Transformational retreat with dolphins as teachers
-recharge, heal, connect, and come home to yourself -
During this retreat, we will swim with wild dolphins at the Sataya Dolphin Reef in Egypt. This is a magical and unique retreat filled with relaxation, slowing down, connection, joy, and transformation. By clearing blockages and outdated patterns, you can embrace personal growth. The dolphins are extraordinary teachers who awaken us on a deep level. They touch what needs healing, creating lasting effects that will continue long after the trip
At Sataya, you’ll feel as if you’ve entered a slice of heaven on earth. Swimming with the dolphins gives you a sense of complete acceptance for who you are. You’ll feel embraced by the pod (group of dolphins). It’s an incredible experience to swim among so many dolphins, sometimes as many as 50 to 100. Words can’t truly capture this feeling, but it brings inner peace and the freedom to simply be yourself. You’ll become part of (dolphin) families who play together and bring joy. It’s a unique opportunity to enjoy life to the fullest in a place where time seems to stand still, helping you reconnect with your authentic self.
In addition to swimming with the dolphins, we’ll savor the surrounding nature, each other’s company, and the calm atmosphere. Feel the sun on your skin, free from internet distractions. Relish the amazing care of the crew, the delicious food, the stunning starry skies, the intensely vibrant sunrises, and the breathtaking sunsets. You’ll experience silence in your mind, leading to greater inner peace.
Each day, we will share our experiences together and engage in exercises or workshops to connect more deeply with ourselves. These activities, including music and movement, will help your body process and release impressions in a soothing way. The schedule is flexible, guided by the dolphins and our needs. Everyone is free to do what feels right for them. There are no obligations, only the call to listen to yourself and honor your needs.
You can fully be yourself, here and now!
What does a day on the boat look like?
Waking up to the intensely beautiful sunrise, enjoying a cup of coffee or tea, and soaking it all in (sleeping in is also an option :))
Spotting dolphins and swimming with them (the snorkeling instructors start looking for dolphins in Sataya at sunrise)
Delicious breakfast buffet -
Free time (for example: reading, sharing experiences, therapy sessions with Natascha, listening to music, gazing at the sea, snorkeling in the adjacent beautiful reef, or relaxing in a sunny lounge chair soaking up the sun and relaxation)
Delicious lunch buffet
Swimming with dolphins
An enjoyable afternoon snack with a refreshing smoothie
Guided meditation and bodywork to reload the day
Sharing with the group during the beautiful sunset.
Delicious and extensive dinner buffet followed by sharing experiences, relaxing, laughing, dancing and having fun together
Sleeping in your cabin or outside under the starry sky
For whom?
This transformational retreat is designed for anyone who wants to strengthen their connection with themselves but also if you are recovering from a burnout or a tough time in your life. Do you feel the need to escape the daily hustle and bustle? Do you need a moment to recharge and rediscover what you truly want? Then this is the perfect place for you.
Whether you feel a bit lost, are facing difficult choices, or simply want to ground yourself and reconnect with nature, this retreat offers space for growth, relaxation, and connection for everyone!
Why swim with dolphins?
Swimming near dolphins revitalizes and strengthens you. Watching their graceful movements and playful antics brings immense joy. When we feel love and happiness, our metabolism shifts, activating new energy. Many believe dolphins possess healing powers, and being in their presence helps restore natural health. Embracing our true vibration—love, joy, and gratitude—is the fastest path to health and transformation. Swimming with dolphins allows you to reconnect with your body, calm your mind, and come closer to your core. Sometimes, pausing is exactly what you need to move forward again.
When and Where?
We depart on sunday September 28, 2025, with TUI from Brussel to Marsa Alam (or if you come from another country we meet in Marsa Alam). Someone will greet you at Schiphol Airport. Natascha will meet you at Marsa Alam Airport, as she will already be in Egypt. From there, a bus will take us to Hamata Marina, a journey of about 3.5 hours. Once at the marina, we’ll board the boat and sail to Sataya Reef. The exact departure time depends on the arrival time and weather conditions; we might spend the first night in the harbor.
It’s about a 3-4 hour sail to Sataya Reef, where we will anchor for 6 or 7 nights to fully immerse ourselves in the experience. On sunday October 5, 2025, we’ll fly back to Amsterdam.
Important: The trip will proceed with a minimum of 9 participants and a maximum of 14 participants.
The boat
We will stay on the beautiful yacht ATLANTIC. This luxurious yacht, built in 2020, is specially designed to meet all the needs of snorkelers. The boat is 31 meters long and 8 meters wide, with a total of 10 cabins, each equipped with two single beds and a private bathroom. All rooms have air conditioning.
A fantastic buffet is served three times a day, along with plenty of snacks available throughout the day. All drinks (non-alcoholic) are included as well.
The yacht features multiple decks, ensuring you can always find a private spot if you need some solitude. You can relax in the sun or find a shaded area. Comfortable sun loungers are available on deck, perfect for soaking up the sun or stargazing at night under the stunning sky. The yacht also has two zodiacs (rubber dinghies) for transport.
A crew of 8-10 men will be on board to take care of everything for us. They ensure not only our safety but also that we have everything we need. They are always up for a chat or a game and are incredibly friendly! Additionally, two snorkeling instructors will join us, guiding us with the zodiac to the dolphins or the reef.
You can find an impression of the yacht and dolphins at the end of this document. If you're interested in videos of swimming with dolphins, feel free to send me a message, and I’ll gladly share them with you.
Professional guidance
Natascha Maas
Natascha will provide daily guidance on the boat. This includes being a consistent point of contact, facilitating group sharing sessions, and offering individual support if needed. With my experience as a psychosocial therapist, She is there to provide support and a listening ear whenever required. She has over 13 years of experience specializing in (individual) relationship therapy and psychosocial therapy and trauma bodywork.
