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Best Resorts in Egypt, Audited for British Families

Finding the best resorts in Egypt means looking past generic brochures to what operators actually put in writing. We audited twelve Red Sea properties across Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Soma Bay, El Quseir and Taba against published operator factsheets, UK Civil Aviation Authority flight records and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office guidance. Not one operator publishes a minimum slide height in centimetres, one brand publishes conflicting cancellation windows on its own site, and transfer times range from twelve minutes to over two hours.

Facts rechecked by Checking transfer distance from your arrival airport, verifying whether your room provides separate sleeping areas or sofa beds, and confirming kids club operating hours directly with the front desk.

By Emma18 min readPublished Rates checked September 2026
Table of contents
A Red Sea resort beach in Egypt with thatched parasols, sun loungers and palms along the shore, and a roped swimming zone in the calm water
Photo: E v Schoonhoven · CC BY 3.0

In Brief

What are the best resorts in Egypt for families?

SUNRISE Royal Makadi Resort is our top pick in the £££ band, publishing exact pool depths, dedicated family suites sleeping four, and an 18-slide waterpark. For lower budgets, SUNRISE Aqua Joy provides reliable all-inclusive amenities just twelve minutes from Hurghada Airport, while Pickalbatros Water Valley offers scale with 81 slides.

Key takeaways

  • 0 of 12 audited resorts publish minimum slide height restrictions in centimetres
  • Only 1 operator (SUNRISE) publishes exact water depths in centimetres for every pool
  • British travellers arriving into Sharm el Sheikh for under 15 days get a free entry stamp, saving 30 US dollars per person compared to mainland arrivals
  • London Gatwick is the only UK airport operating direct charter flights to Marsa Alam, running exclusively in winter

Pick your budget

  • Budget

    Town promenade all-inclusive properties with compact family rooms

    SUNRISE Aqua Joy Resort

    Convenient base along Hurghada promenade with 6 pools and 12-minute airport transfers

  • Most families pick this

    Mid-range

    Extensive all-inclusive properties featuring dedicated waterparks

    Pickalbatros Water Valley Resort - Neverland Hurghada

    Massive entertainment hub with 120-square-metre bungalows and 81 water slides

  • Splurge

    Full-scale bay resorts with multiple a la carte venues and family suites

    SUNRISE Royal Makadi Resort

    Comprehensive Makadi Bay resort featuring 70-square-metre Family Suites and 18 water slides

What the rate covers, and what it does not

Always verify pool heating and board specifics before travelling. Across the coast, several properties operate adults-only pools or sections of beach that exclude children under 16. Furthermore, Movenpick Resort and Spa El Gouna does not offer an all-inclusive board plan, operating exclusively on bed-and-breakfast or half-board terms.

SUNRISE Royal Makadi Resort

All-Inclusive Privileges 24 hours
  • Dining in 8 restaurants plus midnight snacksIncludedIncluded in the rateShahrazad serves late-night snacks from 23:30 to 01:00
  • All drinks including local alcohol 24 hoursIncludedIncluded in the rateAvailable across 6 included bars; 3 bars on site are adults only
  • Aqua park with 18 slidesIncludedIncluded in the rateOpen 10:00 to 12:00 and 15:00 to 17:00 in summer; 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 16:00 in winter
  • SUNRISE Kids Planet kids clubIncludedIncluded in the rateAges 3 to 12 years, open daily 09:00 to 22:00
  • Pool trial diveIncludedIncluded in the rateIntroductory trial dive conducted in the swimming pool
  • Felucca Seafood Restaurant and Sultana CafeExtraCharged on topSpeciality dining and shisha carry extra charges
  • Spa facilities and treatmentsExtraCharged on topRestricted to age 16 and over, open 10:00 to 19:00
  • Babysitting serviceExtraCharged on topAvailable upon request for an unstated fee
  • Airport limousine or shuttle transferNot publishedNot publishedResort lists taxi and limousine services without published rates

