Horseback riding in Hurghada: desert and Red Sea

Ride your horse from sand into the sea

Horseback riding in Hurghada takes you across golden desert and along the Red Sea coastline on a well-trained Egyptian horse, with an English or German-speaking guide, helmets and safety gear provided. The ride lasts around 2 to 3 hours depending on which option you book; hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada is included in most packages. You can choose whether to add a swimming stop in the Red Sea during the ride.

The Experience

The ride starts with hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, then heads toward the desert and coast. Once you're mounted, your guide leads you across the sand with the Red Sea visible ahead—the landscape shifts between dunes and shoreline as you go. The terrain changes underfoot, and the guide stays with you the whole time, pointing out the area and adjusting the pace to match your comfort level, whether you've ridden before or this is your first time on a horse.

What makes this different from a standard beach ride is the option to actually guide your horse into the Red Sea itself. If you book one of the swim-inclusive options, you'll ride down to the water's edge and take your horse in—a moment most riders don't get elsewhere. The water is shallow enough at the entry point that it feels controlled, and your guide is there managing the experience. If you prefer to skip the water, you can ride the beach and desert without it.

Safety equipment includes a helmet and vest; bottled water is provided during the ride. The whole outing runs 2 to 3 hours depending on your package. If you're booking from outside Hurghada—Makadi, El Gouna, Safaga or Soma Bay—transfer is available as an add-on at checkout.

What’s included

• Well-trained Egyptian horse.
• safety helmet and vest.
• English or German-speaking guide.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada (available on most options.
• transfer from Makadi, El Gouna, Safaga or Soma Bay available at checkout).
• bottled water.
• guided ride across desert and Red Sea coastline.
• optional swimming stop in the Red Sea (on selected packages).

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by FTS Travels

Is this one for you?Book the 2-hour ride without transfer if you're staying in central Hurghada and want a shorter outing; choose the 3-hour version with a swim stop if you want the full experience of riding into the water and have the time. Transfer from outside Hurghada is available at checkout if you need pickup from Makadi, El Gouna, Safaga or Soma Bay.

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Top questions

Can I ride into the Red Sea on horseback, or do I just ride along the beach?

You can ride your horse into the Red Sea itself if you choose one of the swim-inclusive options; the water is shallow at entry and your guide manages the ride. If you prefer to stay on sand and beach, you can book without the water stop.

How long does the whole experience take from pickup to drop-off?

The ride itself runs 2 to 3 hours depending on which package you select; add travel time to and from your hotel in Hurghada, so plan for roughly 4 to 5 hours total.

Is this suitable if I've never ridden a horse before?

Yes—the activity is beginner-friendly, and an experienced trainer guides you the entire time, adjusting pace and instruction to your level.

What's included in the price?

The ride includes a well-trained horse, English or German-speaking guide, safety helmet and vest, bottled water, and hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada (transfer from other Red Sea towns is available as an add-on).

Do I need to be fit or have any riding experience?

No prior riding experience is needed; the activity suits all fitness levels. The operator does not recommend it for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy, and children under 5 or adults over 243 lbs are not suitable.