From Hurghada: Makadi Bay ATV Tour

Makadi Bay’s best feature is the change of scene: one minute you are bouncing across dry desert tracks on an ATV, and soon after you are looking at the Red Sea from a quiet beach. I like the full two-hour riding time and the mix of sand, cliffs, sea views, tea, and camels for one low price.

I also like that guides such as Mustafa, Sayed, Abdul Rahman, and Mohamed are repeatedly praised for keeping an eye on safety without draining the fun. The main drawback is dust, wind, and a long ride that can be tiring. Transfers may also stretch the outing well beyond two hours.

Key points before you book

• Two hours on the ATV: This is not just a quick spin around a yard. The route crosses desert tracks, sandbanks, mountain edges, and the coast.
• A rare desert-to-sea route: You stop at a rock formation and continue to a natural beach near Makadi Bay.
• Tea and camels included: A cup of Bedouin tea and a short camel ride round out the motorized part of the trip.
• Pickup from Hurghada: Hotel transfers are included, but El Gouna pickup costs an extra €10 per person.
• Bring protection from dust: A scarf, sunglasses, covered arms and legs on windy days, and comfortable shoes will make a real difference.
• Not for every rider: Pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, and drivers under 16 cannot take part.

From Hurghada to the Makadi Bay desert

The tour begins with pickup at your Hurghada accommodation. The drive gives you a look at the countryside before you reach the ATV starting point, though the transfer itself can be less polished than the ride. One booking had a driver waiting at the wrong hotel, while another had a cramped vehicle and a slow drop-off on the way back.

That is worth keeping in mind when you plan your day. A booking advertised as two hours can occupy much of a morning or afternoon once pickup, fitting helmets, waiting for the group, and hotel drop-offs are added. One 10 a.m. departure had pickup at 8:45 a.m. and did not return until about 1 p.m.

The mood of the transfer can be part of the fun. Several guides and drivers are praised for lively music and a cheerful atmosphere, with one return ride described as a party bus. That will suit you if you enjoy a social start to an excursion. If you prefer quiet transport, it may feel a little loud.

At the base, you receive a helmet and an ATV before setting off with a guide. The vehicles are generally described as being in good condition, though one booking found the ATVs less well maintained. Do not expect showroom machines or a technical off-road course. This is a practical desert safari, with a route designed to give you speed, dust, scenery, and photo stops.

Riding across sandbanks and desert tracks

The main attraction is the riding itself. You follow the guide over sandbanks and open desert tracks, with the Red Sea and mountains appearing as the route moves toward the coast. The ATVs provide the excitement, but the scenery gives the ride a reason to slow down.

You can expect a brisk pace. Some guides divide a large group into smaller sections, sometimes grouping riders by age or riding style. That matters because a family with children may not want to be placed with a group keen to race across every open stretch. Guides are also reported to let nervous passengers ride on the back of another driver’s ATV.

Still, this is an active ride, not a gentle sightseeing drive. Sand and uneven ground work your arms, back, and legs, especially if you have never driven an ATV before. Breaks are built into the route, but you should be ready for a physical two hours. One participant found the riding time slightly too long, while another appreciated the breaks because the sand tracks were demanding.

The best approach is to follow the guide’s pace rather than treat the ATV as a personal racing machine. Guides including Sayed, Abdul Rahman, Mohamed, Islam, Kareem, and Mustafa are praised for checking that riders feel safe and comfortable. The specific guide on your departure will vary, but the pattern is clear: the staff are a major part of the experience.

Dust is unavoidable. Wear sunglasses, keep your mouth covered when the group speeds up, and tuck your hair beneath a scarf if possible. One useful tip is to bring your own scarf, since a scarf purchased at the base has been reported at about €5. On windy days, cover your arms and legs as well.

The rock formation and mountain views

At one point, you leave the ATV and walk with the guide to see a distinctive rock formation. The stop breaks up the driving and gives you a chance to look closely at the dry cliffs and unusual shapes formed by the desert.

This is not a major archaeological site or a long guided walk. Its value is visual. The rock, sand, mountains, and sea create a setting that feels far removed from Hurghada’s hotels and beachfront traffic. Guides may also share some local background and help position you for photographs.

The stop is short, so do not expect a detailed geology lesson. It works best as a pause to stretch, take pictures, and catch your breath before returning to the ATVs. If you are mainly booking for fast riding, it will not interrupt the fun for long. If you want a serious nature walk, this tour is not built for that.

Reaching the natural beach at Makadi Bay

The route continues toward the coast and a natural beach. This is the point where the trip earns its name. After driving through dry sand and rocky country, you reach clear Red Sea water backed by cliffs and open desert.

You can take a refreshing swim or walk along the shoreline. Bring a swimsuit under your riding clothes if you want to enter the water, and remember that the tour information does not include food or drinks beyond the Bedouin tea. There is no promise of a long beach stay, so think of the swim as a welcome break rather than a full beach afternoon.

The coast also provides some of the strongest photo opportunities. The combination of ATV, sea, mountains, and pale sand gives the photographer plenty to work with. Several bookings paid extra for a collection of photos and videos, with reported prices ranging from €15 to €35 depending on the package. This is optional, not part of the listed $17 price, so ask about the cost before agreeing.

