REVIEW · MAKADI BAY, SOMA BAY & SAFAGA EXCURSIONS
From Hurghada: Makadi Bay ATV Tour
You get speed, sea views, and Bedouin hospitality in one 2-hour ATV mix. I like the combo of ATV adrenaline and the tea-and-camel finish, and it feels like real time outdoors instead of just a stop-and-pose tour. One thing to plan around is dust and wind, so a scarf and proper clothing matter.
From your hotel pickup in Hurghada, you head out to Makadi Bay, where the route takes you over sandbanks and past mountains before it reaches the coast. Then the tour slows down for a coastal moment, a unique rock formation stop, and a natural beach where a swim or shoreline walk is part of the fun.
I also like the way guides run the experience, with names like Mustafa, Sayed, Mohammed, Abdo, Islam, and Abdul Rahman showing up again and again in feedback. You’ll still want to ask about the pace if you’re new, because some riders chase speed more than others.
In This Review
- Key Things That Make This Makadi Bay ATV Tour Work
- ATV Desert Tracks From Hurghada: Why This Tour Feels Good Value
- Pickup From Hurghada and the Setup Before You Go Fast
- The ATV Route: Sandbanks, Mountains, and Stops That Break the Ride Up
- The Rock Formation and the Remote Beach Moment by the Coast
- Bedouin Tea Break and the Camel Ride That Actually Feels Like a Finale
- Safety, Clothing, and Tips That Make the Day Smoother
- Photo Options and Extras: What You Might Want to Plan For
- Price and Value: Is $17 Enough for This Much Activity?
- Who Should Book This Makadi Bay ATV Tour (and Who Might Skip It)
- Should You Book This Makadi Bay ATV Tour From Hurghada?
Key Things That Make This Makadi Bay ATV Tour Work

- ATV riding that’s genuinely desert focused: sandbanks, tracks, and coastal approach, not just a quick loop
- A remote beach stop with a water moment: you can dip in the sea or explore the shoreline
- Rock formation photo stop: a scenic change of pace from dunes and open desert
- Bedouin tea served after the ride: it’s a real break, not an afterthought
- Camel ride included: short, but fun and easy to fit into the day
- Guides matter: repeated praise for Mustafa, Sayed, Mohammed, Abdo, Islam, and Abdul Rahman
More from the bays south of Hurghada
- From Hurghada: Makadi Bay ATV Tour★ 4.7 · 2,101 reviews
- Safaga/Makadi Bay: Panorama Submarine with Snorkeling Tour★ 4.6 · 651 reviews
- Makadi Bay: Luxor Highlights & King Tut Tomb Full-Day Tour★ 4.7 · 424 reviews
- Makadi Bay: Royal Seascope Submarine Cruise & Snorkel stop★ 4.4 · 184 reviews
ATV Desert Tracks From Hurghada: Why This Tour Feels Good Value

This Makadi Bay ATV tour is built for people who want a break from resort life, but still want their day to run smoothly. For around $17 per person, you’re getting more than “just driving.” You get a full activity flow: pickup, ATV time, scenic stops, Bedouin tea, and a camel ride.
What makes the value feel real is the mix of settings. You start in desert terrain, you end at the Red Sea coast, and you get enough stops that the trip doesn’t feel like one long blur of dunes. Even the photo vibe works in your favor. A photographer tags along on the ride, and multiple reviews mention that photos can be delivered earlier than expected.
The short version: if you want action plus variety for a low price, this is a strong match.
Pickup From Hurghada and the Setup Before You Go Fast

You’ll be picked up at your accommodation in Hurghada, then transferred to the starting area. Reviews often describe the driver ride as fun in itself, with music and a good mood, which matters because you’re about to jump into an activity that can be physical.
Before you hit the desert, you get fitted with a helmet and you’re briefed by your guide. The guides are also the ones who help manage the pace and keep the group together. In the feedback, people consistently mention that the guides make safety feel normal, not overly strict.
Timing is also a practical detail. The tour runs daily at 4 different times, so you should be able to choose a slot that fits the rest of your day. One review noted a booked time of 10:00 with pickup arriving earlier, and the total day timing stretched because of transfers and the full activity sequence. So yes, the advertised duration is 2 hours, but plan for your day to run longer once pickup and drop-off are included.
If you’re staying near El Gouna, transfers from there are extra at €10 per person, so factor that into your budget.
The ATV Route: Sandbanks, Mountains, and Stops That Break the Ride Up