SUNRISE Aqua Joy Resort

All-Inclusive Privileges 24 hours
  • All meals across 7 dining venuesIncludedIncluded in the rateIncludes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
  • Drinks including local alcohol 24 hoursIncludedIncluded in the rateServed across 6 bars
  • On-site aqua park and splash poolIncludedIncluded in the rate
  • SUNRISE Kids Planet kids clubIncludedIncluded in the rateAges 3 to 12 years, operates 6 days per week from 09:00 to 22:00
  • Wi-Fi access across resortIncludedIncluded in the rate
  • Gym accessIncludedIncluded in the rateRestricted to guests aged 16 and over
  • Babysitting serviceExtraCharged on topChargeable service; rate is not published
  • Airport transfer serviceNot publishedNot publishedTaxi and limousine services are listed without published prices

Pickalbatros Water Valley Resort - Neverland Hurghada

All-Inclusive Concept
  • All meals across buffet and a la carte venuesIncludedIncluded in the rateReservations required for a la carte and open buffet options
  • Neverland Aqua Park accessIncludedIncluded in the rateFeatures 45 swimming pools and 81 water slides
  • Complimentary Wi-FiIncludedIncluded in the rate
  • Midway Street amusement park ridesNot publishedNot publishedOperator does not publish whether the 11 rides are included or paid individually
  • Alba Kids Club accessNot publishedNot publishedSupervised facility is published without age floors, hours or charges
  • Airport transportationExtraCharged on topAvailable with extra fees; operator publishes no fixed pricing

Movenpick Waterpark Resort and Spa Soma Bay

All-Inclusive Plan
  • Splash Mania waterpark accessIncludedIncluded in the rateOpen daily from 10:00 until sunset
  • Little Birds Club accessIncludedIncluded in the rate
  • Complimentary gym and parkingIncludedIncluded in the rate
  • Tennis courts accessIncludedIncluded in the rate2 on-site courts
  • All-inclusive food and beveragesNot publishedNot publishedOperator states offerings depend on the package booked and does not publish inclusions
  • Airport transportationExtraCharged on topAvailable for an additional unstated fee; no shuttle provided
  • Laundry servicesExtraCharged on top

Juman Beach Resort

All-Inclusive Retreat
  • All meals and snacksIncludedIncluded in the rate
  • SUNRISE Kids Planet kids clubIncludedIncluded in the rateAges 3 to 12 years, open daily 10:00 to 22:00
  • Complimentary beach trial diveIncludedIncluded in the rateIntroductory trial dive conducted from the beach
  • Sports courts and fitness activitiesIncludedIncluded in the rateIncludes tennis, football, yoga and beach volleyball
  • International Diving and Aqua CentreExtraCharged on topOff-shore excursions and diving carry extra charges
  • Tennis court floodlightsExtraCharged on top
  • Babysitting serviceExtraCharged on top
  • Water slidesNot offeredNot offeredResort features swimming pools only, with no aqua park

SUNRISE Diamond Beach Resort

All-Inclusive Privileges 24 hours
  • Meals across 5 restaurants and snacksIncludedIncluded in the rate
  • Drinks including local alcohol 24 hoursIncludedIncluded in the rate4 of the 10 on-site bars are adults only
  • Aqua park and kids play zoneIncludedIncluded in the rate
  • Private beach cabana useIncludedIncluded in the rateFree once per stay subject to availability; 50% discount thereafter
  • Daily minibar refill with water and soft drinksIncludedIncluded in the rate
  • Adults-only beach section and Oasis PoolNot offeredNot offeredRestricted to guests aged 16 and over
  • Spa treatmentsExtraCharged on top
  • Babysitting serviceExtraCharged on top

