Horse Riding and Swimming with Horses in the Red Sea El Gouna

Horse riding on the Red Sea coast

Horse riding in the Red Sea region combines two landscapes that rarely meet, the open Eastern Desert and a warm sea. Behind the resorts the ground is firm sand and gravel, with low hills in the distance, and in front lies a coast of turquoise water that stays calm most of the year.

This horse riding tour near El Gouna and Hurghada starts at a stable where you meet your horse and guide, receive a safety briefing and are fitted with equipment. The horses are calm and trained for beginners as well as experienced riders, so you do not need previous experience. Is horse riding in Hurghada worth doing? For many guests the sea swim at the end makes it the highlight of the holiday.

Riding through the desert

The first part of the ride follows a guided route across desert tracks and along the beach. The pace is set by the guide and adapted to the group, with a walk for beginners and, for experienced riders, the chance to trot and canter on open ground where it is safe.

Riding in the desert gives a different view of the coast, with wide skies, the sound of hooves on sand and the sea glinting ahead. The ride is gentle enough for families, and guides stay close to anyone who is nervous. Keep your heels down, hold the reins as shown and ask the guide whenever you are unsure, as there is no need to rush.

Swimming with horses in the Red Sea

The finale is the swim. At the shore the guide leads the horses into the water, and when it becomes deep the horse begins to swim while you stay on its back or hold on beside it, depending on your comfort. Horses are natural swimmers, and many seem to enjoy it as much as the riders.

The experience is quiet and unusual, with the cool, clear water around your legs and the horse's strong, steady movement beneath you. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel and a change of clothes, as you will get wet. Swimming ability is helpful but your guide stays alongside. The Red Sea is warm for most of the year, and the water is most pleasant from April to November.

The Red Sea setting

The Red Sea is a narrow, warm sea known for clear water and rich coral reefs, and the coast between Hurghada and El Gouna is one of its best-known stretches. Water temperatures stay around 22 to 28 degrees Celsius through the year, and sunshine is almost guaranteed.

That makes the sea comfortable for a horse swim in almost any season, though winter mornings can feel fresh. The shore here is a mix of sand and shallow sea floor, and your guide chooses the entry point for safety. This setting also makes it an easy half-day activity to combine with the beach, a boat trip or a restaurant dinner.

Choosing your option, timing and what to wear

Rides depart through the day, with options from the morning until late afternoon. The default option is two hours with hotel transfers and photos of your ride, the three-hour option gives more time in the saddle and the water, and a version without transfers suits guests who reach the stable themselves. El Gouna hotel pickup is arranged separately when you book.

Wear long, light trousers or leggings, closed shoes, a hat and sun cream, and bring a swimsuit, towel, a change of clothes and a waterproof pouch for your phone. Keep valuables at your hotel. Sunset rides are cooler in summer, while morning rides suit early risers. Our team confirms your pickup time on WhatsApp the day before.