Marsa Alam: Sunset Horseback with Dinner, Show & Stargazing

The special part here is the change of scenery: one minute you are crossing golden desert trails, and the next you are riding beside the Red Sea as the light turns orange and pink. The VIP option adds a rare horse swim in the sea, while the dinner package turns the ride into a full evening out.

I like the clear choice of riding lengths and packages. A two-hour trip keeps things simple and affordable, while the four-hour VIP ride gives you more time outdoors. I also like the care given to matching riders with calm horses and giving beginners a short safety briefing before setting off.

The main consideration is that the $29 price applies to a particular option, not necessarily every version of the outing. Transfers, dinner, the show, stargazing, and the horse swim depend on what you book, so check the exact package before paying.

Key points to know before you ride

• A real sunset setting: The route combines desert tracks, dunes, shoreline views, and the changing colors of the Red Sea coast.
• Horse swimming is a VIP feature: The four-hour VIP rides include a sea swim stop, but towels and swimsuits are not provided.
• Dinner is a separate package: The two-hour ride with dinner includes an Oriental meal, live entertainment, and guided stargazing.
• Beginners are welcome: You receive an introduction, safety instructions, a short driving test, and a helmet before riding.
• Pickup covers the main resort areas: Transfers are available from Coraya Bay and the airport area, Port Ghalib, Abu Dabbab, and Marsa Alam City.
• The stable may be close to your hotel: From Steigenberger Coraya Beach, the stable is reported to be less than 500 meters away, so a transfer may not be needed.

Why the sunset ride works so well

Horseback riding in Marsa Alam gives you a different view of the Red Sea region. You are not confined to a beach path or a desert camp. The route moves between open sand, coastal trails, and shoreline scenery, with the best light arriving near the end of the afternoon.

The sunset timing matters. Marsa Alam can be very hot and bright during the middle of the day, while the later hours bring cooler air and softer light. You will also get better conditions for photographs, though sand and wind can still be part of the outing. On a breezy day, long clothing is useful.

The ride is guided rather than competitive. You are not signing up for a racing session, and the pace is meant to suit the group. That makes the outing a sensible choice if you have never ridden before, though experienced riders may want to confirm how much faster riding is included during their particular departure.

The horses are described as calm, strong, and well cared for. That point matters more than fancy equipment or a dramatic sales pitch. A relaxed horse and an attentive guide can make the difference between enjoying the view and spending the whole ride worrying about control.

Starting at the stable near Marsa Alam

You begin at the stable, either after your own arrival or following a hotel pickup. The meeting point is JH4X+C5R in Marsa Alam, Red Sea Governorate. The stable is just off the main road, and the location code can be entered directly into Google Maps.

At the entrance, the guide is scheduled to meet you by name. If you have trouble finding the place, WhatsApp or phone contact is available. For hotel pickups, wait in the lobby about 10 minutes before the planned time. The exact pickup time is sent the day before, and the vehicle may arrive around 0 to 1 hour before the selected starting time.

That broad pickup window is worth noting. It gives the operator room to collect people from different hotels, but it also means you should not plan a tight connection immediately afterward. Travel time can run from 25 to 60 minutes, depending on your accommodation.

The welcome includes a short safety briefing and time to get comfortable with your horse. You will receive a helmet and other safety equipment, and helmets must be worn for the full ride. A short riding or driving test helps the guide judge your comfort level before the group leaves.

This is also the point where you should speak up. Tell the guide if you are a complete beginner, nervous around horses, or already comfortable riding at a faster pace. The horses are matched to riders as far as possible, and the outing is designed for different levels in a small group.

The two-hour desert and coastal route

The standard ride lasts two hours. That is long enough to make the trip feel like a proper outing, but short enough for first-time riders who are unsure how their back or legs will feel afterward.

The first part takes you through the desert around Marsa Alam. Expect open terrain, golden dunes, and a sense of distance from the hotel strip. The desert is not treated as a backdrop only. The riding itself is the main activity, so you spend time learning the horse’s rhythm and taking in the quiet.

The route then reaches the coast, where the Red Sea becomes the focus. Riding beside the water gives the trip its strongest visual moment. Depending on the conditions and the guide’s route, you may walk along the shore or ride into the shallows. The supplied details specifically describe beach and sea riding, including walking and galloping in the water for some outings.

You should not assume that every rider will gallop. The guide sets the pace according to the group, the horses, and each person’s ability. If everyone is comfortable, a faster stretch may be possible, but the basic promise is a safe guided ride through desert and coastal terrain.

For photography, sunset is the right choice. The low light softens the sand and makes the coastline look more dramatic. Guides have also helped with photos and videos during some rides, though a photo or video service is listed as available on request rather than guaranteed for every booking.

The four-hour VIP ride and horse swim

The VIP route extends the riding time to four hours and adds a swim stop with your horse in the Red Sea. This is the most unusual option and the one I would consider if the sea is the main reason you are interested in horseback riding.

The longer route gives you more time in the desert and along the coast, rather than simply adding a short photo stop. You will have more time to settle into the ride and enjoy the changing scenery. The horse swim is the highlight, but it also requires a little practical planning.

Bring a swimsuit and towel yourself. Neither is included. Large bags are not allowed, so pack lightly and keep personal items to the essentials. Sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and shoes are useful for all versions of the trip. Sand and wind may make long sleeves or trousers more comfortable.

The swim is not part of the standard two-hour ride. It is also not automatically included with the dinner package. If you want both dinner and the horse swim, check the booking choices carefully because the listed packages separate these features.

For a first-time rider, four hours is a much bigger commitment than two. I would choose the VIP option if you already know you enjoy riding, or if the sea swim is the main goal. If your priority is sunset scenery and a manageable introduction, the standard ride is the safer value.

