Entry Ticket: Grand Aquarium Hurgada

Planning a trip to Hurghada and considering a visit to the Grand Aquarium? You’re not alone. This marine park, situated along Hurghada-Safaga Road, draws many visitors with its promise of a fun, family-friendly underwater adventure. We’ve gathered insights from those who’ve been, to give you a clear picture of what to expect — from the spectacular features to potential pitfalls.

What we love about this experience: the stunning underwater tunnel that offers a 360° view of marine life, the variety of hands-on activities like feeding turtles, and the chance to see land animals in a mini zoo setting. However, some reviews mention that the upkeep and size of the enclosures can feel tight, which is worth considering if animal welfare is a priority for you.

This tour suits curious kids, wildlife lovers, and anyone wanting a relaxed yet engaging outing in Hurghada. If you’re after a lively, educational, and visually striking experience, this aquarium might just be a good fit — but it’s best to temper expectations about scale and the animal habitats.

Key Points

• Affordable Entry: At $33 per person, it’s a reasonably priced family outing.
• Interactive Encounters: From feeding turtles to handling raw fish, activities cater to tactile learners.
• Diverse Exhibits: 22 aquariums plus rainforest and mini zoo sections provide variety.
• Educational Value: Guides and exhibits make it a good learning spot for kids.
• Limited Transfers: No included hotel transfers, so plan your transport.
• Open Daily: The park operates every day from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with last entry at 6:00 PM.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of Hurghada Grand Aquarium

The Hurghada Grand Aquarium spans approximately 9.8 acres, making it a sizeable spot for family outings or solo explorations alike. Its main draw is the underwater tunnel, a 24-meter marvel that lets visitors walk beneath a vibrant marine world filled with sharks, rays, and colorful fish. The aquarium is designed with themes and exhibits to engage both children and adults, blending marine displays with terrestrial wildlife.

The experience begins with a walk through 22 themed aquariums showcasing marine life from the Red Sea and other regions. For many visitors, the highlight is the underwater tunnel — a feature that truly captures the essence of floating among the fish. Watching sharks and rays glide overhead offers a thrill that’s often described as both mesmerizing and somewhat surreal.

Beyond the water-bound marvels, the aquarium features a Rainforest Exhibit, a lush jungle environment filled with exotic birds and reptiles, creating a contrast that broadens the ecological scope of the visit. There’s also a Mini Zoo, housing rescued land animals, including some born at the facility, which adds an educational and conservation aspect.

What to Expect During Your Visit

The typical visit lasts between 2.5 to 3 hours, enough time to soak in the exhibits without feeling rushed. The entry fee covers access to the entire park, including the aquariums, rainforest, and mini zoo garden, but does not include hotel transfers, which you’ll need to arrange independently.

The Underwater Tunnel

This is the star attraction. Think of it like walking through a glass corridor beneath a vibrant aquatic world. As you stroll, you’ll see sharks, rays, and schools of fish swimming just inches above your head. The 24-meter length provides ample opportunity for photos and marveling at the marine traffic. Several reviewers mentioned that guides or staff are knowledgeable, providing insights about the creatures you encounter, which enhances the experience.

Rainforest Exhibit and Mini Zoo

After the tunnel, you’ll likely head to the Rainforest Exhibit. The lush greenery, exotic birds, and reptiles create a jungle atmosphere that feels worlds apart from the marine environment. It’s an excellent spot for photos and for kids to observe animals like crocodiles and big turtles up close.

The Mini Zoo offers a more terrestrial wildlife experience. Visitors can interact with rescued animals, many born in the park. Highlights include feeding turtles and pelicans, which is both engaging and educational. A reviewer noted the availability of gloves for handling raw fish, adding a layer of safety and fun to the activity.

More Great Tours Nearby

Interactive Touch Pools

For those keen on tactile experiences, the Touch Pool allows gentle contact with starfish, sea urchins, and other creatures in a controlled environment. This hands-on element is often praised, especially by children, for making marine biology feel accessible and real.

The Pros and Cons: Balancing the Experience

Advantages:

• The price point of $33 is quite reasonable considering the variety of exhibits and activities.
• The underwater tunnel provides a rare, up-close view of marine life, which many reviewers found mesmerizing.
• The feeding sessions and the opportunity to handle marine creatures add an interactive, memorable layer to the visit.
• The diverse exhibits — from rainforest to land animals — make it a well-rounded wildlife experience suitable for all ages.

