REVIEW · SHARM EL SHEIKH
Sharm El Shiekh: Beach and City Desert Horse Riding Tour
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Edelweiss Center · Bookable on GetYourGuide
A horse ride that ends in sea splashes. This Sharm El Sheikh tour combines Sinai desert riding with an actual Red Sea beach segment, guided the whole way. If you pick sunrise or sunset, the light turns the whole outing into a camera-friendly hour and change.
What I like most is the horse matching. Beginners get patient help and the right mount, while confident riders can ask for more speed. I also really appreciate how much attention goes into the experience: guides like Mohammed and Mahmood have a reputation for teaching as you go, and teams often include a photographer such as Kamal if you want professional shots.
One thing to plan for: the photos can turn into a separate budget. You may love them, but costs vary, and one rider reported extra on-site charges—so ask what the total will be and decide your limit before you go.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Why Sharm El Sheikh Horseback Riding Feels Different (Desert + Sea)
- Edelweiss Equestrian Center: Horse Matching and Setup That Matters
- The Ride Through Sharm El Sheikh City Desert: Getting Into the Saddle Rhythm
- The Beach Segment and Red Sea Splash Time You Came For
- Sunrise, Morning, or Sunset: How Timing Changes the Ride
- How Long You Actually Ride (And Why It Feels Right)
- Safety, Comfort, and Guide Support on the Ground
- Photographer Options: The Fun Extra That Can Cost Real Money
- Getting There: Hotel Pickup vs. Going Straight to the Center
- What to Bring (A Short List That Actually Helps)
- Who Should Book (And Who Should Skip It)
- Price and Value: Is $98 Worth It?
- Should You Book This Sharm El Sheikh Horse Ride?
- FAQ
- How long is the horseback riding experience?
- Is hotel pickup and drop-off included in the price?
- What’s included in the tour?
- Can beginners ride, or do I need experience?
- Do I need to bring anything important?
- Is the tour suitable for everyone?
Key things to know before you go
- Desert-to-beach route: you ride from the city desert down to the shoreline, not just around a pen.
- Real Red Sea splash time: you get your clothes wet as your horse runs in the clear water.
- Small groups (up to 5): you get more personal guidance than on big tours.
- Sunrise, morning, or sunset: timing changes the mood, with sunrise rides often starting very early.
- Optional pro photo service: great if you want it, but worth setting a budget first.
- Safety gear included: helmets come with the ride, and guides can tailor pace by ability.
Why Sharm El Sheikh Horseback Riding Feels Different (Desert + Sea)

Most horse rides give you one type of scenery. This one gives you two: the sandy feel of the Sinai desert and then the turquoise Red Sea coastline where the horses splash right alongside you.
The tour works because the setting is built for it. You’re not crammed into a quick loop. You have enough ride time to settle in, get a rhythm, and still enjoy the big moment—galloping along the shore and crossing into the water.
And yes, it’s fun even if you’re not hunting speed. The best part is that the guides adapt. If you’re new, you’ll get the pace and support you need. If you’re more experienced, you can usually ask for a livelier ride once you’re confident.
You can also read our reviews of more city tours in Sharm El Sheikh
Edelweiss Equestrian Center: Horse Matching and Setup That Matters

The experience starts at Edelweiss Equestrian Center. After pickup (if you choose it), you arrive, get a helmet, and choose a horse based on your riding level.
That horse assignment piece is a big deal. In the Red Sea world of sand, sea spray, and changing footing, a calm mount can make the difference between I can do this and I’m freezing with nerves. Many riders praised the care and condition of the horses and the way the staff takes time to match the right temperament to the right rider.
Instructors use multiple languages, including Arabic, English, Russian, and Italian. If you’re unsure about your level, tell them clearly. One of the most common themes is that you’ll get taught first, then progressed as you relax.
The Ride Through Sharm El Sheikh City Desert: Getting Into the Saddle Rhythm

Once you’re mounted, you head out into the city desert of Sharm El Sheikh. This stretch is where you learn how the ride actually works—what the horses respond to, how to balance at different gaits, and how your guide communicates without making it feel like a lesson.
The route isn’t about tiny sand dunes for everyone. It’s more about open stretches that let horses move. One rider even noted that the area isn’t what you’d picture as classic dunes, but it still gives you plenty of space for trotting and galloping when the guide judges conditions are right.
This portion also sets the tone. If you’re prone to getting tense, staying relaxed here pays off later at the beach. The guide’s job is to keep the group moving smoothly while making sure everyone feels safe in the same ride bubble.
The Beach Segment and Red Sea Splash Time You Came For

Then you reach the beach—the part that turns a horse ride into a memory. You can gallop along the shore, and the best moment is when the horses run into the water and you splash alongside them.
Expect to get wet. Even if you’re careful, you’ll end up with water on your clothes and around your boots. That’s why waterproof shoes are a smart idea, and why comfortable shoes matter more than fashion.
The water itself is the hook. Riders repeatedly describe the sea as clear and the shoreline as beautiful, and the whole thing feels special because you’re not watching from a boat. You’re right there, moving with the horse, feeling the rhythm change once the footing becomes water.
If you’re camera-minded, this is where the photos earn their keep. Many riders book the photographer specifically for beach-and-sea shots.
Sunrise, Morning, or Sunset: How Timing Changes the Ride

You can choose your riding time: sunrise, morning, or sunset. That choice changes the vibe more than you might expect.
Sunrise rides often mean a very early start, and one rider described waking up around 4 a.m. That early hour can be worth it. Light gets softer, the beach mood can be calmer, and the scenery around the Sinai mountains looks dramatic.
Sunset can feel more relaxed after a day in Sharm. Morning sits in the middle, and the “best” time depends on your tolerance for heat and your preference for quieter scenes versus lively energy.
My advice: pick based on the photos you want and your comfort level with early mornings. If you hate waking early, don’t force the sunrise plan.
How Long You Actually Ride (And Why It Feels Right)

