3-Hour Swim with Horses and Romantic Dinner from Hurghada hotels

The Red Sea becomes your riding trail. This three-hour Hurghada outing combines desert horseback riding, a short ride into the sea, and a romantic dinner for a modest $18.01 per person. I like the mix of open desert and water, and I like that guides such as Hani ride alongside you and help first-time riders feel secure. The main caution is transport: one guest reported a late pickup and a vehicle that was not as cool as promised.

You can book with hotel pickup, use a mobile ticket, and possibly save more with a group discount. The small maximum of 15 people should keep the outing fairly personal, though the exact dinner menu and timing are not provided, so I would confirm those details before paying.

Key points to know before you ride

• Two very different riding settings: You move from Hurghada’s desert sands to the Red Sea shoreline, with the sea portion lasting about five minutes according to one detailed account.
• Helpful riding instruction: Hani and the local horse team explain how to handle and control the horses, then remain nearby during the ride.
• Suitable for many beginners: Most people can participate, including first-time riders, but children under five cannot join.
• A small-group feel: The outing accepts no more than 15 people, which matters when you need help mounting, steering, or taking photos.
• A low headline price: At $18.01, the package can be good value if pickup, riding, and dinner all run as expected.
• Transport deserves attention: Pickup is offered, but one poor account described a 30-minute delay and an air-conditioning problem.

From Hurghada hotels to the desert riding area

The experience begins with pickup from your Hurghada hotel, although the supplied details do not name a fixed pickup time or list every hotel covered. You should provide your hotel name clearly when booking and keep your phone available on the day.

The riding area is described as a small, remote village outside the main resort zone. That gives the outing a more local, less polished setting than a large resort activity, but it also explains why the ride may involve a rougher transfer and fewer comforts. One account specifically described the village as remote, while still finding the staff supportive.

This is where expectations matter. You are not booking a luxury equestrian center with a long list of formal facilities. You are booking a compact local excursion built around the horses, the desert, the sea, and the people running it.

Pickup quality can vary. One guest praised punctual transfers, while another reported arriving 30 minutes late and riding in a vehicle that was said to have air-conditioning but did not. I would treat pickup as the weakest part of the package and allow a little flexibility in your plans. If you have an important dinner reservation or flight later that day, do not schedule it tightly after the tour.

Meeting the horses and getting basic instruction

The strongest part of this outing is the human attention given before and during the ride. Hani is singled out as friendly, reassuring, and careful with nervous riders. The team explains how to handle and control the horses, which is especially useful if this is your first time in the saddle.

That instruction is not just a nice extra. A short lesson can make the difference between sitting stiffly and actually enjoying the ride. You will want to know how to slow down, guide the horse, and respond if it changes pace. The guides are also described as riding alongside the group rather than sending you off alone.

Some accounts mention being taught to trot, canter, and even gallop. That does not mean every person will gallop. Your pace should depend on your ability, comfort, the horse, and the guide’s judgment. If you are new to riding, say so at the start. A clear request for a calm pace is sensible, not timid.

The horses themselves are central to the appeal. The outing is presented as a chance to feel the strength of the animals while crossing open desert and later entering the Red Sea. You should expect a working local riding experience, not a formal lesson in English riding technique.

Crossing the desert on horseback

Once you are comfortable, the route heads through Egypt’s desert around Hurghada. The setting gives you wide views of golden sand, mountains, dunes, and valleys. This part is less about reaching a famous monument and more about the simple pleasure of moving through open country on horseback.

The desert ride should suit you if you want a break from hotel pools and organized sightseeing. The scenery changes slowly, and that is part of the charm. You get time to settle into the horse’s rhythm, watch the terrain open around you, and enjoy the sense of space.

The description allows for walking, trotting, cantering, and galloping. Again, the actual pace will vary. I would not book this expecting a nonstop gallop across the sand. A small group can contain riders with very different skill levels, and the guides need to keep the outing safe for everyone.

The maximum group size is 15. That is not a private ride, but it is smaller than many mass-market excursions. A group of this size also gives the guides a better chance to notice a nervous rider or help with control. If you want a completely private pace, you should ask Bella Trips if a private option exists, because no private arrangement is stated here.

The five-minute Red Sea ride

The most unusual part comes when the horses reach the shore. You ride into the Red Sea for a short stretch, with one account putting the time in the water at about five minutes. That is enough to create the memorable photographs and sensation you came for, but it is not a long swim or extended beach ride.

The sea portion is best understood as a special moment within a broader horseback outing. You may feel the horse move differently in shallow water, and the contrast between sand, sea, and animal makes this more than a standard desert ride. The shoreline stop also gives you a chance to take photos.

The guide may help with pictures. One account specifically praised the captain for taking several photographs, while another described the guide as taking plenty of photos during the ride. Still, do not assume professional photography is included unless Bella Trips confirms it. Bring a phone that you can protect from water, and ask how photographs are handled before you hand over your device.

A short sea ride is also a reason to choose practical clothing. The supplied information does not list a dress code or equipment, so I would avoid anything you cannot get wet or sandy. Wear clothes that allow movement and shoes suited to riding, and keep valuables to a minimum.

Dinner after the ride

The title promises a romantic dinner, and the outing is designed to finish with food after the horseback portion. One account praised the homemade food, which suggests the meal may have a local, home-style character rather than a resort buffet.

