REVIEW · HURGHADA
Crystal Makadi Bay quad trip
Book on Viator →Operated by Crystal Safari Makadi Bay · Bookable on Viator
ATV sand, camels, and sea views in Makadi Bay. This Crystal Safari Makadi Bay quad trip mixes a private beach start with a camel encounter (Oscar) and Bedouin tea, then rolls right into real desert-and-coast ATV riding. I love the way it turns the day into both culture and action, without making you hunt for a meeting spot.
I also like that hotel pickup is handled within Makadi Bay, so you can skip the usual start-point scramble. And the tour keeps a small-group feel (about 10 people) with a professional guide, so you’re not just one name in a crowd.
One thing to consider: you need moderate physical fitness, and the rules are strict. You must be at least 16 to drive a quad bike, and everyone signs a health and safety disclaimer before riding.
In This Review
- Key things I’d plan around
- Crystal Safari Makadi Bay: why the private-beach start matters
- Meet Oscar the camel and slow down for Bedouin tea
- The ATV ride: dunes plus coastal scenery you can actually see
- Small-group energy: about 10 people keeps it human
- What’s included (and what you’ll want to bring)
- Included
- Not included
- Price and value: why $29.04 can make sense
- Who should book this quad trip in Makadi Bay
- Quick practical notes before you go
- Should you book Crystal Safari Makadi Bay quad trip?
- FAQ
- Where does the Crystal Makadi Bay quad trip operate?
- How long is the quad trip?
- How much does it cost per person?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- What are the age requirements for the quad bike?
- Do you provide helmets?
- What cultural experiences happen before riding?
- Are drinks included?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key things I’d plan around

- Private beach kickoff: you start where the action is, not in a parking lot.
- Oscar the camel: a photo moment with Makadi Bay’s resident camel, plus Bedouin tea.
- ATV route with variety: desert dunes plus coastal scenery, with stops that can include beaches, caves, and reefs.
- Small-group size: typically around 10, with a maximum of 15.
- Helmet included: they provide it, so you can travel lighter.
- Rules are real: sign the safety disclaimer and follow staff instructions closely.
Crystal Safari Makadi Bay: why the private-beach start matters

Makadi Bay is spread out, and meeting points can be a bit of a headache. The biggest practical win here is that you don’t have to figure out where to stand and wait with everyone else. Within Makadi Bay, pickup and drop-off are included, so your day starts moving.
Starting on a private beach also changes the mood. You’re not walking in from a street and trying to locate your group. You get a cleaner, more focused setup for the cultural segment first, then gear up mentally for the ATV part.
This trip is listed as 2 to 3 hours, so it fits well if you want adventure without committing to a full day. It’s also convenient timing-wise because the main experience stays concentrated around Makadi Bay.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hurghada.
Meet Oscar the camel and slow down for Bedouin tea
Before the engines, you get a cultural pause that doesn’t feel like a lecture. You’ll meet Oscar, the resident camel, and you’ll have a chance for photos against sweeping sand. It’s the kind of moment that makes the whole outing feel more personal than a generic ATV-only tour.
Then comes tea in a Bedouin tent. Even if you’ve seen tea stops elsewhere, this one works because it’s short, guided, and connected to place. You’re not just passing time. You’re getting a local-flavored break before the ride.
What I like about this sequence is the pacing. You get a calm warm-up first, then the adrenaline. If you’re the type who gets tense before action, the camel and tea help you settle in.
The ATV ride: dunes plus coastal scenery you can actually see

The best part, of course, is the ATV session. This ride is designed to cover both desert dunes and coastal views, which is exactly why it feels different from an ATV loop that stays in one kind of terrain.
During the guided ride, you may also get to see areas described as beaches, caves, and reefs. The exact mix can vary with conditions, but the intent is clear: you’re not only chasing speed. You’re getting scenery changes, which is what makes the photos worth stopping for.
The guide is there for route flow and safety instructions, and that matters more than you might think. Sand and uneven ground can be deceptively tricky. A good guide helps you understand where to ride confidently and when to slow down, so you spend more time enjoying and less time fighting the terrain.
If you’re bringing your own sense of speed, keep it grounded in what the staff tells you. The tour rules are explicit that you must follow guidance from staff, or you can be removed from the trip.
Small-group energy: about 10 people keeps it human

