Soma Bay: Horse Riding Beach and Desert Tour With Transfer

Sea and desert, on horseback for two hours. In Soma Bay, you ride along the Red Sea coastline and through golden-sand trails with a guide who matches you to the right horse. You get panoramic views, a little salt air, and a plan that stays relaxed even if you are new to riding.

I like that the staff scale the ride to your skill, so beginners are not just set loose on a horse that expects riders who already know what they are doing. The trained horses and professional guide help you feel secure from the first mount to the return ride.

One thing to consider is the heat and the feel of sand and beach ground, so bring the right clothes and a hat, and expect to get a bit dusty.

Key things I’d circle before you go

• Hotel transfer can make this feel effortless, especially if you are staying in the main Soma Bay area
• Your horse is matched to your skill level, with a trained guide keeping the ride comfortable
• You get both beach riding and desert riding, so the scenery actually changes during the 2 hours
• Pacing is flexible, including for first-timers who want a calm, confidence-building experience
• Tiny extras matter, like water, tea, and a guide who helps with photos when you ask

How Soma Bay turns a simple ride into two different landscapes

Soma Bay is one of those places where the scenery does half the work for you. This experience gives you two kinds of natural backdrop in one outing: Red Sea beach time and desert-style trails with wide, open views. That matters, because you are not just passing through a pretty spot, you are moving across environments that feel different under the horse and around you.

The Red Sea side is all about light and color. You’ll ride where the water looks clear and bright, and you can feel that sea breeze while you are moving. On the desert side, the air feels drier, and the dunes and golden sand create that “where did the crowds go?” feeling.

And because the ride is only 2 hours, the format stays doable. You get a memorable chunk of time in nature without it turning into a full day that drains your energy for the rest of your trip.

Getting picked up and arriving at the equestrian center

If you choose the transfer option, you start with a convenient hotel pickup. That is a big deal here, because you want your first minutes to be easy, not stressful. Once you arrive at the equestrian center, you meet the staff and the guide team, and that is where the experience really starts to feel personalized.

The key point is the horse matching. You should expect a short process where the staff assess your riding level and pair you with a suitable, well-trained horse. If you are experienced, that pairing helps keep the ride at your comfort level. If you are new, it helps you avoid that awkward first 15 minutes where the whole thing feels harder than it should.

Timing-wise, you should plan for a straightforward flow: pickup, arrival and matching, then riding, then return to your hotel. Nothing here requires you to manage logistics on the ground.

Extra transfer fees in some areas

Your hotel’s location affects transfer cost. The tour includes pickup and drop-off if you select the transfer option, but certain areas have an additional fee listed as 10 Euros per person. These include Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna.

If you are not in Soma Bay proper, ask your operator before you confirm. The ride itself is only 2 hours, so transport price can make or break the value.

Meet your horse: the part that makes or breaks your experience

Horse riding is a trust game. You will feel it immediately in how the guide and staff handle the first contact. The promise here is simple: you ride a trained horse selected for your skill level, whether you are a seasoned rider or a complete beginner.

I like this approach because “horse riding for all levels” often turns into vague marketing. Here, the staff match the horse to your comfort. That means you’re more likely to spend your time on views and the ride itself, instead of spending it fighting nerves or misunderstanding cues.

Before you go out, you should expect guidance on how to ride safely and what to do while moving. The guide stays with you throughout, so you are not left to interpret everything on your own.

The beach segment: Red Sea air, turquoise views, and an easy rhythm

Once you set off, the ride follows scenic trails that run parallel to the coastline. Translation: you get that ongoing mix of shore and sea as you move along. You’ll feel the gentle sea breeze, and you’ll have panoramic views of turquoise waves while your horse keeps a steady pace.

This part is ideal for people who want the experience to feel scenic, not technical. Even if you are new, beach riding tends to be more intuitive because your guide can keep the pace calm and readable. The water and horizon help you orient yourself, and your attention naturally drifts to the surroundings.

Two practical considerations for the beach portion:

• Sand can shift underfoot and can feel different than firmer ground. Wear clothes that you do not mind getting dusty.
• If it is sunny, glare off the water is real. Bring a hat, and keep your sunglasses handy if you use them.

The desert trails: golden sands, open terrain, and fewer crowds

After the coastline segment, the scenery shifts toward desert landscapes and golden-sand trails. This is where the ride feels like more than just a beach stroll. The open terrain gives you that “wide sky” feeling, and the shift in ground texture changes the way the ride feels under you.

