Makadi Bay: ATV, Sea View, Camel, Stargazing, Dinner & Show

Makadi Bay’s desert is best seen from the seat of a quad bike, with open sand, mountain tracks, and occasional views toward the Red Sea. This is a guided ride, not a free-for-all race, but you still get plenty of speed, dust, bumps, and desert air.

I like the two full hours on the quad, plus the choice between normal and faster riding groups. I also like the flexible formats: a sunrise ride with breakfast, a quad and horse combination, or a sunset outing with dinner, a show, and stargazing. The main drawback is that the camel ride is only about five minutes unless you pay for the longer add-on, and the sea views may be brief.

Key points

• Two-hour desert ride: Follow guides through dunes, valleys, open plains, and coastal tracks.
• Different riding groups: Normal and faster groups may be arranged so you can choose a pace that suits you.
• Short camel stop included: The basic camel ride is mainly for photos, with 30 minutes available as an extra.
• Sunset package: Add an Oriental meal, live entertainment, traditional dancing, and a sky-watching session.
• Easy access from nearby resorts: Transfers take about 25 to 30 minutes from Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh.
• Strong value at about $16: The low price covers a substantial ride, equipment, guides, and selected extras, but check which package you are booking.

What the Makadi Bay quad ride is really like

This experience gives you a practical way to get beyond the resort strip without committing to a full-day excursion. The central activity is a two-hour guided quad ride through the desert near Sahl Hasheesh, with stops for photographs and rest.

You are not simply handed a vehicle and sent into the sand. The staff gives a safety briefing, provides a short driving test, and explains how the group will move. Helmets are supplied and must stay on for the ride. Drivers need to be at least 16 and must pass the test.

That structure matters. Some people arrive as complete beginners, while others want speed and rougher tracks. The guides may separate riders into normal and faster groups, which helps prevent confident drivers from pushing inexperienced riders too hard. Dangerous movements and reckless riding are not allowed.

The machines and riding conditions can vary, but the experience usually includes broad desert tracks, sandy rises, valleys, and sections with views toward the coast. You may stop once in the desert and once near the beach or sea, though the coastal section is not guaranteed to feel like a long beach ride. Several people enjoyed the sea views but found the actual time beside the water quite short.

Transfers from Makadi Bay, Hurghada, and beyond

If you choose a pickup package, you wait in your hotel lobby about ten minutes before the scheduled time. The exact pickup time is sent the day before, and it can be roughly zero to one hour before the selected activity time because the vehicle collects people from different hotels.

From Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh, the drive is usually around 25 to 30 minutes. Hurghada takes about 40 to 45 minutes, while El Gouna, Al Ahyaa, Soma Bay, and Safaga can take close to an hour. That difference is important when you compare the advertised activity length with the total time away from your hotel.

The vehicles are air-conditioned, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included only when you select the transfer option. You can also arrange a private transfer for an extra charge. Independent visitors can meet at the quad base and book the entry-only version, which removes much of the transfer time and keeps the price low.

Communication is handled through WhatsApp or phone, so provide a number you check regularly. Pickup usually works smoothly, but wrong hotel details or late changes can cause stress. Confirm your hotel name, entrance, and room or booking contact clearly the day before.

Safety training before the desert tracks

At the base, you complete a short form, receive safety instructions, and take a brief driving test. This is not a token formality. If you cannot control the quad properly, you will not be allowed to join the ride.

That approach is useful for families and first-time riders. One child had trouble handling the quad and received close help from a guide for the full outing. A family with younger children also upgraded one quad to a dune buggy so a parent could ride with a child.

The age rule is simple: you must be at least 16 to drive. Pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, and wheelchair users should not book this activity. Everyone signs a disclaimer before starting.

Bring sunglasses and a scarf. Sand can blow into your eyes and mouth, especially on windy days. Goggles may be available to rent, and scarves can be bought at the base, but bringing your own is easier and usually cheaper. Long, light clothing helps protect you from blowing sand, while sunscreen and a hat are useful during daytime departures.

