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Whether you're an avid traveler, snorkeling enthusiast or a lover of the ocean, there's nothing quite like the allure of the open waters. And if you're like us, and the promise of stunning underwater paradise is too much to pass up, we think you might like to hear about our latest adventure...
This March, we had the pleasure of diving into an epic underwater adventure in Egypt, specifically in the Red Sea off of Makadi Bay, located near the vibrant city of Hurghada. An area renowned for its beautiful marine life, stunning coral reefs, and underwater life, this region truly has it all. From swimming with dolphins to navigating the vibrant reefs, our two-week expedition took us on a once-in-a-lifetime journey filled with unforgettable experiences.
What can be more exhilarating than diving headfirst into the turquoise blue waters of the Red Sea, surrounded by schools of multi-colored tropical fish, vibrant coral reefs, and stunning underwater landscapes? Trust us folks, this destination is a MUST for anyone who seeks to explore the beauty of the world beneath the waves. So, buckle up your scuba gear, grab your flippers, and let's dive into our journey of discovery!
Islands and reefs galore: Around every corner is another island or reef ready to be explored.
If you are looking for a perfect beach getaway with some underwater adventure, Makadi Bay in Egypt is the perfect destination for you. This coastal area on the Red Sea is known for as an ocean paradise, with coral reefs right on shore and rich marine life. Among the many activities, snorkeling in Makadi Bay is a must-do for every traveler. The warm waters of the Red Sea (a wonderful change from the freezing UK weather for us!) offers a unique opportunity to witness the vibrant aquatic creatures up close, unlike anywhere else in the world.
Abu Hashish Island is a small island located approximately 20 kilometers from Hurghada, the nearest city to Makadi Bay. It is a popular snorkeling spot due to its abundance of multi-colored fish, thriving corals, and clear water. There is an array of marine life to witness here, including schools of parrotfish, giant morays, and even the occasional eagle ray. We actually loved this spot and ended up going back several times to marvel at the wonders under the waves. We even swam with dolphins here in a completely random but beautiful encounter as we watched the mother and calf duo dance beneath the water. I may have been so excited that I jumped in minus my fins and did an olympic medal-worthy swim to see them!
Looking out to the blue: the view across Abu Hashish reef
Another popular snorkeling spot in Makadi Bay is Giftun Island, located just off the coast of Hurghada. This island is known for its beautiful beaches, IG photo opps, and crystal-clear waters. Snorkeling on the reefs around Giftun Island is a fascinating experience, where you can observe rays, dolphins, and a variety of colorful fish. Whilst we were tempted by the promise of good snorkeling around Giftun, we opted for the quieter waters in Soma Bay, south of Makadi Bay for another epic underwater adventure with two snorkel stops and a lunch on board a boat. A visit to Utopia Island was included in this which we cautiously agreed to but the party-vibe wasn't our scene and we would have much preferred visiting back when it was an uninhabited island paradise! We had another magical moment on the way back from the island with a chance encounter with a pod of dolphins on our way back to the harbour.
Crystal-clear waters: Enjoying a dip in the warm ocean at Soma Bay, post-snorkeling.
Like many others visiting the Red Sea, we took advantage of the many boat-operated snorkeling tours, but on the days in between catching rides out to sea, you can still enjoy the marine paradise a little closer to shore...
If you are looking for a more convenient snorkeling spot located in Makadi Bay itself, the Makadi Bay House Reef is the perfect choice. This reef is accessible from many resorts located on the bay and is perfect for those who want to catch a glimpse of the marine life without going too deep. You can see a variety of fish, including blue-spotted stingrays, lionfish, clownfish, and angelfish, in addition to the beautiful corals that make up the reef.
Underwater worlds at your fingertips: Most reefs can be accessed from the beach or by walking our on the pier's over the coral. The pier, like this one in central Makadi Bay, offers an incredible view of the sea life in the shallow waters below, like this beautiful blue-spotted stingray.
During your snorkeling adventure in Makadi Bay, it is essential to be responsible and eco-friendly. You should refrain from touching or harming the marine life in any way, and always be mindful of your surroundings. Also, ensure that you do not litter or leave any waste behind, which can cause damage to the delicate ecosystem. When snorkeling in these sensitive marine environments, you should always opt for a reef-safe sunscreen option to prevent doing any harm to the corals. It's also important to cover up when on boat trips in between getting in the water as the sun's rays (even with sunscreen!) are pretty powerful even in the 'mild' spring months. A loose t-shirt or vest top is the perfect way to keep the rays off post-snorkel.
Whatever your reason for venturing to the Egyptian shores, snorkeling in Makadi Bay is an unforgettable experience that you must include in your travel itinerary. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, there is something for everyone here. So pack your snorkeling gear, book your flights, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. Makadi Bay is waiting to welcome you with open arms!
Check out our TikTok for our favourite clips from this Egyptian underwater adventure :)
@arvorlife Watch til the end for 🐬🐬🐬🐬 If you havent considered it yet, Egypt HAS to be on your bucket list 👌 We were blown away by the incredible marine life, corals and beaches that the Red Sea has to offer 🐠💙 More videos on the way of our experience and keep an eye on the blog too 💙✨💙 #makadibay #hurghada #hurghada_egypt #hurghadasnorkeling #snorkelingegypt #visitegyptالامارات #scubadivingtiktok #scubaegypt #snorkelingadventure @visit Egypt ♬ original sound - ArvorLife