Makadi Bay Beach spans the resort coast about 30 km south of Hurghada in Egypt's Red Sea Governorate. The sand is fine and pale, shelving gently into water that is typically very clear, with turquoise shallows giving way to darker blue over the coral. The bay is relatively sheltered, so surf is rare and swimming conditions are mild, which has made the area one of the most popular family stretches of the Hurghada coast. Beaches are generally long and open rather than cove-like, though the wind can strengthen in the afternoon and bring a light chop.
Makadi Bay is almost entirely a resort enclave, and its beaches are largely attached to hotels. Sun loungers, umbrellas, restaurants, bars, showers and toilets are provided by the individual resorts, and some run kids' clubs and water-sports centres. The mood is calm and family-oriented, with all-inclusive guests making up much of the crowd and little independent nightlife on the beach itself. Several hotels have a house reef accessible from jetties or sand entries, offering easy snorkelling with reef fish. Non-guests can generally enter through a resort day-use pass, commonly priced at about EGP 600-1,500 (roughly $12-30) per person and often including food and drinks, though policies differ by hotel and a pass may be unavailable in busy periods.
Access is by car or taxi; a one-way taxi from central Hurghada costs about EGP 600-900 (roughly $12-18), and there is no reliable public transit along the coast. Hotels provide parking or drop-off areas, and many guests arrive on airport transfers. Lifeguard hours vary by resort and are not standardised, so swimmers should confirm arrangements at the specific beach. Sea urchins and sharp coral can occur near reef edges, and water shoes are useful when entering away from jetties. Shade is mostly artificial, so sun protection is important throughout the year.
| Distance | About 30 km south of Hurghada |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Taxi from central Hurghada about EGP 600-900 (~$12-18) one-way; resort day-use passes commonly EGP 600-1,500 (~$12-30) including food and drink |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | Year-round; March-May and October-November most comfortable |
| Address | Makadi Bay, about 30 km south of Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate |
Amenities
- Gently shelving sand beaches
- Resort day-use access
- Shallow water suited to children
- House reef snorkelling
- Restaurants and bars at the hotels
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, snorkellers, sunbathers
Location
Makadi Bay, about 30 km south of Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate
26.9911, 33.8967 View on map
Highlights
- Gently shelving sand beaches with shallow, calm water for children
- House reef snorkelling from several resort jetties and entries
- Resort restaurants, bars and water-sports on the beachfront
- Day-use passes available for non-guests at many hotels
- Quiet, family-focused resort coast south of Hurghada
Tips for visiting
- Confirm that a day-use pass includes food, drinks and loungers before paying.
- Wear water shoes to avoid sea urchins and sharp coral near reef edges.
- Book a return taxi or transfer in advance, as there is little public transport.
- Arrive in the morning to secure loungers and enjoy calmer water.
- Check lifeguard hours at the specific hotel beach before letting children swim.
- Pack sun protection, since natural shade is scarce on the sand.
When to visit
March to May and October to November are most comfortable; mornings give calmer water and easier lounger availability.
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors who are not hotel guests use Makadi Bay beaches?
Many resorts sell day-use passes, commonly about EGP 600-1,500 (roughly $12-30) per person, often including food and drinks. Availability and rules vary by hotel.
How far is Makadi Bay from Hurghada?
It is about 30 km south of Hurghada. A one-way taxi costs roughly EGP 600-900 (about $12-18).
Is Makadi Bay good for children?
Yes, the gently shelving sand and shallow water suit children, and many resorts offer kids' facilities.
Is there snorkelling at Makadi Bay?
Several resorts have house reefs with reef fish, accessible from jetties or the beach. Water shoes are recommended for entries.