From Hurghada: Makadi Bay ATV Tour

The best part of this Makadi Bay outing is the change of scenery. You leave Hurghada’s resort strip, cross dusty desert tracks on an ATV, reach the Red Sea, and finish with tea and a camel ride. It is a lot of activity for $17 per person.

I like the long ride and the mix of terrain. You get sandbanks, mountain views, natural rock formations, and a beach stop rather than a short practice lap. I also like the guides’ friendly, hands-on approach. Mustafa, Sayed, Mohamed, Abdul Rahman, and others are often praised for keeping people comfortable and helping with photos.

The main drawback is the rough, dusty nature of the trip. The wind can sting, sand gets everywhere, and the ride can be tiring on your back and arms. Transfers may also take longer than expected, especially if you are among the last passengers dropped off.

Key points to know before you book

• A real desert ride: The ATV portion can take most of the activity and includes sandbanks, desert tracks, cliffs, and the coast.
• A rare sea stop by quad: You leave the bikes at a natural beach and can swim, walk the shore, or take photos.
• Guides set the mood: Mustafa, Sayed, Mohamed, Abdul Rahman, and other guides are praised for safety, humor, and help with pictures.
• Tea and camels are included: A Bedouin tea stop and short camel ride add local flavor, though both are brief.
• Bring protection from dust: Sunglasses, a scarf, covered arms and legs on windy days, and comfortable shoes matter.
• Excellent value, with extras: Hotel transfers, helmet, guide, tea, and camel ride are included, but tips, scarves, food, drinks, and optional photos cost extra.

From Hurghada to the Makadi Bay desert

Your day begins with a hotel pickup in Hurghada and a drive through the countryside to the ATV base. Exact pickup times depend on the slot you choose. The activity runs daily at four different times, and the advertised duration is two hours, not counting every minute spent collecting passengers.

The transfer is part of the experience, for better or worse. Some drivers create a cheerful start with music and a party-like atmosphere. On the return, though, your hotel may be one of the last stops. One passenger booked a 10 a.m. outing, was collected at 8:45, and did not return until about 1 p.m.

If you stay in El Gouna, the transfer costs an extra €10 per person. That is worth checking before you book, since the low headline price applies to the standard Hurghada pickup area.

At the base, you receive a helmet and instructions before getting on the quad bike. The ATVs have generally been described as being in good working order, though one report found the machines less than perfect. You should still look over your bike and tell the guide at once if anything feels wrong.

Drivers must be at least 16. You do not need to be an experienced rider, but you should be comfortable controlling a motorized quad over uneven ground. Pregnant women, wheelchair users, and people with mobility impairments should not book this outing.

Riding over sandbanks and desert tracks

The riding is the heart of the trip. You follow a guide across open desert tracks, over sandbanks, and toward the mountains and coast. The pace can be lively, and several people describe the ATVs as fast enough to provide a real adrenaline rush.

This is not a slow sightseeing drive with a few minutes on the bike. Some participants describe nearly the full two hours as riding, while others estimate the actual quad time at roughly one to one and a half hours because of stops. Either way, you should expect more time in the saddle than on a typical short ATV introduction.

The route is arranged in smaller groups when possible. This matters. A family group with children may be kept apart from a group that wants to ride quickly, and guides appear to adjust the pace to the people in front of them. If you are nervous, tell the guide before setting off. A companion who was afraid to drive was allowed to ride behind another person.

You will feel the desert physically. Sand blows into your face, the bike jolts over rough tracks, and holding the handlebars for a long stretch can tire your shoulders. I would wear clothes you do not mind getting dusty and avoid carrying anything loose.

The ride also offers a useful contrast with Hurghada’s hotel zone. Instead of seeing the Red Sea only from a pool deck or boat, you get a ground-level view of the dry interior, the mountain edge, and the narrow meeting point between desert and water.

Photo stops with cliffs, sea, and open desert

The tour includes several stops for photos. One is near dunes with views toward the sea and mountains. Another takes you to a natural rock formation, described as a distinctive cliff or rock feature near the route.

These pauses break up the ride and give you a chance to stretch. They also help turn the trip into more than a speed run. Guides often take photos and show you good angles, and a dedicated photographer may travel with the group.

The photographer is an optional extra, not part of the advertised price. Photos and videos have been sold as a package, with prices reported at €15 in one arrangement and €35 in another. Since the amount may change, ask for the current cost before agreeing. You are not required to buy the package.

Do not assume your own phone will stay clean. Dust and vibration make photography awkward while riding, and a scarf helps protect your face and hair. One useful tip from the trip is to tuck long hair under the scarf. Otherwise, expect sand in it.

A scarf can be bought on site for about €5, but bringing your own is cheaper and lets you choose something comfortable. Sunglasses are also practical, not just decorative. On windy days, cover your arms and legs to reduce the sting of blowing sand.

The remote beach stop at Makadi Bay

The route eventually reaches a natural beach on the Red Sea. You leave the ATV and walk with the guide to the water. This is one of the outing’s strongest features because it changes the mood from dusty speed to open sea and shoreline.

You can take a refreshing swim, explore the shore on foot, or simply enjoy the view. The stop also provides some of the best photo opportunities, with the clear water set against desert rock and distant mountains.

Do not expect a full beach day. The stop is one part of a two-hour adventure, not a long swimming session with loungers and services. Bring a swimsuit under your clothes if you plan to get in, and keep your belongings secure while you walk around. Food and drinks are not included, so carry water if your pickup arrangements allow it.

