REVIEW · HURGHADA
Makadi Bay: ATV, Sea View, Camel, Stargazing, Dinner & Show
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Egypt Excursions Online · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Quad wheels, camel photos, then stars. In Makadi Bay, this ATV outing strings together desert speed, quick cultural stops, and (in the evening version) dinner, a show, and stargazing that feels special for the price. I also like that it’s guided with real safety steps, not a free-for-all.
Two things I really like: the ride gives you variety—dunes, valleys, and coastal views for a change of scenery—and the evening program has a full “Egypt night” feel (Oriental meal, entertainment, then the sky). One thing to consider: transport timing can vary by hotel, and you’ll want to build in a little patience if your pickup driver has to shuffle between stops.
In This Review
- Key moments that make this Makadi Bay ATV plan work
- Getting to Makadi Bay Quads: pickup times and what to plan
- The 2-hour ATV experience: how the ride actually feels
- Desert + sea views: why the beach stop is worth it
- Camel ride: included photos, plus an add-on if you want more
- Sunset Dinner + Show: what you’re actually getting
- Stargazing in the desert: the part people remember
- Safety, helmets, and how guides keep control without killing fun
- What to pack so you don’t get sand-and-sweat punished
- Price and value: is $16 really enough for this program?
- Who should book this Makadi Bay ATV + stargazing combo
- Should you book this Makadi Bay ATV, camel, dinner, show, and stargazing?
- FAQ
- How long is the quad bike portion?
- Is a camel ride included?
- What’s included in the Stargazing, Dinner & Show option?
- What age do you need to drive the quad?
- Do I need experience riding a quad?
- What should I bring with me?
- Is hotel pickup available?
Key moments that make this Makadi Bay ATV plan work
- A true guided 2-hour quad ride with photo stops, not a quick spin around the lot
- Sea views during the evening route, with a short beach/coast stop for photos
- Camel time is short by default (5 minutes for pictures), with an optional longer ride
- Dinner + live entertainment are bundled into the sunset/stargazing option
- Stargazing with explanations (some guides clearly explain the Moon and planets)
- Small-group feel with helmets, escort, and a short driving test before you go
Getting to Makadi Bay Quads: pickup times and what to plan
Makadi Bay is a convenient base for this kind of experience in the Red Sea region, but the logistics can change based on where you’re staying. If you pick the option with hotel pickup, you’ll usually ride in an air-conditioned van and then transfer to the quad base.
From Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh, the transfer is about 25–30 minutes. From Hurghada it’s around 40–45 minutes. If you’re coming from farther spots like El Gouna, Al Ahyaa, Soma Bay, or Safaga, it can stretch to about an hour. Your exact pickup time is typically confirmed the day before, and the tour team tells you to be ready in the lobby about 10 minutes ahead.
Here’s the practical takeaway: if you’re on a tight schedule, choose the time slot that gives you breathing room back at your hotel. And if you’re doing the stargazing version, remember the evening can run long enough that you won’t want another big plan right after drop-off.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hurghada.
The 2-hour ATV experience: how the ride actually feels
The core of this adventure is a guided quad bike ride through desert terrain. It’s designed for fun and safety, not racing. Before anyone goes out, you get a safety briefing and then a short driving test so the guide can place you confidently into the ride.
A few rules matter here:
- Helmets and safety equipment are provided and you must wear them
- Drivers must be at least 16 years old and pass the driving test
- Reckless riding is not allowed, and there’s no drifting kind of chaos
- The minimum “learning curve” is real—this isn’t pretend, and your guide is watching
What you get during the ride is variety. Expect dunes, valleys, open plains, and—on the evening route—coastal/sea-view moments. Even when the beach stop is brief, it changes the rhythm of the tour. You’re not just looking at sand for two hours straight.
One detail I really appreciate is how the guides manage different comfort levels. People are often split into groups (commonly a faster group vs a calmer pace), which helps everyone enjoy the same ride without forcing beginners to keep up with fearless drivers.
