Sharm El Shiekh: Beach and City Desert Horse Riding Tour

Horse riding with a Red Sea splash is a winner. It’s one of those Sharm El Sheikh activities where the scenery changes fast, and the horses make it feel real, not staged. I especially like the combo of learning control on the saddle and then getting to ride into the water with your guide team and pro photo option (if you want it).

What I like most: the instruction and horse matching. Beginners get patient coaching, and the guides (like Mohammed and Kamal, depending on who you’re paired with) adjust the pace and level so you don’t feel swallowed by the experience.

One thing to consider: the ride is short enough that any photo goal can start to feel like it competes with riding time. If you hate extra costs or you want zero distractions, you’ll want to plan how you handle the photographer.

Key highlights you should care about

• Small group (up to 5 riders) means less waiting and more individual attention.
• Desert-to-beach route with a Red Sea water splash on horseback.
• Horse matching by skill level, plus guides who can slow things down for nervous riders.
• Sunrise, morning, or sunset timing for different light and atmosphere.
• Hotel pickup/drop-off available via air-conditioned bus or coach, depending on your option.
• Optional photographer for action shots on the beach (extra fee).

From Edelweiss Equestrian Center to Your First Step on the Saddle

This tour runs from Edelweiss Equestrian Center, and that matters because it sets the tone: you start with the basics, then you go out into the Sinai desert and finish at the beach.

When you arrive, you’ll pick up your helmet and meet your instructor. Riders are assigned horses based on riding level, which is a big deal here. It’s how the tour manages a wide range of people, from true first-timers to folks who want a faster canter on the shoreline.

Once you’re mounted, the early moments are all about getting your bearings. You’ll ride off into the city desert area around Sharm El Sheikh. Expect a mix of relaxed walking and guided riding, with your instructor telling you how to control your pace and posture so the horse stays comfortable and you feel stable.

A quick practical note: the tour is rated for a maximum rider weight of 120 KG. If you’re close to that limit, it’s worth double-checking before you book.

The Main Event: Sinai Desert Riding and the Gallop That Feels Like Fresh Air

The centerpiece is the ride out from the center and across the desert stretch toward the beach. One review detail sticks in my mind: this isn’t always a dramatic dune landscape; it’s more like a wide open area in a desert-adjacent setting, with plenty of room for horses to move.

That means your thrill isn’t based on staring at sand hills. Your thrill is based on motion: the change in terrain cues the horse’s rhythm, and when the guide gives you the green light, you get that adrenaline moment—sometimes even a faster gallop along the open run.

If you’ve never ridden before, you’ll usually start more controlled. If you’re comfortable, you may get more freedom. The guides are used to mixed groups, and they’ll commonly keep less-confident riders supported while giving more advanced riders room to move.

The good news: you’re not doing this alone. Your instructor is actively riding with you or positioned to supervise, and that extra pair of eyes is what keeps it fun instead of stressful.

The Red Sea Beach Moment: Getting Wet Without Losing the Plot

The best part is the payoff: reaching the beach and riding right into the Red Sea. Your horse moves from sand to shallow water, and you’ll feel the water splashes as you go.

This is where the tour turns into a photo-and-memory machine. The shoreline ride is scenic, but it’s also physical—your body adjusts to the water and the horse’s footing. The guides manage the pace so you can enjoy the moment without it turning into a slippery panic.

A practical tip from the ride-day reality: bring waterproof shoes if you have them. Even if you start dry, you’re riding through clear water where wet shoes are inevitable. Comfortable clothes help too, because once you’re soaked, you don’t want to spend the rest of the day feeling chilled or weighed down.

Also, there’s no food included. So don’t plan on a meal as part of the experience. Think of this as an adventure block—ride, water, return.

Choosing Your Time: Sunrise Magic vs. the Practical Morning Trade-Off

You can choose sunrise, morning, or sunset riding times. Timing affects the vibe more than anything else: sunrise tends to feel special and quiet, while later rides can be warmer and simpler for people who don’t love an early start.

Sunrise rides are often the most memorable for the light and the mood. Some riders reported very early wake-ups for sunrise, including times like 4–5 am, so go in with your eyes open. Early starts can also mean windier conditions on the beach run, so dress accordingly and expect the air to feel colder than the sun suggests.

Morning rides are a nice middle ground if you want daylight clarity without the extreme early wake-up. Sunset rides can feel more relaxed and give you a slower atmosphere for photos and shoreline riding.

If you care about photos, pick the time that matches your patience. Sunrise creates stunning images, but it demands early energy. Sunset is easier on your schedule but can mean more competition for attention if people in your group are photo-focused.

Your Instructor and the Small-Group Advantage (Up to 5 Riders)

One of the biggest value points here is the small group size—limited to 5 participants. In a horse setting, that matters. It reduces chaos at mount-up time and makes it more likely your instructor can correct issues quickly.

Instruction is available across multiple languages, including Arabic, English, Russian, and Italian, which helps if your riding confidence depends on understanding every cue.

From the feedback you’ll see plenty of consistent themes:

• guides are patient with beginners
• horses are assigned to match rider experience
• nervous riders can be supported more closely
• more confident riders may ride with extra independence depending on trust and comfort

Names you might hear in the instructor team include Mohammed and Kamal, and in some cases Mahmood is mentioned as responsible for the tour. Different shifts, same idea: you want calm competence, and that’s what this setup seems designed to deliver.

