Makadi Beach (Makadi Bay)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoiling
Freeride, Wave
Best for
Beginner
Skill Level
Flat, Chop, Medium waves
Spot Type
Moderate
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Makadi Beach (Makadi Bay) is a resort-focused Red Sea bay with crystal-clear water, sand beaches, and conditions that range from flat to moderately choppy depending on where you ride. Reef structure is close to shore in several sections, which supports great visibility for snorkeling/diving but creates a key riding hazard if you drift off the safe lines. Wind is described as thermal, with dominant north to north-west components and typical July–October consistency. Riders report the wind often starts more side-offshore from the northwest in the morning and becomes more stable later when the thermal pattern strengthens. A practical takeaway from the spot notes is to time out for afternoon thermal for smoother, more predictable wind rather than pushing out in the gustier morning flow. For windsurfing, the bay is described as excellent for freeride and for learning, thanks to a small protected beginner area formed by sandbanks (with a relatively short standing area close to shore). In stronger winds outside the bay, swell can build and reach up to about 3 m, increasing the range of conditions for more experienced freeride/wave attempts. For kitesurfing, the bay is described as having dedicated areas and flat-to-choppy water for freestyle/freeride, but multiple warnings indicate it may be less ideal than it sounds due to limited space and coral-related risk. Safety guidance strongly emphasizes coral awareness, and local tips commonly recommend protective footwear and using designated riding zones away from swimmers.

  • Crystal-clear water and sheltered bay riding environment
  • Thermal north/NW wind pattern that typically becomes more stable in the afternoon
  • Protected beginner area for windsurfing within the bay
Great for
Windsurfing freerideWindsurfing waveWingfoil freerideKitesurfing freeride
What's great
  • Crystal-clear, high-transparency water with a sheltered resort-bay setup.
  • Reliable thermal winds in late spring through early autumn.
  • Beginner-friendly windsurfing area protected by sandbanks.
Heads up
  • Coral reefs are close to shore and are a serious hazard if you drift.
  • Kitesurfing can be limited by space and reef hazards; some riders consider it not ideal for kitesurfing overall.
  • Morning wind can be gustier and can include more offshore components.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NE, NW, N
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Thermal — Thermal north-to-north-west winds, often side-shore; described as starting side-offshore from the northwest in the morning and becoming more stable later.
Reliability
60% windy days (also described as high during summer, more dependent on weather systems in winter).
Gust Factor
Steady — Also described as moderate-gusts; morning can feel gustier than the afternoon thermal.
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Shadow Zones
Turbulent or lighter air can occur immediately downwind of large hotel buildings.

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat, Chop, Medium waves
Beach
Sand — Sand beach.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Medium — Also described as small in some season/conditions; chop-medium wave conditions are noted inside the bay.
Chop Level
Light chop — Bay conditions described as flat with chop and only slight choppy wave for the protected area.
Launch
Medium — Spacious sandy launch zones are available; space can be limited during high tide or in front of specific hotel beach zones.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
21–30 °C
Water Temperature
21–40 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec–Mar: 3/2mm or 5/3mm full suitApr–Nov: Shorty or rashguard (optionally shorts/shorty in warmer months)
Crowds by Season

Peak crowds occur during European school holidays, particularly in July, August, and October.

Storm/Rain Season

Rain is extremely rare; occasional sandstorms (Khamsin) can occur in spring.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Flat to choppy water inside the bay with dedicated zones to separate riders from swimmers; described as suitable for freestyle/freeride. Multiple notes warn it is not consistently ideal for kitesurfing due to limited space and coral hazards, and that some riders recommend alternatives for better riding conditions.

FreerideWaveFoilFreestyle
Kite Sizes
9–12 m²
WindsurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Freeride and wave spot with a small protected beginner area created by two sandbanks (about a 30 m standing area). Further out in stronger winds, swell can reach up to 3 m; the bay itself is described as having only slight chop and a relatively small choppy wave.

FreerideWaveSlalomFoil
Sail Sizes
5–7.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Growing wingfoiling spot with steady afternoon thermal wind for progression; reef depth must be respected.