The core experience is riding your ATV over sandbanks and through desert tracks, with coastal views building as you head toward the water. The wind and the motion are part of the point here. It’s not a gentle scenic drive. You’ll feel the push of sand under the tires, and you’ll learn quickly why your body muscles get a workout during dune sections.
The best part of the route is the variation. You’re not trapped in one kind of terrain. Reviews mention:
- dunes and open desert tracks
- a sea viewpoint stop with mountains in the background
- additional photo stops on the way
Some days can run as small groups. One person specifically mentioned a group of 4 and a long, well-paced ride. Another review mentioned the tour being private for two people. At the same time, other feedback mentions larger groups, split by age or comfort level so faster riders don’t just steamroll the whole experience.
That matters if you’re not confident on a bike. If you’re hoping for a calmer pace, tell your guide right away. Most guides do a solid job of matching the route to the group while still keeping the fun energy.
The Rock Formation and the Remote Beach Moment by the Coast

After the desert track section, the tour shifts gears. You’ll leave your ATV for a guide-led moment to see a unique rock formation. It’s a short pause, but it’s one of the places that makes the trip feel more than a dune ride. It gives you a break from sand, and it also makes for easy photos without the “we never stopped” problem.
Then comes the coastal section. You’ll ride onward to a natural beach where you can take a refreshing dip in the sea or explore the shoreline on foot. The “remote beach” part is key. You’re not doing a crowded beach bounce. You’re going out where the desert meets the water, and the scenery shift feels dramatic.
If you want to swim, keep it practical. Your ATV time will leave you dusty, and you’ll likely want to rinse off after. Bring something simple for the beach portion if you can, like a small towel or dry set of clothes.
Also, understand that this is still an adventure tour. If waves, wind, or conditions aren’t ideal, the beach part might be more of a dip-in if you choose it. But the option is built into the experience.
Bedouin Tea Break and the Camel Ride That Actually Feels Like a Finale

After the main riding, you head to a Bedouin area for tea. A cup of Bedouin tea is included, and multiple reviews say it tastes fresh and is a welcome pause after the physical ride.
This is one of those moments that’s easy to underestimate when you’re booking an ATV tour. But it’s exactly what makes the day memorable. You slow down. You sit. You get a quick cultural contrast to the speed and sand. If you’re dusty and wind-tossed, tea is a real reset.
Then the tour finishes with a camel ride. It’s described as short in several reviews, but that’s also a benefit. You get the experience without turning it into a whole separate activity day.
One practical note from feedback: the experience can include sales talk around tea. That doesn’t automatically ruin the experience, but if you prefer zero pressure, stay polite, set your boundaries, and just enjoy your cup.
Also, if you want a better scarf routine, watch for it here. Some guides help with scarves, and people mention buying a scarf on site if you forget yours.
Safety, Clothing, and Tips That Make the Day Smoother

ATV riding in sand needs the right setup. The tour info is very clear about what to bring:
- comfortable shoes
- sunglasses
- a scarf
- weather-appropriate clothing
And it’s even more important because the tour can run in windy conditions. On windy days, it’s recommended that you cover arms and legs. That’s not just about comfort. It’s about keeping sand out of places you really do not want sand.
A scarf is the big one. Reviews specifically mention that women should hide hair under the scarf because dust gets everywhere. If you’ve ever left a sandy beach feeling itchy, you already know what I mean.
For drivers, the minimum is 16 years old. Pregnant women and anyone with mobility impairments or wheelchair users aren’t suitable for this activity. If that’s you or someone in your party, you’ll want to look for a different style tour.
Finally, bring tip money if you’re happy with the guide. Several reviews say tips are welcome in cash, and people regret not having enough cash for the guide, the driver, and the camel person. I’m not telling you it’s required, but it’s smart budgeting.
Photo Options and Extras: What You Might Want to Plan For

