Aquarium Hurghada gives travelers a close look at the Red Sea’s marine life. It features coral reef tanks, colorful fish, sharks, and interactive touch pools. A small zoo adds to its appeal, especially for families. Often called the “Red Sea in Glass,” its large viewing panels offer immersive views.

The site receives thousands of visitors yearly and ranks high in reviews for its variety and smooth experience. Whether you’re traveling alone or with kids, it’s an educational and fun stop. Search “aquarium hurghada tours” to find popular packages and photos that make it a standout in Hurghada trips.Aquarium Hurghada Overview

Location and History

The main aquarium facility (sometimes called the Grand Aquarium) opened in 2015 as Hurghada’s flagship marine attraction. Spread over nearly 10 acres, it quickly became one of the city’s most visited sites. It was built with advanced tanks holding thousands of gallons of Red Sea water, filled with species like reef sharks and rays.

The coral reef exhibit alone contains thousands of corals and fish native to the Red Sea. Its walk-through tunnel is often compared to the feeling of swimming with the fish. The facility’s backers invested heavily in creating a realistic habitat, making Aquarium Hurghada both a conservation effort and a tourist highlight.

The facility’s official name is the “Red Sea Grand Aquarium,” and it was created to both entertain tourists and raise awareness of Red Sea ecology. The aquarium features multilingual signage and bilingual guides who speak Arabic and English.

Experience and Atmosphere

Inside the aquarium, the atmosphere is both relaxing and awe-inspiring. Large acrylic tunnels let visitors walk “underwater” beneath schools of fish, while smaller tanks allow close-up views of clownfish, lionfish, and vibrant coral. There is a dedicated children’s area where youngsters can gently touch starfish and see friendly sharks from above.

In addition to marine tanks, the complex includes a mini zoo and animal exhibits, so guests get a mix of sea creatures and land animals. Exhibits are labeled with fun facts in multiple languages, adding to the educational experience. Soothing background music plays in each area, creating an immersive vibe.

Many guests describe the aquarium’s lighting and design as calming, with large glass walls making you feel as if you’re inside the ocean. Visitors have noted that arriving just before the shark-feeding time provides the best views.

The aquarium is open every day (though hours may vary on weekends or holidays) and is fully wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. It includes baby-changing facilities and restrooms on each level, making a visit comfortable for families.

Aquarium Exhibits

Highlights and Key Species

Some of the must-see exhibits include its shark tunnel and ray pool. In the tunnel, large fish and reef sharks swim overhead, creating a memorable 360° experience. Kids especially enjoy the nearby ray pool, where they can sit on the edge and watch rays glide by. The 180° panorama tank offers fantastic photo opportunities with vibrant fish.

One signature tank is home to the local Red Sea ecosystem, featuring coral reefs and native fish species, illustrating the underwater world familiar to local divers. Another section simulates a river habitat, complete with freshwater fish and even crocodiles, which surprises many visitors. Guests often remark how they see both ocean and freshwater species under one roof.

Visitors say they often linger 15–30 minutes at the shark tunnel, entranced by the graceful swimmers. For example, the shark tank features local species like sandbar and tiger sharks, which are impressive to observe. Kids and adults alike can spot clownfish hiding among anemones, and lionfish camouflaged in the reef.

An additional 100,000-gallon oceanarium provides a panoramic view of exotic fish; one guest described it as feeling like a submarine adventure with a glass hull.

Educational and Family Zones

Aquarium Hurghada is very family-friendly. Staff members are on hand to answer questions, and interactive displays teach kids about ocean life and conservation. The aquarium runs regular feeding demonstrations—for example, feeding shows for sharks at midday and for rays later in the afternoon, which are very popular with children.

Because the facility is air-conditioned, it is a welcome break on hot days. Parents often use the seating areas to relax while little ones explore safely. The gift shop at the exit sells marine-themed souvenirs, books, and stuffed animals. The facility is stroller-friendly, and many families visit across multiple generations.

Parents and grandparents can take turns guiding children through the exhibits while the others rest. The blend of marine aquariums, touch pools, and a small zoo appeals to guests of all ages, making a visit enjoyable for both kids and adults.

Planning Your Visit

Hours, Tickets and Accessibility at Aquarium Hurghada

Aquarium Hurghada is usually open daily, with longer hours in the summer. Ticket prices are reasonable (often around 300–400 EGP for adults and 200–300 for children, with occasional discounts for local residents), and advanced booking online can save time. Family combo tickets are sometimes offered that bundle aquarium entry with other activities.

