Horse Riding on the Beach Sharm El Sheikh: Sunset Guide

Riding a horse across the Sinai sands and along the calm edge of the Red Sea is one of the most serene ways to experience Sharm El Sheikh. If you are planning a trip, the key to a great ride is timing and realistic preparation. We usually recommend late afternoon departures—around 3:30 PM or 4:00 PM depending on the season—so you escape the high midday sun and arrive at the coast just as the light softens into warm amber. For your ride, bring closed-toe shoes (trainers are fine), lightweight long trousers to protect your legs from the saddle leather, sunglasses, and a camera or smartphone with a secure strap. Expect a calm, atmospheric journey that transitions from open desert tracks straight to the water's edge.

Since 1990, our family team at Sun 'N Fun Egypt has guided thousands of visitors across these trails, matching every rider with the right horse and tempo.

Matching Horses to Your Skill Level

One of the most common questions we get at our desk is whether you need prior equestrian experience. The simple answer is no. Local stables in Sharm El Sheikh keep well-trained, even-tempered Arabian and local cross horses that are accustomed to mixed-ability riders.

• Absolute Beginners: You will be paired with calm, steady horses that respond easily to gentle rein signals. Guides walk alongside first-time riders or lead the horse on a rope until you feel completely confident in the saddle.
• Intermediate Riders: If you know how to hold reins and maintain balance, you can enjoy a comfortable trot along the open sandy flatlands standard on our routes.
• Experienced Riders: For those with regular riding practice, quiet stretches of hard-packed coastal sand allow for a controlled canter, provided the guide assesses that ground conditions and group safety permit it.

Before mounting, guides adjust stirrups, check girth straps, and provide a brief safety talk on basic steering and stopping. Helmets are provided and strongly encouraged for all participants.

Why Sunset is the Best Time to Ride

Midday in the South Sinai desert can be hot and bright, making long treks tiring for both rider and horse. Late afternoon rides offer a completely different atmosphere. As the sun begins to dip behind the rugged Sinai Mountains, the desert temperature drops significantly, and a refreshing coastal breeze blows in off the Red Sea.

The visual shift during a sunset ride is remarkable. The mountain ridge turns deep purple and deep pink, while the shallow water along the shoreline reflects the warm sky. Riding at this hour lets you catch the tranquil side of Sharm El Sheikh, far removed from busy beach resorts and motorized watersports.

What the Coastal Desert Route Looks Like

Our standard ride starts at quiet stables situated near the desert fringe. You begin by navigating gentle desert tracks flanked by dry wadis and acacia trees, getting comfortable with your horse's rhythm.

After approximately 30 to 40 minutes of desert riding, the track opens up onto the coastline. Here, the horses step onto the soft sand near the water's edge. Depending on tide levels and sea conditions, riders often get the chance to walk their horses shallowly into the quiet surf—a memorable moment and a fantastic photo opportunity.

If you want to experience this combination of terrain firsthand, our Sharm El Sheikh: Desert and Sea Horse Riding with Transfers provides round-trip resort transfers, safety gear, and an experienced guide to lead you smoothly from desert to sea.

Combining Horse Riding with Other Sinai Adventures

Many travelers like to pair peaceful low-impact activities like horse riding with higher-energy excursions during their holiday. If you enjoy the land-based side of Sinai, you can easily build an itinerary that covers both quiet coastal trails and thrilling desert terrain.

For an evening filled with action and culture, you might head out on our Ultimate ATV Quads, VIP Bedouin Dinner & Show. It offers a faster pace across the dunes followed by traditional hospitality under the stars.

If your interest lies further up the coast toward the gulf of Aqaba, the Colored Canyon Jeep Tour with Blue Hole & Dahab takes you into magnificent rock gorges and coastal marine areas. Please note that when visiting protected coastal reserves like the Blue Hole, a national park entrance fee of $5 per person applies at the checkpoint.

Practical Tips for Your Beach Ride

To ensure your outing goes as smoothly as possible, keep these local practical tips in mind:

• Wear the right clothes: Avoid shorts or swimwear while mounted. Long linen pants, leggings, or jeans prevent uncomfortable saddle chafing.
• Footwear matters: Flip-flops and sandals can easily slip out of stirrups. Secure sneakers or sturdy slip-on shoes are ideal.
• Hydration: Even in the late afternoon, the desert air is dry. Carry a small water bottle that can fit inside a guide's saddlebag or your own small cross-body pouch.
• Protect your tech: Dust and sand are part of the landscape. Keep mobile phones in zipped pockets or secure pouches when you are not actively taking photos.

Riding along the shore offers a timeless connection to Sinai’s landscapes. Whether it is your first time in the saddle or an activity you enjoy on every holiday, a sunset beach ride remains one of Sharm El Sheikh's most tranquil highlights.