The beach also shows why this route feels more varied than a basic desert safari. You are not simply heading inland and turning around. The coast is part of the route, and the natural setting gives the ATV ride a clear destination.

Bedouin tea and a short camel ride

After the ATV portion, you visit a Bedouin area for a cup of freshly brewed tea. It is a simple stop, but a welcome one after the dust and noise of the bikes. The tea offers a small taste of local hospitality rather than a long cultural program.

Be aware that tea may also lead to an invitation to buy tea afterward. You can enjoy the drink without treating the stop as a shopping obligation. Food and additional drinks are not included.

The camel ride follows. It is short, good-natured, and included in the price. You climb onto a local camel, take in the desert views, and then return to the main group. It is not a long expedition across the desert, so think of it as a fun extra rather than the main event.

The camel handlers and guides are part of the friendly atmosphere, and several people especially appreciate the well-trained camels. If you have never ridden one, this is an easy introduction. If you are uncomfortable with animals or have mobility issues, remember that the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Guides, safety, and the pace of the group

The guide can make or break an ATV outing. Here, names such as Mustafa, Sayed, Mohamed, Mohammed, Abdul, Abdul Rahman, Abdo, Islam, and Kareem appear repeatedly in strong feedback. The common thread is not a scripted lecture. It is practical help, humor, photo assistance, and attention to whether people are enjoying the ride.

Guides are also praised for explaining the route and stopping at scenic points. Some take pictures themselves, while others work alongside the photographer. If you want a certain photo, ask rather than waiting for the guide to guess.

Safety is handled through helmets, group riding, and a guide leading the route. You should still ride within your ability. Do not try to keep up with a faster group if you are new to quads, and listen when the guide gives instructions at turns or stops.

The tour is not designed for everyone. You need to be able to sit on and control a quad, handle a rough ride, and tolerate dust and sun. It suits active adults, older children who meet the 16-year driving rule, couples, and families with teenagers. It is less suitable for anyone seeking a quiet, polished, or highly structured cultural tour.

What $17 really gets you

At $17, this is unusually good value if you want motion and variety. The price includes hotel transfer in Hurghada, guide, ATV, helmet, Bedouin tea, and camel ride. You also get access to the desert route, coast, rock formation, and beach stop without paying separately for each element.

The value comes from the riding time. A short quad circuit with a brief camel photo can feel thin, even at a low price. This outing gives you a longer route and several changes of setting. The beach and sea views make the package feel less repetitive.

You should budget for extras. Tips are welcomed for the driver, guide, and camel handler, and several people wished they had brought more cash. A scarf costs about €5 if you need one. Optional photos and videos cost extra, with reported packages ranging from €15 to €35. Food and drinks are not included.

The price is especially attractive for a first ATV experience. You can test whether desert riding suits you without committing to a full-day safari. If you already ride ATVs often, the scenery and coast are likely to matter more than the machine itself.

Timing, clothing, and practical preparation

Wear comfortable closed shoes. Sandals are less helpful when climbing onto a quad or camel, and the ground may be rough around the stops.

Bring sunglasses, a scarf, and weather-appropriate clothes. Windy days call for covered arms and legs. A scarf protects your face and hair from dust, and it can make the ride much more comfortable.

Plan on getting dusty. Keep phones and cameras protected, and do not wear delicate clothing. If you swim at the beach, bring suitable clothing and a way to manage wet items afterward.

The activity is offered in four daily time slots. Morning departures can provide cooler conditions, while later departures may offer warm light for photos. The supplied information does not promise a sunset on every departure, though some afternoon groups have taken sunset pictures.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options help if your Hurghada schedule is still moving around.

Should you book this Makadi Bay ATV trip?

Book it if you want an active, inexpensive break from your resort and like the idea of combining desert riding with a Red Sea beach stop. The included camel ride and Bedouin tea are small additions, but they round out the outing nicely. The strongest reason to choose it is the route, not the tea or camel alone.

You should think twice if you dislike dust, rough riding, long transfers, or sales offers for photos and tea. The advertised two hours can also feel demanding if you are new to quad biking.

For most able-bodied visitors aged 16 and over, this is a strong-value half-day outing from Hurghada. Bring a scarf, sunglasses, cash for tips, and realistic expectations about comfort. If you do, you get a lively desert adventure with sea views, friendly guides, and plenty of chances for memorable photos.

FAQ

How long does the Makadi Bay ATV tour last?

The advertised activity duration is two hours. Pickup and return transfers take additional time, and the total time away from your hotel can be longer.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a guide, ATV, helmet, one cup of Bedouin tea, a camel ride, and transfer to and from your Hurghada hotel.

Is hotel pickup included from Hurghada?

Yes. Transfer from and to hotels in Hurghada is included. Pickup from El Gouna costs an additional €10 per person.

Can I swim at the beach?

Yes. At the natural beach, you can take a swim or walk along the shoreline. Food and drinks are not included.

Do I need ATV experience?

Previous experience is not stated as a requirement. You must be at least 16 to drive and should be able to control a quad over sandy, uneven ground.

What languages are available for the guide?

Guides are available in English, German, and Russian.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a scarf, and clothing suited to the weather. On windy days, clothing that covers your arms and legs is recommended.

Are photos and videos included?

No. A photographer may take photos and videos during the trip, but the files are an optional extra purchase. The current price should be confirmed before ordering.