From Hurghada: Makadi Bay ATV Tour

The best part of this Makadi Bay outing is that it is not just a quick spin around a fenced desert lot. You ride for much of the two hours, crossing sandbanks and rough tracks toward the sea, with stops at a cliff formation and a quiet beach. I like the long ATV route and the way the Red Sea keeps appearing beyond the desert.

I also like the small-group feel when numbers allow, plus the friendly guides. Names such as Mustafa, Sayed, Abdul Rahman, Mohamed, and Abdo come up often in the operation, and the guides are praised for helping beginners, taking photos, and keeping the ride safe without making it dull. The main drawback is the rough ride itself: dust, wind, sun, and jolts can tire you out, and the return transfer may take longer than expected.

What makes this Makadi Bay ride worth considering

• Two hours on the ATV: This is a proper desert ride, not just a short introductory loop.
• Desert, cliffs, and sea in one route: You cross sandbanks, pass mountain scenery, and reach the Makadi Bay coast.
• A remote beach stop: Leave the ATV for a refreshing swim or a walk along the shore.
• Bedouin tea and a camel ride: The cultural stops are brief but add variety to the motorized adventure.
• Good value at $17: Hotel transport, helmet, guide, tea, and camel ride are included.
• Useful practical extras: Bring a scarf, sunglasses, sturdy shoes, and cash for tips or optional photographs.

From your Hurghada hotel to the desert tracks

The tour begins with pickup at your Hurghada accommodation. The drive gives you a look at the countryside outside the resort zone, though the transport is functional rather than luxurious. One person found the vehicle a little cramped, and drop-off can take time if your hotel is among the last on the route.

Pickup times are offered four times daily, so you have some control over the heat and light. A morning departure suits visitors who want cooler conditions and a free afternoon. Later departures can bring softer light and sunset photographs, but the exact feel depends on the season and weather.

Once you reach the starting point, you receive a helmet and instructions before choosing your ATV. The staff generally gets people moving quickly. That matters here. You do not want to spend half of a two-hour booking waiting around while the desert sits unused.

If you have never ridden an ATV, tell the guide. The group may be divided by age, confidence, or riding speed, and a nervous passenger has sometimes been allowed to ride behind a more experienced driver. Drivers must be at least 16, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with mobility limitations.

Riding across Makadi Bay’s sandbanks

The riding is the heart of the outing. You follow a guide along desert tracks, over sandbanks, and toward the Red Sea. The route combines broad open stretches with uneven ground, so you get both the feeling of speed and the need to pay attention to the surface ahead.

The ATVs are described as being in good condition by many participants, though one account found some machines less than perfect. That is a useful reminder to inspect your vehicle before setting off and tell the staff at once if anything feels wrong.

The pace can be lively. Some guides, including Sayed, Mohamed, Abdul Rahman, and Mustafa, are praised for finding the right balance between fun and control. You can expect dust in your face, especially on windy days, and your arms and back will feel the bumps. One first-time rider appreciated the regular breaks, while another found the riding time slightly too long. Both reactions make sense: two hours is generous value, but it is also a long time on a quad bike.

Bring closed, comfortable shoes. Sandals are a poor match for foot controls and loose ground. Sunglasses help with dust and glare, and a scarf is one of the most useful items you can pack. If you forget one, a scarf may be available for about €5, according to one recent account. On windy days, cover your arms and legs. You will be glad you did.

The rock formation and Red Sea views

One early stop takes you off the ATV to see a natural rock formation. The stop gives your body a break and lets you look closely at the desert rather than simply racing past it. Guides may also explain something about the local setting and Egypt during these pauses.

The views are a strong part of the tour. From the desert and higher sand tracks, you can look toward the mountains and the Red Sea. The contrast is what makes this route more interesting than a standard desert circuit: pale sand and dark rock give way to blue water, with the coast appearing in the distance.

Photography is built into the rhythm of the trip. A photographer often travels with the group, helping with poses and taking pictures at the dunes, cliff area, and beach. Guides also take photos and videos for visitors. You can usually decide later if you want to buy the collection, but the price is not included. One account paid €15 for a download link, while another paid €35 for a larger package, so confirm the current price before agreeing.

The photo stops are useful, but they do interrupt the ride. If you want nonstop ATV time, this is not the purest motorcycling-style outing. If you want a record of the scenery and a few good action shots, the pauses are part of the value.

A swim at the remote beach

The route continues to a natural beach beside Makadi Bay. You leave the quad bikes behind and follow the guide to the water. You can swim if conditions suit you, or walk along the shoreline and take in the cliffs and sea.

This is the tour’s best change of pace. After dust and engine noise, the quiet coast feels welcome. The water is described as clear and inviting, and the beach provides some of the most attractive photo settings of the day.

Pack swimwear under your clothes if you want to get in without wasting time. The supplied information does not promise changing facilities, food, or drinks, so do not treat this as a beach club visit. Bring your own water and any snack you need. The tour includes tea, but it does not include meals or other refreshments.

You should also keep expectations sensible. This is a short stop inside an ATV tour, not a full beach day. The attraction is the setting and the chance to cool off, not a long stretch of lounging beside the sea.

Bedouin tea and a brief camel ride

After the beach, you head to a Bedouin area for a cup of freshly brewed tea. It is a small moment, but a worthwhile one. The tea gives you a taste of local hospitality and lets you sit down after the ride.

The stop can also include an opportunity to buy tea afterward. That is not unusual on organized desert outings, but you should know about it before accepting samples or discussing purchases. The included benefit is one cup of tea, not a shopping session.

