Hurghada: Sea & Desert Horse Riding tour/w Swimming&Transfer

The best part of this Hurghada outing is the change of scenery: you begin among desert sand, then ride toward the Red Sea and, in warm weather, take your horse into the water. It feels far more memorable than a short paddock ride. I especially like the careful horse matching and the way the guides adjust the pace for beginners and confident riders.

I also like the friendly, animal-focused stable. You will meet cats, dogs, donkeys, and horses before or after the ride, and staff such as Rebecca, Abdul, Saeed, and Mohamed are praised for staying close and helping riders feel safe. The main drawback is seasonal: horse swimming is normally unavailable after October 31, and the beach ride can feel too gentle if you want a long, fast gallop.

Key points at a glance

• Desert to Red Sea route: Ride through open sand before reaching the beach and shallow water.
• Good horse matching: Calm horses are used for beginners, while experienced riders may get more responsive mounts.
• Summer swimming option: Select the two-hour ride with swimming for the chance to ride into the sea.
• Helpful named guides: Rebecca, Abdul, Saeed, Mohamed, and others are noted for patient instruction and safety.
• Flexible duration: Choose from about 90 minutes to three hours, depending on the option you book.
• Low headline price: At $17 per person, it offers strong value, though transfers from nearby resorts cost extra.

From Lucky Horses Stable to the Red Sea

The activity begins at Lucky Horses Stable, a working stable on the edge of Hurghada. This is not a polished resort attraction with a neat theme-park entrance. It is a more informal animal yard, with horses, dogs, cats, and other friendly animals around the property.

That setting is part of the appeal. You can spend a little time getting comfortable with the animals and meeting the staff before riding. If you are nervous around horses, this first contact may help. If you are afraid of animals, take the warning seriously. The stable has several kinds of animals, not just horses.

The meeting point needs care. If you arrive by taxi or Uber, GPS may drop you on the roadside near a building called Harmony. The stable is on the left side of the road, with the stables behind the building. Several horse facilities are in the same area, so show your booking ticket to the guide before setting off.

For a smoother start, arrive early enough to avoid confusion. If you have hotel pickup, wait at the main entrance or the agreed security gate. Some Hurghada hotels do not let drivers enter, and a delay of up to 15 minutes can happen because of traffic or security checks.

Choosing the right horse and pace

Before the ride, staff match horses to your ability. This is one of the most important parts of the experience. A complete beginner needs a calm, predictable horse and close support. An experienced rider may want a more responsive horse and a chance to move faster on the sand.

The staff have paired beginners with gentle horses such as Jojo, Flower, Fatima, and other calm mounts. Horse names and assignments can change, of course, but the general approach is to match the animal to the rider rather than put everyone on the same type of horse.

You receive basic riding help before leaving. Guides stay nearby during the route and can assist with steering, speed, and confidence. Beginners should expect a controlled ride, mostly at a comfortable pace. More confident riders may be allowed to canter or ride faster when conditions and group ability permit.

This is useful for mixed groups. A parent and experienced teenage rider, for example, may be able to ride together while receiving different levels of support. Guides have also separated groups by ability, allowing newer riders to proceed carefully while stronger riders enjoy more action.

Do not assume that a booking guarantees a long gallop. The ride is designed for a broad mix of abilities, and safety comes first. Tell the guide honestly if you are a novice, nervous, or experienced. You will get a better horse and a better pace.

Helmets are provided, and children receive safety jackets. Wear long trousers and breathable clothing. Shorts can lead to rubbing against the saddle, while heavy clothing will feel uncomfortable in Hurghada’s heat.

Across the desert sand

Once mounted, you leave the stable and head through the desert. The open sand gives you a sense of space that you will not get from a short ride inside a fenced area. It also creates the first strong photo opportunities, especially in the softer light of early morning or sunset.

The desert section is not a sightseeing tour with historic ruins or a long wilderness route. Its value comes from the simple setting: horse, sand, open sky, and the Red Sea ahead. The guides help with direction and riding technique, so you can pay attention to your posture and the horse rather than worry about navigation.

