Soma Bay: Horse Riding Beach and Desert Tour With Transfer

Soma Bay is a fun change of pace because you get to do horseback riding with the Red Sea coastline right beside you, then trade that shoreline for desert tracks. I love the feel of the sea breeze on your face as you move along golden sand, and I like that the staff match you with a trained horse based on your riding level. It is the kind of activity that makes you forget you are following a schedule.

The only real drawback to think about is that you will spend real time in the saddle. If you have balance issues, a sensitive back, or you simply do not enjoy being on a horse, this may feel like more effort than you expected.

Quick hits you will actually care about

• Skill-matched horses: you ride at a pace that fits you, from first-timer-friendly to more spirited riding.
• Beach and desert in one outing: you get sea views and desert scenery without needing a full day.
• Safety and comfort with a trained team: professional guides keep things steady so you can focus on the ride.
• Photo help is part of the experience: your guide takes photos so you are not stuck running around with your phone.
• Low-stress transfers: hotel pickup and drop-off are available, with extra transfer fees for some areas.
• Simple included refreshment: you get tea and water to keep you comfortable.

Riding Soma Bay in two hours, beach first then desert

This is a 2-hour horseback tour that blends two environments that are usually separate in Egypt: the Red Sea shoreline and nearby desert terrain. That mix is the appeal. You are not just walking a path, you are moving through changing scenery at a human pace, with your guide keeping the day flowing.

You start with the seaside portion, where the air tends to feel cooler near the water and the views feel wide. Then you gradually shift to desert trails, where you can pick up a bit more energy if you want it. The tour is designed to keep the ride comfortable, not just exciting, which matters if you are not an advanced rider.

You also get an added benefit that sounds small until you are out there: fewer crowds. Because this is an equestrian experience rather than a sightseeing circuit, you will feel more like you are experiencing the area than checking boxes.

And yes, you will likely end up with photos you actually like. Multiple people highlight the way the guide helps with pictures, which is a nice touch because riding does not leave your hands free.

Hotel pickup and meeting the equestrian center

If you choose the transfer option, you get pickup and drop-off from your hotel. That matters more than people think, especially in beach resorts where waiting around for transport can eat your time and energy. The ride stays simple: you get going, you ride, you return.

If you are staying in Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, or El Gouna, plan on extra transfer fees of 10 Euros per person. If you are unsure what your exact pickup area counts as, check when you book so you do not get surprised later.

At the equestrian center, you meet the professional staff. This is where your ride becomes personal. The team matches you with a well-trained horse based on your skill level. That step is not just nice, it is essential for a good first experience, because a calm horse changes everything about how relaxed you feel in the saddle.

The tour is offered in Arabic, English, German, and Russian. If you prefer a specific language, it helps to confirm your guide language ahead of time when you reserve.

The beach section on Red Sea sand and turquoise views

Once you start riding, you follow scenic trails that run parallel to the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea. You will feel the gentle sea breeze and notice how the terrain shifts under the horse’s hooves, moving across golden sands while the water stays close.

This is the part that tends to get people smiling right away. The combination of motion and ocean views is powerful. You are not just looking at the sea, you are experiencing it from ground level, with the horizon stretching out in front of you.

Guides stay with the group, focused on safety and comfort. That means you do not have to constantly think about what your horse is doing. Instead, you can pay attention to the scenery: turquoise waves, the coastline bending away, and desert hints in the distance.

You might also spot local wildlife along the way, depending on the day and conditions. Even if you do not see animals, the wider change in scenery is still the point. This is a ride that feels like it belongs to the region, not a generic activity.

Desert trails and how your pace gets respected

After the shoreline riding, you transition to desert landscapes. This is where the “two-part” nature of the tour really pays off. Desert riding has a different rhythm. It tends to feel more open, with longer sightlines and more sense of space.

Your guide keeps things flexible. If you want a calm, steady ride, you can enjoy that. If you want something a bit more spirited, you can usually adjust within the safe boundaries of the ride.

The tour is described as tailored to your skill level, and the practical meaning is that you are not thrown into a one-size-fits-all experience. That is especially important if you are a complete beginner. A trained horse plus an attentive guide is a strong combo for a first outing, and it is why this tour earns such high marks.