Coral Sea Water World Resort

All-Inclusive Concept
  • All-inclusive buffet dining and snacksIncludedIncluded in the rate
  • On-site aqua park with lazy river and wave poolIncludedIncluded in the rate
  • Kids Club with supervised activities and mini-discoIncludedIncluded in the rate
  • Free Wi-Fi and parkingIncludedIncluded in the rate
  • Tennis court floodlights and tuitionExtraCharged on topTuition is charged separately
  • Chavana Spa treatmentsExtraCharged on top
  • Watersports and diving centresNot publishedNot publishedPublished on site without pricing details

Movenpick Resort and Spa El Gouna

Bed & Breakfast or Half Board
  • Buffet breakfastIncludedIncluded in the rateIncluded on both available board arrangements
  • Little Birds Kids Club and playgroundsIncludedIncluded in the rate
  • Baby Essentials borrowing serviceIncludedIncluded in the rateStrollers, cots, car seats and baby baths loaned on request
  • Covered parking and gym usageIncludedIncluded in the rate
  • All-inclusive boardNot offeredNot offeredResort offers only bed-and-breakfast or half-board options
  • Health Club Pool accessNot offeredNot offeredRestricted exclusively to adult guests
  • Airport transfersExtraCharged on topRequires minimum 24 hours notice for an unstated fee

Movenpick Resort El Quseir

Bed & Breakfast baseline
  • Buffet breakfastIncludedIncluded in the rate
  • Direct house-reef snorkelling from beachIncludedIncluded in the rateShore entry to internationally awarded house reef
  • Little Birds Club accessIncludedIncluded in the rateAges 4 to 12 years
  • Toddler pool and playgroundIncludedIncluded in the rate
  • Airport shuttle serviceExtraCharged on topArranged upon request for an unstated fee
  • Babysitting serviceExtraCharged on top
  • Waterpark and slidesNot offeredNot offeredResort features standard pools only

SUNRISE Anjum Resort

All-Inclusive Concept
  • All meals across buffet and dining venuesIncludedIncluded in the rate
  • Tea time and cookies at Indigo TerraceIncludedIncluded in the rateServed 15:00 to 17:00 daily
  • 24-hour Ivory Lobby BarIncludedIncluded in the rate
  • SUNRISE Kids Planet kids clubIncludedIncluded in the rate
  • CrossFit, jungle gym and fitness activitiesIncludedIncluded in the rateRestricted to guests aged 16 and over
  • Diving centre and water excursionsExtraCharged on top
  • Indigo Lounge accessNot offeredNot offeredRestricted exclusively to adults
  • Water slidesNot offeredNot offeredResort provides standard pools without slides

Pickalbatros Sea World Resort - Marsa Alam

All-Inclusive Concept
  • All meals across 6 restaurantsIncludedIncluded in the rateReservations required for a la carte and open buffet options
  • Access to 26 pools and waterpark areasIncludedIncluded in the rate
  • 900-metre private beach and jetty accessIncludedIncluded in the rate
  • Alba Kids Club accessNot publishedNot publishedPublished without operating hours, ages or fees
  • Airport transportationExtraCharged on topAvailable with extra fees; pricing is not published
  • Day use accessNot offeredNot offeredOperator does not offer day passes

Movenpick Resort Taba

Bed & Breakfast baseline
  • Buffet international breakfastIncludedIncluded in the rate
  • Heated indoor pool with jacuzziIncludedIncluded in the rate
  • Two outdoor swimming poolsIncludedIncluded in the rate
  • 400-metre private beach accessIncludedIncluded in the rate
  • Chauffeured airport transfer from Taba AirportExtraCharged on topCharges $35.00 per person each way
  • More Health Spa facilitiesExtraCharged on top
  • Supervised kids clubNot offeredNot offeredOperator publishes no kids club or organised children's activities
  • Water slidesNot offeredNot offered
Compare family resorts in Egypt Red SeaLive rates for your dates