If you’ve got back issues, pregnancy, or you’re worried about physical comfort, take the restrictions seriously. The activity is listed as not suitable for pregnant women and people with back problems.

How the Ride Actually Flows: The 2-Hour Adventure (and Timing Reality)

The tour is described as 2 hours, but it’s useful to think of it as activity time—mount-up, the desert ride, the beach portion, and return. Travel time to and from the center can add to your total.

You have two starting styles:

• With the transfer option, you get picked up from your hotel in an air-conditioned bus or coach and dropped back after the ride.
• Without transfer, you go directly to Edelweiss Equestrian Center to start.

Either way, your day stays simple. You arrive, mount up, follow the instructor into the city desert, ride to the beach, splash in the Red Sea, then return to finish at the equestrian center.

A small warning that’s easy to miss: if you have a tight dinner reservation later, leave buffer time. People report that their total time can feel shorter or longer than the labeled duration depending on pacing and transfer.

Photographer Option: Great Shots, Just Handle the Decision Early

There’s an optional photographer included in the experience flow. Sometimes the instructor team is also linked to photography, so the whole thing can feel integrated: you ride, the photographer positions for shots, and you get images of the beach gallop and water splashes.

The photos are often described as good quality and worth it for many riders. Still, the tour doesn’t hide the fact that this is an add-on.

My advice: decide your photo budget before you start. If you’re the type who hates unexpected extras, ask clearly about pricing at the start and keep an eye on how many shots or packages you’re considering. If you’re okay with spending a bit to lock in the memories, this can be one of the best uses of extra cash in Sharm.

Horse Care and Safety: What You Should Expect From Edelweiss

A theme you’ll keep seeing: the horses are well cared for and the stables are described as clean. Riders also note that the guides keep a close eye on horse behavior and rider comfort—especially for beginners.

Safety basics are in place:

• helmet included
• instructor guidance throughout
• rider experience matching
• the pace is adjusted so nervous riders aren’t pushed past their comfort

One review detail also mentioned a strap to hold onto for extra security. Even if that isn’t always emphasized, the overall impression is that the staff is trained to keep the ride controlled and predictable.

If you’re hoping for maximum speed and minimal coaching, you might feel most satisfied when paired with the right horse and level of instruction. If you want calm and confidence-building, this setup tends to deliver that too.

What to Bring (So You’re Not Miserable After Your Red Sea Splash)

Bring practical gear. This isn’t a fashion show.

For comfort and safety:

• comfortable shoes (and waterproof options if you have them)
• comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting wet
• passport (passport required for security checks; a copy may be accepted)
• waterproof shoes if possible

Also, check your footwear fit. Sand and water make slip risk real. If your shoes soak through easily, they can feel heavy by the end.

If you’re sensitive to saddle friction, wear appropriate long trousers if you can tolerate it. Several riders mention saddle rub as a factor, so clothing choices matter.

Price and Value: Is $98 Worth It?

At $98 per person for a 2-hour horseback experience, this is strongest value if you want the full package: instruction + helmet + (optionally) hotel pickup + desert-to-beach horseback riding with Red Sea splashing.

Where the cost can shift for your wallet:

• the photographer is extra
• there’s no food or drinks included
• transfer time affects your total day

So ask yourself the real question: do you want horseback riding that goes somewhere special, not just a loop around a track?

If yes, the value makes sense. You’re paying for a guided, time-limited adventure where the payoff is the water ride and the beach pacing—not just the novelty of being on a horse.

If you’re only chasing a quick photo op and you’re not interested in riding much, you might end up spending more than planned once photo packages come into view. In that case, talk early about your priorities.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Might Skip It)

This tour fits best if you:

• want a beginner-friendly first horse experience
• enjoy hands-on instruction instead of watching from the sidelines
• want desert riding plus Red Sea water in one trip
• like small groups and personal guidance

It can be less suitable if you:

• are pregnant or have back problems
• dislike getting wet or hate wet shoes
• want zero photo distraction and zero add-ons

Age isn’t the deciding factor here. The tour has been done by riders ranging from kids to older adults, and the key is the guide matching you to the right horse and pace.

Should You Book Sharm El Sheikh Horse Riding to the Red Sea?

I’d book it if you want an actual experience, not a long bus ride to a basic activity. The desert-to-beach route is the point, and the Red Sea splash on horseback is exactly the kind of Sharm memory you can’t fake with Instagram filters.

You should think twice if you’re extremely tight on timing or you know you’ll feel irritated if the photographer conversation starts. If you’re budget-minded, set your photo plan before you mount up, and you’ll enjoy the ride more.

If you want a special moment, pick sunrise and be ready for the early start. If you want ease, choose morning or sunset and aim for comfortable clothing and waterproof footwear.

FAQ

How long is the horse riding tour?

The duration is listed as 2 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select the transfer option. If you don’t select it, you start directly at Edelweiss Equestrian Center.

Do I need to speak a specific language to ride?

The instructor and team can communicate in Arabic, English, Russian, and Italian.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes an instructor, a helmet, and hotel pickup/drop-off (when the transfer option is selected).

Is food and drinks provided?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What should I bring with me?

Bring passport (a copy may be accepted), comfortable clothes, comfortable shoes, and waterproof shoes.

What is the maximum rider weight?

The maximum rider weight is 120 KG.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems?

No. It is listed as not suitable for pregnant women and people with back problems.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.