The other good thing about the desert section is variety. One hour along sand feels different from one hour on open terrain. You are not doing the same stretch over and over, and that variety is what makes the total 2 hours feel worth it.

What is included for $20, and where the real value comes from

At $20 per person, the value is best understood as an all-in package rather than a “cheap ride.” You get horse riding on the desert and also on the beach. You get a professional guide, plus bottled water and tea.

If you choose hotel pickup and drop-off, you also reduce the risk of wasting time on logistics. In places like Soma Bay, transfers can make or break your day, because you want your energy for the ride itself.

So for value, think of it as three things bundled together:

1) Two environments (beach and desert)

2) A trained, match-to-you horse

3) Guide support plus refreshment

That is a lot to pack into a 2-hour activity.

One extra consideration: the tour can require extra transfer fees in certain areas, with 10 Euros per person listed for Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna. If you are not in the standard pickup zone, factor that into your total plan.

Also, the tour team supports several languages. That can matter for comfort, because understanding directions while riding helps you relax faster.

Pace, photos, and the guide support that makes it feel easy

A well-run horse tour feels calm. You start, you ride, and you do not constantly worry about what is next. This experience is clearly built around guide attention and day-of organization, and the result is that people feel looked after.

One repeated highlight is how the guide helps with photos. That is a smart service. When you are on a horse, you are busy. Even if you brought a phone mount, it still gets awkward. Having someone take pictures means you can actually enjoy the ride and still get good shots afterward.

Guides also help match expectations. If you are new, you do not want a “sink or swim” start. If you are experienced, you do not want a ride that feels too slow. The setup here is designed to match the experience to your skill level, which is why the pace feels right instead of random.

What to bring, and what to wear so you enjoy the ride

Bring a hat. The sun can be strong near the Red Sea, and you will be outside for the full 2 hours. A hat is one of the simplest comfort upgrades you can make.

Wear comfortable clothes suitable for horse riding. That is the key line. The ride includes both sand and desert terrain, so you want clothing that lets you move and that you feel okay getting dusty or sun-warmed.

If you have a favorite light layer for warmth or sun protection, pack it. But stick to what you feel comfortable moving in, not what looks perfect but restricts your movement.

Who this Soma Bay tour is best for

This is a great pick if you want a short, memorable outdoor activity without a full day commitment. The 2-hour format is ideal when you have beach time on your schedule, because you can do this ride and still enjoy your resort afterward.

It is also a solid option for beginners, since the horse is trained and the staff match you to your skill level. If you have never ridden before, this kind of guided setup is exactly what you want.

If you are an experienced rider, you may enjoy that you can ride at a more spirited pace, as the tour is described as responsive to preferences. You will not feel like you are trapped behind a rigid routine.

It may be less ideal if you strongly dislike horses, have significant mobility limits, or you know you get uncomfortable quickly in the saddle. In that case, the “real time in the saddle” factor can outweigh the scenery.

Should you book this Soma Bay Horse Riding Beach and Desert Tour?

Yes, you should book it if you want a two-environment experience in a short time, with guided support and hotel convenience. The mix of Red Sea shoreline plus desert tracks is what makes it more interesting than a simple beach ride.

Book it especially if you value a calm, well-managed experience. High marks for organization and guide care are exactly what you want when you are putting your comfort and safety first.

Before you confirm, check whether your pickup area needs the extra 10 Euros per person transfer fee. Also, plan to wear comfortable riding-appropriate clothing and bring your hat.

If that all fits your trip, this is a good use of your time in Soma Bay, one of those activities that feels both scenic and straightforward.

FAQ

How long is the horse riding experience?

The experience lasts about 2 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select the transfer option.

Are extra transfer fees charged for certain areas?

Yes. Extra transfer fees of 10 Euros per person apply for Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna areas.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a hat and wear comfortable clothes suitable for horse riding.

What is included in the tour price?

Included are horse riding on the desert, horse riding on the beach, bottled water, tea, and a professional guide (plus pickup and drop-off if you choose the transfer option).

Can I reserve without paying right away, and what is the cancellation rule?

There is an option to reserve and pay later, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.