Makadi Bay vacation packages

How to get to Makadi Bay

• Flight information: To travel to Makadi Bay, flights typically land at Hurghada International Airport. Direct flights from major international destinations are available, with flight times varying based on departure location.

• Transfer information: From Hurghada Airport, reaching Makadi Bay by taxi or shuttle service takes about 30 minutes.

• Transportation cost: A taxi ride from the airport to Makadi Bay costs approximately $15-$18. Many resorts offer shuttle services, either included in your stay or for a small additional fee.

Best time to visit Makadi Bay

Makadi Bay enjoys a dry climate with abundant sunshine throughout the year. The peak tourist season aligns with milder weather between fall and spring, while summer attracts sun enthusiasts. Here's a seasonal overview to guide your travel planning:

• April to May: Temperatures range from 75 to 95°F, ideal for beach vacations, sunbathing, and snorkeling.

• June to September: This season can be extremely hot, with average temperatures between 95 and 104°F in July and August, perfect for those seeking lower prices and who don't mind the heat.

• October to November: Offers a more comfortable climate compared to summer, with temperatures dropping from 86 to 77°F, making it perfect for water activities and relaxation.

• December to March: A great escape from colder climates, with temperatures ranging from 59 to 75°F, suitable for outdoor activities, boat tours, and sightseeing.

Practical information

• Languages spoken: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Learning a few basic Arabic phrases is appreciated by locals.

• Local customs: Egyptian culture is conservative, so modest dress is advisable away from the beach, especially when visiting religious sites. Public displays of affection are discouraged. Haggling is common in markets and shops.

• Health and safety: Makadi Bay is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions are wise, such as safeguarding valuables and being cautious at night. Drink bottled water as tap water isn't safe.

• Currency: The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), divided into 100 piastres. ATMs are readily available, and credit cards are widely accepted. It's useful to carry cash for small purchases and tips.

• Transportation: Taxis and shuttle buses are popular and affordable travel options. Always agree on a fare before your trip or ensure the meter is used. Many resorts offer complimentary shuttle services to local attractions.

• Electricity and plugs: Egypt uses 220V electricity, compatible with plug types C or F. Travelers may need an adapter for their devices.

• Time zone: Makadi Bay operates on Eastern European Time (EET), which is 2 hours ahead of GMT and observes Daylight Saving Time.

• Travel documentation: Travelers need a visa to enter Egypt. Visas can be obtained on arrival at the airport for approximately $31 or applied for an e-visa in advance.

Best things to do in Makadi Bay

With numerous large resorts surrounding this small inlet 25 miles south of Hurghada, Makadi Bay is a premier destination on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, offering a blend of relaxation and adventure. Here are some top recommendations for your Makadi Bay getaway:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Makadi Bay Promenade: This beautiful promenade is perfect for exploring the area, checking out the resorts, and enjoying the breathtaking views of the Red Sea. It's especially stunning at sunset when the sky turns shades of orange and pink.

• Boat tours: Take a boat tour for a panoramic view of the coastline. These tours often include stops for snorkeling, allowing you to see vibrant marine life, and returning at sundown offers a memorable view of Makadi Bay at sunset.

Day trips in the area

• Hurghada: Just a short drive north of Makadi Bay, Hurghada offers ample shopping, activities, tours, dining, and nightlife options. It's also home to excellent dive sites. Discover our great deals on trips to Hurghada.

• Mahmya Island: A brief boat ride from Hurghada, Mahmya features excellent snorkeling opportunities and more peaceful beaches than the mainland. It's an ideal day trip for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty on the Red Sea, away from busy resorts.

• Luxor: A bit farther but worth the journey, Luxor houses some of Egypt's most famous ancient sites, including the Valley of the Kings plus Luxor and Karnak temples. A day trip offers deeper insight into Egypt’s rich history. Check out the best getaways in Luxor for your next travel adventure.

Family activities in Makadi Bay

Makadi Bay is ideal for family vacations, with activities catering to all ages. Here are some highlights:

• Beaches: Many resorts have direct access to Makadi Bay beaches, with calm, clean waters perfect for swimming. Besides watersports like paddleboarding, you can walk out on a pier to swim and snorkel over the reef just offshore.