Dinner, live entertainment, and desert stars

The dinner package starts with the two-hour sunset ride, then continues at a Bedouin-style camp. This option works well if you want more than a ride and would otherwise need to arrange a separate evening activity.

Dinner is described as an Oriental meal, followed by live folkloric entertainment and guided stargazing. The order gives the evening a natural rhythm: ride while there is still daylight, eat after sunset, watch the performance, then look upward once the desert is dark.

The camp setting gives the meal a stronger sense of place than eating at a hotel buffet. You are still taking part in an organized tourist outing, but the desert night and Bedouin-style setting add something you cannot get from a resort dining room.

Stargazing depends on the package you select. It is included with the dinner option, not with every horseback ride. Clear desert skies can provide good conditions, but cloud and visibility are outside the operator’s control. The important point is that a guide leads this part, so you are not simply being left to look at the sky on your own.

Food and drinks are not included in the standard riding options. They are included only where the dinner package specifically says so. The sunrise version, if selected, includes a traditional Oriental breakfast instead of the sunset dinner arrangement.

What the price means at $29

At $29 per person, the advertised price is attractive for a two-hour guided ride, especially if you can reach the stable without paying for transport. It covers the horse, guide, safety briefing, helmet, and desert and coastal route.

The value changes with the package. A transfer adds convenience from Coraya Bay, Port Ghalib, Abu Dabbab, or Marsa Alam City. The dinner option adds a meal, show, and stargazing. The VIP version adds two more hours and the sea swim. Compare the exact inclusions rather than judging every version by the lowest advertised price.

Independent visitors may get the best basic value by choosing the ride without transfer. This is particularly useful if you are staying near the stable. The Steigenberger Coraya Beach area is a good example, with the stable reported to be under 500 meters from the hotel. Confirm the walking route before setting off, since a main road and local conditions may make a short distance less simple than it looks on a map.

Hotel pickup is more worthwhile if you are staying farther away, do not want to arrange local transport, or are booking the dinner package and prefer to return directly to your accommodation. The ride to the stable may take 25 to 60 minutes, so include that time when planning your evening.

Who will enjoy this, and who should skip it

I would recommend the standard two-hour ride to a first-time rider who wants desert scenery, a beach setting, and a gentle introduction. The stable emphasizes calm horses, safety instructions, and matching riders by ability, which removes much of the uncertainty that can make a first ride stressful.

Experienced riders may prefer the four-hour VIP route. It offers more time in the saddle, more nature, and the horse swim. Still, the outing remains guided and safety-led. If you are looking for sustained fast riding, this may feel too controlled.

The dinner package suits couples, small groups, and anyone who wants to fill an entire evening with one booking. It combines scenery, food, entertainment, and sky watching without requiring you to find a second activity after the ride.

This is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or anyone over 110 kilograms, or 243 pounds. Pets, smoking, alcohol, drugs, luggage, and large bags are not allowed.

Practical details that make the ride easier

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that can handle sand. Add sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. On windy days, long clothing will help protect you from blowing sand.

Keep your phone connected to WhatsApp if possible. The operator uses it for quick updates, including the pickup details sent the day before. If your booking phone number is not connected to WhatsApp, provide another contact number in advance.

The provider lists English as the guide language. Private guides and private transfers are available for an additional fee. The normal setup is a small group arranged around riding ability, which gives you a more personal outing than a large coach-based excursion.

The published rating is 4.9 from 11 ratings, and the strongest praise focuses on calm, cared-for horses, safe guidance, beautiful beach riding, and the chance to gallop or walk in the sea. One useful detail from the stable culture is that visitors have been encouraged to bring apples for the horses, though this is not required or listed as part of the booking.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Marsa Alam schedule may shift, but you still need to check the exact starting time and package inclusions before confirming.

Should you book this Marsa Alam ride?

Book it if you want a short, scenic horseback outing with a real change of setting, from desert dunes to the Red Sea coast. The standard two-hour ride is the best starting point for beginners, while the four-hour VIP route is worth considering for confident riders who want the unusual horse-swimming stop.

Choose the dinner package if you want a complete evening rather than riding alone. Its combination of sunset, Oriental dinner, live performance, and guided stargazing gives the $29 starting price more context, though you should confirm the selected package because the lowest price does not include every feature.

I would skip it if you have back or mobility concerns, need wheelchair access, dislike organized group pacing, or want an independent high-speed riding session. For everyone else, the calm horses, clear safety routine, and beach setting make this a practical and memorable way to see a less polished side of Marsa Alam.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding last?

You can choose a two-hour ride or a four-hour VIP ride. The VIP option includes extra riding time and a swim stop with your horse in the Red Sea.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included only with selected options. Available pickup areas include Coraya Bay and the airport area, Port Ghalib, Abu Dabbab, and Marsa Alam City.

Where is the meeting point?

The stables are at JH4X+C5R, Marsa Alam, Red Sea Governorate 1920304. They are located just off the main road, and you can use the location code with Google Maps.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The activity includes a horse introduction, safety instructions, a short driving test, and a helmet. The horses are described as calm and well trained, and the pace is guided according to riding ability.

Does the standard ride include dinner and stargazing?

No. Dinner and stargazing are included only with the dinner package. Standard riding options do not include food or drinks.

What does the dinner package include?

The dinner package includes a two-hour sunset ride, an Oriental dinner at a Bedouin-style camp, a live cultural show, and guided stargazing.

Does every ride include swimming with a horse?

No. The horse swim is included only with the four-hour VIP options. You need to bring your own swimsuit and towel.

What should I wear and bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, comfortable clothing, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Long clothing is useful on windy days, and you should bring a swimsuit and towel for the VIP swim stop.

Who cannot join the horseback ride?

The activity is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people weighing over 110 kilograms, or 243 pounds.