From Hurghada: Makadi Bay ATV Tour

Desert speed, sea views, and a camel ride. This Makadi Bay ATV trip packs a lot into two hours, with sand tracks, mountain views, a remote beach, Bedouin tea, and a short camel ride. I like the long ATV route and the mix of desert and coast, rather than a quick spin around a flat practice area. I also like the friendly guides, including Mustafa, Sayed, Mohamed, Abdul, and Islam, who are often praised for making riders feel safe while keeping the pace lively.

The main thing to consider is that this is a dusty, physical ride. Sand can sting your face, wind can chill you, and two hours on an ATV can leave your arms and back tired. The route is also not always perfectly smooth, and one recent booking found the vehicles less than perfect, so you should come for the adventure, not polished amusement-park machinery.

Key points before you book

• Two hours on the ATV: This is a proper desert outing, not just a short ride around a starting yard.
• Desert meets the Red Sea: You cross sandbanks and tracks toward Makadi Bay, with cliffs, mountains, and coastal views.
• A beach stop is included: You can swim at a natural beach or walk along the shore.
• Bedouin tea and camels: The tour adds a cup of fresh-brewed tea and a brief camel ride after the ATV portion.
• Friendly, safety-minded guides: Guides such as Sayed, Mustafa, Mohamed, Abdul, and Islam receive especially warm praise for their care and good humor.
• Low price, extra costs possible: The tour costs $17 per person, but El Gouna transfers, scarves, tips, and optional photographs cost extra.

Starting from Hurghada and getting ready to ride

Your hotel pickup is included if you are staying in Hurghada. The drive gives you a look at the countryside before you reach the ATV base, and the transfer itself can be part of the mood. Some drivers play music and keep things lively, though the return journey may take longer if you are dropped off last.

Do not judge the tour by the pickup time alone. A 10 a.m. booking can involve collection at 8:45 a.m. and a return around 1 p.m., depending on the hotel route and transfer arrangements. The stated activity lasts two hours, but the total door-to-door outing can be longer.

At the base, you receive a helmet and your ATV. A guide explains the basic handling before the group sets off. Large groups may be divided into smaller riding groups, sometimes based on age and preferred pace. That is helpful if you are traveling with children or nervous riders, since you are less likely to be placed with a group intent on racing ahead.

Drivers must be at least 16. Pregnant women, wheelchair users, and people with mobility impairments should not book this activity. You also need comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a scarf, and clothing suited to the weather.

Two hours across Makadi Bay’s desert tracks

The heart of the trip is the ATV ride. You leave the starting area and head across desert tracks, sandbanks, and open stretches with the mountains on one side and the Red Sea on the other. The route gives you more variety than a simple back-and-forth ride.

This is where the tour earns its low price. For $17, you are not just paying for a machine and a short lesson. You get a guide, helmet, hotel transfer, coastal stops, tea, and a camel ride. The route may be dusty and rough, but it feels like an outing into the surrounding country rather than a ride confined to a small circuit.

The pace can be quick. Some riders describe the ATVs as fast and exciting, while others appreciate the guides for slowing things down when needed. You should tell the guide if you are a first-time rider or feel uncomfortable. Michelle, riding an ATV for the first time, found the sand dunes fun but physically demanding, and appreciated the breaks.

Expect dust in your hair and on your clothes. Zane specifically advises covering your hair under a scarf, and that is sensible advice for everyone. On windy days, cover your arms and legs as well. Scarves can be bought locally for about €5, but bringing your own saves money and gives you a better fit.

The vehicles are generally described as being in good condition, though one booking found the ATVs not quite as well maintained as expected. That is worth keeping in mind. Before setting off, check that your helmet fits and tell the staff promptly if anything on the ATV feels wrong.

Photo stops among cliffs, dunes, and sea

The guides make several stops for photos. One stop features dunes with views toward the sea and mountains. Another brings you to the Makadi Bay coast, where the contrast between pale desert, dark rock, and blue water makes a strong picture.

A photographer may accompany the group throughout the ride. This is convenient if you want action shots and group photos without asking another rider to use your phone. The photographer may also help pose you or suggest places to stand. Optional photo and video packages are not included in the $17 price, and the cost can vary. One booking paid €15 for a download link, while another paid €35 for a larger package, so ask for the current price before agreeing.

The photo stops are useful rest points, too. An ATV ride over sand is more tiring than it looks, especially when you are gripping the handlebars and bracing over bumps. The stops break up the ride without making it feel overly staged.

The rock formation is a short walk from where you leave the ATV. It gives the trip a small geological feature to look at rather than only a series of driving tracks. Do not expect a major monument or a long walking tour. This is a brief stop that works best as part of the wider route.

Reaching the natural beach

The coastal stop is the most distinctive part of the outing. After riding through the desert and along the mountain side, you reach a natural beach where you can take a swim or explore the shoreline on foot.

The water is a welcome change after the heat and dust of the ride. Pack a swimsuit under your clothes if you want to get in quickly, and bring a towel from your hotel if available. The activity information confirms the chance to swim, but it does not promise changing facilities, lockers, or a long beach stay, so keep your expectations practical.

The shoreline also gives you a chance to slow down. You can look back at the route from the coast and see how close the desert comes to the Red Sea. That simple change of setting is one reason I prefer this tour to an ATV ride that never leaves the inland tracks.

The beach is remote in feel, but the tour is still organized around a guide and a set route. Follow instructions about where to walk and when to return to the ATVs. If you are visiting during a windy period, the beach can feel cooler than expected, especially after swimming.

