Makadi Bay Reef

Makadi Bay Reef is the house reef of Makadi Bay, a modern beach resort area located approximately 30 km south of Hurghada. The bay’s house reef sits directly in front of the resort strip and is operated by several dive centres including Scuba World Divers and IDive Makadi Bay. It is one of the most accessible shore dive sites in the northern Red Sea.

Overview

The Makadi Bay house reef extends from a shallow entry at 3–5 m down to 30 m on the outer reef structure. The main reef platform lies at approximately 14–18 m. The site is notable for regular turtle sightings — two turtles are described by local operators as frequent residents. The reef is diverse enough to reward repeated dives, with distinct zones from the shallow coral rubble near the jetty through to the drop-off and sandy patches at depth.

Marine Life

• Resident sea turtles (two individuals regularly encountered)
• Scorpionfish and stonefish on coral rubble — exercise caution
• Blue-spotted rays on sandy patches
• Octopus, pipefish, and seahorses in sheltered areas
• Crocodile fish, moray eels, and lionfish throughout
• Occasional bowmouth guitarfish (mangrove ray) and eagle rays
• Pyramid boxfish and diverse reef fish

Dive Profile

Shore entry from the jetty — just a few steps from the dive centre. Descend to 3–5 m then follow the reef down to 14–18 m (main reef) or 30 m (maximum). Minimal current; suitable for all levels. Good visibility. The Sabina reef section and artificial reef structures add interest in the shallows.

Tips

• The shallow reef near the jetty rewards careful searching for macro subjects
• Turtle encounters are near-certain on morning dives
• Multiple routes allow varied profiles on repeat dives

Site Information

• Location: Makadi Bay, ~30 km south of Hurghada, northern Red Sea
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Reef
• Maximum Depth: 30 meters
• Difficulty: Beginner — suitable for all levels

Sources: Scuba World Divers – Makadi Bay House Reef, Extra Divers Makadi Bay. Last updated 2026-05-17.