Reviewed · HORSE RIDING

Horse Riding Beach or Desert with transfer from Sharm El Sheikh

4.5 · 56 reviews From $7 per person Operated by Meeka Tours · Bookable on Viator
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Horse riding in Sharm el Sheikh is interesting because it mixes real animal time with an easy outdoor escape, plus you get a transfer so you are not fighting transport. You are choosing sea riding or desert riding, then spending about 2 hours in the saddle with a guide.

I love how the team pairs horses to your comfort level, including beginners, and how they show up with the basics right away, like helmets and safety support. I also like the small-group setup, max 15 travelers, which makes it easier for guides to check on you.

One thing to consider: the low headline price is just the start. You also pay a government fee (5 euro per person), and a few riders had issues around photo extras and how things were handled on the day.

Key things to know before you ride

  • Sea or desert option: you can ride on the beach area or on sandy tracks linked to a protected zone
  • Small groups (max 15): easier pacing, more hands-on help if you are nervous
  • Beginner-friendly horse matching: staff pair you with a horse for your skill level and can support first-timers
  • Guides stay close and give commands: some rides include trot faster moments if you and the guide feel ready
  • Bring your own drink and bug spray: it helps, especially in warm weather
  • Photo sales are optional, but they can be persistent: plan to take your own pics too

Beach or Desert: Choosing the Ride You Will Actually Enjoy

Horse Riding Beach or Desert with transfer from Sharm El Sheikh - Beach or Desert: Choosing the Ride You Will Actually Enjoy
This is a horse riding tour from Sharm El Sheikh with hotel pickup and drop-off. The core idea is simple: you ride a horse on either the coastal beach route or the desert-style sandy route, guided and geared for safety. That choice matters more than people think, because beach rides feel calm and scenic, while the desert option can feel more like an active track session.

If you want a relaxed morning or afternoon with photo moments by the water, go for the sea option. If you want something that feels drier and more track-like, pick desert riding. Either way, you are getting the same sweet deal: a short excursion that does not eat your whole day.

The Start at the Equestrian Center: Meeting Your Horse, Getting Ready

Horse Riding Beach or Desert with transfer from Sharm El Sheikh - The Start at the Equestrian Center: Meeting Your Horse, Getting Ready
Your experience typically begins at the equestrian center where you get matched to a horse. Guides pair you with a horse for your skill level. That is key for two reasons. First, it reduces the odds of you getting stuck on a horse that does not match your confidence. Second, it helps the guide manage the group at your pace.

You will also get safety equipment, including a helmet. There are no grand stable buildings to explore before you ride. One rider noted it is more like a staging point where horses are ready after each ride. The plus side is you spend less time waiting around. The downside is there may not be much indoor space to hang out if weather turns.

If you are a first-timer or you feel nervous, this is the kind of ride where you can ask for extra help. Several reviews highlight patience, and at least one novice rider was guided while the more experienced rider was allowed more control. That setup is a good sign that the team can scale the experience to the group.

Sea Riding in Sharm: Waterline Fun and Real Photo Moments

When you ride the beach option, you are in the coastal area near a protected zone. Depending on conditions, horses may wade into the water, but often at low depth rather than deep ocean rolling waves. One rider specifically mentioned wading in low water, not waist height.

This matters because if you hate surprises, you should plan for the possibility of splashes and sand getting everywhere. If you want the photo moment, you will likely get it. If you want a fully dry ride, you might still end up with wet hooves and beach spray.

A smart tip: do not rely only on the operator’s photos. Bring your own camera or phone and take shots at your comfort level. More than one person praised the seaside views and photo moments, but a few people also had problems with receiving paid photos later. So, take your own. It is cheap insurance.

Desert-Style Riding: Sandy Tracks, Commands, and Getting a Feel

The desert option is still close enough to Sharm that you are not out on some remote, wild expedition. One caution from a less positive experience was that the area can include other activities nearby, like quad bikes along the same general zone. So, set your expectations accordingly.

That said, desert riding can feel fun and active. Several people described opportunities to move faster when the guide commands it. If you like the idea of trotting and even a more energetic pace under guidance, this option might suit you better than the beach route.

Even if you want speed, keep one rule: your guide decides what is safe for your horse and your group. If the guide thinks the pace is too much, listen. Riding should feel like a thrill, not like you are wrestling an animal and a plan at the same time.

A different kind of day out of Sharm el-Sheikh:

Transfers From Sharm: The Practical Part That Makes or Breaks It

The ride includes pickup and drop service from Sharm hotels. That is a big value point because Sharm traffic and finding the right pickup spot can turn a simple outing into a headache. The best-case scenario is smooth and on-time service, and many riders said the driver picked them up on time and was friendly.

Still, a couple of lower-rated experiences mentioned late transport and shortened time on the horse. That is the one risk with any excursion that depends on shared logistics. If you hate uncertainty, keep your schedule flexible and avoid booking this tour as the one thing you absolutely must nail at a fixed time.

