At a glance
| Criterion | Makadi Bay | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel type | Large resorts, mostly all-inclusive | Plenty of choice, few small hotels |
| Beach and sea | Gently sloping sand, reef near the shore | Easy for children and beginners |
| Local life | No centre, a few hotel shops | Evenings at the hotel or by taxi |
| Distance | About 30 km from Hurghada, 30 to 40 min from the airport | A transfer for any outing |
See Makadi Bay hotels on Booking.com
Why people choose Makadi Bay
The seabed slopes gradually, buoys mark the swimming area and the coral reef is reached with mask and snorkel, sometimes from the hotel jetty (see the Makadi Bay page). It is a good choice for a week of rest or snorkeling with children. Tour operators mention the Iberotel Makadi Beach, the TUI Blue Makadi Gardens and the Stella Makadi Beach Resort and Spa; check on Booking which hotels are open and which have direct reef access.
What you can do without leaving the bay
- Water park: Makadi Water World, a large slide park, is sold by the day; see our comparison of Hurghada water parks.
- Desert quad: the quad excursion from Makadi picks guests up at the hotel.
- Bedouin evening: several camps in the nearby desert offer dinner and stargazing; compare in evening in Hurghada: cruise or Bedouin dinner.
- Diving: nearby sites are described in Hurghada dive sites; for a first try, see the intro dive.
The limits
- No neighbourhood life: for a restaurant outside the hotel or an evening out, you must go up to Hurghada by taxi (agree the fare before getting in, see scams and safety).
- Hotel beaches: if you do not stay on site, beach access depends on the hotel.
- Far-off excursions: Luxor or Cairo mean a very early start and a long drive; compare in Luxor from Hurghada.
Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh or central Hurghada?
- Makadi Bay: easy reef, big resorts, calm sea, no town.
- Sahl Hasheesh: more polished and more upscale, with a pedestrian promenade.
- Central Hurghada: restaurants, souk and marina, but beaches are less uniform.
For an overall ranking, read all-inclusive in Hurghada: which area.
FAQ
Is Makadi Bay far from the airport? Count 30 to 40 minutes by road depending on traffic; most hotels offer a paid transfer.
Can you snorkel without a boat? Yes, the reef is close to shore, often reachable from the hotel jetty; check that a lifeguard is present and keep a life jacket.
Is there anything to do in the evening? Little: evenings are spent at the hotel or on an excursion (a Bedouin dinner, for example).
Is it good for children? Yes, the seabed slopes gently and the swimming area is marked; check the hotel's kids' clubs.
The Hurghada Authority editorial team, 19 October 2026.