Potential Downsides:

• Several reviews point out that animal enclosures in the mini zoo and aquarium are relatively small, raising concerns about animal welfare.
• Some visitors found the overall scale of the exhibits modest, especially when comparing to larger aquariums in other countries.
• The lack of included transfers means you need to plan how to get to and from the park, which could add to the overall cost.
• A review mentioned the animal feeding sessions, specifically the fish for pelicans and turtles, can seem like animal cruelty when the animals are held for photo ops with divers — a point worth considering if ethical treatment is important to you.

The Experience from the Reviews

One visitor, Milan, simply stated, “Alles war super gut,” highlighting a straightforward enjoyment of the visit. Meanwhile, Susannah appreciated the chance to feed turtles and pelicans, noting the gloves provided made handling raw fish safe and enjoyable. The guided aspect wasn’t explicitly detailed but was implied by the knowledgeable staff mentioned in some reviews.

Conversely, Norman’s review cautions about the small tanks and enclosures, criticizing the experience as “overpriced” for what was offered and expressing concern about animal welfare. This underscores the importance of managing expectations regarding the size and naturalistic quality of habitats.

Practical Details for Visitors

• Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with the last entry at 6:00 PM.
• Price: $33 per person — a fair rate for the variety of exhibits and interactive activities.
• Booking: You can reserve tickets with the option to pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility.
• Location: On Hurghada-Safaga Road, easily accessible if you arrange your own transportation.
• No included hotel transfers, so consider taxi or private transport if needed.

Who Will Love This Aquarium?

This attraction is perfect for families with children, especially those interested in marine and terrestrial wildlife. If you’re looking for a casual, educational outing that combines visual delights with interactive moments, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. The underwater tunnel and feeding activities are highlights that many visitors cherish, making it a memorable addition to a Hurghada itinerary.

That said, those seeking a large-scale, highly naturalistic aquarium experience might find it somewhat limited. Animal welfare concerns are also a factor if you prefer wildlife sanctuaries or larger habitats. Still, if you value affordability, accessibility, and engaging exhibits, this park offers good value.

The Sum Up

The Hurghada Grand Aquarium provides a family-friendly, affordable outing with eye-catching displays and interactive activities. Its main draw—the underwater tunnel—is truly a highlight, delivering a feeling of floating amid the fish and sharks. The rainforest exhibit and mini zoo add variety, making it a well-rounded wildlife experience.

While the size of some enclosures and the ethical concerns of animal habitats are points to consider, many visitors find the live feeding sessions, educational displays, and vibrant marine life to be fulfilling. It’s a place that balances fun with learning, suitable for children and curious adults alike.

If you’re in Hurghada and want a relaxing yet engaging way to explore marine and land animals, this aquarium deserves a spot on your list. Do keep in mind the transport arrangements and set realistic expectations about the exhibit sizes. Overall, it offers a worthwhile, pocket-friendly glimpse into aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, perfect for a laid-back day out.

FAQs

Is transportation included with the ticket?
No, hotel transfers are not included. You’ll need to arrange your own transport, whether by taxi, car, or shuttle.

Can I visit at any time?
Yes, the park is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with the last entry at 6:00 PM, making it flexible for most schedules.

How long does the visit typically last?
Most visitors spend around 2.5 to 3 hours exploring the exhibits, feeding animals, and taking photos.

Are there activities suitable for children?
Absolutely. Kids enjoy the touch pools, feeding sessions, and walking through the underwater tunnel. Guides often make the experience educational too.

Is the experience worth the price?
For $33, you get access to a variety of exhibits, interactive activities, and the memorable underwater tunnel — many feel it’s a good value, though some wish for larger habitats.

Can I feed the animals?
Yes, you can participate in feeding turtles, pelicans, and other land animals. Each feeding session costs around $1.

Is animal welfare a concern?
Some reviews mention the small enclosures and question animal housing standards. If this matters to you, consider this when planning your visit.

In summary, the Hurghada Grand Aquarium offers a solid, family-oriented day out that combines visual appeal, interactive fun, and educational content. While it may not match the scale or naturalistic habitats of world-famous aquariums, its affordability and diversity make it a good choice for those looking to enjoy a relaxed, engaging wildlife experience in Hurghada.

You can check availability for your dates here: