Hurghada: Desert & Red Sea Horseback Ride with Swimming

Summary

Ride Egyptian horses from Hurghada desert to Red Sea shore

You’ll ride Egyptian horses through Hurghada’s shifting sands and right into the Red Sea shallows—with a local guide who knows every trail. Expect small surprises: cool water against your legs, stories from your guide, and time to just listen to hoofbeats on sand. Hotel pickup, safety gear, and all guidance included—it’s more than just a horseback ride; it’s a memory that lingers after you’re back on solid ground.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping out near Hurghada was how the air tasted—kind of salty but also dry, like two worlds mixing. Our guide, Mahmoud, greeted us with this half-grin and handed me a helmet that still smelled faintly of leather and sun. I’m not a horse person (my last ride was a pony at age nine), so I was relieved when he said, “Don’t worry, she’s gentle,” patting the horse’s neck. The sand felt soft under my boots—almost powdery—and for a second I wondered if it’d be harder for the horses to walk than for us.

We set off towards the edge of the desert, Mahmoud leading and chatting about his family’s horses—apparently they’ve been doing this since before Hurghada had big hotels. The quiet out there is different; you hear hoofbeats and sometimes a gull overhead but mostly just wind brushing your ears. When we reached the waterline, I hesitated. Horses in the sea? But mine just plodded right in, splashing up little bursts of cold that hit my ankles. It felt weirdly freeing—like being part of some old caravan story or something. Mahmoud laughed when I yelped at the first splash; “You get used to it!” he called back.

I still think about that moment when we turned back—the sun lower now, everything gold and blue at once. There was this quiet pride in Mahmoud’s voice as he pointed out where his grandfather used to graze horses before all the resorts came up. My legs were jelly by then (horse riding muscles are real), but honestly I didn’t want it to end yet. The ride back felt slower somehow, maybe because none of us wanted to leave that light behind.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback riding along desert and sea

• Receive safety helmet
• Meet experienced guide
• Ride horse through desert sands
• Ride horse along Red Sea coast
• Optionally swim with horse in sea

Top questions

How long is the horseback riding tour in Hurghada?

Most tours last 1-2 hours depending on your preference.

Can beginners join this horseback riding experience?

Yes, beginners are welcome—an experienced guide helps throughout.

Is swimming with horses included in every tour?

Swimming is optional; some tours include wading into the Red Sea.

Are helmets provided for safety?

Yes, safety equipment like helmets is provided for all riders.

Is hotel pickup included from Hurghada?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada are included.

Are there weight or age restrictions?

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 5 or people over 243 lbs (110 kg).

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English during the tour.

Is bottled water provided during the ride?

Bottled water is included for participants.

What’s included

Your experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off from anywhere in Hurghada, use of well-trained Egyptian horses with an English-speaking local guide by your side, all necessary safety equipment like helmets and vests, bottled water for refreshment along the way, plus transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle so you can relax before and after your ride.