This Red Sea resort sits 30km south of Hurghada with coral reefs near sandy beaches, an 18-hole golf course, and easy access to desert adventures.
Makadi Bay is 30 km south of Hurghada on Egypt's Red Sea coast, next to the Eastern Desert. This resort area built for tourists has sandy beaches with coral reefs full of marine life close to the shore. You will see many modern, all-inclusive hotels for relaxing and doing water activities. You can snorkel or dive in the clear water, play golf on championship courses, or take a desert trip. The area feels calm and centers on the resorts, which is different from the more active feel of Hurghada.
Beaches and Water Activities
Makadi Bay's main beaches have soft sand and very clear, turquoise water. Most beaches are private and belong to the resort hotels along the shore, so guests can easily reach them. Coral reefs start near the shore, so you can snorkel right from your hotel's beach. For diving, the main sights are underwater. Panorama Reef has steep drop-offs with hard and soft corals. Abu Ramada North, called 'The Aquarium', has many fish like bannerfish and barracuda. You can book boat trips to places like the Giftun Islands. You can also windsurf, kitesurf, kayak, or parasail at the water sports centers in the resorts.
Resorts and Accommodation
Large, all-inclusive resort hotels, many from international chains such as Steigenberger, Jaz, and TUI, fill the area. These hotels usually have many swimming pools. They have several places to eat, including buffet restaurants and à la carte choices. They also have spas and evening shows. Most resorts have a private beach and let you snorkel on the house reef right away. You can choose from standard hotel rooms, bigger suites, or rooms good for families. Some have kids' clubs. These resorts aim to give you a full holiday without leaving the property.
Land Activities and Excursions
You can do several land activities away from the water. The Madinat Makadi Golf Resort has an 18-hole championship course that looks out to the Red Sea. Book a desert safari by jeep or quad bike to see the Eastern Desert and learn about Bedouin culture. Local stables run horseback and camel riding tours. Families can go to water parks such as Makadi Water World and Jungle Aqua Park. These have slides, pools, and lazy rivers. Day trips to historical sites are common. You can go to the ancient temples of Luxor and Karnak or the city of Aswan. These trips take longer because of the distance.
Practical Information
Hurghada International Airport (HRG) is the closest airport, about 30 km away. The transfer takes 30 to 45 minutes. Many airlines fly to HRG from Europe and the Middle East. Visit between April and October for the warmest sea water. The weather is usually sunny all year. In winter, from December to February, daytime temperatures are milder, around 15 to 25°C. If you visit during Ramadan, which changes dates each year (for example, around February 17 to March 18 in 2026), note that restaurants outside hotels might not open during the day. Hotels might limit alcohol, and public music or dancing might stop. The resort area is usually safe, but take normal travel precautions. Book your hotel and popular trips ahead of time, especially in busy seasons.
