Makadi Bay Sea Trips 2026 – Top 10 Excursions with Prices

Quick facts:

• Price: €22–50 (shared), €150–400 (private)
• Duration: 4–8 hours
• Includes: Hotel pickup, boat, snorkeling gear, lunch (most trips)
• Not included: Alcohol, photos, tips, national park fee (€5)
• Best for: Families, quiet travellers, first-timers
• Good: Calm water, shallow reefs, fewer crowds than Hurghada
• Bad: Limited nightlife, far from Hurghada (30 min), fewer boat options
• Bring: Sunscreen, towel, cash for tips, jacket for wind

Let me tell you about makadi bay sea trips.

The van arrives. Late. 10 minutes. Normal.

Smell of diesel. Cheap sunscreen from the last guests.

You’re 30 minutes south of Hurghada. But it feels like another world.

Makadi Bay is quiet. Purpose-built. Resorts line the shore. Reefs are close. Water is calm.

The sea trips here are different. Less chaos. More family-friendly. But fewer options.

Let me break down everything you need to know.

makadi bay sea trips – the honest overview

Makadi Bay has a few advantages over Hurghada.

First – the reef is closer. 5 minutes by boat, not 30. You spend less time sailing, more time in water.

Second – the water is calmer. The bay is sheltered. Less wind. Better for kids and beginners.

Third – fewer boats. Hurghada has 50+ boats leaving daily. Makadi has maybe 10. Less crowded reefs.

But.

Fewer tour operators. Less competition = higher prices. A trip to Giftun from Makadi costs €28–35. From Hurghada? €22–25.

And the transfer from Hurghada airport adds 30 minutes. If you’re staying in Makadi, fine. If you’re in Hurghada, it’s a long drive.

So who is makadi bay sea trips for? Families. Older travellers. People who want peace over chaos.

top 10 makadi bay excursions – ranked honestly

1. Giftun Island (from Makadi) – the classic

The most popular trip. 1.5 hours on the island. 2 snorkeling stops.

Cost: €28–35. Includes lunch, drinks, pickup.

Good: Beautiful island. Good snorkeling. Professional operators.

Bad: Crowded in peak season. Same as Hurghada, just from a different marina.

2. Orange Bay (from Makadi) – the photo stop

Turquoise water. White sand. Instagram heaven.

Cost: €30–40. Shorter trip. More expensive than from Hurghada.

Good: Stunning beach. Great photos. Calm water.

Bad: No reef. Overcrowded. Sunbeds cost extra (€5).

3. Full-day sea trip (Giftun + Orange Bay combo)

Visit both in one day. 7–8 hours total.

Cost: €35–50. Lunch included.

Good: See two islands. Value for money. Variety.

Bad: Long day. Rushed at each stop.

4. Private speedboat – the flexible option

Your own boat. Choose the route. Stay as long as you want.

Cost: €150–300 (up to 6 people). 4–6 hours.

Good: No crowds. No rushing. Best for small groups.

Bad: Expensive. Food not included usually.

5. Snorkeling only trip – for reef lovers

Short trip. 3–4 hours. Just snorkeling. No beach.

Cost: €22–28. Gear included.

Good: More snorkel time. Less wasted time on beaches.

Bad: No Instagram beach photos. Limited stops.

6. Sunset cruise – romantic or just chill

Sailing at sunset. Drinks included. No snorkeling.

Cost: €25–35. 2 hours.

Good: Beautiful views. Calm. Great for couples.

Bad: Short. No activity – just sailing.

7. Dolphin watching (from Makadi)

Boat to dolphin areas. No guarantee.

Cost: €30–40. 3–4 hours.

Good: Dolphins often spotted. Exciting for kids.

Bad: No dolphin guarantee. Can be a waste if unlucky.

8. Submarine tour – for non-swimmers

Same Sindbad submarine. But from Makadi.

Cost: €45–60. 2–3 hours.

Good: No swimming. Perfect for kids and seniors.

Small portholes. Scratched windows. Expensive.

9. Fishing trip (Makadi Bay)

Deep sea or trolling. 4–6 hours.

Cost: €40–60. Equipment included.

Good: Fun for anglers. Catch your dinner.

Bad: Not for everyone. Can be boring if no fish.