Foil Friendly
Limited — Foil-friendly conditions described as limited due to reef depth near the inner sections.
Min Depth
Approximately 1.5 meters to clear inner reef sections (deeper water available further out).
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Makadi Beach (Makadi Bay) in the full forecast view.

Makadi Beach (Makadi Bay) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–14 ktsGusts 21 kts
Direction
N352°
Strongest day
Fri, Oct 3014 kts
Windy days
3/712 kts or more
Waves
0.2–0.9 m3s period
Temperature
22–31 °C

Over the next 7 days, Makadi Beach (Makadi Bay) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Friday, October 30 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is N. Waves run 0.2–0.9 m with a period of about 3s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • Coral reefs
  • Sea urchins
  • Wind shadows near large hotel buildings
  • Offshore wind components in the morning
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestBootsLeash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Lifeguard presence described as seasonal.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Yes — Dedicated rescue boats are used by resort water sports centers.
Emergency Info
Dedicated rescue boats are maintained by professional water sports centers within bay resorts; nearest comprehensive medical facilities are in Hurghada (about 30 km away). National emergency number referenced as 123.
Localism / Vibe
None — Localism described as none.

Rules of the spot

Kiteboarding/windsurfing are typically restricted to designated zones away from hotel swimming areas; launch only from designated sport zones.

Restrictions
  • No riding inside marked swimming areas.
  • Launch only from designated sport zones.
Local Tips
  • Wear booties to protect against coral and sea urchins.
  • Wait for the afternoon thermal for the most stable conditions (morning wind is often gustier).
  • Check with local centers about current rescue boat status before heading out.
  • Watch out for drifting over coral reefs—corals are sharp and dangerous if you drift over them.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Hurghada (approx. 30–40 km north)
Nearest Town
Makadi Bay
Nearest Airport
Hurghada International Airport (HRG) (~30 km)
Parking
Parking area available at Makadi Bay; generally available within hotel complexes for guests.
Public Transport
Limited public transport; transport is primarily via hotel shuttles/taxis/pre-arranged transfers.
Access
Fly to Hurghada and drive with a taxi or bus to Makadi Bay.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Arabic
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Changing rooms
Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Near — Many hotels and all-inclusive resort complexes surround the bay with direct beach access.
Food & Drink
Many bars and hotels around the bay; numerous beach bars and restaurants along the bay, mostly attached to resorts.
Equipment Rental:
Equipment rental available at local stations; full range of current-season gear is available for rent.
Gear Storage
Daily and weekly storage options are available at main water sports centers.
Gear Repair
Basic repair services for sails and kites are offered by local stations.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

A resort-heavy area with water-activity infrastructure and nearby opportunities for cultural day trips.

Best time to visit: April to October for warm water and consistent winds (spring and autumn also described as offering a comfortable balance of heat and wind).
Red Sea Diving & Snorkeling0–2 km from beach

Red Sea diving and snorkeling in coral-fringed reefs near Makadi Bay.

Hurghada Old Town (Dahar)35 km

Traditional Egyptian markets (souks) and local architecture.

Desert Quad Safari5 km

Guided excursions into the nearby Eastern Desert at sunset.

Madinat Makadi Entertainment Hub1 km

A central area with various international dining options and bars.

Makadi Bay Resort Dining0–1 km

Resort restaurants and beach bars with international and local cuisine.

Makadi Water World2 km

A large water park featuring numerous slides and pools, popular for families.

Mini Egypt Park8 km

An open-air museum featuring miniature models of Egypt's most famous landmarks.

Makadi Bay Family Beaches0 km

Safe sandy beaches, shallow cove waters, and resort pools.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Makadi Beach (Makadi Bay)?

The best overall months at Makadi Beach (Makadi Bay) are May, June, July, August, September, October.

Which wind directions work at Makadi Beach (Makadi Bay)?

Makadi Beach (Makadi Bay) works with NE, NW, N winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Makadi Beach (Makadi Bay)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Makadi Beach (Makadi Bay): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.

What skill level is Makadi Beach (Makadi Bay) suitable for?

Makadi Beach (Makadi Bay) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.