Which resort suits which family

Family resorts in Egypt Red Sea matched to the trip they suit
If this is youBookWhy
Travelling with toddlers who need shallow waterSUNRISE Royal Makadi ResortIt is one of the few resorts publishing exact pool depths, including a dedicated 50 cm kids club pool and a 40 to 60 cm family pool, both heated in winter.
Arriving after a long flight and wanting the shortest transferSUNRISE Aqua Joy ResortThe resort sits just 5 km from Hurghada International Airport, keeping road transfer time down to approximately 12 minutes.
Focused primarily on water slides and active attractionsPickalbatros Water Valley Resort - Neverland HurghadaThe property includes access to Neverland Aqua Park, which features 45 pools and 81 water slides on site.
Seeking house-reef snorkelling directly off the beachMovenpick Resort El QuseirIt provides direct beach access to an internationally awarded house reef without requiring boat excursions.
Travelling as a larger family of fiveMovenpick Waterpark Resort and Spa Soma BayThe operator explicitly publishes that its Family Room can accommodate up to two adults and three children.
Looking to explore local dining outside an all-inclusive bubbleMovenpick Resort and Spa El GounaIt operates on bed-and-breakfast or half-board plans and sits within 2 km of El Gouna Downtown and Abu Tig Marina.
Flights to Egypt Red SeaCompare airlines and dates

What the bands mean

Egyptian resort operators rarely publish static nightly rates in plain text, running almost all pricing through dynamic engines. Egyptian law mandates that foreign guests pay hotel bills in foreign currency rather than Egyptian pounds. Rates typically bundle a 14% VAT, 12% service charge and 1% city tax directly into the quote. On published extras, Movenpick Resort Taba charges 35 US dollars per person each way for airport transfers, Grand Egyptian Museum entry costs 1,450 Egyptian pounds (EGP) for foreign adults and 730 EGP for children, and single-entry tourist e-Visas cost 30 US dollars via the Ministry of Interior portal.

£
Value all-inclusive town resorts with standard pool setups and short airport runs
££
Mid-tier beachfront resorts featuring dedicated waterparks or large multi-pool layouts
£££
Upper-tier bay resorts offering expansive grounds, multiple a la carte dining options and specialised family suites
££££
Premium coastal retreats with extensive private shorelines, house reefs and bespoke accommodation

The 12 resorts, and the plan to book at each

  • Makadi Bay

    SUNRISE Royal Makadi Resort

    £££
    Best all round

    Full-service Makadi Bay resort publishing exact depths for all eight pools, a dedicated kids club operating 09:00 to 22:00, and 70-square-metre Family Suites.

    Room to book
    Family Suite, offering 70 square metres with a king bedroom and a separate twin bedroom, accommodating up to 2 adults and 2 children
    Kids club
    3 to 12 years · 09:00 to 22:00 · runs through lunch · Included in all-inclusive rate · unverified
    Pools and slides
    Main Pool: unheatedAqua Pool and Aqua Park: 18 slides · heatedKids Club Pool (depth 50 cm): heatedKids Family Pool (depth 40 to 60 cm): heated
    Children eating
    Included for all occupants under the 24-hour all-inclusive plan. No separate children's rate plan is published.
    Restaurant reservations
    A la carte dinner venues require reservations. Felucca Seafood Restaurant is chargeable.
    Right for
    Families wanting confirmed pool depths for non-swimmers, transparent suite configurations sleeping four, and reliable winter pool heating.
    Wrong for
    Families whose children want all-day water slides, as the aqua park shuts for three hours in the middle of every day.
    The catch
    The 18-slide aqua park operates only four hours daily, closing between 12:00 and 15:00 in summer, and the main swimming pool has a uniform minimum depth of 180 cm.
  • El Mamsha, Hurghada

    SUNRISE Aqua Joy Resort

    £
    Best value

    Lively Hurghada promenade resort offering a dedicated aqua park, six pools, and the shortest airport transfer on the coast at roughly twelve minutes.