If you want speed and bumps, you can usually request that the guide put you with the fast group—just keep in mind the guide’s job is to keep things controlled. If you want a smoother, confidence-building ride, pick the normal group and enjoy the scenery and stops.
Desert + sea views: why the beach stop is worth it
The Makadi Bay selling point here is that the route isn’t only desert. Many quad tours stay inland; this one aims to add a coastal chapter. In the evening itinerary, the ride often includes a stop near the beach so you can feel the Red Sea air and see the change in horizon.
Now, be realistic: the coastal moment isn’t a full beach day. Think of it like a photo-and-views pause, not swimming time. Some people end up feeling like they didn’t see much sea, but even then, the visual break from desert dunes is the point.
This is where timing helps. Doing the ride at sunset gives you softer light for photos and a cooler temperature than midday heat. You’ll still want water and sun protection, because desert sun doesn’t care about your schedule.
Camel ride: included photos, plus an add-on if you want more
Every version includes a short camel ride—about 5 minutes—mainly for photos and a quick “Egypt moment.” It’s quick enough that it doesn’t stall your quad time, and it’s long enough that you can get the classic pictures without feeling like you’re trapped on a slow schedule.
If you want more time, there’s an optional add-on for a longer camel ride (around 30 minutes). That’s a good choice if you’re traveling with younger kids or you want a more relaxed pace after the ATV portion.
One more practical point: the camel experience is generally more sit-and-get-your-photo than hands-on riding. If you’re expecting a full guiding session about camels, adjust expectations and treat it as the cultural side dish.
Sunset Dinner + Show: what you’re actually getting
The evening option is the one that turns this from an ATV activity into a true night out in the desert. The stargazing, dinner, and show package includes:
- A sunset quad ride component (so you’re out when the sky is changing)
- An Oriental dinner afterward
- Live entertainment and a traditional dance show
It’s not a fancy restaurant night. It’s a desert meal experience meant to pair with the entertainment and then—this is the key part—stargazing. The food quality seems to land well for most people, with many describing it as tasty and generous.
Two things to keep your expectations grounded:
- Entertainment tastes vary. Some people love the show; some people find it not their style.
- Drinks are typically extra. Cold drinks can be priced high, so if you’re watching your budget, bring your focus (or plan on paying on-site).
Still, if you want a “complete story” for your evening—ride, dinner, and sky—this is the option that stitches it together.
Stargazing in the desert: the part people remember
Stargazing is why this tour earns its romantic edge. On the night program, you go from desert lights and firelight dinner energy into a quiet sky moment. And you don’t just stand there. Guides explain what you’re seeing.
In particular, some guides clearly focus on the Moon and planets in a way that’s understandable even if you’re not an astronomy person. It’s the difference between staring up and actually learning something real in plain language.
If you’re doing this for photos, know that stargazing moments are usually about the stars, not about endless posing. If you want the best experience, keep your phone usage respectful and let the guide lead the moment.
One more consideration: the weather matters. This is offered when skies are clear enough for stargazing. In desert regions, a little cloud cover can change how magical the sky feels.
Safety, helmets, and how guides keep control without killing fun
This is a guided adventure, and the safety approach is a big part of why people rate it well. You’ll get:
- A safety briefing before departure
- A short driving test to make sure you can handle the quad
- Helmets worn throughout
- Active escorting during the ride
Guides also help solve real-life problems quickly. For example, if someone has trouble driving, guides can stay close and support them. That matters a lot if you’re bringing a mix of experience levels in your group.
You might hear staff names in the way the experience unfolds. People have praised guides such as Samir and Mohamed for safety and fun, and others mention Hadeed for stargazing explanations in English. Mohamed Baraka also gets credit for being friendly and knowledgeable.
The humor and warmth matter too. You can feel when a team cares about making sure the day stays fun and not stressful.