The ride works well for first-time riders because you are not expected to manage a horse alone from the start. Guides remain attentive, and several riders have found the first few minutes much easier than expected. Still, riding is physical. Your legs, back, and balance will work harder than they do on a standard beach walk.

If you want a quiet outing, choose a morning ride or a slower option. If you like warm light and photographs, sunset is the more atmospheric choice. Exact start times depend on availability, so check before booking.

Along Hurghada’s beach

The route continues toward the Red Sea beach, where the scenery changes from dry sand to water and shoreline. This is the part that gives the activity its identity. You are not simply riding near the sea. Depending on the selected option and conditions, the horse may walk along the water or enter it.

The beach section can be peaceful. You may walk beside the water, move at a faster pace on the sand, or ride through shallow water with a guide nearby. Experienced riders have been able to canter, but the pace depends on your ability, the horse, the group, and the conditions.

I would tell a confident rider to explain what you want before setting out. Some people prefer a relaxed beach ride, while others hope for more speed. A guide such as Rebecca has been praised for handling mixed abilities, allowing stronger riders more freedom while keeping beginners comfortable.

The beach is also where the ride can feel less private than expected. Small groups are available, and private arrangements may be possible, but the standard experience can include other riders. Ask about group size if personal attention matters to you.

Swimming with the horses in warm weather

Swimming is the signature add-on, but it is not available all year. To include it, select the two-hour ride with swimming. The normal final date is October 31. From early November onward, colder weather and concern for the horses’ wellbeing mean swimming is generally not offered, though it may be possible by prior agreement if the temperature and sea conditions are suitable.

This seasonal rule is sensible. Do not book a winter ride assuming the water portion will happen. Contact the operator in advance if swimming is the main reason you are coming.

When available, the horse enters the sea with you. It is a refreshing change from ordinary riding and makes excellent photographs, especially for couples or solo riders who want a special image from Hurghada. Guides help position riders and horses, and staff can take photographs using your phone.

Swimming also changes the shape of the outing. One rider with substantial riding experience preferred the regular two-hour beach ride because the swimming portion reduced time spent riding along the shore. That is good advice: choose swimming for novelty, or choose the standard two-hour ride if you want more time in the saddle.

Bring clothing that can get wet and think about how you will manage your phone. Confirm the photo arrangement before starting, since the included service describes photos taken with your phone and some riders also mention optional professional photographs.

Guides who make beginners feel at ease

The human side of this activity matters as much as the route. The guides are not just there to lead a line of horses. They help riders mount, explain the basics, watch the animals, and adjust the ride when someone feels nervous.

Rebecca has received particular praise for being attentive to both horses and riders. She is also described as a strong rider who understands the needs of European visitors. Abdul is often associated with a patient, cheerful approach, while Saeed has been praised for careful instruction and calm horse handling. Mohamed and other members of the team also help with riding and photographs.

Names may vary on the day, so do not book solely to ride with one specific guide. The useful point is the staff-to-rider attention. Several outings have been arranged in separate beginner and experienced groups, which is a good sign for families or couples with different abilities.

The guides also add humor and warmth. That helps during the first few minutes, when a new rider may be tense. You should still speak up if you feel unsafe or want the pace changed. A good guide can only adjust the ride if you explain what you need.

The horses and animal welfare

The stable places clear emphasis on animal care. Horses are sheltered from the sun, and the riding team selects mounts according to rider ability. Several horses have names and distinct temperaments, so you may hear staff explain which ones are gentle, energetic, or suited to new riders.

The stable also cares for animals beyond the horses. You may meet friendly dogs and cats, and the property has included rescued animals from the Pyramids area and local villages. A newborn donkey has also been seen at the stable. These details make the visit feel more personal than a simple ride-and-leave operation.

That said, horse welfare is something you should judge for yourself when you arrive. Look for clean water, shade, calm handling, and horses that appear comfortable. The available information describes a peaceful, animal-friendly setting, but responsible riding still means following the guide’s instructions and avoiding rough handling.

