Horse Riding in Hurghada: Daytime vs Sunset Rides, What to Wear and What to Ask

Can beginners go horse riding in Hurghada?

Yes. Horse riding in Hurghada with us welcomes complete beginners, and the instructor matches the horse and the route to your level. Before anyone rides, the team introduces the horses and gives a safety briefing on basic riding, handling the horse and the rules during the ride. Experienced riders can book it too, for more time in the saddle.

A first ride is a guided ride: a guide or instructor stays with the group and adjusts the route and riding style to the rider's experience. Tell us your level when you book, so we can pass it to the riding centre.

What is the difference between the daytime ride and the sunset ride?

The daytime ride is our all-round trip through desert, mountain or coastal scenery, built around time in the saddle. The sunset ride is timed so you ride as the light changes, with a dedicated sunset photo stop. Both include hotel pickup, a guide and a safety briefing, and both are priced on request.

The price depends on the selected program, so send us your date, group size and each rider's level for a quote.

What is included, and what costs extra?

Both rides include hotel pickup and drop-off, the horse riding experience, a professional guide or instructor, a safety briefing and safety equipment where required. Photos and videos, food and drinks unless specifically included, personal expenses, additional activities and tips are not included. The price is on request because it depends on the program.

Marketplace listings often show a low headline price with extras on top. The Headout 3-hour listing shows US$18 (discounted from US$30, their figure) and excludes a governmental safari fee of €10 per person paid in cash, plus €10 per person for transfers from El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi and Sahl Hasheesh. Ask us to confirm any fee that applies to your date and hotel before you pay.

What time is sunset, and how hot is the ride?

According to sunrisesunset.io, Hurghada's sunset falls as early as 4:51 PM on 1 December and as late as 7:44 PM on 1 July. Our sunset pickup follows the sun: earlier in winter, later in summer. We confirm the exact pickup time after booking, based on the sunset and your hotel's location.

Climates to Travel also reports about 3,530 sunshine hours a year in Hurghada. With that much sun and little shade, a summer midday ride calls for a hat, sunscreen and water. After sunset the desert cools quickly, so bring a light layer for the ride back. For month-by-month planning, see the best time to visit Hurghada.

What should you wear for horse riding?

Wear long trousers, closed shoes with a smooth sole and a small heel, and tie long hair back. The British Horse Society says riding boots need a smooth sole and a heel of at least half an inch, and that wellies and trainers are unsuitable. Our ride includes safety equipment where required, so ask us about hats.

• Hat: the BHS advises a fitted hat that is fastened every time you ride, and replacing it after a fall. It adds that hats can lose protective properties if left for long periods in direct sunlight.
• Footwear: the BHS warns that heavy-tread boots can lodge in a stirrup and trap the foot.
• Clothes: British Equestrian suggests close-fitting layers, hair secured back and no jewellery. We also recommend avoiding sandals and loose scarves.
• Bring: sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, a water bottle and a camera.

Is swimming with your horse part of a Hurghada ride?

Not in our listed program. Some marketplace listings sell a three-hour ride that ends with a swim: The Abroad Guide gives about 40-60 minutes in the desert, 40-60 minutes on the beach and about an hour of optional swimming. Our trip data lists desert, mountain, open and coastal routes but no swim, so ask us before you book.

Listings differ on this. Magpie's one-hour desert ride says swimming is not included, while its three-hour ride includes it and asks you to bring a swimsuit and towel. Sea temperature ranges from 21°C in winter to 28°C in summer, according to Climates to Travel.

What are the weight, age and health limits?

Limits vary by operator, and we do not publish a fixed weight or age limit. Marketplace listings differ: The Abroad Guide states a 100 kg (220 lb) maximum, while Magpie's one-hour ride states 90 kg and a minimum age of 12. For our rides, we confirm eligibility with the riding centre before you pay.

Children may ride depending on age, height, weight, experience and the operator's safety requirements. If you have back problems, are pregnant or have any other health concern, tell us before booking. World Horse Welfare also lists how much weight a horse can safely carry as a welfare question, so weight limits protect the horse as well as the rider.

How can you tell whether a riding centre looks after its horses?

Look at the horses before you mount. World Horse Welfare advises using only horses in good physical condition with no obvious injuries, and warns against poorly fitting tack, overwork and unsuitable loads. Ask the operator how the horses are cared for. A good centre can answer without hesitation.

• Body condition: the horse is not obviously thin or exhausted.
• Injuries: no visible wounds, sores or lameness.
• Tack: saddle and bridle fit properly.
• Workload: the horse is not carrying more than it should.

World Horse Welfare also suggests asking the owner about an animal's behaviour if something looks wrong. Competitor pages we opened gave little detail on welfare, so ask before you book.

How does Divers Trips handle horse riding?

We sell two guided rides, Horse Riding in Hurghada and Sunset Horse Riding. Both are priced on request, include hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide or instructor, a safety briefing and safety equipment where required. Send your date, group size and each rider's level, and we reply with a quote.

We confirm the exact pickup time after booking. Horse riding depends on weather and the operator's safety rules, so the route may be adjusted or the ride rescheduled, and we contact you on WhatsApp if anything changes. Guests must follow the instructor throughout.

If part of your group prefers an engine and a camel ride, the mountain safari is €35 per person with hotel pickup. For quad, buggy and dinner options, read our desert safari comparison or browse desert safaris. To reserve, use the booking page or contact us.