• Water parks: Several large water parks in the area offer exciting slides, areas for younger kids, and plenty of fun for all ages. These include Makadi Water World and Hurghada’s Jungle Aqua Park.

• Aquariums: Visit the Hurghada Grand Aquarium to learn about the Red Sea's marine life. Featuring a tunnel and tanks with sharks, turtles, rays, and stonefish, it's entertaining and educational for kids.

• Go-karting: For thrilling fun the whole family will enjoy, head to El Gouna Go-Karts, north of Hurghada. It's recommended to reserve in advance.

Wellness in Makadi Bay

• Spas: Many luxury resorts in Makadi Bay feature top-notch spas offering massages, facials, and various body treatments.

• Traditional body care: Experience traditional Egyptian hammam practices at local spas, with a full-body scrub, steam bath, and massage.

• Yoga: Several resorts offer yoga in tranquil garden settings overlooking the Red Sea, providing an amazingly peaceful way to de-stress.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Diving and snorkeling: The Red Sea is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Makadi Bay provides excellent opportunities to explore the underwater world with plenty of dive centers offering courses and excursions.

• Watersports: Makadi Bay’s clear waters and steady winds make it perfect for watersports like windsurfing, kitesurfing, or paddleboarding. Many resorts offer equipment rental and lessons.

• Desert safaris: Explore the stunning Eastern Desert on a thrilling 4WD, dune buggy, or quad bike safari. These often include visits to Bedouin villages, camel rides, and dinner under the stars, offering a unique insight into local culture and landscape.

• Boat trips: Discover the Red Sea’s clear waters, with stops for swimming, snorkeling, or exploring hidden coves and beaches. Trips on glass-bottom boats, or even submarines, offer a way to view the colorful underwater world without getting wet.

• Horse-riding: Enjoy a leisurely ride along the beach or through the desert with one of the local equestrian centers. It's a fantastic way to experience Egypt's natural beauty outdoors.

Local dishes in Makadi Bay

An exciting part of vacations to Makadi Bay is trying the rich and diverse range of food. Here’s a guide to some of the typical dishes and drinks you must try:

Some typical dishes

• Ful Medames: A popular dish made from fava beans, garlic, and lemon juice. It is typically served with bread and is commonly found at breakfast.

• Koshari: A hearty mix of rice, macaroni, lentils, and chickpeas, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. It’s an affordable meal and true Egyptian comfort food.

• Molokhia: A traditional green soup made from jute leaves, often flavored with garlic and coriander, and typically served with rice or bread.

• Taameya: Egyptian falafel made with fava beans instead of chickpeas, flavored with fresh herbs and spices, and deep-fried to perfection.

Meat dishes

• Kebabs and Kofta: Kebabs are grilled skewers of lamb or chicken marinated in aromatic spices; kofta is minced meat, usually lamb or beef, mixed with herbs and spices before grilling.

• Shawarma: Marinated meat, typically lamb or chicken, slow-cooked on a rotisserie and served in pita bread with tahini, garlic sauce, vegetables, and pickles.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Sayadeya: A classic dish in which white fish is cooked with rice, tomatoes, onions, and a mix of spices. It is often served with tahini sauce on the side.

• Gambari: Freshly caught prawns often grilled or cooked in a spicy tomato sauce. Hurghada’s location on the Red Sea ensures the seafood is incredibly fresh.

Sweets and desserts

• Basbousa: A semolina cake soaked in syrup and often topped with almonds.

• Kunafa: Shredded pastry filled with cheese or cream and nuts, soaked in sweet syrup.

• Baklava: Layers of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup.

• Umm Ali: A warm, comforting bread pudding with coconut, raisins, nuts, and cream.

Local drinks

• Karkade: A refreshing tea made from dried hibiscus petals, served hot or cold, with a tart flavor similar to cranberry.

• Fruit Juices: Freshly pressed juices are popular in Egypt. Try lemon, lime, guava, pomegranate, or sugarcane juice.

• Sahlab: A warm, thick drink made from milk and flavored with rose water, often topped with nuts and coconut. It’s perfect for cooler evenings.