Sharks in Hurghada: Safety, Species, and Recent Attacks — Your Questions Answered
Yes, sharks are present in Hurghada’s Red Sea waters. They are wild marine predators that have always inhabited this ecosystem. However, fatal attacks are extremely rare. The last fatal incident occurred in July 2022, and there have been zero confirmed shark attacks in Hurghada during 2025 . In September 2025, several beaches near Makadi Bay were temporarily closed after sharks approached the shore, but no swimmers were harmed . Egypt has since launched a world-first satellite tracking programme to monitor tiger and oceanic whitetip sharks, enhancing both conservation and swimmer safety .
❓ Are There Sharks in Hurghada and the Red Sea?
Yes. The Red Sea is a natural habitat for more than 40 shark species. Hurghada’s waters are home to reef sharks, oceanic whitetips, tiger sharks, hammerheads, and the gentle whale shark . Sharks are apex predators and vital to coral reef health. Their presence indicates a thriving marine ecosystem.
❓ Is There Great White Sharks in Hurghada?
No. Great white sharks do not inhabit the Red Sea. This species prefers cooler temperate waters. Sightings in Egypt are scientifically unconfirmed. The sharks visitors may see near Hurghada include grey reef sharks, oceanic whitetips, tiger sharks, and leopard sharks .
❓ Is It Safe to Swim in Hurghada?
Yes. Swimming and snorkelling are safe when official guidelines are followed. Egyptian authorities and the Chamber of Diving and Watersports enforce strict protocols. In September 2025, beaches at Makadi Bay and several hotels were temporarily closed after sharks approached the coastline. Crucially, no attacks occurred, and swimming bans were lifted within days . Risk is minimal for beachgoers who avoid dawn/dusk swimming and heed local warnings.
❓ How Many Shark Attacks Have Occurred in Hurghada?
Three fatal attacks have been recorded in the Hurghada region since 2010. The most recent was 1 July 2022, when a tiger shark attacked two snorkellers near Sahl Hasheesh. An Austrian woman and a Romanian tourist lost their lives . A 68-year-old Austrian victim was pronounced dead at Nile Hospital; the Romanian victim’s body was recovered the following day. Prior incidents include a 2020 attack (Ukrainian boy, Egyptian guide injured) and a 2018 fatality involving a Czech tourist .
❓ When Was the Last Shark Attack in Hurghada?
The last fatal shark attack in Hurghada occurred on 1 July 2022. An official investigation confirmed a single tiger shark was responsible. The attack was attributed to mating and egg-laying season (mid-April to July), which brings sharks into shallow waters . No fatalities have been recorded in 2025.
❓ Were There Shark Attacks in Egypt During 2025?
No. Global shark attack data for 2025 confirms zero fatalities or unprovoked bites in Egyptian Red Sea waters. Worldwide, 68 shark bites were recorded in 2025, with 11 fatalities. Hotspots were Florida (15 bites) and Australia (5 deaths). The Middle East and Red Sea reported no incidents .
❓ What Happened with the “Shark Invasion” in September 2025?
Sharks approached shorelines near Makadi Bay, prompting temporary beach closures — but no attacks. On 15–16 September 2025, approximately 10 hotels, including Labranda Royal Makadi and Cleopatra Luxury Beach, restricted swimming after marine predators were spotted near the coast . The Russian Tourism Union confirmed access was reopened within days and emphasised that no human injuries occurred . Specialists identified tiger and bull sharks in the area.
❓ Are Whale Sharks Found in Hurghada?
Yes. Whale sharks—the world’s largest fish—visit Hurghada seasonally. These gentle filter-feeders appear during warmer months (late May to August), drawn by plankton blooms. They pose zero threat to humans. Spotting one is considered a rare and life-changing experience for divers .
❓ What Shark Species Can Divers Expect in Hurghada?
Divers visiting Hurghada may encounter:
- Grey reef sharks — classic reef predators, often at outer drop-offs.
- Leopard (zebra) sharks — docile bottom-dwellers, common on sandy patches.
- Oceanic whitetip sharks — pelagic hunters, sighted at offshore reefs like Elphinstone.
- Thresher sharks — rare, deep-water visitors with iconic long tails.
- Tiger sharks — present but encounters are infrequent .
❓ Why Do Shark Attacks Happen in the Red Sea?
Egypt’s official investigation into the 2022 attacks identified multiple contributing factors:
- Mating season (mid-April to July) brings sharks closer to shore.
- Overfishing reduces natural prey, forcing sharks to seek new food sources.
- Illegal feeding of fish habituates sharks to human presence.
- High diving/snorkelling traffic increases encounter probability .
Recommendations include regulating fishing during mating months and enforcing licensed guide supervision .
❓ What Is Egypt Doing to Improve Shark Safety?
In June 2025, Egypt launched the Red Sea’s first satellite shark tracking programme. A joint team from the Ministry of Environment, HEPCA, and the Chamber of Diving fitted nine satellite tags to tiger sharks and oceanic whitetips at Brothers Islands, Elphinstone, and Safaga . The programme tracks movement patterns to inform conservation and risk management. Egypt is now among the first Red Sea nations using real-time shark monitoring .
✅ Key Takeaways: Sharks in Hurghada — Facts, Not Fear
- ✔ Sharks are present — they always have been. This is normal and ecologically vital.
- ✔ Attacks are vanishingly rare — three fatalities in 15 years among millions of visitors.
- ✔ 2025 has recorded zero attacks in Egyptian waters.
- ✔ September 2025 beach closures were precautionary, not reactive. No one was bitten.
- ✔ Great whites do not exist in the Red Sea.
- ✔ Whale sharks are harmless seasonal visitors.
- ✔ Egypt now tracks sharks by satellite — a world-first for the region, improving both conservation and safety.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Are there a lot of sharks in Hurghada?
Sharks are present but not densely populated near beaches. Most species inhabit offshore reefs. Sightings from shore are rare .
Is there sharks in the Gulf of Suez or Gulf of Aqaba?
Yes. Shark species inhabit the entire Red Sea basin, including both gulfs. Incidents are exceptionally uncommon.
Is there sharks in Honduras or Roatan?
Yes, but this is a separate region (Caribbean). Honduras is known for whale sharks. The Red Sea ecosystem is distinct.
Are there sharks in Alabama waters?
Yes. The Gulf of Mexico has multiple shark species. This question falls outside Egypt-focused search intent.
Can I see sharks while snorkelling in Hurghada?
Unlikely from shore. Boat trips to offshore reefs increase chances, especially for reef sharks and occasionally oceanic whitetips .
What should I do if I see a shark while swimming?
Remain calm. Do not splash. Maintain eye contact. Slowly retreat to shore. Never chase or touch.
Are shark nets used in Hurghada?
No. Egypt relies on monitoring, temporary closures, and education rather than lethal or barrier methods.
How does 2025 compare to previous years globally?
2025 recorded 68 shark bites worldwide (11 fatal). This is consistent with the 10-year average. Fatalities were higher in Australia, not Egypt .