10. Private yacht – luxury option

Full-day VIP experience. Jacuzzi, chef, photographers.

Cost: €500–1,000. 6–8 hours.

Good: Ultimate luxury. Perfect for special occasions.

Bad: Very expensive. Overkill for most.

what nobody tells you about makadi bay sea trips

The reef is closer, but not better. Same fish. Same coral. Just less travel time.

The water is calmer, but windier in afternoon. Morning trips are best.

The food is average. Same rice and chicken you’ll eat all week.

The hotel pickup is smooth. Resorts are close together. No 1-hour bus rides.

The crew expect tips. €5–10 per group. Bring small notes.

The national park fee is extra. Giftun and Orange Bay charge €5. Not always included.

A kid cried on my trip. Too tired. Too hot. Wanted to go home. We were only at stop 2.

makadi bay vs hurghada – which is better for sea trips?

My take: If you’re already staying in Makadi, do the sea trips from here. Convenience wins. If you’re in Hurghada, don’t drive down – just book from Hurghada. Same reefs, cheaper price.

costs – realistic 2026 prices

Prices are per person for shared trips. Private is per boat.

best time for makadi bay sea trips

October–November: Best overall. Warm water, fewer crowds.

March–May: Good. Easter week packed – book ahead.

December–February: Water cool (22°C). Need wetsuit. Windy.

June–August: Too hot (40°C+). Sea trips still run. But you’ll suffer on the beach.

Best day: Tuesday or Wednesday. Weekend = chaos.

Best time: Morning (8–10am). Calmest. Best light for photos.

what to bring – the real list

• Sunscreen SPF 50+. You will burn. Trust me.
• Towel. For beach and boat.
• Jacket. Wind on the boat is cold after snorkeling.
• Cash. For park fee (€5), drinks, tips (€5–10).
• Snorkel mask (your own). Rental gear is tired. Scratched.
• Waterproof phone pouch. Photos at Orange Bay.
• Seasickness pills. Boat is big but motion is motion.
• Sunglasses. Sun reflects off water. Harsh.

Look, let me be honest with you

What is the best sea trip from Makadi Bay?

Giftun Island. Classic. Good snorkeling. Beach time. Value for money.

How long is the boat ride to Giftun from Makadi?

15 minutes. Half the time of Hurghada departures.

Is Orange Bay worth it from Makadi?

For photos, yes. For snorkeling, no. It’s a beach stop. No reef.

Can I book sea trips directly at my hotel?

Yes. But they add 20–30% markup. Book through a tour operator outside for better prices.

Is Makadi Bay better than Hurghada for sea trips?

For families, yes. Quieter. Calmer. But fewer options and higher prices.

Do I need to tip?

Yes. Crew expects €5–10 per group. Bring small notes.

should you book makadi bay sea trips in 2026?

Look.

Makadi bay sea trips are not the cheapest. Not the most exciting. Not the wildest.

But.

They are reliable. Calm. Family-friendly. The reefs are close. The water is smooth. The operators are professional.

For families with young kids? Perfect. For couples who want peace? Great. For anyone who hates the chaos of Hurghada? This is your answer.

I’ve done trips from both. I prefer Makadi for a lazy day – less sailing, more relaxing. I prefer Hurghada for value and variety.

So choose based on your mood.

If you want peace and quiet, stay in Makadi and book from here. If you want cheap and chaotic, go to Hurghada.

Either way, you’ll see the same fish.

A flat here costs less than a deposit back home. And having Giftun Island 15 minutes away? Not bad for a Thursday morning. Just saying.

No joke. Most hotels in Makadi Bay are 5 to 10 minutes from Marina Makadi Bay. Not 45 minutes. Not an hour. Five to ten minutes.

More time in the water or on the beach. That’s what you want on vacation, right?

So yes. Makadi Bay sea trips are worth it in 2026. I wouldn’t say that if I didn’t mean it.

Why Choose Makadi Bay Instead of Hurghada?

I know what you’re thinking. Everyone talks about Hurghada. Every blog, every YouTube video, every travel agent – they all send you to Hurghada.

Related Guide: Before your trip, read our complete Red Sea Hurghada Guide to learn about coral reefs, marine life, snorkeling spots, islands, and travel tips.

Let me break it down for you.