    Room to book
    Mega Family Room, providing 52 square metres across two separate bedrooms with a king bed and twin beds
    Kids club
    3 to 12 years · 09:00 to 22:00 (6 days per week) · runs through lunch · Included in all-inclusive rate · unverified
    Pools and slides
    Main Pool (depth 120 to 160 cm): heatedAqua Pools and Splash Pool (depth 120 to 130 cm): 6 slides · heatedKids Pool (depth 40 to 60 cm): heated
    Children eating
    All meals and snacks are included in the baseline all-inclusive room rate for all staying guests.
    Restaurant reservations
    Reservations are recommended for dining venues during peak evening service hours.
    Right for
    Families seeking an affordable all-inclusive base with minimal road travel after arriving at Hurghada airport.
    Wrong for
    Families wanting direct house-reef snorkelling from the beach or complete quiet away from Hurghada town centre.
    The catch
    Every pool on the property except the dedicated Kids Pool starts at a depth of 120 cm, leaving non-swimmers with only one shallow basin.
  • Safaga Road, Hurghada

    Pickalbatros Water Valley Resort - Neverland Hurghada

    ££

    Large entertainment complex along the Safaga Road featuring access to Neverland Aqua Park, 120-square-metre bungalows, and 81 water slides.

    Room to book
    Premium Family Two Bedroom bungalow, offering 120 square metres with private balcony and kitchenette
    Kids club
    unverified · unverified · unverified · unverified
    Pools and slides
    Neverland Aqua Park: 81 slidesCrazy River and Surf Pool:
    Children eating
    The 1st child aged 11.99 and below stays free. The 2nd child is free only when staying in a family room, or pays 50% of the adult rate in standard rooms. Birth certificates are required at check-in.
    Restaurant reservations
    Mandatory reservations required for all a la carte and open buffet restaurant options.
    Right for
    Families whose main holiday objective is waterpark volume, with dozens of active slides and amusement rides on site.
    Wrong for
    Families wanting to plan around verified slide heights, pool depths or a peaceful coastal atmosphere.
    The catch
    The operator does not publish pool depths or slide height requirements, and publishes two conflicting cancellation policies (four days on one page, 72 hours on another).
  • Soma Bay

    Movenpick Waterpark Resort and Spa Soma Bay

    £££

    Sprawling Soma Bay resort featuring Splash Mania waterpark, age-zoned slide complexes, and published family room capacities accommodating five guests.

    Room to book
    Family Room with King Bed, accommodating up to 2 adults and 3 children across 55 to 60 square metres
    Kids club
    2 to 12 years · unverified · Included in standard resort access · unverified
    Pools and slides
    Splash Mania Zone A (ages 2 to 6): 2 slidesSplash Mania Zone B (ages 6 to 12): 4 slidesSplash Mania Zone C (ages over 12): 8 slidesHeated Winter Pool: heated
    Children eating
    Available on specific room packages under the Movenpick Family programme, though applicable rate plans are not published online.
    Restaurant reservations
    Reservations required for speciality dining venues; waterpark entry is open daily from 10:00 to sunset.
    Right for
    Larger families of five seeking a single room, and parents wanting clear age zones for water slides.
    Wrong for
    Families expecting transparent, standardised all-inclusive beverage and dining terms published in advance.
    The catch
    The operator states all-inclusive inclusions vary by package without detailing them online, and the property sits 45 km south of Hurghada Airport.
  • Sahl Hasheesh

    Juman Beach Resort

    £££

    Quiet Sahl Hasheesh retreat featuring a 1200-metre private beach, trial shore scuba diving, and an absence of noisy water slides.