The activity is listed as 2 hours, and in practice you’ll spend much of that time on horseback rather than standing around. Some riders reported their total time closer to 1.5 hours, which suggests pacing and timing can vary with group flow and sea conditions.
Either way, the structure is consistent: you set off from the center, ride to the beach, enjoy the water segment, then return and finish back at Edelweiss.
What I like is the balance between ride time and skill time. You’re not just dropped on a horse and hoped for the best. The guide teaches what you need, and if you’re more advanced, you usually get room to ride at your comfort level.
A recurring safety note: you’ll be on a guided ride, but you also have choices. Some riders described being allowed to ride more independently if they show they can handle the horse.
Safety, Comfort, and Guide Support on the Ground

This is where the small group matters. With limited participants (up to 5), guides can keep an eye on everyone. Riders praised instructors for being patient, especially with first-timers and nervous riders.
You’ll get a helmet, and many riders mentioned extra safety handling such as a strap to hold onto the saddle. If you’re new, don’t be shy about telling the guide you want a slower start or a lead option.
Guides such as Mohammed and Mahmood came up in feedback for their calm teaching style—supportive without turning it into a stress-fest.
Two practical comfort tips from experience with this kind of activity:
- Wear long trousers if you can. Saddle rub is real.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be mounting, dismounting, and standing around before and after.
Photographer Options: The Fun Extra That Can Cost Real Money

A photographer is part of the experience if you choose it, and riders often call the photos professional and worth it for the beach-and-sea action shots.
But here’s the reality check. Pricing isn’t fixed in what you’re shown ahead of time. One rider reported paying about £25 for around 30 pictures, while another mentioned a price around £30 (in British pounds). There are also comments about negotiating and about an extra charge on-site.
So do this before you start riding: ask the photographer for the package options and decide your budget in advance. If you’re on a tight travel budget, you can still enjoy the ride without photos, or pick a smaller package and call it a day.
Getting There: Hotel Pickup vs. Going Straight to the Center

If you choose the transfer option, you get hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle. The operator asks for a WhatsApp number so they can coordinate your confirmed pickup time. That small step saves time and stress.
If you don’t select transfer, you’ll need to make your own way to Edelweiss Equestrian Center to start.
Either way, plan your day with a little buffer. Even if the ride itself is around 2 hours, you’ll still lose time on arrival and return.
What to Bring (A Short List That Actually Helps)

You’ll be happier if you show up prepared for both sand and water. Bring:
- Comfortable clothes
- Comfortable shoes
- Waterproof shoes
- Passport (copy accepted)
A helmet is provided, so you don’t need to bring riding gear. If you’re worried about rubbing, long trousers help a lot.
And if you’re prone to feeling chilly in early hours, consider a light layer for sunrise. You’ll get warm once you’re moving, but before the ride starts, the air can feel sharp.
Who Should Book (And Who Should Skip It)
This tour is a solid fit if you want a classic Sharm experience with a real twist: desert riding plus Red Sea splash time. It’s also a good choice for mixed groups—riders can vary in skill level while the guide adapts the pace.
It’s not suitable for:
- Pregnant women
- People with back problems
Also note the maximum rider weight of 120 kg. If you fall near the limit, confirm in advance.
Price and Value: Is $98 Worth It?
At about $98 per person for roughly 2 hours, the value comes from three areas:
- You’re getting two environments in one ride—desert and sea.
- You’re not doing it alone. The guide, helmets, and small group setup reduce friction, especially for first-time riders.
- You have the option of pro photos if you want a tangible memory.
If you skip the photographer, it’s still a fun, active outing with real scenery. If you add photos, the cost can rise, but the beach moments are the kind that look great captured well—especially at sunrise and sunset.
My practical take: if you want a memorable, guided horse-and-sea experience and you’re okay budgeting a bit extra for photos, this price feels fair for Sharm.
Should You Book This Sharm El Sheikh Horse Ride?
Book it if you want something more interesting than a basic trail ride. The desert-to-beach route plus the chance to splash in the Red Sea is the selling point, and the small-group, guide-led style makes it workable for many skill levels.
Skip it (or choose another activity) if photos are a distraction for you and you hate surprise spending. Also skip if you have back issues or if you’re pregnant, since it’s not designed for those situations.
If you do book: ask about photo pricing up front, wear long trousers, and bring waterproof shoes. Do those three things and you’ll spend your energy on the fun part—when the horses hit the water and the ride turns into a story you’ll keep retelling.
FAQ
How long is the horseback riding experience?
The duration is 2 hours. Some riders report a shorter total time, but the experience is designed to spend a good chunk of that time on horseback.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included in the price?
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select the transfer option. If you don’t, you’ll need to go directly to Edelweiss Equestrian Center.
What’s included in the tour?
Included features are the instructor, helmet, and (if selected) hotel pickup and drop-off. Food and drinks are not included.
Can beginners ride, or do I need experience?
It’s geared to mixed riding levels. The guides teach skills and can tailor support for first-timers, including keeping the ride at a comfortable pace.
Do I need to bring anything important?
Yes. Bring comfortable shoes and clothes, waterproof shoes for the sea splash, and your passport (a copy is accepted). Long trousers are also a good idea for comfort.
Is the tour suitable for everyone?
It’s not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems, and there’s a maximum rider weight of 120 kg. If you’re unsure, contact the operator before you book.






























