Hurghada Grand Aquarium: Egypt's Premier Marine Attraction
Are you planning a trip to Egypt's stunning Red Sea coast? The Hurghada Grand Aquarium should be at the top of your must-visit list. As one of Africa's largest aquariums and Egypt's premier marine attraction, this incredible facility offers an unforgettable journey through the underwater wonders of the Red Sea and beyond.
What Makes Hurghada Grand Aquarium Special?
Opened in January 2015, the aquarium features nearly 3,500 cubic meters of tank space housing over 1,200 individual animals representing 100 species. This nonprofit organization has a clear mission: inspiring conservation of the world's aquatic treasures through education and entertainment.
What sets this aquarium apart is its comprehensive approach to marine life education. Beyond traditional aquarium exhibits, visitors can explore a lush rainforest environment, interact with animals at a mini zoo, and even discover ancient fossil displays that tell the story of Egypt's prehistoric marine history.
Star Attractions You Can't Miss
The 24-Meter Underwater Tunnel
The crown jewel is the 24-meter-long underwater tunnel, where you can walk beneath magnificent sharks, graceful rays, and countless colorful fish species. This immersive experience creates the sensation of walking on the ocean floor, with marine life swimming all around you. The tunnel provides exceptional photography opportunities and creates magical memories for visitors of all ages.
Red Sea Marine Life Exhibits
The aquarium showcases the incredible biodiversity of the Red Sea through 24 separate galleries, each representing different marine habitats. Notable specimens you'll encounter include nurse sharks, various stingray species, green sea turtles, shovelnose guitarfish, and majestic eagle rays. Each exhibit is carefully designed to educate visitors about the unique ecosystem of the Red Sea while promoting conservation awareness.
Rainforest Experience
Step from the depths of the ocean into a completely different ecosystem. The man-made rainforest section features lush vegetation and houses monkeys, exotic birds, and other fascinating creatures, creating an exciting contrast to the aquatic exhibits.
Mini Zoo and Open-Air Animal Areas
The facility includes outdoor areas where visitors can get up close to native wildlife and various animal species. This unique combination of aquarium and zoo makes Hurghada Grand Aquarium a comprehensive wildlife experience unlike any other in the region.
Whale Valley Exhibit
Based on fascinating fossil discoveries from Egypt's Western Desert, the Whale Valley exhibit provides insight into the ancient marine life that once inhabited the region millions of years ago.
Exciting Daily Programs
Shark Feeding Shows
One of the most popular attractions is the daily shark feeding demonstrations. Shows typically run from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM, though schedules may vary. During these sessions, expert marine biologists share fascinating information about shark behavior, their role in marine ecosystems, and conservation efforts to protect these magnificent predators.
Interactive Touch Pools
For a hands-on experience, visit the supervised touch pool areas where you can safely interact with gentle marine creatures like starfish and rays under the guidance of knowledgeable staff who provide educational insights about the animals.
Educational Tours and Workshops
The aquarium offers guided tours led by marine specialists who provide detailed information about the exhibits, answer questions, and offer interactive demonstrations. These educational programs are perfect for families, school groups, and anyone interested in learning more about marine biology and conservation.
Practical Visitor Information
Location and Accessibility
Address: Villages Road, Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
The aquarium is conveniently located and easily accessible from all major hotels in Hurghada, Makadi Bay, El Gouna, and Sahl Hasheesh. Transportation options include:
- Hotel pickup services available from most accommodations
- Taxi or Uber (approximately €3-8 from central Hurghada)
- Self-drive with free on-site parking
- Organized tours from major resorts
Operating Hours
The aquarium is open daily from 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM (midnight), with last entry at 10:00 PM, giving you plenty of flexibility to visit at a time that suits your schedule.
How Long Should You Plan to Visit?
Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours exploring the facility to fully appreciate all the exhibits without feeling rushed. Many visitors find that an entire afternoon can easily be spent discovering all the attractions.
Visitor Tips for the Best Experience
Photography Guidelines: While personal smartphone photography is welcome and encouraged, professional cameras may require an additional fee. Flash photography is strictly prohibited to protect the animals.
Timing Your Visit: For a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds and unique ambient lighting, consider visiting after 7:00 PM when the atmosphere becomes especially magical.
Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable walking shoes as there's extensive ground to cover both indoors and in the outdoor zoo areas.
Bring Cash: Having Egyptian pounds on hand is useful for purchasing animal food, souvenirs, and refreshments.
Ask About Feeding Times: Upon arrival, inquire about the daily schedule for feeding shows and special demonstrations to plan your visit accordingly.
Accessibility: All facilities are wheelchair accessible, making the aquarium welcoming for visitors with mobility considerations.
Dining and Shopping
The aquarium features a panoramic café overlooking the Red Sea, offering fresh meals, snacks, and refreshments with stunning views. The gift shop sells marine-themed souvenirs, educational toys, and local handicrafts—perfect for taking home a memory of your visit.
Conservation and Education Mission
Hurghada Grand Aquarium is dedicated to inspiring guests to appreciate the marine environment while promoting conservation and sustainable choices for the future. The facility actively participates in marine biology research and conservation efforts in the Red Sea region, focusing on species preservation and ecosystem health.
Through interactive programs and educational workshops, the aquarium raises awareness about the importance of protecting our oceans and the incredible biodiversity they support. The staff works tirelessly to provide both entertainment and meaningful learning experiences that inspire visitors to become ocean advocates.
Awards and Recognition
For six consecutive years, the aquarium has received the TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Award, placing it in the top 10% of attractions worldwide. This consistent recognition reflects the facility's commitment to providing exceptional visitor experiences and maintaining high standards of animal care and educational programming.
Is It Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Whether you're traveling with family, as a couple, or solo, Hurghada Grand Aquarium offers something for everyone. Marine biology enthusiasts will appreciate the species diversity and conservation programs, while families will love the interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences that keep children engaged for hours.
The combination of world-class marine exhibits, the stunning underwater tunnel, educational programming, and the unique addition of rainforest and zoo sections makes this attraction a comprehensive and memorable experience. It's one of the best ways to appreciate the incredible marine biodiversity of the Red Sea without getting wet!
