Makadi Bay

Makadi Bay is about 30 km south of Hurghada, a sheltered bay backed by the Eastern Desert mountains and lined with large resorts. It was developed as a self-contained holiday area and functions exactly that way: quiet, comfortable, and with very little reason or opportunity to leave the hotel unless you arrange it.

The reef is the reason to be here. It runs close to the shore along much of the bay, so snorkeling straight off the beach is realistic in a way it is not in Hurghada city, and the water stays calm because the bay faces away from the prevailing wind.

Behind the resorts the desert begins immediately, which puts the quad safaris, Bedouin camps and stargazing evenings within easy reach.

What we run from Makadi Bay

Our semi-submarine trip departs from the bay with free transfers from any Makadi hotel — at $10 per person it is the cheapest way to show children the reef. We also run transfers to Hurghada, the airport, Cairo and Aswan, and most of our Hurghada excursions will collect from here for a $5 per person supplement.

Practical notes

• Makadi is a long strip and the resorts at either end are several kilometers apart. Give any driver your exact hotel.
• There is no town, no taxi rank and nothing to walk to. Arrange transport in advance, in both directions.
• The house reef is genuinely good. Bring your own mask if you have one that fits properly.