Curiosity is one of the great secrets of happiness.

The dolphins come to Sataya Reef on their own initiative; they are not lured or chased. Spinner dolphins are naturally very curious and playful. They have been coming to this reef for years and are therefore accustomed to the presence of humans. The fact that they keep coming back and continue to seek contact with humans indicates that they enjoy the interaction.

Do not touch the dolphins, ever! This is made very clear to all guests upon arrival. Use as little sunscreen, shampoo, or shower gel as possible. And if you do use them, make sure they are coral-friendly and/or 100% natural (and biodegradable).
In addition, the boats are not allowed to use anchors; they attach the ropes to mooring points so as not to damage the seabed and the reef.

In the morning, when the sun rises, you wake up, put on your swimsuit, and look questioningly at the snorkeling guide: "Are they already in the reef?" If the answer is "yes," we get into the zodiac to go to the dolphins. This dive is our favorite. They have just come up from the deep sea, their bellies full, and because the day boats are not there yet, these are serene moments between you and the dolphins. After this dive, we return to the boat, where breakfast is waiting for us. After breakfast, there is plenty of time to relax before we head back out to sea. The dolphins are often resting at this time of day, so there is a good chance that we will find them lying comfortably and go snorkeling at one of the beautiful reefs. After enjoying these wonderful moments, we return to the boat for lunch. After lunch, we have time to rest again before we go back to the dolphins if they are still in the reef. The dolphins (especially the adolescents) are often very playful in the afternoon, and you can often watch them play wildly or join in with them. At the end of the afternoon, the dolphins move back to the open sea and we have the boat to ourselves. We often get a tasty snack and enjoy the sunset. Afterwards, the chef serves us another delicious dinner, and very often we are in bed not long after. Or you can crawl onto the upper deck with your blanket to sleep under the starry sky.

Good to know: you certainly don't have to go swimming with dolphins every time; some people prefer to skip it now and then, rest, or go snorkeling in one of the beautiful coral gardens instead. You choose what you want to do; nothing is mandatory, everything is optional.

No. They are there almost every day, but very occasionally they are absent for a day (or part of a day). They are wild animals and decide for themselves whether to come to the reef. That makes it extra special when they are there; they consciously choose to interact with you.

You don't have to be a top athlete for this trip. If you can swim a little, that's enough. The water of the Red Sea is extremely salty and therefore provides enormous buoyancy, allowing you to simply lie on your stomach and float while viewing the underwater world. Life jackets are also available on board if you prefer.

No, that's not necessary. But if you've never snorkeled before, it's highly recommended that you practice beforehand or take a few snorkeling lessons. That way, you can swim with the dolphins at Sataya right away. Of course, the sea is a bit different from a swimming pool. That's why we'll take the time to practice calmly on the first day. You'll get helpful assistance from experienced snorkeling guides. These instructors are always with us during our snorkeling sessions with dolphins to ensure our safety.

The dolphins decide for themselves whether they want contact. If they don't feel like it, they swim away quickly. If they do feel like it, you will notice that they adjust their pace to yours for a moment. It's also good to know that they often swim in a figure-eight pattern, which means they often come back to you. If they don't, you'll quickly be picked up by the zodiac.

This trip is a SNORKELING TRIP and does not involve scuba diving or freediving.

We have observed that freedivers who are not properly briefed are the most disruptive factor for the dolphins. Therefore, we have guidelines for this. If the dolphins are resting or sleeping, we do not dive down or only dive at a great distance. When we come back up, we look up so that we do not disturb other snorkelers. We give space to other snorkelers and to the dolphins. We never dive in front of or in the middle of a group of dolphins, but only behind or beside them. If the dolphins are awake and they invite us to dive with them, we are happy to do so.

The reef is so shallow (maximum 10 meters) with crystal clear water that you can see all its splendor while snorkeling.

If you really want to dive down on your own, and you have your own diving belt with you, we can provide you with weights. Maximum 2 kg per person for safety reasons.

Yes. However, diving with the dolphins is not permitted in Sataya. It is only permitted at the coral reef.

So it is possible, but always with a buddy and if you bring the following four items yourself: a valid diving certificate, a diving belt, a dive jacket (BCD), and a regulator. Lead and oxygen are available on board.

But keep in mind that this trip is a SNORKELING TRIP and does not revolve around scuba diving or freediving.

