REVIEW · MAKADI BAY
From Hurghada: Makadi Bay ATV Tour
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Sand, speed, and sea in two hours. This Makadi Bay ATV tour from Hurghada mixes desert dune driving with coastal scenery, then slows down with Bedouin tea and a camel stop. You’ll get helmeted up, follow a guide, and ride at a fun pace—guides like Mustafa are known for making everyone feel welcome and cared for.
What I really like here is the mix of views and moments. You don’t just loop around sand; you reach the coast, get directed to a rock formation/photo point, and then finish at a natural beach where a swim is part of the plan.
One thing to think about: this is a dust-and-splash kind of activity. On windy days you’ll want to cover up (arms and legs), bring a scarf, and wear shoes that can handle sand—also, it’s not suitable for pregnant travelers or anyone with mobility impairments or who uses a wheelchair.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel
- Hurghada Pickup to Makadi Bay: The Part That Saves Your Day
- Helmets, Scarves, and the Real Safety Setup
- The ATV Ride: Sandbanks, Mountain Paths, and Coastal Turns
- Coastline Stop: Rock Formation and the Remote Beach Moment
- Bedouin Tea Break: A Pause That Adds Meaning
- Camel Ride Time: Different Pace, Short and Sweet
- Price and Value at About $17: Why It Feels Like a Deal
- Guides and the Trip Feel: Why Mustafa, Abdo, and Islam Matter
- What to Pack (So You Don’t Hate Yourself Later)
- Should You Book This ATV Tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the Makadi Bay ATV tour?
- Is pickup and drop-off from Hurghada included?
- How much is the El Gouna transfer?
- What’s included in the price?
- Are food and drinks included?
- What languages are the guides?
- How many departure times are there each day?
- What should I bring?
- Is this tour suitable for everyone?
- Is there free cancellation?
Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel

- Desert ATV time that ends at the Red Sea coast, not just back at the start point
- Remote beach option for a sea dip after you park your ATV
- Photo stops with sea and mountain views along the way
- Fresh-brewed Bedouin tea served in a desert setting
- Camel ride that gives you a different pace from the engine roar
- Small trip feel with attentive guiding, including guides such as Mustafa, Sayed, Mohammed, Islam, and Abdo
Hurghada Pickup to Makadi Bay: The Part That Saves Your Day

Most ATV tours in the region feel like a scramble, but this one is set up with hotel transfers from Hurghada. That matters because you’re not spending your energy figuring out roads, parking, and timing—your job is basically to show up, get kitted, and ride.
Tours run daily at four different times, and the advertised experience is 2 hours on the activity itself. In practice, your full door-to-door window can be longer because pickup and drop-off happen around your slot. Plan for that and you’ll feel less rushed when your day turns into an adventure.
If you’re staying outside Hurghada—like El Gouna—you’ll need to book that transfer separately for €10 per person. It’s a small add-on, but it’s better to know early so you don’t get surprised by the final checkout.
A few more Makadi Bay tours and experiences worth a look
Helmets, Scarves, and the Real Safety Setup

You’ll be provided an ATV and helmet, plus you’ll ride with a live guide who’s working to keep the group together. The big practical safety detail here is not the helmet—it’s what you wear under it.
Bring comfortable shoes (sand-friendly, closed-toe), sunglasses, and a scarf. If it’s windy, the tour specifically recommends covering arms and legs. That isn’t just comfort talk; dust is part of the deal in the desert, and covering up makes the whole ride more pleasant.
Also note the driver rule: drivers must be at least 16. If you’re traveling with a younger sibling, you’ll want to plan who is riding as the driver versus passenger with the guide’s direction.
Lastly, you may see small extras available on-site. For example, one traveler noted a scarf fee if you don’t bring your own. I’d treat that as a backup plan, not your primary strategy—bring yours and save the hassle.
The ATV Ride: Sandbanks, Mountain Paths, and Coastal Turns

Here’s what you’re really paying for: moving under your own power across changing terrain. After you get fitted, you hop on and start working your way over sandbanks, then out toward mountain paths and scenic edges where the Red Sea is in view.
You’ll feel the rhythm shift as the ground changes. On dunes, you’ll be bouncing and throttling with the sand. On firmer tracks and mountain-side segments, the ride becomes more about control—staying stable, keeping distance from the guide, and enjoying the views instead of just white-knuckling.
You also get built-in moments to look up. The route includes pauses for photos where you can capture sea-and-desert scenery, and you may even get guided toward sunset-style picture spots (the kind that make your camera work harder than your hands).
One more useful reality check: this is an ATV safari, so your body will feel it. If you’re new to quad biking, expect your hips and back to protest a bit after the sand sections. The good news is the ride is guided and paced so you’re not just thrown into chaos.
Coastline Stop: Rock Formation and the Remote Beach Moment

