ll get transported to the stable, meet your guide and your horse, and go through a quick orientation.

This part matters more than people think. Before you head into sand and water, you’re shown how to get comfortable, how to manage your position, and how to move at the pace the guide sets. They also use helmet and chaps for safety and comfort, and that lowers the stress level a lot if you’re new to riding.

A practical note: pickup time depends on your hotel location, and you should confirm the exact pickup time the day before. A delay of up to 10 minutes can happen, so don’t schedule a tight dinner plan immediately after.

If you’re not staying in Hurghada—places like Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Safaga, or Soma Bay—pickup is available for an extra €10 per person. (So, if you want this at the best price, Hurghada hotels are the sweet spot.)

The desert ride: 1 hour of sand, silence, and real movement

Once you’re mounted, the first big portion is your desert segment, about 1 hour of riding. Expect a mix of sand paths and open space with a stark, wide-open feel. This is where you get that classic Egypt-in-a-single-frame look: golden sand under you, big sky overhead, and the steady rhythm of the horse moving.

The guide helps you settle into the basics. If you’ve never ridden before, this is the stage where you’ll usually feel the most awkward at the start—then it clicks. Even experienced riders usually say this feels like a break from the usual tourist rhythm because the ride itself is the main event.

Wildlife and plant life aren’t guaranteed like a safari, but the route is designed to let you notice the region’s natural flora and fauna. If you enjoy small details—shapes of bushes, tracks in the sand, how the light shifts—this desert leg is where you’ll slow down and actually look.

Tip that makes a difference: bring your patience. Learning how your body moves with the horse takes a few minutes. After that, it’s smooth.

The beach ride along the Red Sea: the breeze you came for

Next comes the beach riding portion, also about 1 hour. This is the part where the mood changes. You trade open sand for the sight and sound of the Red Sea—waves nearby, salty air in the moment, and views that keep pulling your eyes outward.

The beach section is often where people get their best photos, too. Even if you’re not thinking about photography, you’ll naturally want to capture that line where sand meets water and your horse walks right alongside it.

One consideration: the ride still takes effort. Even though the scenery feels relaxed, you still have to stay balanced and engaged in the saddle. Comfortable long pants are your friend here, especially to reduce rubbing as you shift your weight over time.

Swimming with your horse: what the 1-hour horse swim option adds

If you choose the swim option, you’re in for the standout moment: swimming with the horse in the Red Sea for around 1 hour.

This isn’t just dipping your boots in. It’s an actual swim stop where you share the water space with the horse, guided by staff who keep you safe and positioned. People describe it as the highlight because it changes the whole feeling of riding. You’re not just observing the sea anymore—you’re inside it, and your horse is right with you.

It’s also where nervous riders often feel a mix of fear and excitement. The guides are there to help you get ready and to keep you calm. Names like Karim and Ameen come up a lot alongside this activity, because their job is to make the step into the water feel manageable.

Practical advice: bring swimmers. Even if you think you’ll “just watch,” you’ll still get wet, and you’ll want to change out of damp clothes afterward.

Safety basics that keep it from feeling risky

This tour builds safety into the structure. Helmets are included, chaps are provided, and you get a safety briefing before you start. The horses also have comfortable saddles, and the guides handle the pacing and the way everyone moves.

There’s also a clear rider weight limit: no more than 220 lbs (100 kg) for the horse’s safety. If you’re above that, you’ll need to choose an alternative activity.

Also plan for the physical side. Horseback riding can be difficult if you don’t have experience. That doesn’t mean you can’t do it. It means you should treat the prep instructions like part of the ride, not an optional checklist.

One more safety-minded note: during the day, you’re on your horse in stations of about 40–60 minutes. That means you’ll feel the ride in your legs and core. If you’re coming straight from a long beach day, it helps to stretch a bit before you mount up.

The meal, the music, and the vibe after you ride

After about 3 hours of riding, you’ll head back to the stable. Then comes the part that makes the whole experience feel like a proper outing rather than a quick “ride and go” stop: a freshly cooked meal with music.

