Makadi Bay is a beach resort area on the Hurghada-Safaga road, about 30 km south of Hurghada Airport on Egypt's Red Sea coast. It is a self-contained strip of large resort hotels set around a sheltered bay with sandy beaches, calm water and house reefs, and it is popular with families and visitors who want a quieter base than central Hurghada. The area has little independent town life, so activities largely centre on the hotels and the sea.
The beaches belong to the resorts, and day-use rules vary by hotel, so non-guests should ask at the front desk before travelling. Many resorts offer day passes that include beach access, pools, food and sometimes drinks, with prices set by each property. The bay's gentle slope and protected conditions make it suitable for swimming and for beginner snorkelling, and house reefs hold colourful fish and coral gardens within a short swim from the shore. Dive centres in the resorts run introductory dives and boat trips, while many hotels have water parks, spas, kids clubs and evening entertainment.
A visit lasts half or a full day. Transport is mainly by taxi, costing about EGP 600 to 900 (about $12 to 18) from Hurghada Airport, and resorts commonly arrange transfers. There is no public beach in the usual sense, so the experience depends on the resort chosen. The best months are October to May, when the water is calm and temperatures comfortable, while summer is hot with stronger wind on some days.
The bay is photogenic at sunrise and late afternoon, with soft light across the shallows and the resort skyline. Crowds depend on the hotel, but midday is the busiest on beaches and pools. Visitors should take sun protection, water shoes for the reef edge and cash for extras, and respect resort dress rules away from the beach.
| Admission | Resort day passes vary; ask the hotel front desk before travelling |
|---|---|
| Hours | Beaches belong to resorts; day-use rules vary by hotel |
| Typical visit | Half or full day |
| Best time | October to May; water is calm in the bay |
| Getting there | Taxi from Hurghada Airport about EGP 600-900 (~$12-18) |
| Address | Makadi Bay, Hurghada-Safaga road, Red Sea (about 30 km south of Hurghada Airport) |
Location
Makadi Bay, Hurghada-Safaga road, Red Sea (about 30 km south of Hurghada Airport)
26.9793, 33.9077 View on map
Highlights
- Sheltered sandy bay with calm water
- House reefs suited to beginner snorkelling
- Large resorts with pools, water parks and kids clubs
- Quiet alternative to central Hurghada
Tips for visiting
- Ask the hotel front desk about day-pass prices and availability before travelling
- Visit October to May for calm water
- Wear water shoes at reef entry points
- Arrange a return taxi in advance, about EGP 600-900 from the airport
- Do not touch coral and protect it from sunscreen by using reef-safe products
- Bring cash for extras
When to visit
October to May, when the bay is calm and temperatures are mild. Midday is busiest on beaches and pools.
Accessibility
Access depends on the resort; many large hotels have ramps, lifts and paved paths, but beach entry is on soft sand. Wheelchair users should confirm facilities with the chosen hotel.
Frequently asked questions
Can non-guests use the beaches?
Beaches belong to the resorts, so access depends on each hotel's day-pass policy. Ask at the front desk before travelling.
How long should a visit last?
Half or a full day is typical, depending on the day pass and activities.
Is it good for families?
Yes, the calm bay and resort facilities such as kids clubs and pools make it popular with families.