How Long Is It Really? Timing and What Two Hours Feels Like

The duration is about 2 hours. In reality, that time includes the rhythm of getting mounted, listening to instructions, riding, and dismounting. So do not judge your value only by the time the horse is moving.

A few reviews said they would have done 2 hours instead of 1, which suggests some rides may feel shorter depending on the route and how the group is paced. That is another reason to go with the “full experience” mindset: you are not just buying movement time, you are buying the whole guided ride package.

Safety, Horse Care, and the Guide Factor

This tour includes guide assistance plus safety equipment. That is the baseline. What makes it work in practice is the guide quality and how they respond to different riders.

The most praised theme across the positive experiences is how calm and well cared-for the horses seemed, and how guides kept people safe and having fun. Names came up in multiple reviews, including Muhammed and Mustafa, and riders appreciated guides who stayed attentive and helped nervous riders move at their own pace.

Now the honest part: there was at least one strongly negative report that felt unsafe for the rider. That does not mean the entire operation is unsafe, but it does mean you should take responsibility for your own comfort. Ask questions before you mount. Tell the guide if you are alone, unsure, or worried about water depth. Riding is not the place to pretend you are fine.

What to Wear, Bring, and Expect to Feel

Most riders suggested practical clothing: jeans and trainers came up, plus insect repellent. That makes sense. You are outdoors, often near water and sand, and small bites are not fun after you have already paid for a ride.

Bring a drink. One review specifically called that out, and for good reason. Even on a short outing, you can get warm quickly once you are mounted and moving.

Weight limit is listed as 150 kg. If you are close to that, mention it during booking or contact the provider so they can match equipment properly. Also, keep in mind how you get on and off the horse. One rider noted there were benches to get on in the setup they used, which can make mounting less stressful.

The Photo Add-On Reality: Worth It, But Watch the Details

Photos are a recurring theme. Many riders liked the photo opportunities by the sea, and there is mention of photo services that come at extra cost. But the experience can go sideways if expectations are unclear.

Some riders described a photographer taking excellent photos for an added fee, and said it was worth it. Others said they did not receive photos they paid for. A different negative review mentioned photo selling being pushy, with buyers feeling pressured at the end.

So here is the practical plan for you:

  • Take your own photos first, especially at the water moment.
  • If you want the operator’s photos, confirm how delivery works and what exactly you are paying for.
  • If you do not want photos, tell the guide early and stick to your decision.

Price and Value: Why $7 Can Be Tempting, and What to Budget

The headline price shows $7 per person, which looks like a steal. But you should treat it as the base fare, not the final cost. The government fee (5 euro per person) is not included.

When you do the math, you are still likely getting good value for a ride that includes hotel transfer, a guided experience, and safety gear like a helmet. Also, you are getting animal time plus a guided outdoor activity, not just a transport drop at a random location.

If you are comparing this to other adventure tours, the value can be strong because it is short and friction-free. But if you end up buying expensive add-ons like photos, your final cost can climb. Decide in advance whether you want that, then you stay in control.

Who This Tour Is Best For (And Who Should Skip It)

This is a good fit if you:

  • want a short horseback activity without arranging transport yourself
  • like scenic settings, especially the beach area
  • are a beginner or mixed group and need horses matched to different confidence levels
  • prefer small group pacing (max 15)

It may be less ideal if you:

  • hate any kind of pressured sales at the end of an activity, especially around photos
  • need guaranteed deep water immersion, because reports suggest low water wading rather than full body immersion
  • are extremely sensitive to cleanliness, since one negative report described a filthy beach on their day

If you are cautious, you can still enjoy it by choosing your pace and setting clear expectations with your guide before mounting.

Should You Book This Horse Riding Tour With Transfer From Sharm El Sheikh?

I would book it if you want a friendly, guided horseback ride with easy pickup and drop, and you are excited about either the sea or sandy desert-style route. The strong rating and the repeated praise for guide patience and well-cared-for horses are real signals that many people leave happy.

I would pause and ask a few questions before booking if you are worried about photo extras or you have a firm idea of what the water moment should look like. Also, if being on time matters to your schedule, keep some buffer around pickup and return.

If you go in with the right expectations, this can be a fun, authentic-feeling Sharm outing that does not require a full day of planning.

FAQ

How long is the horse riding experience?

It is listed as about 2 hours.

Is pickup and drop-off included from Sharm hotels?

Yes. Pickup and drop service from Sharm hotels is included.

Do I need to pay any additional government fee?

Yes. A government fee of 5 euro per person is not included.

Are helmets and safety equipment provided?

Yes. Safety equipment and a helmet are included.

Can beginners ride, or is it only for experienced riders?

Most travelers can participate, and horses are available for different skill levels, with guide assistance.

What is the maximum group size?

The group has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum weight is listed as 150 kg.

Do they offer sea riding or desert riding?

The tour is described as Horse riding (sea or desert). Which option you get depends on the offering for your booking.

Is there free cancellation?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel within 24 hours, it is not refunded.

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