Quad biking is the other half of the Mui Ne dune experience. Alongside the jeep ride, many operators offer an ATV add-on at the White Sand Dunes, where guests ride a four-wheeled bike with a guide across the dune flats for a short, fast and dusty loop. Some tours let you drive yourself, and others seat you behind a driver. The ride is not about distance but about speed and sand, and it lasts around thirty to forty-five minutes. It is a popular choice with teenagers, groups of friends and anyone who wants to feel a little more adventurous than a jeep passenger.
What the activity involves
Guests are fitted with a helmet, given a short briefing and then follow a guide in a line of quad bikes over packed sand and low dunes. The route is usually a loop, with a stop for photographs, and the bikes are automatic or semi-automatic so you do not need previous experience.
Drivers can go at their own pace, and passengers can ride behind a guide. The ride is exciting without being technical, but the sand is loose in places and the bikes can slide on corners, so listen to the briefing and keep your speed sensible.
Safety and choosing an operator
This is the part to take seriously. Look for an operator that provides helmets, a clear briefing and a guide who rides with the group, and decline if the bikes look poorly maintained. Wear closed shoes, long trousers and sunglasses or goggles, because sand and small stones are thrown up. Check your travel insurance covers motorised activities and whether it requires a licence. Younger children should ride as passengers only, and parents should decide for themselves whether the activity is right for their family.
How to fit it in
The simplest option is to choose a jeep tour that includes an ATV ride, which keeps transport, timing and payment in one booking. Sunrise is again the best time, because the sand is cooler and the dunes are empty. The ride adds roughly an hour to a standard tour.
If you would rather not ride, many tours let you stay with the jeep and take photographs while the others go. Expect to be dusty afterwards, so bring a change of clothes, and keep your valuables with the driver. Prices vary between operators, so compare what is included before you choose.
What to expect
The experience
A guided ATV ride over the dune flats, usually booked as an add-on to a jeep tour.
Best time
Sunrise or late afternoon, when the sand is cooler and the dunes are quiet.
How long
Thirty to forty-five minutes on the bike, or around five hours for the full tour.
Tips
Wear closed shoes, long trousers and eye protection, listen to the briefing and check that helmets are supplied.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Teenagers, friends and thrill seekers who want more than a jeep ride.
- Families
- Older children can ride as passengers, but parents should judge the risk for themselves.
- Couples
- A fun shared adventure, though two people on one bike need to agree who drives.
- Pair with
- The white dunes, the Fairy Stream and a long breakfast afterwards.
- Time needed
- Add around an hour to a standard jeep tour.
Good questions
Do I need experience to ride a quad bike?+
No. Operators give a short briefing and the bikes are easy to drive, but follow the guide and keep your speed sensible.
Is protective gear provided?+
Helmets should be supplied. Bring closed shoes, long trousers and sunglasses or goggles for the sand.
Can children ride?+
Younger children can usually ride only as passengers. Parents should check the operator's rules and decide for themselves.
Is the ATV ride included in the jeep tour?+
It depends on the product. Some tours include it and others sell it as an add-on, so check the title and description.
How long is the ride?+
The ride itself is usually thirty to forty-five minutes, on top of the jeep tour.
