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Hurghada Grand Aquarium

When you are in Hurghada (Red Sea coast, Egypt) and want to share a fun day with your family and have a break from something different but yet family-friendly, the Hurghada Grand Aquarium can be the best option. What, where, what you will see, how to plan your visit, and helpful hints that will make your visit a smooth experience, you will find below that you know all you need to know about it. Let’s take a look.

What is Hurghada Grand Aquarium?

The Hurghada Grand Aquarium is a big contemporary aquarium and wildlife park. It is a mixture of marine exhibits and rainforest-like areas, mini-zoo of rescued land animals. It was made available to the public in January 2015, and its aim is to enable visitors of both age groups to enjoy the marine setting and the conservation education as well as enjoy viewing aquatic life in a managed, visitor-friendly setting.

One of its highlights is a walk under a sea tunnel that takes you through and makes you feel like you are in the ocean without getting wet.

Location & How to Get There

The aquarium is situated along Villages Road (or Safaga Villages Road) approximately 12km south of the main hotel area in Hurghada between Makawish and Mercure Hotel.

When staying in Hurghada, it is possible to take it up with a taxi or through an organised trip that includes pick-up and drop-off service to the hotel. Others include tours of neighboring resort destinations such as Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh or el Gouna.

In case you do it yourself, take a taxi, negotiate the price before the ride and schedule about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the location of your hotel and traffic situation. The road is straightforward.

What to See & Do Inside

Once inside, there are several worlds in a complex that you can visit. Here are the major sections:

• Marine & Freshwater Aquariums: The aquarium contains 22 or 24 themed galleries. You will witness Red Sea marine life and other marine life: sharks, rays, turtles, and reef fish of all colours, as well as freshwater animal life.
• Underwater Tunnel: It has one of the most distinctive experiences, and you walk through a clear tunnel that fish and sharks swim around.
• Rainforest and Mini Zoo: Behind the aquariums, there is a rainforest-style area and a mini zoo of rescued animals: crocodiles, flamingos, monkeys and other terrestrial animals.
• Food Programs and Interactive Events: There are set shark feeds and other animal feeds that have been organized in the aquarium. For instance, the aquarium announces daily shark feeding times at 11 am-12 pm, 3-4 pm, and 9-10 pm.
• Cafe and Shopping: Snacks and refreshments are always available; you can bring your own food. The structure of the buildings has space to relax and watch the tanks in comfortable spots.

Why Visit the Aquarium?

There are several benefits of visiting the Hurghada Grand Aquarium. To start with, it is highly family-friendly. Young kids and the elderly can walk around and have a glimpse of the sea without diving or snorkelling.

Second, it enables you to have a preview of the underwater environment of the Red Sea in a hassle-free visit. In case the diving or even a long boat journey does not appeal to you (or the weather is not favourable), this is a sure thing.

Third, it is a diverse experience because of the combination of marine and terrestrial wildlife. One time you are looking at fish, the other at flamingos or crocodiles, which makes it interesting and makes the scene continuously quick. Lastly, it is indoors and somewhat climate controlled, which provides a relaxing escape when the day is hot.

Practical Details for Your Visit

The following are some of the realities that can be used to make your visit a success:

• Opening Hours: It is open every day from 9:00 to 1:00 (midnight). The last entry is typically at 11:00 p.m.
• Ticket Price: According to one of the latest listings, adult tickets (around 10 years and above) cost about 33 dollars, and children between 4 and 9 years old cost 16.50 dollars. Infants under 4 are free.
• Time: most visitors take about 2 to 3 hours to window shop. You can take some time to have a brief rest, take photographs or sightsee at a slower pace.
• What to Pack: You should bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes, as you will be walking both inside and in some outdoor locations. Sunglasses and a hat when there is access to the sun. Camera/phone (note: the use of flash photography is in most cases prohibited in animal welfare).
• Peak Times: First thing in the morning shortly after opening or a little later in the afternoon/ evening to avoid the large number of people and the warmth inside.
• Accessibility: Generally the facility is accessible, though some of the outdoor paths (mini zoo) can have an uneven floor. Certain reviews mention that the stairs can be difficult.
• Additional Suggestions: Come approximately 30 minutes before a scheduled feeding so that you can see it. Spare the tunnel and great tanks, which are points of interest.

Final Thoughts

The Hurghada Grand Aquarium is a smart alternative (or complement) to the sea adventures of the Red Sea region. It provides you with a properly planned, entertaining indoor and outdoor adventure of sea and wildlife. When you need a half-day trip where you are not dependent on the weather, it is a solid option.

College weather: Come with your wonder, your camera, and your easy feet. Experience the underwater world without being wet. Take pleasure in the sharks swimming over you, the colourful fish, the rainforest, and other animals on land. It is a little learning, a little rest and a little entertainment.