Hurghada Grand Aquarium is a large indoor aquarium on the Villages Road in south Hurghada, Egypt, roughly 12 km south of Sakkala. It is one of the biggest attractions of its kind on the Red Sea coast and is often described as one of the largest aquariums in the Middle East and Africa, built to showcase marine life from the Red Sea and further afield in climate-controlled halls. It is a popular wet-weather and midday-heat alternative to the beach.
Visitors follow a route through themed zones that include a walk-through tunnel under large tanks, coral-reef displays, a shark tank, rays, jellyfish and exhibits of colourful tropical fish. Underwater tunnels allow close views of sharks and rays passing overhead, and feeding and diver presentations take place at scheduled times. The Red Sea section helps visitors identify species they might later see snorkelling, which makes it a useful first stop for first-time snorkellers.
A visit usually takes two to three hours. The aquarium is open daily from 09:00 to 20:00, with last tickets and entry at 18:00. Adult tickets (age 10 and over) cost $35 (about EGP 1,750) at the gate or $32 (about EGP 1,600) when booked online, children aged 4 to 9 pay $17.50 (about EGP 875), and children under four enter free. Online booking is available at the official website, and the phone and WhatsApp number is +20 111 618 1117. Hotel transfers can be booked free at the aquarium's transfer page with cash paid to the driver, while a taxi from Sakkala costs about EGP 250 to 350 (about $5 to 7).
Weekday mornings are the quietest time, and late afternoon works well in summer when the outdoor heat is intense. Weekends and school holidays bring queues at the tunnel and shark tank. The best photographs are taken in the tunnel looking upward as sharks and rays pass, though dim lighting means flash is typically restricted, and phones on night mode work better. Visitors should check current show times on arrival, wear comfortable shoes for the long route and carry some cash for the cafe and gift shop.
| Admission | Adults (10+) $35 (~EGP 1,750) at the gate, $32 (~EGP 1,600) booked online; children 4-9 $17.50 (~EGP 875); under 4 free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 09:00-20:00; last tickets and entry 18:00 |
| Typical visit | 2-3 hours |
| Best time | Late afternoon in summer heat; weekday mornings are quietest |
| Getting there | Taxi from Sakkala about EGP 250-350 (~$5-7); hotel transfers can be booked free at qless.hurghadaaquarium.com/transfer-booking (cash to driver) |
| Address | Villages Road, Hurghada, Red Sea (Nasr Street area, south Hurghada) |
Location
Villages Road, Hurghada, Red Sea (Nasr Street area, south Hurghada)
27.1340, 33.8218 View on map
Highlights
- Walk-through tunnel under large tanks with sharks and rays
- Red Sea coral-reef displays that preview local snorkelling species
- Scheduled feeding and diver presentations
- Free hotel transfer booking available through the aquarium
Tips for visiting
- Book online for $32 instead of $35 at the gate for adults
- Last entry is at 18:00, so arrive earlier to see everything
- Visit on weekday mornings for the shortest queues
- Use the free hotel transfer booking page or a taxi from Sakkala for about EGP 250-350
- Check show times when arriving to catch feeding sessions
- Avoid flash photography in dim tunnels
When to visit
Weekday mornings are quietest. In summer, late afternoon avoids the strongest heat while remaining before the 18:00 last entry.
Accessibility
As a modern indoor attraction it is generally level and suited to strollers, though wheelchair users should confirm ramp and lift access with the aquarium by phone or WhatsApp before visiting.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Two to three hours is typical for the full route, including the tunnel and any scheduled shows.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, it is one of the most popular family attractions in Hurghada. Children under four enter free and ages 4 to 9 pay $17.50.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is generally allowed, but flash is typically restricted because it disturbs the animals. Visitors should follow signage inside.
Can the ticket be bought online?
Yes. Booking online costs $32 per adult compared with $35 at the gate, and bookings go through the aquarium's official booking page.