Makadi Beach
Reef at your feet, calm water, fewer visitors
About
Makadi Beach sits along the Red Sea coast south of Hurghada, tucked inside a sheltered bay where the water runs a clear turquoise and the sand stays white underfoot. The reef here is shore-accessible — you don't need a boat to reach it — which makes snorkelling and diving unusually direct. Calmer than the northern Hurghada beaches, the bay keeps the water gentle enough for a relaxed swim most of the year. Resort density is lower than the city strip, so the pace feels unhurried. It's a mixed beach serving both resort guests and independent visitors.
How to get there
From Hurghada city centre, the drive takes around 35 minutes by car; the beach sits within the Makadi Bay suburb at coordinates 26.9766°N, 33.9036°E. Ferry connections are also available. Resort parking is on-site and free, though public beach access parking is more limited. An entry fee applies unless you're staying at a resort with private beach access — confirm arrangements before you arrive.
Who it's for
For couples
The relaxed bay vibe and calmer water make this a low-key retreat for couples who want reef snorkelling without the noise of busier Hurghada beaches. An evening at Layaly Beirut, 0.6 km away, rounds the day off well.
For families
Direct reef access from the shore and the sheltered, calmer bay water suit families with older children who snorkel. Makadi Aqua Park at 3.2 km gives younger kids a full day out when they've had enough of the sea.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Makadi Beach earns its reputation quietly. The shore-accessible reef is a genuine advantage — you're in the water and on the coral within minutes of dropping your bag, no boat required. The sheltered bay keeps things calm, the white sand is clean, and the lower resort density means you're not fighting for space. Be honest about the trade-offs: the rocky reef sections demand water shoes and careful footing, the entry fee applies if you're not a resort guest, and July and August are genuinely brutal. Come between October and May for the sweet spot. It's not a dramatic beach, but it delivers exactly what it promises — reef access, calm turquoise water, and a pace that doesn't rush you.
What to do
The shore-accessible reef is the headline act — bring a mask and fins for snorkelling straight from the beach, or arrange a dive directly from the waterline. When you need a break from the water, Makadi Aqua Park is 3.2 km away and works well for families. Sahl Hasheesh, a wide crescent beach with a calm turquoise lagoon, is 8.2 km down the coast and worth a half-day trip. Soma Bay, 16.2 km away, is the Red Sea's go-to for kitesurfing and windsurfing if you want to watch or join.
The rocky reef outcrops at the waterline frame the turquoise water cleanly — shoot wide at sunrise before visitors arrive.
The sheltered bay gives a flat, mirror-like surface on calm mornings that reflects the sky well. From the water looking back toward the white sand, the low resort density keeps the shoreline uncluttered.
Where to eat
Royal Wok, a Chinese restaurant, is the closest option at 0.4 km. Layaly Beirut brings Lebanese cooking to within 0.6 km, and Casa Mia covers Italian at 1 km. Taj Mahal (Indian) and Soko round out the options at the same 1 km mark.
Where to stay
Steigenberger Makadi Golf Hotel is the closest at 1.8 km, offering a polished resort base. Xanadu Makadi Bay (2.4 km) and Makadi Heights Hotel (2.6 km) are solid mid-range picks. Sunwing Makadi Waterworld at 2.7 km suits families, while The Makadi Palace Hotel sits 2.9 km from the beach.
Photography
Shoot the shore-accessible reef at sunrise when the turquoise water catches low golden light and the bay is at its quietest. The rocky reef outcrops at the waterline make strong foreground subjects against the open water — late afternoon light from the west gives them good texture.
Good to know
Wear water shoes — rocky reef outcrops sit right at the waterline and sea urchins hide in the rocky sections, so check carefully before you step in. Respect the resort guest zones; public and private areas are distinct here. July and August bring temperatures above 40°C, which makes the beach genuinely uncomfortable despite lighter visitor numbers — skip those months if you can. The sheltered bay rewards early mornings when the water is at its calmest.
Map
Nearby places
Steigenberger Makadi Golf Hotel
Xanadu Makadi Bay
Makadi Heights Hotel
Sunwing Makadi Waterworld
The Makadi Palace Hotel
Shisha Corner
Makadi Aqua Park
Things to see around Makadi Bay
Sahl Hasheesh
Planned resort enclave with wide crescent beach and calm turquoise lagoon.
Soma Bay
Peninsula resort known as the Red Sea's premier kitesurfing and windsurfing destination.
Hurghada Marina
Main marina with restaurants, dive shops and day-trip boat departures.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
Other beaches in the region
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Mustang Joe · source · CC0 1.0
- Photo 2 — Хомелка · source · CC BY-SA 4.0