From Hurghada: Makadi Bay ATV Tour

The best part of this Makadi Bay outing is the route. You are not parked in one patch of sand doing circles. You ride from the desert toward the Red Sea, crossing sandbanks, passing rocky cliffs, and reaching a quiet beach where you can swim. The coast-and-desert combination gives this short tour more variety than a basic quad-bike session.

I like the two hours of riding, which is a solid amount of time for the $17 price. I also like the friendly, hands-on guides. Mustafa, Sayed, Mohamed, Abdo, and Abdul Rahman are among the guides praised for keeping groups safe while still making the ride lively. The camel ride and Bedouin tea add local color, although both are brief.

The main thing to consider is comfort. Dust, wind, heat, and bumpy sand tracks can be hard on your body, and the transfer may take longer than expected if you are dropped off last. The optional photos, scarf purchase, and tips can also raise the final cost.

Key points before you book

• A real desert-to-sea route: Ride over sandbanks and along mountain tracks before reaching Makadi Bay.
• A beach stop is included: Leave the ATV for a swim or a walk along the shoreline.
• Two hours on the quad bike: The riding time is generous for the low price, though the full outing lasts longer with transfers.
• Guides keep the mood relaxed: Sayed, Mohamed, Mustafa, Abdo, and Abdul Rahman have been especially praised for friendly instruction and safety.
• Tea and camels round out the trip: Expect a cup of Bedouin tea and a short camel ride after the ATV section.
• Bring your own scarf: The desert gets dusty. A scarf sold locally costs about €5, and covering your hair and neck is practical.

Riding from Hurghada into Makadi Bay

Your day begins with pickup at your Hurghada accommodation. The drive gives you a look at the countryside outside the hotel strip, but the transfer is part of the timing equation. A booking listed as two hours refers to the activity itself, not necessarily the time from hotel door to hotel door.

Pickup times are offered four times daily, and the tour runs every day. Some guests have been collected well before the stated start time and returned later than expected because of the hotel route. One person was dropped off last even though the vehicle passed their hotel earlier, so do not schedule a tight lunch reservation or airport transfer afterward.

The ride to the base can be lively. Drivers have been praised for friendly service, music, and a party-bus mood. On the other hand, one transfer was described as cramped, and a wrong-hotel pickup caused a delay before the operator sent another car. These are not reasons to avoid the trip, but they are good reminders to confirm your hotel name and leave spare time.

At the starting point, you receive a helmet and basic instructions before getting on the ATV. The staff generally gets groups moving quickly, without a long wait at the base. If you have never driven a quad bike, tell the guide at once. The group can be arranged so faster riders are not forced to crawl behind beginners, and one account describes groups being divided by age and riding style.

The ATVs have generally been described as being in good condition, though one person found theirs less than perfect. Take a quick look at your machine before setting off and mention anything that feels wrong. You do not need driving experience stated in advance, but you do need to be at least 16 to drive, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with mobility problems.

Sandbanks, mountain tracks, and wide Red Sea views

Once underway, the tour becomes a proper outdoor ride. You steer over sandy tracks and low dunes, with the desert opening around you. The pace can be exciting, especially when the guide lets the group move quickly over the firmer stretches, but this is not a private racing session.

That distinction matters. The guides are there to keep the line together and watch the less confident riders. Mohamed, Mustafa, Sayed, and several other guides have been singled out for checking that people were comfortable and safe. You can expect stops for photographs and short rests, but the trip is still active for much of the two-hour ride.

The scenery changes as you approach the coast. Instead of seeing only sand, you get views toward the mountains and Red Sea, with natural rock formations along the route. One photo stop offers a high view toward the water, while another brings you close to the shoreline. These pauses break up the ride and give you time to look around without balancing on a moving quad.

Dust is part of the deal. On windy days, cover your arms and legs, and tuck your hair under a scarf. Sunglasses protect your eyes, while a face covering helps keep sand out of your mouth and hair. Wear closed, comfortable shoes rather than sandals. Light clothing works well in warm weather, but bring an extra layer if you ride late in the day or during a cooler month.

The rock formation and the Makadi Bay beach stop

The route includes a stop at a distinctive rock formation. It is not presented as a long geological visit, but it gives you a welcome pause and a chance to see how the desert meets the coastal rock. Guides also use the stop for photographs, often helping with poses and taking group pictures.

The beach is the most unusual part of the route. You leave the ATV behind and walk with the guide to a natural beach by the sea. You can swim, get your feet wet, or stay on the shore and take pictures. The water and coastal setting provide a sharp contrast to the dry tracks you have just crossed.

Pack your swimsuit under your clothes if you want to swim. The supplied details do not promise changing facilities, so plan to keep things simple. A towel is also sensible if you intend to get into the water, although towels are not listed as included.

Do not expect a private beach day. The stop is one part of a moving route, and the time is limited. Its value is the change of scene and the chance to cool off, not hours of lounging. If you prefer an ATV trip that stays entirely in the dunes, this coastal stop may feel like a distraction. I think it improves the outing because it gives your body and eyes a break.

Bedouin tea and a short camel ride

After the quad-bike route, you head to a Bedouin area for a cup of freshly brewed Bedouin tea. This is a modest stop rather than a full meal or cultural program. Food and additional drinks are not included, so bring money if you want anything beyond the supplied tea.