Since you are not allowed to dive alone and one of our guides will dive with you as your buddy, a maximum of one dive per day can be made (and depending on the circumstances, perhaps not even daily). One dive costs €35 per person (to be paid in cash on the boat). These dives only take place at the reef and not with the dolphins, out of respect for the dolphins and to avoid disturbing them and the snorkelers.

Finally, Sataya Reef is so shallow (maximum depth of 10 meters) with crystal clear water that you can experience all its splendor while snorkeling.

Yes, we do. We have three snorkeling sessions per day. However, between sunrise and sunset, you are welcome to stay in the water near the boat at any time.

If you want to go a little further away from the boat to the reef, that's no problem either, provided you have a buddy, you have reported this to the snorkeling guides, and you are wearing the uniform UV shirt.

Some people get seasick, others don't. Actually, the only time you can get seasick is when sailing to and from Sataya Reef. It can be calm, with no wind or waves, but it can also be a bumpy, windy ride. Because we have already spent a night sleeping on the boat in the harbor, your body has already gotten used to it. So, in our experience, most people don't have too much trouble. If you think you are prone to seasickness, we recommend bringing travel sickness tablets. Once we are in the reef, we no longer sail and are securely moored with four anchors, so there will be virtually no swell.

Swimming with dolphins is intense, both physically (due to the swimming) and mentally. You have so many impressions to process from all the encounters underwater. Spending a week in this powerful place can also take a lot of energy. So you may find yourself resting and sleeping more than you are used to. But that is also personal; some people actually experience much more energy. In both cases, we have never seen anyone get bored, because besides chatting, reading books, listening to music, etc., there is also plenty of room to play, such as games with each other or the crew, swimming, and playing in the water if you can't get enough of it.

That was also my question when I went for the first time, because I need my space. But our experience is that the four floors of the boat, the spaciousness, and the panoramic view of the sea provide so much space and freedom. And it ensures that you don't feel confined. And there are always places on the boat (or in your cabin) where you can retreat and be alone.

On the mainland of Egypt, you will probably no longer have reception with your Dutch provider. During our drive to the port, I will therefore provide a hotspot so that you can let your loved ones know that you have landed safely. Once we are at sea, there will be hardly any reception. So, a week without a phone. This may feel scary and uncomfortable. But once you are there, you will not think about it for a second. No distractions, you are completely present in the here and now. This adds an extra dimension to this special journey. In case of emergency, a phone number of the crew will be provided for your loved ones at home.

The trip will take place with a minimum of 11 guests. The maximum number of guests is 20.

Two things. Bare feet and toilet paper.
Immediately after boarding, take off your shoes. We don't wear shoes on board, for safety and hygiene reasons, but mainly because of the wonderful feeling of freedom it gives us.
Do not flush toilet paper down the toilet. Seriously, don't. Firstly, because everything you put in the toilet is emptied into the sea (fish love it, as long as it comes from humans 😉). Secondly, the pipes on the boat are so thin that they are not designed to flush paper. And if there is a blockage, in the worst case scenario we will have to return to land.

The chef with his incredibly important task: filling our stomachs. But he doesn't just fill our stomachs three times a day, he also fills our hearts, because this food is absolutely delicious. Three times a day, a varied buffet. Vegetarian, meat, and fish dishes. Fruit, snacks, tea, coffee, water, and soft drinks are unlimited and available at any time of the day. To protect the environment, we ask you to bring a water bottle that you can fill with water on the boat. No alcohol will be served during the boat trip. If you have a gluten, lactose, or other food allergy (as opposed to an intolerance), please contact us.

There is power on board, 220 volts with a standard plug. So you can charge your devices on the boat.

Some people find the idea of spending a week on the open sea exciting. Yes, we are at sea, but in a beautiful, serene lagoon sheltered from the waves. There is even a place where it is so shallow that you can stand up. And to reassure you, in the distance you can see the coastline with the relief of the mountains, where the sun treats us to a beautiful sunset every day.