The camel ride follows. It is short, more of a cultural snapshot than a long trek across the desert. You climb onto a trained camel, take in the surrounding sand, and return to the base area. For children and first-time riders, that brief ride can be a highlight. For anyone expecting a serious camel safari, it will feel limited.

I see the camel and tea as useful additions rather than the main reason to book. The ATV route carries the tour, while these stops provide contrast and a little connection to desert life.

Guides, safety, and the feel of the group

The guides receive the strongest praise across the experience. They are often described as warm, funny, helpful, and attentive to safety. Specific names include Mustafa, Sayed, Mohamed, Abdo, Abdul Rahman, Kareem, Abdullah, and Islam. The guide assigned to you may differ, but the pattern is clear: the staff plays a major role in making the trip enjoyable.

A good guide does more than lead the line. He checks that you are comfortable, shows you where to slow down, points out photo spots, and helps with scarves and equipment. Several accounts also describe guides taking time to answer questions about Egypt or explain parts of the setting.

The group size can vary. One small party had just four people, while another outing began with a larger crowd and then split into smaller groups based on riding style. That is important for families. You do not necessarily have to ride with a fast-moving group of adults, though the exact arrangement depends on the day.

Safety is handled in a practical way. Helmets are provided, guides lead the route, and breaks are built in. Still, you are operating a motorized vehicle over uneven ground. Follow the guide’s instructions, keep space between vehicles, and do not push your speed beyond your comfort level.

The tour does not suit every body. Pregnancy, limited mobility, wheelchair use, and driving under age 16 are listed restrictions. Even if you meet the basic requirements, consider the physical effort. Holding the handlebars across sandbanks can be tiring, especially in hot or windy weather.

The real value of a $17 booking

At $17 per person, this is one of the stronger budget activities in Hurghada. The price covers hotel pickup and return, guide service, ATV use, helmet, Bedouin tea, and camel ride. You also get a substantial amount of riding time, with many accounts describing close to the full two hours on the route.

The value comes from variety. A cheaper quad ride that only circles a small track may cost less but offer far less scenery. Here, your money buys transport, desert riding, coastal views, a beach stop, tea, and a camel encounter in one compact outing.

You should budget for a few extras. Tips are welcomed for the driver, guide, and camel handler, so carry small cash. The photographer’s pictures and videos cost extra, and scarves may also be sold at the meeting point. Food and drinks are not included.

El Gouna pickups cost an additional €10 per person. That is separate from the listed $17 price, so check the pickup zone carefully when booking. If your hotel is in Hurghada proper, the included transfer makes the deal especially attractive.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now-pay-later booking add flexibility. These terms are useful if your schedule depends on weather or other day trips.

What to pack for the ride

Keep your packing simple, but do not arrive unprepared. I would bring:

• Comfortable closed shoes
• Sunglasses
• A scarf to cover your face and hair
• Clothing suited to the weather
• Swimwear if you want to enter the sea
• Drinking water
• Cash for tips and optional purchases

The scarf is not just a photo accessory. Dust gets everywhere, and one person specifically wished she had covered her hair. Long sleeves and trousers are smart on windy days, when sand can sting exposed skin.

You may also want to leave valuables at the hotel. The tour includes stops and a beach visit, but no specific storage arrangements are given. Keep your phone secure and use a strap if you plan to photograph from the ATV.

Who should book this Makadi Bay adventure?

You should book it if you want an active break from Hurghada’s resort routine and like the idea of seeing several settings in one short outing. It suits first-time ATV riders as well as people who already enjoy quad biking, provided you are comfortable with dust, heat, and a rough ride.

Families with teenagers can do well here, especially when the group is sorted by pace. Children under 16 cannot drive, but the supplied information includes an example of a nervous passenger riding behind an adult driver.

This is less suitable if you want a quiet nature tour, a long swim, or a polished luxury outing. It is also not ideal if you have back, joint, or mobility problems. The ride is physical, and the camel stop is brief.

Should you book the Makadi Bay ATV Tour?

For $17, I think this is a sensible pick for an affordable Hurghada adventure. You get a long ATV ride, strong desert and sea scenery, a beach stop, Bedouin tea, a camel ride, and hotel transport. The guides are the real key to the day, and names such as Sayed, Mustafa, Mohamed, and Abdul Rahman have been associated with friendly, safety-conscious service.

Book it if you want motion, dust, photos, and a taste of several desert experiences without paying for a full-day safari. Skip it if you dislike rough roads or want a relaxed beach excursion. Bring a scarf, water, swimwear, and small cash, then expect a lively outing rather than a luxury tour.

FAQ

How long does the Makadi Bay ATV Tour last?

The stated duration is two hours. Some participants found that the full outing, including pickup, stops, camel ride, and hotel return, took longer.

What is included in the tour price?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and return are included for accommodations in Hurghada. Pickup from El Gouna costs an extra €10 per person.

Can I swim at the beach stop?

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

Do I need previous ATV experience?

Previous experience is not listed as a requirement. Beginners should tell the guide, follow the instructions, and choose a pace that feels comfortable.

What languages are offered by the guides?

Guides are available in English, German, and Russian.

Can children drive the ATVs?

Drivers must be at least 16 years old. The activity is not suitable for drivers under 16.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a scarf, weather-appropriate clothing, and swimwear if you plan to enter the sea. A scarf is especially useful on windy days.

Are photos and videos included?

No. A photographer may take pictures and videos during the tour, but the photo packages are optional and cost extra.