The tour is designed to end the ATV portion at the coast. When you reach the shore area, you leave the bike behind and follow your guide to a unique rock formation—a spot made for photos and for taking in the contrast of sea cliffs and desert.
Then comes the part many people remember best: you head to a natural beach where you can take a refreshing dip in the sea or explore the shoreline on foot. Even if you don’t swim, you’ll appreciate the break from engine noise and the change in air after the dunes.
Practical note: bring the right mindset. This beach stop is outdoors, sun-and-wind exposed, so plan for salt, sand, and quick-changing conditions. If you enjoy mixing activities—motion, scenery, then a reset—this stop is exactly that.
Bedouin Tea Break: A Pause That Adds Meaning

After you’ve worked up sweat (and probably sand), you’ll be taken to a Bedouin area for fresh-brewed Bedouin tea. This isn’t just a token drink. It’s the tour’s built-in reset, shifting you from adrenaline into a calmer desert pace.
Tea is served, and the moment is designed to be social—something you can share with the people you rode with. A word of caution: you might find they also discuss or offer extra items tied to the tea experience. If you’re not interested, it’s easy to politely stay focused on the ride and the view.
Camel Ride Time: Different Pace, Short and Sweet

Then you get the camel ride in the desert. This is the classic “slow down after speed” contrast. You won’t be spending hours on the camel, but you do get the full experience of balancing on a local animal and seeing the desert from a height that feels different than standing on sand tracks.
It’s also a great equalizer for mixed experience levels. Some people feel more confident after the ATV dust settles, and the camel segment gives everyone a chance to switch gears without needing serious driving skills.
Price and Value at About $17: Why It Feels Like a Deal

At around $17 per person (for the core activity), this tour is priced like a budget adventure—but with real inclusions that make it feel fair.
Here’s what’s included:
- Guide
- ATV and helmet
- Bedouin tea
- Camel ride
- Transfer from and to your Hurghada hotel
That’s a lot to include at this price point. Many tours in the area will nickel-and-dime you for one or two of these items, but here the essentials are part of the base.
What’s not included:
- Food and drinks
- El Gouna transfer (if needed), at €10 per person
And there are optional add-ons you might see:
- A photographer may take pictures during the tour, and photo/video packages can be purchased later. One traveler mentioned a photo package around €35, and another noted a 15€ drive link option.
- You might also be offered scarves if you forget yours.
So my advice is simple: budget a little for extras if you want them, but don’t feel pressured. If you’re going for the ride, the included tea and camel segment, and the coast/rock/beach stops, you’re already covering the big value items.
Guides and the Trip Feel: Why Mustafa, Abdo, and Islam Matter

A tour like this lives or dies on the guide. Luckily, the guide lineup for this ATV experience seems to be a real strength. People specifically called out guides including Mustafa, Sayed, Mohammed, Islam, and Abdo for being friendly, organized, and good at taking photos.
What you should look for in a good ATV guide is straightforward:
- They give clear safety instructions.
- They keep the group together without killing the fun.
- They help you land the best photo angles when the view is worth it.
Based on the guide names and how they’re described, this tour is built around that kind of on-the-ground competence.
What to Pack (So You Don’t Hate Yourself Later)

Here’s the practical kit that matches what the tour expects:
- Comfortable shoes (closed-toe, sand-ready)
- Sunglasses
- Scarf (dust control and sun protection)
- Weather-appropriate clothing; on windy days, cover arms and legs
If you’re sensitive to sand in hair, consider using your scarf more intentionally than you think you’ll need. Dust is part of the experience, and covering up early saves you from spending the rest of the afternoon brushing sand out of everything.
Should You Book This ATV Tour?
If you want a fast, fun desert adventure that still includes real scenery and a coastal finish, this one is easy to recommend. The best fit is when you:
- want ATV driving time plus a beach stop
- like the idea of Bedouin tea and a camel ride
- care more about doing something memorable than sitting still for hours
Skip it if any of the following apply:
- you’re pregnant
- you have mobility impairments or use a wheelchair
- the driver minimum age is an issue (drivers must be 16+)
Also, go in knowing the experience is active and outdoorsy. Pack smart, cover up on windy days, and treat optional photo packages as just that—optional.
If that sounds like your kind of day, book it and plan to end the ride with salt in the air and sand on your shoes.
FAQ
How long is the Makadi Bay ATV tour?
The tour duration is listed as 2 hours.
Is pickup and drop-off from Hurghada included?
Yes, transfer from and to your Hurghada hotel is included. El Gouna transfers are extra.
How much is the El Gouna transfer?
The El Gouna transfer must be booked extra at €10 per person.
What’s included in the price?
Included items are the guide, ATV and helmet, a cup of Bedouin tea, a camel ride, and the Hurghada hotel transfer.
Are food and drinks included?
No. Food and drinks are not included.
What languages are the guides?
Guides are available in English, German, and Russian.
How many departure times are there each day?
The tour runs daily at 4 different times.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a scarf, and weather-appropriate clothing. On windy days, covering arms and legs is recommended.
Is this tour suitable for everyone?
It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or drivers under 16 years.
Is there free cancellation?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.