A photographer comes along during the trip. You can buy a package later if you like the shots. Prices are mentioned in feedback, like a package around 35 euros, and a separate option mentioned at 15 euros for a drive link.
There’s also a small scarf fee if you don’t bring one. One review says the scarf rental is 5 euros. If you want to avoid those add-ons, plan ahead with a scarf you already like.
If you’re thinking about photos for social media, here’s the practical approach I’d use:
- take your own videos and photos on the best stops
- if you love the official ones, buy the package after you see them
- keep an eye on delivery timing, since one review says the photos arrived at 9:00 the next morning
That way you stay in control. You get the memories whether or not you add the upgrade.
Price and Value: Is $17 Enough for This Much Activity?

At around $17 per person, this is priced to feel affordable, and it generally delivers on that promise. You’re not paying just for the ATV. You’re paying for:
- guide-led routing and safety management
- ATV and helmet
- Bedouin tea
- camel ride
- pickup and drop-off in Hurghada
The value gets even better if you’re a first-time ATV rider. Many reviews praise the guides for making riders feel safe while still keeping the route fun. For people who want adrenaline, the ATVs are described as fast by multiple reviewers, with the ride over dunes giving a real thrill.
Where value can shift is in the extras. Scarf hire, photo packages, and tips can add up. But that’s optional. The included items are the core of the experience, and the price remains low either way.
Also consider how much you’ll appreciate the stops. If you’re the type who loves scenery changes, this tour offers more than “go, ride, repeat.” Desert tracks, rock formation, and a coastal beach stop create a day that feels like it had chapters, not just minutes.
Who Should Book This Makadi Bay ATV Tour (and Who Might Skip It)

This tour fits best if you want:
- a short desert adventure without a full-day commitment
- ATV riding that reaches the Red Sea coast
- an included cultural touch (tea) plus a fun animal interaction (camel)
- an experience that still feels guided and safe
It’s also great for teenagers and active adults. One review specifically mentions teenage children loving it, and another calls out the experience as a top pick for an adventure break.
I’d be more cautious if:
- you’re sensitive to dust and wind, and don’t want to wear a scarf and cover up
- you have mobility limitations, because the activity isn’t suitable for mobility impairments or wheelchair users
- you want a totally relaxed day, since ATV riding and dune sections are physical
If you’re somewhere between, choose a time slot that matches your energy. The tour runs at multiple daily times, so you can aim for when weather feels best and your body is ready.
Should You Book This Makadi Bay ATV Tour From Hurghada?
My take: this is a smart booking if you want the classic Hurghada combo of desert adventure and Red Sea scenery, with Bedouin tea and a camel ride added for free. The route has variety, the guides get repeated praise (Mustafa, Sayed, Mohammed, Abdo, Islam, Abdul Rahman), and the price is hard to beat for what you get.
Book it if you pack the basics, especially a scarf and comfortable shoes, and if you’re excited to ride, then cool down at the beach with tea.
Skip it if you can’t manage dust and wind, or if you need a fully accessible activity. And if you hate any kind of sales pressure, go in ready to enjoy the tea without feeling obligated to buy anything extra.
Overall, it’s the kind of tour that gives you a lot of story for one morning or afternoon. If that sounds like your style, you’ll probably have a great time in Makadi Bay.
The Bays South of Hurghada
More of Makadi Bay from our review pile
- Makadi Bay: Luxor Highlights & King Tut Tomb Full-Day Tour
★ 4.7 · 424 reviews - Safaga/Makadi Bay: Panorama Submarine with Snorkeling Tour
★ 4.6 · 651 reviews - Makadi Bay: Sunset Quad & ATV Adventure & Seaview
★ 4.2 · 1,057 reviews - From Hurghada: Makadi Bay ATV Tour
★ 4.7 · 2,101 reviews
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