    Room to book
    Family Suite, offering 75 square metres with one queen bedroom and one twin bedroom
    Kids club
    3 to 12 years · 10:00 to 22:00 · runs through lunch · Included in all-inclusive rate · unverified
    Pools and slides
    SUNRISE Pool (depth 110 to 165 cm): heatedOasis Pool (depth 114 to 165 cm): heatedKids Pool (depth 45 cm): unheated
    Children eating
    Included under all-inclusive dining. The resort publishes no separate pricing tiers for child dining.
    Restaurant reservations
    A la carte restaurant options require prior table reservations.
    Right for
    Families with older children seeking extensive beach space, calm surroundings, and no intrusive waterpark noise.
    Wrong for
    Families with children who expect water slides, or those travelling with toddlers in winter.
    The catch
    The shallow 45 cm kids pool is the only pool on the property not heated during winter, and there are no water slides on site.
  • Hadaba, Sharm el Sheikh

    SUNRISE Diamond Beach Resort

    £££

    Hadaba headland resort set on the Ras Om El Sid reef in Sharm el Sheikh, offering an aqua park, a 68-metre reef jetty, and complimentary beach cabanas.

    Room to book
    Family Room Bunk Bed, providing 45 square metres with a king bed and bunk beds facing the aqua park
    Kids club
    3 to 12 years · 09:00 to 22:00 · runs through lunch · Included in all-inclusive rate · unverified
    Pools and slides
    Splash Pool (depth 0.80 to 1.50 m): 4 slides · heatedFamily Pool (depth 0.95 to 1.65 m): heatedKids Pool (depth 0.55 m): unheated
    Children eating
    Included under the baseline 24-hour all-inclusive room plan. No standalone kids-eat-free terms published.
    Restaurant reservations
    A la carte restaurants require table bookings in advance.
    Right for
    Snorkelling families wanting direct reef access via jetty and British travellers using the 15-day South Sinai visa exemption.
    Wrong for
    Families with young children seeking a gentle, sandy paddle into the sea, or those who need a heated toddler pool in winter.
    The catch
    Sea swimming requires walking out along a 68-metre jetty over the shallow reef, and the dedicated 55 cm kids pool is not heated in winter.
  • Nabq, Sharm el Sheikh

    Coral Sea Water World Resort

    ££

    Nabq bay resort in Sharm el Sheikh positioned 15 minutes from the airport, featuring a lazy river, heated wave pools, and dedicated Kids Den rooms.

    Room to book
    Kids Den Room, featuring a master bedroom with a king bed and a second room with two single beds for children
    Kids club
    unverified · unverified · Included in resort amenities · unverified
    Pools and slides
    Outdoor swimming pools: heatedAqua Park and Wave Pool: 8 slides · heated
    Children eating
    The operator advertises special menus for children in the kids club, but publishes no specific free dining policy.
    Restaurant reservations
    Reservations required for dinner seating in speciality dining areas.
    Right for
    Families wanting a short 15-minute transfer from Sharm el Sheikh Airport and separate bedrooms with real single beds for children.
    Wrong for
    Travellers who require confirmed room floor areas, published pool depths or clear cancellation rules before paying.
    The catch
    The operator publishes no room dimensions in square metres, no pool depths, no kids club age limits, and no cancellation policy on its website.
  • El Gouna

    Movenpick Resort and Spa El Gouna

    £££

    Peninsula resort in El Gouna operating exclusively on bed-and-breakfast or half-board terms, with a 1500-metre private beach and baby essentials on loan.

    Room to book
    Family Suite Sea View, offering 112 square metres with a living room and two separate ensuite bedrooms
    Kids club
    4 to 12 years · unverified · Included in family programme · unverified
    Pools and slides
    Oasis Pool and kids pool: heatedLagoon Pool and kids pool: heatedHealth Club Pool (Adults Only):
    Children eating
    Kids eat free is advertised under select Movenpick Family room packages, but the operator does not state which rates qualify.
    Restaurant reservations
    Dinner seating reservations are recommended during peak winter holiday weeks.
    Right for
    Families planning to dine out in El Gouna Downtown and Abu Tig Marina who prefer high-standard suite living over an all-inclusive setup.
    Wrong for
    Families whose budget depends on an all-inclusive package where lunches, snacks and drinks are prepaid.
    The catch
    The property does not offer all-inclusive board, one of its three swimming pools is strictly adults only, and entry-level Family rooms are two-floor duplexes.
  • El Quseir

    Movenpick Resort El Quseir

    ££

    Traditional stone-built resort set on El Quadim Bay, providing immediate shore access to an awarded house reef and a dedicated toddler pool.

