From Hurghada: Makadi Bay ATV Tour

Two hours, and suddenly you’re in the desert. The Makadi Bay ATV tour from Hurghada mixes fast desert riding with coastal views, a beach water break, then finishes with Bedouin tea and a camel ride.

I like how the route changes as you go: sandbanks, mountain tracks, then you reach the coast. You’ll also get more than the ride itself, with real downtime built in at the beach stop and a Bedouin-style tea moment afterward.

One thing to consider: the experience happens outdoors in dust and wind. Bring a scarf, and plan on covering up if the day is breezy, because sand gets everywhere fast.

Key things I’d focus on before you book

• Desert-to-coast driving: You ride from sandbanks toward the shoreline and sea viewpoints.
• A remote beach stop: You can jump in for a refreshing dip or walk the shoreline.
• Proper Bedouin tea time: A fresh-brew cup is included, not just a quick sip.
• Camel ride included: Short desert balancing time on a local camel.
• Guides split riders by pace: Families and faster groups aren’t always mixed together.
• Photo add-ons are common: A photographer is along, and purchases are optional.

Why Makadi Bay ATV rides feel like more than a quick thrill

If you’re staying in Hurghada, this tour is a simple way to escape the resort bubble. You’re trading a lobby view for open desert, then trading dust tracks for sea air at the coast. The best part is that you’re not doing just one “type” of scenery; the route changes as you move from sandbanks to mountain terrain and then toward the Red Sea.

The second reason I like this experience is the mix of activities. The ATV ride is the headline, but the included stops make it feel like an actual outing: a beach break, a Bedouin tea stop, and a camel ride after the riding is done. You end up with a full set of memories even if you’re not the type who spends hours hunting for sights.

Finally, it’s built for fun without pretending everyone rides the same way. Guides are known for keeping groups moving and helping with safety, and you’ll often see names like Mustafa, Sayed, Mohammed, Abdo, Abdul Rahman, Kareem, and Islam attached to great experiences. That matters because ATV days can go sideways when the guide’s attention is scattered.

Your two hours on the ATV: sandbanks, mountains, and sea views

You’ll start with hotel pickup in Hurghada and a transfer to the launch area. Once you arrive, you get fitted with a helmet and head out with your guide. The goal is straightforward: ride for around two hours through the desert, over sandbanks, and along mountain-adjacent tracks, with coastal views showing up as you work your way toward the shore.

This is the part where your “workout” sneaks up on you. Sand dunes and soft ground make the ride more physical than a paved-road “go-kart” vibe. If you’ve never ridden an ATV before, don’t worry—guides tend to make sure everyone understands how to handle the bike and when to slow down.

Also, the pace isn’t chaos for the sake of chaos. Many riders highlight that guides are safety conscious while still letting you enjoy speed. You’ll see stops along the way for photos, and those pauses matter more than you’d think. The breaks help you reset, grab water if you brought it, and shake out arms that get tired from gripping in sand.

One practical note: the tour runs daily at four different times, so pick the slot that works best with your day and your tolerance for wind. Windy conditions are specifically called out—cover arms and legs when it’s breezy.

The beach dip plus the rock-formation stop (where the photos happen)

The tour doesn’t just drop you at a beach and let you wander. You leave the ATV at a point along the route, follow your guide, and reach a unique rock formation stop before continuing onward. That rock-formation break helps break up the ride and gives you a different kind of view—less motion, more “stand and look” time.

Then comes the remote beach stop at the coast. This is where you can take a refreshing sea dip, or if you’d rather stay dry, explore the shoreline on foot. Some riders describe it as a quick, fun chance to jump into the water away from the busy resort scene. Even if you skip the swim, this stop is great for photos because the coastline and cliffs frame you differently than the desert does.

Photo stops are a big part of this day. Expect multiple points where you pause for pictures with dunes and mountains in the background, and in some time slots you might even get sunset-style shots. There’s also often a photographer along the route, and you can buy the photo link after. Some riders report a drive link around 15€, while others mention paying closer to 35€ for photos and videos—so don’t assume one fixed price.

If you hate being asked about add-ons, you’ll want to set a clear budget before you go. The tea stop is another moment where optional buying can happen, since tea sales are sometimes promoted after you drink.

Bedouin tea and camel ride: the quieter ending

After the riding and beach time, the tour shifts gears into “slow down and enjoy.” You’ll head to a Bedouin area for a cup of fresh-brewed tea. It’s included, and it gives you a real break from the sun and noise of the ATV route.

This tea stop is also where you may feel the edges of tourism selling. Some people note that they wanted to sell tea afterward. If you’re sensitive to that kind of pushy energy, just treat it like this: you already got your included cup, so decide in the moment if you want to buy anything or you’d rather just enjoy the tea and move on.

Next is the camel ride. It’s short—think quick desert balancing time rather than a long trek—and it’s still fun. Riders describe the camels as friendly and well trained. If you’re doing this as your “non-ATV thrill,” the camel ride is a nice bonus that keeps the day from feeling like one single activity the whole time.

Getting to the start from Hurghada: pickup time and real time on the clock

The best part about a tour like this is you don’t have to negotiate transport. You get hotel transfer pickup and drop-off in Hurghada, then return to your accommodation at the end.

Just be aware that the two-hour ride is not necessarily the whole time you’ll be away. Some people describe being picked up well before the scheduled start and returning several hours later. For example, a 10am booking might mean pickup around 8:45 and getting back around 1pm. So plan this like a half-day commitment, not a quick two-hour “blink and it’s over.”

El Gouna is a special case. The transfer from and to El Gouna is not included in the base price and is listed as an extra €10 per person. If you’re staying in El Gouna and you don’t want surprises, confirm your pickup point before the day starts.