That meal is included, and it’s a nice counterbalance to physical effort. You get something warm to eat, and you’re not scrambling for food afterward in Hurghada traffic.

This is also when you tend to feel less rushed. If you’re traveling with family or friends, it’s easier to relax, compare what everyone liked, and look over the photos and videos that your guide may have helped capture.

Who this tour is best for (and who should rethink)

This is a strong choice if you want:

• A full morning or half-day activity that feels outdoorsy, not indoor-touristy.
• A mix of desert scenery + Red Sea beach views in one program.
• A guided experience where beginners get coaching, not judgment.
• The option of a horse swim if you want something rare.

It’s also a good fit for families. People mention kids and first-timers feeling supported, and they note that guides help everyone stay comfortable, including those who initially didn’t want to ride in the water.

You might reconsider if:

• You have issues with balance or you’re expecting a completely effortless ride.
• You’re sensitive to getting wet (if you swim).
• You want a strict schedule with zero flexibility—pickup can run late by up to 10 minutes.

What to wear and bring so you don’t suffer

Based on what’s listed for the tour, and what people commonly struggle with in riding situations, your best bet is simple:

• Wear comfortable breathable clothing, and choose long pants to prevent chafing.
• If you’re doing the swim option, pack your swimmers and plan to get wet.
• Bring a light layer for after the water portion, especially if you cool down fast.

And the big one: don’t underestimate the saddle time. If your clothes are stiff or tight, you’ll feel it. If they’re breathable and flexible, you’ll enjoy the ride more.

How to judge if it’s the right fit for you

I’d book this tour if you’re the type of traveler who values experiences you can’t easily copy elsewhere. Desert riding plus a Red Sea beach segment is already a satisfying combo. But the option to swim with your horse is the reason many people call it the holiday highlight.

It also scores well on “support and comfort.” People repeatedly connect their positive experience to guides helping them feel safe, including brand-new riders and families.

Where you should slow down and think is the physical side. If you can handle an active outdoor activity, you’re in good shape. If not, you may still enjoy a riding portion, but the day won’t feel like a lazy stroll.

Should you book this Hurghada horse riding + swimming tour?

Yes, you should strongly consider booking if you want a guided, beginner-friendly horse experience that combines desert and Red Sea views—and you’re curious about the horse swim option. At around $20, with helmet and chaps included, hotel pickup in Hurghada, water/coffee/tea, and a meal after the ride, it’s good value for what you get.

If you’re nervous, it’s also a smart booking: guides like Karim, Ameen, Keo, and Sasa are repeatedly praised for reassurance and hands-on help. Just be honest with yourself about comfort in a saddle and your willingness to get wet if you choose swimming.

FAQ

How much does the Hurghada horse riding and swimming tour cost?

The price listed is $20 per person.

Where does the tour start?

Your tour starts with hotel pickup in Hurghada, then transport to the stable.

Is it available every day?

Yes, the tour is available daily.

Are there special offers on certain days?

The tour information mentions special offers on Friday and another day that is listed as either Sunday or Tuesday. Check the current promo for your booking date.

How long will I be riding?

You’ll be on the horse in stations of about 40–60 minutes each, and after around three hours of riding you return to the stable.

Do I have to know how to ride already?

No. The tour includes an introductory safety briefing and instruction on riding basics, and it may be difficult only if you lack experience and expected it to be effortless.

Is swimming with the horse included?

Swimming with the horses is included only if you select the swimming option (around 1 hour).

What safety gear is provided?

Helmets, comfortable saddles, and chaps are provided, plus an introductory safety briefing.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. For the horses’ safety, riders should not weigh more than 220 lbs (100 kg).

Does pickup work outside Hurghada?

Pickup and drop-off are available from Hurghada hotels. Pickup from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Safaga, and Soma Bay is available for an extra €10 per person.

What languages do the guides speak?

English, German, and Arabic are available.