    Room to book
    Family Room, featuring a garden view and two separate ensuite bedrooms and bathrooms
    Kids club
    4 to 12 years · unverified · Included in standard resort access · unverified
    Pools and slides
    Main Swimming Pool and Toddler Pool: unheatedSecond Swimming Pool: heated
    Children eating
    Kids eat free is part of the brand family package, though the operator does not publish which rate plans carry the entitlement.
    Restaurant reservations
    Reservations needed for evening dining at speciality a la carte restaurants.
    Right for
    Snorkelling families wanting immediate shore access to uncrowded coral reefs without taking daily boat excursions.
    Wrong for
    Families with young children unwilling to endure a 132 km road transfer from Hurghada Airport or an 87 km transfer from Marsa Alam.
    The catch
    The property sits 132 km from Hurghada Airport with no published transfer times, features no water slides, and does not confirm an all-inclusive board basis.
  • Ras Dory, Marsa Alam

    SUNRISE Anjum Resort

    £££

    Far-southern Red Sea resort at Ras Dory in Marsa Alam, offering eleven room categories and direct proximity to uncrowded diving reefs.

    Room to book
    Family Suite, offering 50 square metres with a king bedroom and twin bedroom separated by a lockable door
    Kids club
    3 to 12 years · 09:00 to 10:00 (as published on operator factsheet) · Included in all-inclusive rate · unverified
    Pools and slides
    Splash Pool: heatedKids Pool: heatedOasis Pool and Island Pool: heated
    Children eating
    Covered under the baseline all-inclusive room plan for all registered occupants.
    Restaurant reservations
    A la carte dinner venues require advance reservations.
    Right for
    Families wanting to explore Marsa Alam's pristine southern reefs while staying in suites with lockable doors between bedrooms.
    Wrong for
    Families requiring water slides, or those relying on published airport distances and standard kids club schedules.
    The catch
    The operator publishes neither distance nor driving time to Marsa Alam airport, and its factsheet lists kids club hours as just 09:00 to 10:00.
  • El Quseir (sold as Marsa Alam)

    Pickalbatros Sea World Resort - Marsa Alam

    ££

    Expansive 380,000-square-metre coastal resort featuring 26 pools, a 900-metre beach with jetty, and separate adults and kids waterparks.

    Room to book
    Family Room, offering 70 square metres of living space with air conditioning, minibar and balcony
    Kids club
    unverified · unverified · unverified · unverified
    Pools and slides
    Kids Aqua Park: 4 slidesAdults Aqua Park: 4 slidesResort Swimming Pools (26 pools):
    Children eating
    The 1st child aged 11.99 and below stays free. The 2nd child is free only in family rooms, paying 50% in standard rooms. Check-in requires birth certificates.
    Restaurant reservations
    A la carte and buffet restaurant selections require advance booking.
    Right for
    Families wanting extensive resort grounds, multiple swimming pools, and a free stay for a second child in family rooms.
    Wrong for
    Families seeking transparent pool depths for toddlers or travellers expecting close proximity to Marsa Alam town.
    The catch
    The property is 60 km from Marsa Alam Airport with no published drive time, sits in El Quseir rather than Marsa Alam, and publishes no pool depths.
  • Taba Bay

    Movenpick Resort Taba

    ££

    Isolated Gulf of Aqaba resort positioned in Taba Bay, offering a 400-metre beach, an indoor heated pool, and views towards Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

    Room to book
    Family Sea View King, accommodating 2 adults and 2 children with extra bed added for a fee
    Kids club
    not-offered · not-offered · not-offered · not-offered
    Pools and slides
    Heated Indoor Pool and Jacuzzi: heatedOutdoor Swimming Pools: unheated
    Children eating
    Kids eat free applies to selected Movenpick Family room packages, but the operator does not list Taba among participating properties.
    Restaurant reservations
    Reservations required for dinner at Chopsticks and Seashells restaurants.
    Right for
    Families with older children seeking total isolation, a heated indoor pool, and an uncrowded private beach.
    Wrong for
    Families requiring a supervised kids club, water slides, or direct flights from the UK.
    The catch
    The resort has no direct UK flights, publishes no kids club facilities, and charges 35 US dollars per person each way for airport transfers.