The details are limited. No menu, dining location, beverage list, or exact dinner schedule is provided. That matters because romantic can mean different things to different people. You may be picturing a private table by the sea, while the actual setup could be a simple shared meal at the local riding base.

For that reason, I would ask three direct questions before booking:

• Is the dinner private or shared with the group?
• What food and drinks are included?
• Does the meal take place after sunset or during the afternoon?

The outing can run in the evening, and one account described an evening ride as very good. An evening departure could make the dinner feel more romantic, especially after the heat of the day has eased. But the supplied information does not promise sunset views, candles, music, or a private table, so do not pay extra based on those assumptions.

At this price, the dinner adds useful value even if it is simple. You are not paying separately for a meal after returning to your hotel, and homemade food can be a pleasant change from standard resort dining. The key is to set your expectations correctly.

What the $18.01 price really buys

The price is unusually low for a three-hour activity that includes hotel pickup, horseback riding in two settings, and dinner. If all parts operate as planned, I consider it a strong budget option for a Hurghada holiday.

The value is especially good for a couple or small group that wants something different from a standard beach day. You get a distinctive setting, assistance from local staff, and a chance to ride even if you are not an experienced equestrian.

Low prices can also mean fewer extras. The details do not promise private transport, premium vehicles, long time in the water, professional photographs, or a high-end dinner. You should compare this with what you actually want, not with the package you might imagine from the title.

Group discounts may reduce the cost further. Since the outing accepts up to 15 people, it may suit families with older children, couples traveling together, or friends who want an affordable shared activity. Children under five cannot take part for safety reasons, and the maximum listed rider weight is 150 kilograms.

Safety, comfort, and rider suitability

The activity is described as suitable for most people, including beginners. The clearest positive feature is the guide support. Hani and the other staff explain horse control and stay close while you ride. That is reassuring if you feel uncertain around horses.

Still, horseback riding has physical demands. You need to sit on a moving animal, maintain your balance, and follow instructions. The tour does not provide a detailed accessibility statement, so anyone with mobility concerns should contact Bella Trips before booking.

The age and weight rules are specific. Children younger than five cannot participate, and riders over 150 kilograms are outside the stated limit. The information does not give a maximum age or a separate rule for pregnant people, so those questions should be checked directly with the provider.

Comfort may depend heavily on the transfer. Most of the praise centers on the riding staff and horses, while the main criticism concerns the vehicle and delay. If air-conditioning is important to you, confirm that the vehicle will have it rather than assuming it from the booking description.

How the group atmosphere affects the ride

A group of no more than 15 is a reasonable middle ground. You get company and a lower price than a private excursion, while the guides can still remain involved. The tradeoff is that the ride follows a shared pace.

A first-time rider may need more time to feel comfortable. A confident rider may want to move faster. The guides appear willing to teach more advanced movement, including cantering and galloping, but the group’s pace and safety have to come first.

The mood can also vary depending on when you go. An evening outing may feel more intimate and comfortable, while a daytime ride could offer clearer views of the dunes and mountains. The available information confirms that evening rides are possible, but not a set departure schedule.

Booking advice and cancellation terms

Confirmation is issued at booking, and you can use a mobile ticket. The activity is near public transportation, but hotel pickup is the more practical choice if you are staying in Hurghada.

The booking page lists free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancel at least 24 hours ahead for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund, and the cutoff follows local Egyptian time.

I would book earlier rather than later if your dates are fixed. The activity is often reserved about a week in advance, which suggests that leaving it until the last day may limit your choice of departure. Before confirming, check the pickup time, dinner arrangements, vehicle details, and whether the sea ride will happen during your chosen departure.

Should you book the desert and sea horse ride?

Book it if you want an inexpensive, unusual Hurghada outing and like the idea of combining desert riding with a brief Red Sea ride. The strongest reasons are the supportive guides, beginner-friendly instruction, small maximum group, and the chance to have homemade food afterward.

I would be more cautious if you need exact timing, luxury transport, or a carefully planned romantic dinner. The horse portion receives the warmest praise, but the transfer service has at least one serious complaint. Confirm the vehicle and meal setup before booking, then allow extra time around the tour.

For a budget-minded couple, first-time rider, or small group of friends, this is a good-value choice. You get a memorable setting without paying for a full-day excursion. Just remember that the sea ride is short, the dinner details are not fully defined, and the experience is local and simple rather than polished and high-end.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding experience last?

The full experience lasts approximately three hours.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes. Pickup from Hurghada hotels is offered.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $18.01 per person.

Is the tour suitable for first-time riders?

Yes. Most people can participate, and the guides provide instructions on handling and controlling the horses.

Can children join the tour?

Children younger than five cannot participate for safety reasons.

Is there a maximum rider weight?

Yes. The maximum listed weight is 150 kilograms.

How many people can join the group?

The activity accepts a maximum of 15 people.

Does the ride include the Red Sea?

Yes. The experience includes horseback riding along the shore and into the Red Sea. One account describes the sea portion as lasting about five minutes.

Is dinner included?

The experience is advertised with a romantic dinner, and homemade food is mentioned as part of the outing. The exact menu and dining setup are not specified.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.