You may also find that the photographer takes pictures throughout the ride. That can be useful if you want action shots without asking a companion to stop and use a phone. It can also create a sales moment after the trip. One booking praised the photos but noted the extra charge, while another appreciated receiving the digital link earlier than promised.

Bedouin tea and a short camel ride

After the ATV route, you head to a Bedouin area for a cup of freshly brewed tea. This is a simple stop, but it adds a human touch to an otherwise machine-focused outing. Sitting down with a hot drink after a dusty ride feels well timed.

The tea is included. Food and other drinks are not, so do not arrive expecting a meal. You may also be offered tea or other items for purchase afterward. One booking enjoyed the drink but advised being prepared for a sales offer. You can politely decline if you are not interested.

The camel ride follows the tea. It is short, and you should not book this tour expecting a long camel trek across the desert. It is more of a first taste, and the camels are described as well trained and friendly. For children and first-time riders, that may be enough to make the experience memorable without turning the day into a second full excursion.

The camel stop also gives you a chance to take in the desert at a slower pace. After the noise and vibration of the ATV, the contrast is pleasant. Tips for the guide, driver, and camel handler are not included, and several bookings suggest carrying cash for gratuities.

Guides, safety, and the pace of the ride

The strongest part of this activity is the guide service. Names that appear often include Mustafa, Sayed, Abdul, Abdul Rahman, Mohamed, Islam, and Kareem. You cannot choose a particular guide unless the operator confirms it, but the guides are expected to speak English, German, or Russian.

Their role is practical. They lead the route, set the pace, help with scarves and helmets, point out places for photos, and check that riders are comfortable. Guides have also answered questions about Egypt and given brief background about the area. That makes the ride feel more personal than simply following a marked track.

Safety is handled in an informal, hands-on way. You receive a helmet, and the guide stays with the group. The ride can still feel fast, especially over sandbanks, so you should be honest about your confidence before setting off. If you are nervous, say so early. The pace may be adjusted, and a passenger option has been available for at least some riders who did not want to drive alone.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or drivers under 16. The supplied information does not state a separate passenger age limit, so families should confirm that point when booking. The physical demands also make comfortable clothing and shoes important.

What the $17 price really covers

At $17 per person, this is unusually good value if you want several short activities in one outing. The price includes hotel transfer from Hurghada, the guide, ATV, helmet, Bedouin tea, camel ride, and access to the route and stops. You are getting the core desert experience without paying separately for each part.

The value is strongest for first-time ATV riders and families who want variety. You get speed, open desert, coastal views, a swim stop, tea, and a camel ride. None of these side activities is very long, but together they make a fuller half-day once transport is counted.

The low price does not cover everything. Food and drinks are excluded, and El Gouna transfers cost an additional €10 per person. Scarves, photographs, videos, and tips may also add to your spending. Carry cash for tips and a little extra if you want those optional items, but do not feel obliged to buy a photo package.

The rating of 4.7 from 2,101 bookings suggests a consistently strong experience, though the practical details vary. Transfer order can be inefficient, vehicles may not always be perfect, and a large group can affect the pace. On the other hand, some departures have been as small as four people, and one couple had a private ATV outing. Group size is not guaranteed, but it can make a noticeable difference.

The best time and what to pack

The tour runs daily at four different times. Morning departures may offer cooler conditions, while afternoon trips can provide softer light and sunset photographs. The information does not promise sunset on every departure, so choose the time that fits your schedule rather than booking solely for that reason.

Pack comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a scarf, and weather-appropriate clothing. A scarf protects your face and hair from dust, while sunglasses help with wind and flying sand. Long sleeves and trousers are especially useful on windy days.

Wear a swimsuit beneath your clothes if you hope to swim at the beach. Since food and drinks are not included, check the pickup instructions and bring what you need for the outing. Keep valuables to a minimum, since the route is dusty and active.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That is useful if your Hurghada plans may change, but it does not remove the need to check the pickup point and any El Gouna supplement carefully.

Who should book this Makadi Bay ATV tour

I would choose this for you if you want an affordable burst of adventure rather than a polished luxury excursion. It suits couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and first-time ATV riders who want a guide close by.

You will get the most from it if you enjoy variety. The riding is the main event, but the beach, rock formation, Bedouin tea, camel, and photo stops keep the experience from becoming two straight hours of the same terrain.

I would think twice if you dislike dust, loud transfers, physical exertion, or sales offers for optional photos and scarves. You should also avoid it if you are pregnant, use a wheelchair, have a mobility impairment, or are under the stated driving age.

Should you book it?

For $17, I think this is an easy recommendation for an active day away from the resort. The route gives you more than a basic quad-bike circuit, and the combination of Makadi Bay, desert, cliffs, tea, and camels offers good variety for the money.

Book it with realistic expectations. This is a working desert safari, not a quiet wilderness trip. Bring a scarf, expect dust and a firm ride, allow extra time for transfers, and treat photos, tips, and scarf purchases as optional extras. If that sounds like your kind of afternoon, the value is hard to argue with.

FAQ

How long does the Makadi Bay ATV tour last?

The ATV activity is advertised as two hours. Pickup, preparation, stops, and hotel drop-off can make the total outing considerably longer.

What is included in the price?

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

Is hotel pickup included from El Gouna?

El Gouna transfer is not included in the standard price. It must be booked separately at €10 per person.

Which languages do the guides speak?

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

Can I swim during the tour?

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

Who cannot take part in the ATV tour?

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