From Hurghada: Makadi Bay ATV Tour

Makadi Bay’s desert is the real draw here. You ride an ATV across sandbanks and rough tracks, pass natural rock formations, and reach the Red Sea on a route that feels far removed from Hurghada’s hotel strip. I like the long riding time and the mix of desert, cliffs, and sea rather than a simple loop around a fenced track.

I also like the small touches: a cup of fresh Bedouin tea, a short camel ride, and guides such as Mustafa, Sayed, Mohamed, and Abdul Rahman who are repeatedly praised for keeping the mood friendly and the pace safe. The main drawback is dust, heat, and physical effort. You can also spend longer than expected in the transfer vehicle, and optional photos, scarves, and tips cost extra.

Key points to know before you book

• Two hours on the ATV: This is a proper desert ride, not just a quick test lap.
• Desert to Red Sea route: You cross sand tracks, pass cliffs and rock formations, and reach a natural beach.
• A swim is possible: Bring suitable clothing if you want to take a refreshing dip at the remote beach.
• Bedouin tea and camels included: The tea stop and short camel ride add local color, though neither is a long cultural visit.
• Strong guide feedback: Mustafa, Sayed, Mohamed, Abdo, Islam, and Abdul Rahman are among the guides praised for safety and good humor.
• Very low price: At $17 per person, this is one of Hurghada’s cheaper adventure outings, but scarves, photo packages, food, drinks, and El Gouna pickup cost extra.

The route from Hurghada into Makadi Bay

Your day begins with pickup at your Hurghada accommodation. The drive takes you out through the countryside toward the ATV base, and the transfer is part of the package for Hurghada hotels. Pickup times can be earlier than the listed activity time, so do not plan another tight appointment immediately afterward.

The drive itself can set the tone for the outing. Some transfers are described as lively, with music and a party-bus feel. Others take longer because several hotels are on the route. One useful warning is that the return can be slow if you are among the last passengers to be dropped off.

Once you arrive, you receive a helmet and basic instructions before getting on the ATV. The group may be split according to riding ability, age, or preferred pace. That matters because an outing with children and cautious first-time riders should not move at the same speed as a group looking for a faster ride.

The minimum age for drivers is 16. Pregnant women, wheelchair users, and people with mobility impairments should not book this activity. If you are nervous about driving, one account describes a passenger riding behind a partner, but you should confirm the arrangement with the operator rather than assume it is always available.

Two hours of sand tracks and open desert

The best part of the tour is the ride itself. You follow the guide across desert tracks and sandbanks, with the Red Sea and mountains appearing in the distance. This is not a polished sightseeing route. It is dusty, uneven, and active, which is exactly why it works for people who want more than a bus excursion.

The ATV gives you a broad view of the surroundings while keeping the outing energetic. You will likely stop several times for photographs and short rests. These breaks are welcome because riding over sand can be hard on your arms, back, and legs, especially if you have never handled an ATV before.

Some groups report close to the full two hours of riding, while others describe the riding portion as roughly an hour to an hour and a half, followed by the camel and tea stops. The total experience can also run longer than two hours, especially when transfers and extra stops are included. I would treat two hours as the advertised activity length, not a promise that you will be back at your hotel exactly two hours after pickup.

The guides are an important part of the experience. Mustafa, Sayed, Mohamed, Abdo, Islam, Abdul, and Abdul Rahman are among the names associated with especially friendly and careful service. Guides are described as checking that people are comfortable, helping with scarves, taking photos, and explaining some local details along the route.

That does not turn the outing into a formal lesson in desert ecology or Egyptian culture. It is primarily an ATV ride. Still, a guide who can slow the pace, answer questions, and help a first-time driver makes a real difference.

Rock formations, cliffs, and the Red Sea

The route includes a stop near a distinctive rock formation. This is a good chance to get off the ATV, look at the eroded stone, and take photographs without the engine noise and dust of the ride. The nearby cliffs and bare desert give the stop a sense of place that a standard quad circuit lacks.

The scenery changes as you move toward the coast. Instead of seeing only sand, you get mountain shapes, pale rock, open tracks, and bright sea views. The combination is one of the strongest reasons to choose this route over a basic desert safari.

Photography is clearly part of the experience. A photographer may travel with the group and take posed and action shots during the ride. You can buy the images afterward if you want them. Fees reported for photo packages vary, including about €15 and €35, so ask for the current price before agreeing.

You should also protect your phone. Dust, vibration, and speed are not a good mix for loose electronics. A scarf under your helmet can keep sand out of your hair, and sunglasses help with glare and blowing grit. One particularly practical tip is to cover your hair well, since it can collect a surprising amount of sand.

The remote beach stop

After the desert and rock formations, you continue by ATV toward a natural beach. This is the tour’s most unusual change of scene. You leave the sand tracks and arrive beside clear Red Sea water, with time to swim or walk along the shore.

Bring a swimsuit under your clothes if you want to enter the water. The information provided does not promise changing facilities, so keep your expectations simple. This is a short outdoor stop, not a full beach club visit with organized services.

The beach also gives you a chance to recover from the ATV ride. You can stretch your legs, cool down, and take photos of the sea against the pale rock and desert. If you prefer not to swim, walking the shoreline is a perfectly good option.

Do keep an eye on the timing. The beach is part of an active route, not a half-day seaside stay. The stop adds variety, but it does not replace the main purpose of the outing, which is riding.