Where not to book in Egypt Red Sea

Avoid assuming every resort beach allows easy paddling into the sea. At resorts like SUNRISE Diamond Beach and Three Corners Fayrouz Plaza, shallow reefs require walking along jetties measuring between 68 and 368 metres to reach swimmable water. Additionally, note the FCDO warning: 'A number of sexual assaults have been reported to the British Embassy, including cases involving minors. The majority of cases that have been reported took place in tourist resorts in the Red Sea region, often committed by someone the victim had already met, including hotel workers and excursion staff. There have also been reports of hotel staff discouraging incidents being reported to local police.' The FCDO's first precaution is clear: do not leave children unaccompanied.

When to book

UK travellers looking at Egypt should book flights and package accommodation 4 to 6 months in advance for peak winter-sun dates between October and April. Direct winter charter capacity to Marsa Alam is limited to London Gatwick, making early booking critical for southern stays.

Family resorts in Egypt Red Sea: FAQ

The questions parents ask most before paying for a package here.

Makadi Bay and Soma Bay are best for self-contained family resort stays, offering wide sandy beaches and dedicated waterparks within 45 minutes of Hurghada Airport. Hadaba in Sharm el Sheikh suits snorkelling families seeking house reefs. Central Hurghada provides town-centre walking access, while southern Marsa Alam and El Quseir suit travellers wanting remote, uncrowded coral reefs.

For families travelling from the UK, the mainland Red Sea coast around Hurghada is generally best due to year-round direct flights from multiple UK airports and short road transfers. Sharm el Sheikh provides superior immediate house-reef snorkelling and offers a 15-day visa fee exemption for British air arrivals, whereas Marsa Alam direct flight options are restricted to winter-only charters.

Hurghada is better for families wanting gently sloping sandy beaches, shorter airport transfers (as low as 12 minutes), and extensive waterpark complexes like Neverland. Sharm el Sheikh is superior for snorkelling directly from the shore over house reefs. British travellers visiting Sharm el Sheikh for under 15 days also save 30 US dollars per person on visa fees.

The Red Sea coast is the premier family holiday destination in Egypt, offering warm sea temperatures, all-inclusive resorts, and reliable winter sunshine. Makadi Bay is the standout all-inclusive pocket, featuring purpose-built family resorts such as SUNRISE Royal Makadi, 305-metre private beaches, and substantial waterparks located approximately 32 km south of Hurghada International Airport.

British passport holders arriving by air at Sharm el Sheikh staying under 15 days in Sharm, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba receive a free entry permission stamp, according to the FCDO. Everywhere else in Egypt, including Hurghada and Marsa Alam, British travellers must purchase a single-entry tourist visa costing 30 US dollars online via visa2egypt.gov.eg or at airport arrival kiosks.

Most Egyptian family resorts heat select outdoor pools from November through March, but policies vary sharply by property. For example, SUNRISE Royal Makadi heats seven of its eight pools including both kids pools. However, SUNRISE Diamond Beach and Juman Beach leave their dedicated shallow kids pools unheated, while heating their deeper adult pools.

The FCDO states that visits to southern Sinai and Red Sea tourist areas are generally low risk. However, it explicitly warns: 'A number of sexual assaults have been reported to the British Embassy, including cases involving minors. The majority of cases that have been reported took place in tourist resorts in the Red Sea region.' The FCDO advises parents not to leave children unaccompanied.

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