One more small practical thing: pickup can be smooth, but it depends on the driver finding the correct hotel entrance. If you have a complicated hotel with multiple gates, share clear pickup instructions with your operator so everyone starts in the right place.

Price and value: what $17 actually buys you

At about $17 per person, this tour is aggressively good value for a day that includes transportation, an ATV with helmet, a guide, Bedouin tea, and a camel ride. Most ATV experiences elsewhere charge more just for the riding portion, then sell extras for the stops. Here, the included package gives you the full “desert day” structure.

What’s not included: food and drinks. That’s not unusual, but it does change how you should prep. Bring water if you can, or plan to buy it before pickup depending on what’s available at the meeting point.

Then there are the extras that could change your final cost:

• Photo purchases after the trip (often around 15€ for a photo link, sometimes higher for larger packages)
• Optional scarf if you forget yours (some riders mention 5€)
• Tips, which are commonly welcomed (and most comfortable when paid in cash)

If you’re trying to keep this cheap, the easiest strategy is to treat the included tea and photos as optional add-ons rather than necessities. You’ll still get the core experience without buying anything beyond your base ticket.

Also, if your plans are flexible: cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is listed as free for a full refund, and there’s a reserve-now, pay-later option shown.

Gear and comfort: scarf, shoes, sunglasses, and wind rules

This is an ATV day in a desert environment, so comfort matters more than style. Here’s your essentials list:

• Comfortable shoes (you’ll want grip on sand and stable footing near the bikes)
• Sunglasses (the brightness can be intense)
• A scarf (for dust control)
• Weather-appropriate clothing

Windy days are specifically called out. If it’s breezy, wear clothing that covers your arms and legs. That isn’t just for comfort—it helps stop dust from turning your trip into a sandblaster.

For women, dust control can be the difference between enjoying the ride and spending the day picking sand out of your hair. A scarf over your hair is a smart move, especially if you forget to bring a proper head covering. You can sometimes buy a scarf on-site if you arrive unprepared, but it’s better to bring your own so you can choose how it fits.

Helmets are provided, so you don’t need to pack one. Still, if you’re sensitive about fit, double-check that the helmet sits comfortably before you ride.

Safety, pace, and who should skip this tour

ATV tours can be intense even when the guides are careful. This one is not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with mobility impairments
• Wheelchair users
• Drivers under 16 years

If any of those apply, I’d skip it. There’s enough uneven ground, sand, and movement that it wouldn’t be fair to your body or your confidence.

If you’re under 16, you should plan to ride as a passenger (if the operator allows it for your group situation). The data here states a minimum driver age, but it doesn’t list passenger rules—so confirm with the provider when you book.

On the positive side, guides are described as making sure riders feel safe. Riders also mention getting breaks in the sand dunes because the ride is tough on your body. That tells me the operation is set up to prevent “ride until everyone collapses” behavior.

A small-but-important social detail: some riders report that groups can be split by age so families don’t get stuck with the fastest thrill-seekers. That’s a win if you want a fun day where the pace matches the group.

And one reality check: ATVs are generally described as in good condition, but you should still watch for anything that feels off before you take off. If something seems strange, ask the guide right away.

Photo and tea sales, plus tips: how to budget calmly

This tour often includes a photographer. You’re likely to take pictures throughout the ride and at the stops, and then you can buy the photo set after. Costs vary by package, with reports around 15€ for a drive link and other mentions closer to 35€ depending on what you purchase.

Two ways to avoid regret:

• Decide upfront if you want the photo set or if you’d rather save money and just take a few snapshots yourself.
• If you buy, check what the price includes. Some people cared most about videos, others just wanted the links.

Tea sales can show up after the included cup. You might be offered tea to buy. If you’re not interested, you don’t need to turn it into a debate—just enjoy what you came for.

Tips are also part of the day. Many riders recommend cash tips for the guide and driver, and they note that tipping is easier when you bring some. It’s also a good way to thank someone who keeps your day running smoothly, especially on days with more riders.

Should you book this Makadi Bay ATV tour?

I’d book it if you want a real desert outing from Hurghada that’s short, structured, and includes the extra stuff many ATV days charge for separately. The big wins are the included Bedouin tea and camel ride, plus the beach stop where you can actually cool off at the coast.

I’d think twice if:

• You’re sensitive to dust or wind and don’t have proper scarf coverage
• You need a low-bounce, low-grip adventure (sand and uneven ground are part of the experience)
• You fall into the “no add-ons, no sales” category and don’t want photo-tea pressure

If you do go, come prepared: scarf, sunglasses, and shoes that handle sand. And set a photo and tip budget before the photographer and tea pitches start.

If you match the vibe, this is one of those days where you’ll feel like you left Hurghada behind without having to plan a whole multi-day trip.

FAQ

How long is the Makadi Bay ATV tour from Hurghada?

The tour duration is listed as 2 hours.

What’s included in the $17 per person package?

It includes a guide, ATV and helmet, a cup of Bedouin tea, a camel ride, and transfer from and back to your hotel.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Do I need to pay extra for pickup from El Gouna?

Yes. El Gouna transfers must be booked extra at €10 per person.

What languages are offered by the tour guides?

The live tour guide is available in English, German, and Russian.

How many times per day does the tour run?

The tour takes place daily at four different times.

What should I bring to the tour?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a scarf, plus weather-appropriate clothing.

What should I wear on windy days?

On windy days, it’s recommended to wear clothing that covers your arms and legs.

Is the tour suitable if I’m pregnant or have mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.

Is there a photographer on the tour, and can I buy photos?

Yes. A photographer is present during the trip, and you can buy the photo package (with prices reported around 15€ and 35€ depending on the option).