The tea is a pleasant, simple way to finish the active part of the trip. Several people have enjoyed it, but be aware that tea or other items may be offered for sale afterward. You are not required to buy them. Keep a little cash for tips, since guides, drivers, and camel handlers are often tipped in cash.

The camel ride follows the tea. It is short, but it gives you the classic desert photograph and a chance to experience how different camel transport feels from an ATV. The camels are described as well trained, and the handlers look after the ride.

I would treat this as an extra flavor rather than the main event. If you are booking because you want a long camel trek, this is not the right product. The ATV ride takes center stage, and the camel portion is a quick finale.

How much value do you get for $17?

At $17 per person, this is unusually inexpensive for a two-hour ATV route with hotel pickup, a helmet, a guide, tea, and a camel ride. Even if you ignore the camel and tea, the amount of riding makes the price attractive. You are paying for an active excursion with several settings, not just a short photo stop beside a quad bike.

The price does not cover food or extra drinks. The transfer from El Gouna costs an additional €10 per person, so the bargain is strongest if you are staying in Hurghada and qualify for the included pickup.

You may also encounter optional costs:

• A desert scarf is sold for about €5 in some accounts.
• A photographer may accompany the group.
• Photo and video packages have been offered at different prices, including about €15 and €35, so confirm the current price before agreeing.
• Tips for the guide, driver, and camel handler are not included.

The photo service can be useful if you do not want to carry a phone on a dusty, bumpy ride. Photographers take pictures at stops and during the route, and some people have liked the finished images. Still, do not assume photography is part of the $17 price. Ask before the ride begins.

Group size, pace, and the guide’s role

The group experience can vary. One outing had only four people, while another had a large starting group that was split into smaller groups. A small group gives you more breathing room and may feel more personal. A larger group can mean more waiting, although the guides work to divide riders by age or pace.

The guide makes a big difference here. Sayed and his companions have been praised for humor and good photo stops. Mohamed has been described as friendly and professional, while Mustafa, Abdo, Islam, and Abdul Rahman have all received strong praise for their energy and care. Names can change from day to day, so treat these as examples rather than a promise that one specific person will lead your group.

The best guides do more than point toward the next turn. They watch nervous riders, help with scarves, explain where to stop, and keep the mood from becoming too serious. You should still take responsibility for your own riding. Follow the guide’s spacing instructions, slow down if the sand feels unstable, and say so if you need a break.

The ride can be tiring. One first-time ATV rider appreciated the rest stops because the dunes were hard on the body. Another person thought the riding time was almost too long. Both reactions make sense. Two hours is excellent value, but it is a lot of vibration and bouncing if you are not used to quad bikes.

What to wear and what to carry

Your clothing choice will affect the day more than the low price does. Wear comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and clothes suitable for the weather. On windy days, cover your arms and legs. A scarf is especially useful for dust, and covering your hair will save you from brushing sand out later.

I would carry:

• Sunglasses with a secure fit
• A scarf or face covering
• Closed shoes
• Water
• Swimwear under your clothes if you plan to enter the sea
• A small amount of cash for tips and optional purchases

Keep electronics protected. Phones and cameras can collect fine sand quickly. If you buy the optional photo package, you can leave the picture-taking to the photographer and enjoy the ride more fully.

The trip is not designed for people with limited mobility. You must be at least 16 to drive, and pregnant women, wheelchair users, and people with mobility impairments should choose another activity. The supplied information does not state that children under 16 can ride as passengers, so ask the operator directly if that matters for your family.

Who should book this Makadi Bay ATV tour?

I would choose this tour if you want an affordable break from Hurghada’s hotel routine and like the idea of mixing speed with scenery. It suits first-time ATV riders as well as people who have ridden before, provided you are comfortable with dust, heat, and an active two-hour outing.

Families with teenagers can enjoy it, and several people have found the guides reassuring for younger riders. Couples and friends will also get plenty of photo opportunities, especially at the sea and rock stops. The camel and tea add enough variety to keep the trip from feeling like a single-purpose motor activity.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet, slow desert experience, a long camel ride, or a polished luxury excursion. The transport may be crowded, the ride can be rough, and the beach stop is brief. You should also avoid booking it if you have mobility restrictions or are pregnant.

The language choices are English, German, and Russian. That makes the instructions easier to follow for many visitors, but the practical quality still depends on the individual guide and the group on your departure.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want high-value desert action close to Hurghada. The route gives you sand, mountains, cliffs, a Red Sea beach, Bedouin tea, and a camel ride for $17, which is hard to fault on value alone.

Book with realistic expectations. Bring a scarf, expect dust, leave extra time for the transfer, and confirm optional photo costs before you commit. If you do that, this is a lively and inexpensive way to see more of Makadi Bay than you would from a hotel pool.

FAQ

How long is the Makadi Bay ATV tour?

The ATV activity lasts two hours. Hotel pickup, the drive to the starting point, and the return transfer make the complete outing longer.

What is included in the price?

The $17 price includes hotel transfers from Hurghada, a guide, an ATV, a helmet, one cup of Bedouin tea, and a camel ride.

Is the El Gouna transfer included?

No. Pickup and return from El Gouna cost an additional €10 per person.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. The route includes a natural beach where you can swim or walk along the shore. Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to enter the water.

What languages are spoken by the guides?

Guides are available in English, German, and Russian.

How old must I be to drive an ATV?

Drivers must be at least 16 years old.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a scarf, weather-appropriate clothing, and suitable clothing for swimming if you want to enter the sea.

Can I cancel the tour?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.