Makadi Bay, Egypt: Beaches, Reefs, Day Trips and Getting There from Hurghada

Makadi Bay is a purpose-built resort bay on Egypt's Red Sea coast, about 30 km south of Hurghada. It's made up almost entirely of all-inclusive hotels set along a sheltered bay with coral reefs just offshore – a popular choice for families, couples and anyone who wants sun, sea and snorkelling without the bustle of Hurghada. This guide covers what Makadi Bay is like, the best things to do, day trips and how to get there from the airport.

Makadi Bay at a glance

• Location: Red Sea coast, about 30 km south of Hurghada, between Hurghada and Sahl Hasheesh to the north and Soma Bay and Safaga to the south.
• From Hurghada Airport: around 30–40 minutes by car.
• Best for: families, all-inclusive holidays, snorkelling from the hotel.
• Weather: sunny all year; hot in July and August, mild in winter (often around 22–24°C by day in December and January).
• Not ideal for: nightlife, independent sightseeing or walking between restaurants – most life happens inside the resorts.

What Makadi Bay is like

1. A resort bay, not a town

Unlike Hurghada, Makadi Bay has no historic centre or local town. Hotels line the coast, each with its own beach, pools, restaurants and entertainment, and many are linked by a shared promenade. It's calm, green and safe, but if you want markets, cafés or local life, plan an evening in Hurghada.

2. Beaches and house reefs

The bay is protected from the strongest winds, and many resorts have a long jetty leading to a coral house reef where you can snorkel with reef fish, and sometimes turtles or rays. Wear reef shoes on sandy entries with coral nearby, never stand on the coral, and follow the hotel's flag system for currents.

3. Family-friendly

Large pools, kids' clubs, water slides and shallow beach areas make Makadi Bay one of the most family-friendly areas on the Red Sea. Several resorts have their own aqua parks, and the bay is quieter at night than Hurghada.

Things to do in and from Makadi Bay

4. Snorkelling and diving

Snorkel from your hotel jetty or join a boat trip to the islands. Dive centres in the resorts offer try-dives and courses; beginners can also book an introductory scuba dive with pickup from the hotel. See our guide to Red Sea liveaboard diving if you want to go further.

5. Island boat trips: Orange Bay and Giftun

The most popular sea trip from Makadi Bay is a day on a boat to the Giftun Islands, with snorkelling stops and beach time at Orange Bay. Alternatives include Mahmya Island, a quieter beach club in the Giftun National Park, and the Dolphin House snorkelling trip, where spinner dolphins are often seen (never guaranteed).

6. Desert safari

The desert starts just inland from the coast. Half-day quad bike safaris and dune buggy tours usually include a Bedouin village visit and sunset; an evening stargazing safari is a calmer option for families.

7. Day trips to Luxor and Cairo

Makadi Bay is a good base for Egypt's great sights. A Luxor day trip visits Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings in one long day; a private Luxor trip lets you set your own pace. For the pyramids, choose a Cairo day trip by plane or the two-day Cairo trip. Read our Luxor day trip guide for what to expect.

8. An evening in Hurghada

Hurghada is 30–40 minutes away by taxi. Walk the Hurghada Marina, see the mosque and markets of El Dahar, or join a Hurghada city tour. See our Hurghada travel guide.

Getting to Makadi Bay

9. From Hurghada Airport

Makadi Bay is served by Hurghada International Airport (HRG), around 30 km away. The options are:

• Pre-booked private transfer: the most relaxed choice, especially with children or late flights. A driver meets you at arrivals and the price is fixed – see Hurghada Airport to Makadi Bay transfers (also in German).
• Taxi: available outside arrivals; agree the price before you get in. Read what airport taxis cost.
• Tour operator shuttle: included in many package holidays, but shared buses stop at several hotels.

On arrival, most visitors need a tourist visa – see the Hurghada Airport visa guide. For the trip home, book a hotel-to-airport transfer and allow plenty of time.

10. Pickup for excursions

Most excursion companies pick up directly from Makadi Bay hotels; check the Makadi Bay pickup information before booking, as pickup times are earlier than from Hurghada.

Practical tips

• Best time to visit: March to May and October to November are warm without extreme heat; winter is pleasant for sightseeing; July and August are very hot but the sea is at its warmest.
• Money: Egyptian pounds for tips and taxis; cards and euros are widely accepted in hotels.
• Tipping: small tips for room cleaners, waiters and boat crews are customary.
• Sun and water: use high-factor, reef-friendly sunscreen and drink bottled water.
• Comparing areas? See our guide on where to stay in Hurghada.