Fortunately, the boat has more shaded areas than sunny ones. So you can sit or lie down wherever you want and whatever suits your skin type. We advise using as little sunscreen as possible during the trip. Because everything you put on your skin ends up in the sea. We will lend you a UV-resistant shirt, which you are required to wear while snorkeling. We also advise you to wear shorts/leggings. Sometimes you lie in the water for a long time and have no idea that you are getting sunburned, but once that happens, you can suffer from it for the rest of the week. It is difficult for some people to avoid sunburn altogether, but if that is the case, see if you can purchase coral-friendly sunscreen (see overview of coral-friendly sunscreen).

No. In Egypt, it is not permitted to swim with dolphins without fins, a mask, and a snorkel.

If you just want to swim and play in the water near the boat, you don't have to wear snorkeling gear if you don't want to.

Yes, you can. Outside, there are plenty of mats or beds where you can lie down under the starry sky. It is useful to bring a sleeping bag liner or light sleeping bag to lie in, so you are a little more sheltered from the sea breeze. And you won't get bitten, because there are no mosquitoes at sea.

Of course, you will need swimwear, fins (flippers), diving goggles, and a snorkel. A shorty (wetsuit with short sleeves and legs) is a good option, but not essential (depending on the month you are going). If you swim without a shorty, it is strongly recommended that you bring shorts/leggings to protect yourself from sunburn. A quick-drying towel is also a must, as you will need to dry yourself at least three times a day when you come out of the sea. Other than that, you don't need much. It will be warm, so a few light items of clothing will suffice. After you have booked your trip, you will receive a detailed packing list, as some items depend on the month you are traveling.

You book your own flight to Marsa Alam or Hurghada. From Hurghada, the transfer to the port takes three hours longer than from Marsa Alam.

You can fly from Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Düsseldorf, Cologne, or Brussels. After you book, I will recommend a few flights, but you are completely free to book the flight you want. Keep the following in mind:

If you are flying to Marsa Alam, you must land in Marsa Alam no later than 5:00 p.m. on the first day, and book your return flight no earlier than 3:00 p.m. on the last day.

If you are flying to Hurghada, you must land in Hurghada no later than 3:00 p.m. on the first day, and book your return flight no earlier than 5:00 p.m. on the last day.

These times are the latest times in relation to travel time to and from the port. If you are unsure, please contact us. It is your own responsibility to arrive in Egypt on time and not to book your return flight too early!

You can often find the cheapest flights at www.skyscanner.com.

It is mandatory to take out travel insurance yourself (Egypt is often covered by European coverage, but check with your insurer beforehand). Cancellation insurance is not mandatory but highly recommended (please note that most insurers require cancellation insurance to be taken out within 7 days of booking a trip).

At the airport in Egypt, you pay for the visa to enter the country. This costs €25 (cash). You will need a valid passport for this. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of your return journey. An ID card is not valid proof and does not grant access to Egypt. For Belgium, an ID card is valid. It must also be valid for at least 6 months after your return date.

Please send us an email right away. The travel dates on this site will not be the only dates available. In fact, with a minimum of 6 people, a date of the guests' choice can be selected. We are completely open to discussing the possibilities.

The boat's crew consists of about 10-12 men who not only ensure our safety, but also make sure we have everything we need. The service they provide is unparalleled. And beyond their work duties, they are more than open to playing games, chatting with you, and laughing with you countless times. Alongside the dolphins, the crew is a key element that makes this trip so special. Their income is almost entirely dependent on tips (unlike in the Netherlands). That is why we recommend a minimum tip of €75, so that they are properly rewarded for their hard work.

At the end of the week, this tip jar is given to the captain by all guests, who distributes it 100% fairly among the crew members (regardless of position or rank).

Children aged 8 and above can participate. If you are unsure, or if your child is not yet 8 but has a swimming certificate, please contact us. We will then discuss the options.

Please note: we only organize one trip per year during the Dutch school holidays, and this trip always takes place during the May holidays.

On other trips, there are occasionally children who are given special leave from school.

If you decide to cancel the trip, you will owe the following amounts:
a. Up to 90 days before departure: 25% of the total trip price.
b. From 90 to 60 days: 50% of the total trip price.
c. From 60 to 30 days before departure: 75% of the total travel sum.
d. From 30 days before departure: 100% of the total travel sum.

However, if you find someone else who is willing to take your place, you will receive a refund of the amount already paid as a gesture of goodwill, minus a €75 change fee.

Please contact us by email. If the group is not yet full, we can see if you can reserve a cabin for yourself. There will be additional costs involved.