From Hurghada: Makadi Bay ATV Tour

Desert roads lead to the sea. This two-hour Makadi Bay ATV tour gives you a lively mix of sandbanks, mountain views, coastal cliffs, and a remote beach where you can swim. I like the way the trip combines real riding time with a camel ride and Bedouin tea, rather than making the ATV portion a quick photo opportunity.

I also like the strong attention from guides such as Mustafa, Sayed, Abdul Rahman, Mohamed, and Islam, who are repeatedly praised for keeping riders comfortable and taking photos. The main consideration is the dust, wind, and physical effort: you may find two hours on a quad tiring, and the optional photo packages, scarves, tips, and El Gouna transfer cost extra.

Key points to know before booking

• You ride for close to two hours: This is not just a short ATV demonstration. Much of the experience is spent crossing desert tracks, sandbanks, and open ground.
• The route reaches the coast: You stop at a natural beach near Makadi Bay, with time for a swim or a walk along the shore.
• The scenery changes constantly: Expect desert, mountain edges, rock formations, sea views, and coastal cliffs rather than one repetitive circuit.
• The camel ride is short but included: It adds a traditional touch after the ATV ride, though it is not the main event.
• The tour suits confident older teenagers and adults: Drivers must be at least 16, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with mobility impairments.
• Bring protection from sun, dust, and wind: Sunglasses, a scarf, covered arms and legs on windy days, and comfortable shoes will make the ride much easier.

Why this $17 tour offers strong value

At $17 per person, this is one of those Hurghada activities where the price covers a surprising amount. You get hotel pickup and return in Hurghada, an ATV and helmet, a guide, the desert and coastal route, Bedouin tea, and a camel ride.

The value comes mainly from the riding time. Several people describe the tour as a genuine two-hour ATV outing, with stops built in for photographs and short rests. That matters because some desert excursions spend more time gathering groups, fitting equipment, or transporting people than actually riding.

You should still keep your expectations sensible. This is a budget group activity, not a private expedition. Pickups can involve several hotels, and one booking took longer to return because that group was dropped off last. The vehicles were generally described as being in good condition, though one person found the ATVs less than perfect.

At this price, the tour is best viewed as an energetic introduction to the Red Sea desert. You are paying for movement, scenery, and a bit of local-style hospitality, not a luxury safari.

Pickup from Hurghada and the ride to the desert

The experience begins with a transfer from your accommodation in Hurghada. The drive takes you away from the resort area and toward the desert tracks around Makadi Bay. Some drivers create a cheerful atmosphere with music, and one transfer was described as more like a small party bus than a quiet hotel shuttle.

Pickup times can be earlier than the stated activity time. One group booked a 10 a.m. start but was collected at 8:45 and returned around 1 p.m. So keep more of your day free than the two-hour headline suggests.

The transport arrangements are not always perfectly smooth. There was an occasion when a driver waited at the wrong hotel, although a replacement car was sent. Another group was dropped off last on the return journey. These are not deal-breaking problems, but they are worth knowing if you have a flight, dinner reservation, or another tour afterward.

If you are staying in El Gouna, the transfer must be booked separately and costs €10 per person. The included transfer applies to accommodation in Hurghada.

Getting fitted for the ATV

At the starting point, you receive a helmet and instructions before setting out. The guides are a major part of the experience. Mustafa, Sayed, Mohamed, Abdul Rahman, Abdo, Kareem, and Islam are among the names praised for being friendly, patient, safety-conscious, and good at keeping the mood light.

The pace can vary with the group. In one useful example, a larger gathering was split into smaller groups by age, so children and cautious riders were not placed with people eager to race. That is a sensible arrangement, although you should not expect a private ride unless your group happens to be small.

If you have never driven an ATV, tell the guide. One first-time rider appreciated having breaks during the route because the sand makes the ride harder on your arms and body than expected. A partner who was nervous about driving was allowed to ride behind another person, which shows some flexibility, but you should confirm arrangements with the guide rather than assume a passenger seat is always available.

The quads are built for fun, not comfort. Sand bumps, turns, wind, and vibration all add up. Wear shoes that stay firmly on your feet, and avoid loose clothing that can flap around the vehicle.

Crossing the sandbanks and mountain tracks

Once the group sets off, the main attraction begins. You guide the ATV across desert tracks and sandbanks, with the Red Sea and mountain edges appearing as the route opens up.

This is the part I would value most. You are not simply circling a small practice area. The route gives you a sense of the open desert, with the engine noise, blowing dust, and changing ground making the ride feel active and immediate.

The guides stop at scenic points for photographs. One route included three main photo stops, with views toward the dunes, sea, and mountains. The stops also give you a chance to catch your breath and shake sand from your sleeves.

Do not expect pristine silence. ATV tours are noisy, and the ride is organized for fun rather than solitude. You may also find dust in your hair, on your clothes, and across your face. A scarf is useful for covering your mouth and neck, especially on windy days. Scarves may be available for about €5, but bringing your own is cheaper and more convenient.

A useful tip from a female rider is to tuck your hair beneath the scarf. The desert dust can work its way everywhere. Sunglasses are just as important for eye protection as they are for comfort.

The rock formation and Makadi Bay coast

The route continues toward the coast, where the desert meets the Red Sea. One stop takes you to a distinctive rock formation, with the natural cliffs and coastal scenery providing a break from the ATV riding.