It’s best to arrive early, as mornings tend to be less crowded. The facility is located a short drive south of Hurghada’s city center (near Magawish Village and Sand City). Public buses do not run directly to the site, so taxis or private transfers are recommended. Parking is available onsite, and the location is clearly marked on GPS apps (often listed as “Red Sea Grand Aquarium”).

The main building is fully accessible, with ramps and elevators. Baby-changing facilities and restrooms are available on each level. The on-site café and snack bar serve light meals and drinks (such as sandwiches, juice, and mint tea), so visitors can take breaks without leaving. Ticket counters are manned by helpful staff, and English-speaking guides can assist international guests.

Overall, planning a visit is straightforward, especially when working with a knowledgeable tour operator.

Combining Aquarium Hurghada with Local Activities

Many travelers combine a trip to Aquarium Hurghada with other Red Sea activities. For example, SOLA Travel often recommends starting the day with a morning snorkeling or boat trip, then visiting the aquarium in the cooler afternoon. This lets visitors experience Hurghada’s marine life both in the wild and in a controlled environment.

Other guests pair the aquarium visit with shopping at nearby bazaars or an evening desert safari. Because the aquarium opens daily, it can fit flexibly into any itinerary. SOLA Travel can easily arrange these combinations. One typical full-day plan might include morning scuba diving or a glass-bottom boat ride, a midday visit to Aquarium Hurghada, and a sunset stroll along Hurghada’s marina afterward.

Many tour packages specifically include Aquarium Hurghada and snorkeling together for convenience. For tour groups, Aquarium Hurghada often appears on travel itineraries, and combined passes (for example, aquarium plus local diving center discounts) are available.
Conservation and Research at Aquarium Hurghada

Breeding and Rescue

Aquarium Hurghada operates with a conservation ethos. It participates in breeding programs for threatened Red Sea species, including sea turtles and rare reef fish. The facility also has a dedicated rescue tank: injured sea turtles or other marine animals brought in by fishermen are often rehabilitated by staff before being released back into the wild.

Aquarium Hurghada houses coral nursery frames where new coral fragments are grown; this helps restore damaged reefs along the coast. For example, staff regularly tag and monitor animals like sea turtles in cooperation with local universities, contributing to scientific research. In Hurghada’s tourism landscape, Aquarium Hurghada stands out as a key attraction that actively helps marine life.

Education and Outreach

The aquarium collaborates with schools and universities to raise awareness of ocean conservation. It hosts marine biology interns and conducts workshops on Red Sea ecology. Informational signage is detailed, and guided tours include talks about local environmental issues like coral bleaching and overfishing.

Some tours even show short documentaries on Red Sea ecosystems. The outreach goes further: proceeds from merchandise sales partly fund a coral planting initiative along nearby reefs. Gift shop items (like books and posters) include environmental messages.

Overall, Aquarium Hurghada uses these programs to inspire visitors to protect the marine environment. Conservation at Aquarium Hurghada is a key part of its mission, making each visit both fun and meaningful.

Why Choose SOLA Travel for Aquarium Hurghada

Expert Itineraries

SOLA Travel highlights Aquarium Hurghada in its Red Sea tours, knowing it offers great value for families and solo travelers alike. Their customized itineraries may include private transportation, ensuring a comfortable journey from your hotel to the aquarium. Tour guides often provide extra insights;

for example, one guest mentioned how guides point out similarities between fish in the aquarium and species seen on snorkeling trips. By booking with SOLA Travel, guests can expect smooth planning — from timed entry to avoiding peak crowds — so that the focus is on fun and learning. Parents often note that having a local guide means they can ask any question and get immediate answers about the exhibits.

SOLA Travel also handles practical details like timed hotel pickups and drop-offs, lounge access at the aquarium, and multilingual explanations.

Family-Friendly Tours

SOLA Travel’s family packages emphasize attractions like Aquarium Hurghada that are ideal for kids. The company can supply amenities such as child seats in transport and even carry bottled water so parents don’t have to. For instance, they might arrange to visit the aquarium around midday and include a snack break or playtime at a nearby park.

SOLA Travel team has escorted hundreds of families, so they know little needs — even minor things like scheduling extra restroom stops. These small touches let children and adults enjoy the aquarium without any stress. Many clients appreciate that after the aquarium tour, SOLA Travel can continue with kid-friendly activities (ice cream treat or playground visit) to round out the day.

By thoughtfully including Aquarium Hurghada in a broader Red Sea itinerary, SOLA Travel ensures that the outing is memorable and hassle-free for the whole family.