Wind can make the coast and desert feel much cooler than expected, especially in the afternoon. On windy days, wear clothing that covers your arms and legs. Long sleeves also help protect you from sun, dust, and flying grit.

Bedouin tea and a short camel ride

After returning toward the Bedouin area, you receive a cup of freshly brewed Bedouin tea. This is a small but welcome pause after the ATV ride. It gives you a taste of the hospitality built into many desert excursions without pretending that a short stop is a full visit with a local community.

The tea is included, but extra food and drinks are not. You may also be offered tea or other items for purchase afterward. One useful detail is that the included cup and any later sales pitch are separate things, so you can enjoy the tea without assuming you need to buy anything else.

The camel ride follows. It is short, more of a first taste than a long trek. You sit on a local camel, take in the desert views, and usually have time for photographs. The camels are described as calm and well handled, but mounting and dismounting can be awkward if you have knee, hip, or balance problems.

This part will appeal most to families and first-time visitors who want several classic Egyptian experiences in one outing. If your main goal is an extended camel journey or a quiet cultural visit, this tour will feel too brief.

What the $17 price really includes

At $17 per person, the tour offers unusually strong value if you want an active excursion. The price includes the ATV, helmet, guide, hotel transfer from Hurghada, Bedouin tea, and camel ride. You also get the beach and desert route without paying separately for each stop.

The low price does require sensible expectations. This is a shared excursion, and the transfer may include several pickups. The ATVs are generally described as being in good condition, though one account found the vehicles less than perfect. Vehicle quality can vary, so inspect your ATV and tell the guide at once if something feels wrong.

Extra costs can add up:

• Food and drinks are not included.
• El Gouna pickup and drop-off costs an additional €10 per person.
• Scarves may be available for about €5.
• Photo and video packages are optional and have been priced differently, including about €15 and €35.
• Tips are not listed as included. Cash tips for the guide, driver, and camel handler are welcomed.

You can reportedly pay many purchases by card, but cash is useful for tips and small extras. The price remains good even after a modest tip, particularly if you use the full riding time and enjoy the beach stop.

Clothing, comfort, and safety

Wear comfortable shoes with a secure fit. Open sandals are not a good choice for dusty tracks and ATV footrests. Sunglasses are essential, and a scarf protects your face and hair from sand.

Choose clothing for the weather, but favor long sleeves and long trousers when it is windy. Your clothes will get dusty. Do not wear anything you would be upset to see covered in fine desert grit.

The helmets are provided. Follow the guide’s instructions, keep a reasonable distance from the ATV ahead, and do not race beyond the group. The ride is designed to feel exciting, but a guide cannot remove every risk from rough ground and motorized activity.

This is physically more demanding than the $17 price suggests. You will grip the handlebars, absorb bumps, and sit in one position for long stretches. First-time riders should welcome the breaks rather than treat them as wasted time.

The activity runs daily at four different times, subject to availability. Morning departures may suit people who want cooler conditions, while later departures can offer softer light and sunset photographs. The supplied information does not guarantee a particular sunset, so book an afternoon time for the light and atmosphere, not as a promise.

Who will enjoy it most

I would recommend this tour to you if you want an affordable break from the hotel pool and an active way to see the edge of Makadi Bay. It suits first-time ATV riders, families with older children, couples, and friends who like a bit of speed but still want stops for photos and scenery.

It is also a good choice if you want several experiences in one booking. You ride through the desert, visit a rock formation, reach the sea, drink tea, and ride a camel. None of these elements lasts for hours, but together they make a varied two-hour outing.

You may want something else if you dislike dust, noise, uneven ground, or shared transfers. It is not ideal for anyone with limited mobility, pregnancy, or a strong fear of motor vehicles. Drivers must be at least 16.

If you want a quiet day beside the water, book a beach trip instead. If you want a serious off-road driving challenge, ask about the pace and route before booking, since the group format may limit how fast you can ride.

Should you book the Makadi Bay ATV tour?

Yes, if you want a low-cost, high-energy outing with more variety than a basic quad-bike loop. The strongest features are the full route from desert to coast, the chance to swim at a natural beach, and guides who are consistently praised for being friendly and attentive.

Book with realistic expectations. The camel ride is short, the tea stop is brief, optional photos cost extra, and the transfer can take longer than expected. Bring cash, a scarf, sunglasses, sturdy shoes, and swimwear.

For $17, this is an easy recommendation for an adventure-minded visitor staying in Hurghada. It gives you a proper ride, good views, and a handful of distinctly Egyptian touches without asking for a large part of your holiday budget.

FAQ

How long does the Makadi Bay ATV tour last?

The advertised activity duration is two hours. Transfers can make the full time away from your hotel longer, and some outings may run beyond the stated duration.

What is included in the price?

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

Is hotel pickup included from Hurghada?

Yes. Transfer from and to your Hurghada accommodation is included.

Does pickup from El Gouna cost extra?

Yes. El Gouna transfer must be booked separately and costs €10 per person.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. The route reaches a natural beach where you can take a swim or walk along the shoreline.

Is the camel ride included?

Yes. A short camel ride in the desert is included.

What languages do the guides speak?

Live guides are available in English, German, and Russian.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a scarf, and clothing suited to the weather. Swimwear is useful if you plan to enter the sea.

Can children drive the ATVs?

Drivers must be at least 16 years old. The supplied information does not specify a separate minimum age for passengers.

Who should not take this tour?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or drivers under 16.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.