Makadi Beach (Makadi Bay)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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.
- 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.
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
Peak crowds occur during European school holidays, particularly in July, August, and October.
Rain is extremely rare; occasional sandstorms (Khamsin) can occur in spring.
By sport
What to expect for each.
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.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
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.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–7.5 m²
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
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.
Other spots in the area
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
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.
- No riding inside marked swimming areas.
- Launch only from designated sport zones.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A resort-heavy area with water-activity infrastructure and nearby opportunities for cultural day trips.
Red Sea diving and snorkeling in coral-fringed reefs near Makadi Bay.
Traditional Egyptian markets (souks) and local architecture.
Guided excursions into the nearby Eastern Desert at sunset.
A central area with various international dining options and bars.
Resort restaurants and beach bars with international and local cuisine.
A large water park featuring numerous slides and pools, popular for families.
An open-air museum featuring miniature models of Egypt's most famous landmarks.
Safe sandy beaches, shallow cove waters, and resort pools.
From riders who've been here
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.