Two hours through desert, mountains, and coast

The main ride is the reason to book this experience. You follow a guide rather than choose your own route, but the two-hour duration gives the outing enough time to feel like an excursion rather than a short amusement ride.

The route can include open plains, sandy tracks, mountain edges, and coastal sections. Expect a mix of steady riding and more energetic stretches. The faster group may get rougher tracks and more speed, while the normal group suits anyone who wants to enjoy the scenery without racing.

The guides stop for photographs and quiet breaks. One stop may be out in the desert, where the wide view and bare surroundings give you a better sense of the Red Sea region than you get from a hotel pool. Another may be near the coast, although some departures spend only a short time at the beach.

Do not book this expecting technical off-road training or independent exploration. The ride follows a managed route with a group, and drifting is not allowed. That may disappoint someone hoping to perform stunts, but it is sensible for a mixed group on unfamiliar machines.

Photographs are part of the operation. A photographer may ride with the group, take pictures and video, and offer the files afterward. You do not have to buy them, and some photographers also take pictures on your phone when asked. If you want a permanent record, this can be worthwhile, but ask about the price before agreeing. One family paid about 30 euros for a photo package, while other riders were happy with their own phone pictures.

The camel ride is brief but useful for photos

Every tour includes a short five-minute camel ride. Think of it as a photo stop, not a long trek across the desert. You mount, pose, and get down, which suits people who want to try a camel without spending much time on one.

This is also the activity’s clearest mismatch between expectation and reality. If camel riding is your main goal, the included version will feel too short. A 30-minute camel ride can be added at checkout, so choose that option before departure rather than assuming the basic ride will last half an hour.

The camel stop adds a traditional touch to an otherwise motorized outing. It also breaks up the quad riding and gives children a different activity. Keep in mind that the overall experience remains a quad tour first.

Sunrise breakfast or the horse and quad combination

The 5:00 AM sunrise option is the quietest format. It includes an Oriental breakfast and lets you see the desert before the strongest heat of the day. Breakfast is available only with this sunrise program, so do not assume it comes with the standard ride.

The early morning light should suit anyone who wants cooler conditions and softer photographs. You will need to accept a very early start, and pickup timing can still vary by hotel. This option is a good fit if you have already spent your days snorkeling or visiting busy resort areas and want a calmer start.

Another early morning choice combines one hour on a quad with one hour on horseback. It gives you less quad time but adds a slower, more traditional form of riding. Choose it for variety, not for maximum speed. The horse portion may appeal to riders who want an activity with a different rhythm, while quad enthusiasts will probably prefer the full two-hour ride.

Sunset, dinner, dancing, and stargazing

The evening version adds atmosphere after the quad ride. You ride around sunset, then return for an Oriental meal, live entertainment, and traditional dancing before the stargazing session.

The food has received strong praise, with one dinner described as high quality and another as generous enough for second and third helpings. It is a useful part of the package if you want an entire evening rather than a short ride. Cold drinks cost extra and can be expensive compared with local prices, so carry water and ask about drink prices before ordering.

The show is a matter of taste. Some people enjoyed the dancing and entertainment, while others found the performance less appealing. I would treat the show as a pleasant extra, not the main reason to book.

Stargazing is the evening’s most distinctive addition. Away from hotel lighting, the sky gives the session a real sense of place. Guide Hadeer received particular praise for explaining the stars, solar system, and Moon clearly in English. If you enjoy simple astronomy, this may be the most memorable part of the night.

The sunset package can last longer than the basic ride, which explains the advertised two-to-five-hour range. Check the exact option and starting time carefully, especially if you have another dinner reservation or evening activity.

The real value of a $16 starting price

At roughly $16 per person, this is inexpensive for two hours of quad riding, equipment, a guide, desert stops, and a short camel ride. It can cost much less than resort-sold excursions, and several families found it good value compared with hotel prices.