You might spot local wildlife at certain times, but the important part is what it does to the mood. Desert riding tends to slow your brain down. You look farther out, listen more, and notice how quiet the area can feel compared to more built-up tourist zones.

If you are riding for the first time, the desert part can be either the best part or the “hold onto the moment” part, depending on your comfort level. The good news is that you are not expected to push speed. The guide is there to manage your pace and keep things safe and comfortable.

Guides, comfort breaks, and why the small details matter

A big part of why this tour scores so well is how it’s run on the ground. You have a professional guide throughout, and the experience includes small comfort touches like bottled water and tea.

That may sound minor, but it helps with the real-world problem: you are in a hot, bright environment and you’re outside the whole time. A drink break also means you get a moment to reset without the ride abruptly ending.

The other thing I appreciate is the focus on safety and comfort. Horse riding can feel intimidating at first, especially if you have zero experience. Having a guide who keeps the process clear makes it easier to relax into the ride, and that’s when the views become enjoyable instead of stressful.

Photos and keeping the memories

Many people want proof they did this, not just a blur of sand and sea. Your guide may take photos for you, including plenty of pictures while you’re mounted. That kind of help is especially useful for first-timers who might be busy focusing on staying balanced.

Just keep expectations realistic: photo quality depends on conditions and the guide’s setup, but having someone willing to capture the moment is a nice bonus.

Price and value: is $20 a fair deal?

The base price listed is $20 per person, which is genuinely competitive for a guided horse ride that includes both beach and desert time plus a guide, water, and tea.

Here’s how I think about value on this one:

• The ride length is 2 hours, long enough to feel like an experience, not so long you feel stuck.
• A trained horse and guide time are included, which reduces the risk of a rough or mismatched ride.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select the transfer option. That can save you time and money compared to arranging separate transport.

What can change the math is your pickup area. If you are outside the included zones, there is an extra 10 Euros per person for certain places. If that fee applies to you, the trip is still worth considering, but it becomes more important to compare to other rides in the region.

Also, this operator is listed as S B T Travel, and the experience has a very high overall rating shown as 4.9 with 31 ratings. A high score is not a guarantee, but it is a signal that people felt the experience delivered.

What to pack and wear so the ride feels good

Keep it simple. You only need a few basics, and you can handle the rest with common sense.

Bring:

• Hat
• Comfortable clothes suitable for horse riding

That’s it. The most practical advice here is to choose clothing that lets you move comfortably while you stay seated and balanced. Avoid anything that restricts your movement or feels too delicate, because sand and outdoor riding can get messy.

If you run hot, consider lighter fabrics. If you get cold easily, plan around evening temperatures in your travel dates. You are outside for 2 hours, and you’ll want to feel comfortable long enough to enjoy the scenery.

Who this tour fits best

This is a strong choice if you want a nature-focused activity that still feels beginner-friendly. It works especially well for:

• First-time riders who want a guided, paced experience
• People who want both coastline views and desert scenery in one outing
• Travelers who prefer a small list of included comforts, water and tea included
• Anyone staying in or near Soma Bay who can use the hotel transfer option

If you are very sensitive to sun, sand, or getting a little dusty, then plan your clothing carefully and protect your face and head with the hat you bring.

Should you book the Soma Bay horse riding beach and desert tour?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a straightforward, scenic ride with skill-matched horses, a guide who stays with you, and a route that delivers both sea views and desert terrain within 2 hours. The $20 price feels fair for the mix of beach riding, desert riding, and included guide support, especially if your hotel pickup and drop-off are covered.

I would hesitate only if you know you will struggle with sandy ground, strong sun, or you are traveling far outside the transfer-included zones where an extra 10 Euros per person may apply.

FAQ

How long is the horse riding experience?

It lasts about 2 hours.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select the transfer option.

Are there extra transfer fees for some areas?

Yes. Extra transfer fees of 10 Euros per person apply for Safaga, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna areas.

What’s included in the price?

Horse riding at the desert, horse riding on the beach, a bottle of water, tea, and a professional guide. Pickup and drop-off are included if you choose the transfer option.

What should I bring and wear?

Bring a hat and wear comfortable clothes suitable for horse riding.

Are horses matched to riding skill level?

Yes. The staff match you with a trained horse tailored to your riding skills.

What languages are available, and can I pay later?

Languages include Arabic, English, German, and Russian. There is a reserve and pay later option, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.