Red Sea Aquarium: An Underwater Oasis in Hurghada

The Red Sea Aquarium, located in Hurghada, Egypt, provides visitors with an opportunity to explore the wonders of the Red Sea's marine ecosystem. Opened in January 2015, the aquarium houses over 1,200 individual animals representing 100 species. The facility aims to inspire appreciation for the marine environment and promote conservation. The aquarium features 24 separate exhibits, including a shark tunnel that offers a thrilling underwater perspective. Visitors can also explore a rainforest exhibit and a "Whale Valley," which displays fossils found in Egypt's Western Desert. Other exhibits showcase Bedouin life and a collection of rescued animals in a mini-zoo. The aquarium's notable specimens include nurse sharks, stingrays, green sea turtles, shovelnose guitarfish, and eagle rays. The Grand Aquarium first emerged as an ambitious vision in 2008 to create a world-class marine attraction that would showcase the Red Sea's biodiversity without disturbing its fragile ecosystems. Designed by a consortium of Egyptian architects and German aquarium specialists, the facility broke ground in 2013. The project faced unprecedented engineering challenges, including maintaining perfect water chemistry for delicate corals, creating artificial currents to mimic natural reef conditions, and designing the acrylic tunnel. After five years of construction and ecosystem cultivation, the aquarium opened its doors in January 2018, immediately setting new standards for marine conservation education in North Africa.