The low price does not mean every extra is included. Scarf and goggles are not included, and private guides and private transfers cost more. Dinner, the show, and stargazing belong to the sunset package, while breakfast belongs only to the 5:00 AM sunrise option. A longer camel ride and buggy session are also upgrades.

The value is strongest when you want active entertainment and do not need luxury transport or a private route. A private transfer makes sense for a larger family, a tight schedule, or anyone who dislikes collecting other passengers. The entry-only option makes sense if you can reach the base yourself.

Small groups are used for safety and comfort, but group size can vary. Some outings have only a handful of riders, while others combine people with different riding speeds. The guide’s ability to split the group into faster and normal riders is more important than having a tiny group.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this for couples, families with teenagers, and first-time desert riders. The two-hour ride gives you enough time to learn the quad and settle into the route, while the photo stops keep the outing from becoming nonstop engine noise.

It also works well for a mixed family group. One person can ride a buggy with a child while others use individual quads. Children under 16 cannot drive, but the experience can still work for families if an adult handles the vehicle arrangement and checks the available upgrade.

Choose the sunrise version if heat bothers you or you want breakfast and quieter desert conditions. Choose the horse combination if you want two different activities. Choose sunset if dinner, entertainment, and astronomy matter as much as the ride itself.

Skip it if you want a private, technical off-road session, a long camel trek, or a guaranteed extended beach stop. It is also a poor fit if you have serious back problems, limited mobility, or dislike dust, heat, and organized group riding.

Practical preparation for a better ride

Wear sportswear or other comfortable clothes, closed shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A scarf is especially useful, and long sleeves or trousers help on windy days when sand blows across the track.

Bring only essentials. Large bags, luggage, and jewelry are not allowed, and valuables should stay at your hotel. Smoking is not allowed in the vehicle, and alcohol and drugs are prohibited.

Carry plenty of water. Water is not included, and the desert heat can be intense, especially during summer departures. One rider reported drinking at least a liter during the outing. This is sound advice, not an optional extra.

Tips are not required, but the guides and photographer may appreciate them when they have provided close help or good pictures. The staff generally handles the photo sales without forcing you to buy, but make your choice clear.

Should you book this Makadi Bay adventure?

Book it if you want a low-cost, active half-day or evening outing with a genuine desert setting, a full two-hour quad ride, and flexible add-ons. The strongest parts are the helpful guides, the sensible safety process, the choice of riding pace, and the chance to combine quads with dinner, stars, or horses.

Go in with realistic expectations. The camel ride included in the basic price is very short, the sea stop may be limited, and the entertainment will not suit every taste. Confirm your pickup details, bring water and face protection, and select the correct package for breakfast or dinner.

At around $16, it is an easy recommendation for most able-bodied visitors staying near Makadi Bay or Hurghada who want more than a resort day. Just book the format that matches your priorities, not the title alone.

FAQ

How long does the Makadi Bay quad bike experience last?

The activity lasts from about two to five hours, depending on the selected option. The standard quad ride itself lasts two hours.

How old must I be to drive a quad bike?

Drivers must be at least 16 years old and must pass the safety driving test before joining the ride.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only when you select an option with transportation. Entry-only booking is also available if you prefer to reach the quad base yourself.

How long is the transfer from Makadi Bay?

The transfer from Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes. Pickup timing can vary because vehicles may collect people from several hotels.

Is dinner included in the standard quad tour?

Dinner, the live show, and stargazing are included only with the sunset option specifically described as quad bike, stargazing, dinner, and show.

Is breakfast included?

Oriental breakfast is included only with the 5:00 AM sunrise tour. It is not included with the standard or evening options.

How long is the included camel ride?

The included camel ride lasts about five minutes and is mainly intended for photographs. A 30-minute camel ride is available as an add-on.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, a scarf, weather-appropriate layers, goggles if you have them, and sportswear. Pack water and avoid large bags, jewelry, and valuables.