Bedouin tea and a short camel ride

After the ATV route, you head to a Bedouin area for a cup of freshly brewed Bedouin tea. It is a small but welcome cultural touch. The tea gives you a chance to sit down, catch your breath, and experience something beyond engines and sand.

The tea is included, but extra drinks and food are not. One practical warning: you may be offered tea or related products for sale afterward. You can enjoy the included cup and simply decline anything you do not want to buy.

The camel ride follows the tea. It is short, but it adds a classic desert image to the afternoon. The camels are described as friendly and well trained, and the staff help riders get settled. Do not book this expecting a long camel trek. Think of it as a brief introduction and a fun final activity after the ATV ride.

The camel stop is particularly good for families and first-time visitors who want a few different experiences in one booking. For serious riders, it may feel like an add-on, but at this price it is a pleasant extra rather than a distraction.

The guides make the difference

The strongest part of this experience is the staff. Mustafa is praised for being welcoming and friendly. Sayed is described as informative, while Mohamed is repeatedly associated with good route guidance and careful driving. Abdul, Abdul Rahman, Kareem, Abdo, Islam, and other guides also receive praise for humor, patience, and attention to safety.

That matters on an ATV trip. A guide who watches the group, checks that riders are comfortable, and chooses sensible stopping points can turn a rough ride into a good one. Several guides also answer questions about Egypt, explain parts of the area, and help take photos.

You should still take responsibility for your own safety. Keep a sensible distance from the ATV ahead, do not chase the fastest rider, and speak up if the pace feels too quick. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility problems, and even fit riders may find the sand tiring.

The language options are English, German, and Russian. This makes basic instructions and questions easier for many visitors, though the exact guide available depends on the departure.

Is $17 a good deal?

Yes, for most people, the price is excellent. The $17 fee includes the ATV, helmet, guide, hotel transfer from Hurghada, Bedouin tea, and camel ride. It also includes a two-hour activity, which is longer than many low-cost ATV introductions.

The value becomes even clearer when you consider the variety. You get a desert route, mountain and sea views, a rock formation, a beach stop, tea, and camels in a single outing. None of these elements is very long on its own, but together they create a full half-day plan once transfers are counted.

Budget for a few possible extras:

• Transfer from El Gouna costs an additional €10 per person.
• Scarves cost about €5 if you do not bring one.
• Food and drinks beyond the included tea are not covered.
• Tips for the driver, guide, and camel handler are welcomed in cash.
• Photo and video packages cost extra, with prices reported at €15 and €35 depending on the package.

The low price does mean you should not expect a private luxury excursion. Group sizes vary, vehicles may show signs of use, and transfer routes can be inefficient. Still, those drawbacks are reasonable at this rate, especially if your priority is active fun and varied scenery.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a break from Hurghada’s hotel pools and beach resorts. It suits couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and first-time ATV riders who want a guide nearby.

Teenagers often enjoy the speed and open desert. Families should remember that drivers must be at least 16, and a nervous passenger may need to ride with someone else if the staff allow it. One couple found that a partner who was afraid to drive could ride on the back of another ATV, but this should be confirmed with the operator rather than assumed.

You should choose another activity if you dislike dust, heat, rough tracks, or physical effort. Two hours can feel long if you are not comfortable on a quad bike. The ride is also a poor fit if you need step-free access or have a mobility limitation.

The best time depends on what you want. The tour runs daily at four different times. Morning departures can give you cooler conditions, while afternoon trips may offer warmer light and sunset photos. The exact starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Practical packing advice

Wear closed, comfortable shoes with a secure sole. Sandals are a poor choice on an ATV, and loose footwear can become a nuisance during the camel ride.

Bring sunglasses and a scarf. The scarf protects your mouth, neck, and hair from dust, while sunglasses shield your eyes on windy stretches. Long sleeves and trousers are sensible on windy days, both for sun protection and comfort.

Wear clothing you do not mind getting dirty. Sand gets into pockets, shoes, hair, and seams. Keep phones and cameras protected when you are riding, and use a small bag that can be secured rather than a loose backpack.

If you plan to swim, wear your swimsuit under your riding clothes. A towel, cash for tips, and some water are also useful, since food and drinks are not included. Keep some flexibility in your schedule because pickup and return transfers can add time beyond the two-hour ride.

Should you book the Makadi Bay ATV tour?

Book it if you want a lively, inexpensive desert outing with more than just quad biking. The combination of sand tracks, coastal scenery, a swim stop, tea, and a camel ride gives you a lot for $17. The guides are the real strength, and names such as Sayed, Mustafa, Mohamed, Abdul, and Islam come up often for good reason: they help beginners feel secure without taking all the excitement out of the ride.

Skip it if you want a quiet cultural visit, a polished luxury service, or a long camel trek. You should also avoid it if dust, speed, rough ground, or physical strain will spoil your day.

For most visitors staying in Hurghada, I see this as one of the better-value active outings. Bring a scarf, protect your phone, keep cash for tips, and allow extra time for transfers. Do that, and you can enjoy the desert without being caught out by the small practical details.

FAQ

How long does the Makadi Bay ATV tour last?

The ATV activity lasts two hours. Hotel pickup and return can make the total outing longer, depending on your hotel and the transfer route.

What is included in the $17 price?

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

Is the beach stop included?

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

Can children drive the ATVs?

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

What languages are available?

The tour offers live guides in English, German, and Russian.

Is transport from El Gouna included?

No. El Gouna pickup and return must be booked separately and costs €10 per person.