If you are strongly uncomfortable around dogs, cats, or horses, this is not the right activity. The animals are part of the setting, not a minor side detail.

How much value do you get for $17?

At $17 per person, the basic price is very competitive for a ride that combines desert, beach, staff support, safety equipment, and hotel transfer when that option is selected. You also receive helmet use, and children receive safety jackets.

The value is strongest if you are a beginner or want a simple outdoor activity without paying for a full-day excursion. You get a clear change of scenery in 90 minutes to three hours, rather than spending most of the day in transit.

Check the transfer option carefully. Pickup from Hurghada can be included, but transfers from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Safaga, and Soma Bay cost an additional €10 per person. If you select no transfer, you can reach the stable yourself or ask about arranging a pickup through WhatsApp.

Food and drinks are not included. Bring water, particularly for a morning or afternoon ride in warm weather. The stable is not presented as a meal stop, so plan refreshments separately.

Photographs add value for solo riders and couples because guides can use your phone during the ride. If you want a larger professional photo package, ask about the current price and delivery method before you go.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want patient help and a calm horse
• Families with children old enough to ride safely
• Couples wanting beach and horse photographs
• Experienced riders who are comfortable with a guided group outing
• Solo visitors who want staff help taking pictures
• Animal lovers who enjoy meeting horses, dogs, cats, and donkeys

It is less suitable for people with mobility impairments, anyone over the 100-kilogram weight limit, babies under one year, and people over 95. Pregnant riders should consult a doctor before booking.

You should also be realistic about the physical side. A gentle pace does not mean no effort. Mounting, balancing, and sitting in a saddle for up to two hours can be tiring, especially if you have never ridden before.

Practical choices before you book

Choose the shorter 90-minute option if you want a taste of horse riding without committing to a long saddle session. Choose two hours if the beach matters most. Choose the two-hour swimming option only when the weather is warm and you have confirmed that sea conditions allow it.

Morning and sunset each have a clear advantage. Morning is often better if you want a cooler start and a calmer schedule. Sunset gives you softer light and stronger photographs, but you should confirm the exact return time if you have dinner plans.

Keep your phone protected, wear long trousers, and arrive at the pickup point 10 minutes early. Your exact pickup time should arrive by WhatsApp, the booking app, or email, and reconfirming one day before is wise.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity, and you can reserve now and pay later. That helps if your Hurghada schedule may change.

Should you book Lucky Horses Stable?

Book it if you want an affordable, personal horse ride with a real shift from desert sand to Red Sea beach. The careful horse matching, patient guides, animal-filled stable, and option for swimming give it more character than a basic resort riding session.

Skip it if you dislike animals, need fully accessible transport, or expect a long, independent gallop. Also skip the swimming option after October 31 unless the stable confirms it in advance.

For most beginners, families, couples, and casual riders, this is a strong-value Hurghada activity. I would choose the standard two-hour beach ride for the most riding time, or the summer swimming option if the sea experience matters more than distance.

FAQ

Where does the horse ride begin?

It begins at Lucky Horses Stable in Hurghada. If you arrive by taxi or Uber, GPS may stop near the Harmony building. Look to the left side of the road, then behind the building for the stables, and show your ticket to the guide.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada are available when you select that option. Pickup from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Safaga, and Soma Bay is available for an additional €10 per person.

How long does the experience last?

Available options range from 90 minutes to three hours. The horse swimming option uses the two-hour ride.

Can beginners join?

Yes. The activity is designed for complete beginners as well as experienced riders. Horses are matched to ability, and guides provide help throughout the ride.

Is swimming with the horses available all year?

No. Swimming is normally offered only in warmer weather, with October 31 listed as the final regular date. From early November onward, it may be possible only by prior agreement, depending on temperature and sea conditions.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable, breathable clothing. Long trousers are recommended to reduce rubbing while riding. If you select swimming, wear clothing that can get wet.

Is there a rider weight limit?

Yes. The maximum rider weight is 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms, for the horses’ safety. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, babies under one year, or people over 95. Pregnant guests should consult a doctor before booking.