The rock stop is brief, but it adds variety. You get to leave the vehicle, stretch your legs, and look at the shapes formed by the dry desert and rough coastal terrain. Guides may also explain some local background along the route, as one group appreciated learning a little about the area’s history.

The biggest scenic reward comes at Makadi Bay. The ATVs reach a natural beach where you can take a refreshing swim or explore the shoreline on foot. The clear blue water and the contrast between bare desert, rock, and sea make this the most memorable pause for many people.

Bring swimwear beneath your clothes if you want to enter the water. The information provided does not specify changing facilities, so you should not count on a formal beach setup. If you would rather stay dry, walking along the shore and taking photographs still gives you a worthwhile break.

The beach is described as remote, but this remains a guided activity, not a private beach visit. The exact amount of time at the water depends on the group and the day. Keep your belongings secure and avoid bringing anything you would not want covered in sand or exposed to water.

Bedouin tea and the short camel ride

After the coastal portion, you head to a Bedouin area for a cup of freshly brewed Bedouin tea. This is a modest stop, but it gives the tour a cultural element beyond motors and photographs.

The tea is included, while other food and drinks are not. The setting is informal, and you may be offered additional tea or items for sale afterward. One person specifically advised being prepared for sales at this point, so enjoy the included cup but do not feel obliged to buy more.

The camel ride follows. It is short, and I would treat it as a fun extra rather than a serious desert trek. You sit above the sand, take a few pictures, and get a brief taste of a traditional form of transport.

The camels are described as well trained, and the camel handlers are part of the working team. Tips are welcome in cash for guides, drivers, and camel handlers. They are not listed as included, so carry small notes if you want to thank people individually.

Photography, tips, and extra charges

A photographer may accompany the group and take pictures and videos during the ride. This can be useful because it is difficult to capture good images while steering an ATV, and the guides often help pose people at the beach, cliffs, and desert stops.

The photo drive is optional and not included in the $17 price. The supplied experiences mention different prices, including €15 and €35, so ask for the current cost before agreeing. One group found the package worth buying, while another simply enjoyed the included activity without making it a central part of the day.

You may also be offered a scarf if you did not bring one. The quoted price was €5. Again, this is optional.

Tips are another practical detail. Several people wished they had brought more cash for the guide, driver, and camel handler. You do not need to tip simply because someone asks, but cash is useful if the staff give you good care or help with photographs and equipment.

Safety, comfort, and who should book

The strongest pattern here is attentive guiding. Guides are repeatedly praised for checking that riders are safe and enjoying themselves without removing the excitement. That balance matters on an ATV tour, where an overly cautious pace can make the trip dull, but an overly fast pace can make beginners anxious.

The activity is physically demanding enough to deserve a little preparation. Sand riding involves jolts, body movement, and gripping the handlebars for long stretches. You might enjoy the adrenaline, but you may not enjoy two hours if you have back, joint, or balance problems.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with mobility impairments. Drivers must be at least 16 years old. The supplied information does not give a separate minimum age for passengers, so ask the operator if you are booking for a younger child.

On windy days, wear clothing that covers your arms and legs. Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a scarf, and weather-appropriate clothing are specifically recommended. You should also expect dust and sun, even if the day begins cool.

I would recommend this tour to:

• Adults and older teenagers who want an active outing away from the resort
• First-time ATV riders who appreciate a guide-led route
• Families with teenagers, provided everyone meets the age and mobility requirements
• Couples and friends who want photographs in several different settings
• Anyone looking for a low-cost desert activity with a beach stop

I would choose something gentler if you dislike dust, heat, rough movement, or organized group outings.

Languages, timing, and cancellation

Guides are available in English, German, and Russian. The tour runs daily at four different times, so you can choose a morning or afternoon departure when availability allows.

The advertised activity lasts two hours, but pickup, transfers, stops, and return time make the full outing longer. Plan around half a day rather than treating it as exactly two hours from hotel door to hotel door.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your Hurghada plans may change, but you should still check the available departure time before booking.

Should you book the Makadi Bay ATV tour?

I would book it if you want strong value and a proper ride through varied scenery. The combination of desert tracks, mountain edges, a natural beach, Bedouin tea, and a camel ride gives you far more variety than the low price suggests.

Book with realistic expectations. You are joining a guided ATV outing with dust, group timing, optional sales, possible transfer delays, and a short camel ride rather than a long cultural program. Bring your own scarf, sunglasses, suitable clothes, cash for tips, and enough spare time around the pickup.

For an inexpensive half-day adventure from Hurghada, this is an easy choice. The best reason to go is not the camel or the tea. It is the chance to ride from the desert to the Red Sea, with a friendly guide such as Sayed, Mustafa, Mohamed, or Abdul Rahman helping you enjoy the route without losing sight of safety.

FAQ

How long does the Makadi Bay ATV tour last?

The advertised tour duration is two hours. Pickup, transportation, check-in, stops, and the return transfer make the full outing longer, so plan for more than two hours in total.

What is included in the tour price?

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

Is the transfer from El Gouna included?

No. Transfer from and to El Gouna costs an additional €10 per person.

Can I swim during the ATV tour?

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

What languages are available?

The live guides speak English, German, and Russian.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a scarf, and clothing suitable for the weather. On windy days, clothing covering your arms and legs is recommended.

Who cannot participate in the ATV ride?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with mobility impairments. Drivers must be at least 16 years old.