A tour with an ATV at the center can go one of two ways: either it feels chaotic, or it feels like a real experience. This one leans toward the second option because it keeps the group tight.
You’re typically in a small group of around 10 people, with a maximum of 15. That size helps with a few things:
- You get clearer instructions without repeating them over and over.
- You can actually see what’s going on ahead of you.
- The guide can notice if someone is struggling and adjust the pacing.
It also helps that the tour includes a professional guide. In places like this, that’s the difference between riding and surviving. You want someone keeping track of the group and steering you toward the most scenic route, while also making sure everyone stays safe.
What’s included (and what you’ll want to bring)
Here’s the value side, plain and simple.
Included
You should feel good about what’s covered:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off within Makadi Bay
- Professional guide
- Use of a helmet
- All taxes, fees, and handling charges, plus local taxes
- Complimentary drinks (just know what that does and doesn’t mean)
- Mobile ticket
There’s also an admission ticket listed as free, which reduces the odds of surprise extras at the start.
Not included
These are the typical add-ons you’ll want to plan for:
- Drinks beyond the complimentary ones
- Scarfs and glasses
- DVD (available to purchase)
A small tip: if you’re sensitive to sun or wind, consider bringing your own eye protection and something scarf-like for dust. Scarfs and glasses are not included, and on a quad ride, that matters.
Also, you get a helmet, so you don’t need to bring one. Still, it can help to wear closed-toe shoes you can trust on sand. The tour calls for moderate physical fitness, and footwear is part of that comfort factor.
Price and value: why $29.04 can make sense

At $29.04 per person, this quad trip sits in the budget-friendly zone for Hurghada-area adventures. But value isn’t only about price. It’s about what’s bundled.
For this tour, your fee covers:
- Guide-led ATV time (the main event)
- Helmet use
- Pickup/drop-off within Makadi Bay
- Taxes and fees
- Complimentary drinks
- A structured experience that includes camel and Bedouin tea before the ride
That combination is what makes the price feel reasonable. A lot of cheaper ATV tours either skip real guidance, charge extra for basic items, or don’t include pickup so you end up paying for transport anyway.
There’s also a realism check. If you’re outside Makadi Bay, pickup isn’t included, so your total cost could rise based on how you get there. And if you need extra drinks beyond what’s complimentary, plan to buy those separately.
I’d also note the duration. Since it’s about 2 to 3 hours, you’re buying a concentrated burst of fun. If you’re on a schedule, that short time window is a plus.
Who should book this quad trip in Makadi Bay
This works best if you want action, but not at the expense of a little local color. The camel and Bedouin tea make it more than just driving around on sand.
You should especially consider it if:
- You want a guide-led ATV ride with scenic variety (dunes and coast)
- You like small-group tours where instructions and pacing feel manageable
- You’re staying in Makadi Bay and want pickup/drop-off handled for you
- You’re comfortable with moderate physical activity for the ride
Age rules are important. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum age is 5 years. To drive a quad bike, you must be 16 or over. That means families can still enjoy parts of the experience, but driving yourself depends on age and the specific setup on the day.
Quick practical notes before you go

A few things are worth getting straight, so the day stays smooth:
- Everyone signs a health and safety disclaimer before riding.
- Staff instructions must be followed. If not, participants can be removed from the trip.
- People under the influence of drugs or alcohol won’t be accepted.
- The experience is listed as near public transportation, which can help if you’re flexible with how you reach the pickup area.
If you’re the kind of person who likes to pack light, this tour helps. Helmet is provided, and pickup is handled within Makadi Bay.
Should you book Crystal Safari Makadi Bay quad trip?
Yes, I’d book it if you want a short, guided adventure that mixes scenery with cultural moments and keeps the group size under control. The strongest pull for me is the combo: Oscar the camel and Bedouin tea before you hit the ATV, then a route that aims for both desert and coastal views.
I would hesitate only if you don’t meet the riding requirements or you’re expecting long, slow sightseeing. This is built for a couple hours of real riding, with rules and safety steps taken seriously.
If your plan is Hurghada energy in a manageable time window, and you’ll be in Makadi Bay with the option for pickup, this is a solid pick. If you’re outside Makadi Bay, do the math on how you’ll get there before you assume the price is the full story.
FAQ
Where does the Crystal Makadi Bay quad trip operate?
It takes place in Hurghada, Egypt, specifically in Makadi Bay.
How long is the quad trip?
The experience lasts 2 to 3 hours (approx.).
How much does it cost per person?
The price is $29.04 per person.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included within Makadi Bay. Pickup is not included if you are outside Makadi Bay.
What are the age requirements for the quad bike?
The minimum age is 5 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and you must be 16 or over to drive a quad bike.
Do you provide helmets?
Yes. There is helmet use provided.
What cultural experiences happen before riding?
You’ll have the chance to ride a camel named Oscar and enjoy tea in a Bedouin tent before the ATV riding.
Are drinks included?
Complimentary drinks are provided. Drinks other than the complimentary drinks are not included.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid is not refunded.


