What to pack so you don’t get sand-and-sweat punished
This is Egypt desert heat plus wind and sand. Pack like you expect grit.
Bring:
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable clothes for warm weather
- A scarf (you’ll want this for wind and sand)
- Weather-appropriate layers
- Sportswear if you have it
Scarf and goggles are not included. People often buy a scarf on-site if they forget, and goggles can sometimes be rented if you lack proper protection. If you’re expecting a lot of sand in your mouth and eyes, that’s how you avoid a miserable ride.
Also: don’t bring jewelry, big luggage, or anything valuable that would matter if it got dusty or misplaced. The tour rules explicitly restrict luggage/large bags and jewelry, and you can’t smoke in the vehicle.
Price and value: is $16 really enough for this program?
At around $16 per person, the value here is the story. You’re not just buying a quad ride—you’re buying a guided experience that can include a camel photo stop, desert stops for pictures, and (for the evening program) dinner, a show, and stargazing.
What you should expect to pay extra for:
- Photos from the photographer (often sold separately)
- Drinks on-site
- Optional upgrades like private guide or private transfers
- Optional add-ons like longer camel ride or buggy time (depending on what’s offered at checkout)
A good way to think about value: many hotel-run excursions in the area cost more for fewer “chapters.” This one gives you multiple chapters in one outing. If you’re price-sensitive but still want an experience that feels like more than a basic tour stop, this fits.
Just remember: when something costs very little, your job is to show up prepared and be flexible. The ride itself is the payoff.
Who should book this Makadi Bay ATV + stargazing combo
This works best if you:
- Want a mix of adrenaline (quad) and atmosphere (stars)
- Like guided activities with safety rules and a clear structure
- Are traveling as a couple, friends, or families who can handle a few hours of desert sun
- Want an evening plan that feels like more than dinner alone
It’s not for everyone. The tour isn’t suitable for:
- Pregnant women (quad riding is not permitted)
- People with back problems
- People with mobility impairments or wheelchair users
- Drivers under 16
If you’re unsure about riding comfort, focus on choosing the right pace group and bring the right clothing. For many people, that’s the difference between a fun memory and an uncomfortable afternoon.
Should you book this Makadi Bay ATV, camel, dinner, show, and stargazing?
Book it if you want the “one-ticket evening” format: ATV ride, quick cultural moment, then dinner, entertainment, and the sky. The pricing is hard to beat for the mix of activities, and the safety-first approach plus the guide-led stargazing makes it feel more thoughtful than a simple thrill ride.
Skip it (or choose a different option) if:
- You hate any risk of transport timing stress and need a perfectly timed schedule
- You’re expecting a long camel ride by default (it’s short unless you add time)
- You want a full beach day rather than a quick coast stop for views
If you book, do two simple things: bring your scarf/sunglasses and keep your phone ready for one or two photo moments, not nonstop filming. That’s how you get the most out of the stars—when the desert goes quiet.
FAQ
How long is the quad bike portion?
The guided quad ride is 2 hours on the main quad option. There’s also an option that combines 1 hour of quad + 1 hour on horseback.
Is a camel ride included?
Yes. You get a short 5-minute camel ride for photos on all tours. You can add 30 minutes if you want more time.
What’s included in the Stargazing, Dinner & Show option?
In the sunset/evening version, you’ll have the ride plus Oriental dinner, live show/entertainment, and stargazing.
What age do you need to drive the quad?
Drivers must be at least 16 years old and they must pass a short driving test before joining the ride.
Do I need experience riding a quad?
No experience is required in the sense that you get a safety briefing and a short driving test first. The guide keeps it controlled and it’s not treated like a racing session.
What should I bring with me?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and a scarf. Goggles and weather-appropriate layers are also recommended, especially if it’s windy.
Is hotel pickup available?
Pickup is optional. You can choose hotel pickup and drop-off, or choose an entry-only option where you meet directly at the quad base.
