Hurghada Grand Aquarium

The Hurghada Grand Aquarium is the easiest way to see the big animals of the Red Sea up close, with no mask, no boat and no swimming needed. It opened in 2015 in the Magawish area south of central Hurghada and is described as the largest aquarium in Egypt.

The star is a 24-metre transparent tunnel where nurse sharks, rays and shoals of tropical fish glide over your head. Around it are tanks with Red Sea reef life, plus a rainforest area, a mini zoo and Whale Valley, an exhibit with a replica of an ancient whale.

It is a favourite with families, younger children and non-swimmers, and a smart choice for a hot or windy day when the sea is rough. We pick you up at your hotel, your entrance ticket is included, and you explore at your own pace before we drive you back.

Price on request; child ticket prices depend on age.

What's inside the Hurghada Grand Aquarium

The aquarium holds more than 1,200 animals from roughly 100 species, in tanks totalling around 3,500 cubic metres of water. Here is what most visitors remember:

• The shark tunnel. A 24-metre transparent tunnel where nurse sharks, eagle rays and stingrays swim above and around you. Allow time here; the kids will not want to leave.
• Red Sea reef tanks. Coral reef halls with lionfish, groupers, moray eels and the colourful reef fish you would see snorkeling.
• Sea turtles. Green sea turtles are among the aquarium's best-known residents.
• Rainforest. A tropical section with plants, birds and reptiles.
• Mini zoo. Land animals including desert wildlife and birds.
• Whale Valley. An exhibit inspired by the fossil whales of Egypt's Western Desert, with a replica of the ancient whale Basilosaurus.

Exhibits and animal presentations change with the aquarium's schedule, so not every section or show is guaranteed on every day. Your ticket gives access to the areas included in the selected admission.

Is the Grand Aquarium worth it? Tips for families

If you are travelling with children, non-swimmers or anyone who is nervous in open water, it is one of the best-value half days in Hurghada. Everyone sees sharks and rays up close, safely and dry.

A few tips from us:

• Plan 2–3 hours including the hotel transfers. That is enough to see everything without rushing small children.
• Use it as a 'rest day'. It is a good fit after a long boat trip, after too much sun, or on a windy day when sea trips are uncomfortable.
• Walk the tunnel twice. The animals move constantly, so a second walk often shows you something new.
• Bring a camera, but no flash. Turn the flash off; it reflects on the glass and disturbs the animals.

For divers, the aquarium also runs a 'dive with sharks' programme for certified divers. It is not part of our trip, but ask us if you are interested and we will check the options. To see the real reef afterwards, try a glass boat or submarine trip or our snorkeling trip.