“In September 2024, I participated in a dolphin retreat in Egypt, which left a profound impression on me. I went through several transformative processes and was deeply touched by the effect the dolphins had on me. I was recovering from a concussion and went on the trip to recover from it. After this week I recovered quickly en regained all of my energy I had before the concussion. A deep longing was awakened within me, and I immediately knew I wanted to help others experience the healing power of dolphins.
In March I will join another retreat in Sataya with the Pacific to prepare thoroughly. In April , I will undergo an intensive three-week training program in Abydos to learn old Egyptian healing methods which I can implement directly during the retreat. I will connect even more deeply with my authentic self and further develop my skills in guiding others.”
Costs: 1595 euro
The price includes:
Transfers between Hamata Marina and Marsa Alam Airport.
7 nights on the boat, all-inclusive (shared twin cabin).
Professional guidance from Natascha, individually and in group sessions.
Guidance from two experienced and certified snorkeling guides.
Harbor taxes.
A pre-trip group meeting (online).
Group cancellation insurance. This ensures reimbursement of €1595 minus the contribution for the cancellation insurance (+/- 100 euro) if you cannot join the trip under the policy's terms. It also covers cancellation by your travel partner or, in the unlikely event of serious circumstances, if I am unable to lead the trip. A copy of the policy will be provided after registration.
Extras:
If you’d like to schedule follow-up sessions with Natascha after the retreat to help integrate your experiences, you’ll receive a 20% discount for up to three sessions.
The price excludes:
Flight from Brussel to Marsa Alam (return €400-600). Flights should only be booked after confirmation that the trip will proceed. Flight times will be provided later.
Egyptian visa (€25, payable in cash at the airport).
Travel insurance (required).
Snorkeling gear (snorkel, mask, fins).
Sataya Reef Nature Reserve entry fee (€50).
Crew gratuity (€75, cash to be brought along).
Registration details:
Your registration is finalized upon a €500 deposit. The remaining balance must be paid no later than four weeks before departure. Cancellation (without a valid reason under the cancellation policy) is free until March 1, 2025. This will also be the latest date that I decide if the retraite will continue. You only have to pay the cancellation fee (when you cancel) if I already paid the groupinsurance. After March 1, the full amount is due unless you meet the cancellation conditions, as the boat cannot be canceled after this point. If we don’t know eachother we will have a video call to get to know each other before you decide to join.
For more information or to register, contact:
Email: maasnatascha@gmail.com
Natascha: 0031655335349
Shaab Sataya – Dolphin Reef
Shaab Sataya, also known as “Dolphin Reef,” is located approximately 10 km off the Egyptian coast in the Red Sea. Spanning about 4 km in length, the reef is heart-shaped when viewed from above.
The reef forms a shallow, sheltered lagoon (averaging 5–10 meters deep), where large groups of spinner dolphins visit almost daily. In its stunning coral gardens, you can discover a variety of fish and other reef inhabitants, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle.
The crystal-clear water is nourishing and purifying. Water temperatures vary throughout the year, ranging from 21 to 27 degrees Celsius. Its high salt content provides excellent buoyancy, making snorkeling here incredibly comfortable—you may find yourself spending hours in the water without noticing.
Sataya is a unique energy center with refined, pure energy and high-frequency light. It is a place where healing, insights, and messages can be more easily received. Simply spending a week in this oasis of peace and serenity is a true gift for body, mind, and soul. The entire reef, often referred to as the “Pearl of Mother Earth,” includes areas within the lagoon where the energy feels even softer and lighter. One such spot is the “Shallow Place” (also called the Crystal Temple or “Womb of Sataya”), where the water is shallow enough to stand on the sandy seabed.
The inhabitants of Sataya
Sataya’s permanent residents are spinner dolphins, named for their frequent spinning leaps out of the water. They are about the same size as humans, growing up to 2 meters long, and are recognizable by their long, slender snouts. Elegant and energetic, they move with the grace of dancers and acrobats. Occasionally, larger bottlenose dolphins join the spinners.
At night, the spinner dolphins hunt in the open sea, while during the day, they seek refuge in the calm waters of the reef, away from strong currents and open-sea dangers. This makes Sataya Reef one of the best places in the world to swim with dolphins in their natural habitat.
Spinner dolphins are incredibly social and travel in groups of dozens. Naturally curious, they often approach boats and humans. Sometimes, they are resting, moving calmly and silently as a group, creating a deeply special atmosphere when you are with them. At other times, they are playful—jumping, chasing, and playing with each other.
A transformative experience
The dolphins’ gentle friendliness, profound wisdom, and playfulness leave a lasting impact. They often swim alongside you, sometimes adjusting their pace so you can keep up. It’s indescribable how it feels when a dolphin makes conscious eye contact with you—many describe it as though the dolphin is looking directly into their soul. You feel seen, met with infinite love, compassion, empathy, and respect for who you are. Swimming with dolphins can evoke intense feelings of happiness, joy, connection, and freedom. They help you connect with your inner core and wisdom.
The way dolphins live peacefully and harmoniously is an inspiring example for us. It’s essential to approach them and their environment consciously and respectfully. A fundamental rule is never to touch the dolphins—they are wild animals, and we are guests in their habitat. Touching them could also risk transmitting diseases to their sensitive skin.
We also do not chase the dolphins. Instead, we enter the water calmly to avoid startling them and adapt our swimming style to theirs.
A relationship of mutual Respect
The dolphins at Sataya have been encountering humans for many years, and young dolphins grow up accustomed to this interaction. Their behavior toward humans is always friendly and cautious. The dolphins decide whether they want to interact with us. They approach us of their own accord and can detect us from far away using their sonar.
Although rare, there are times when the dolphins are not present. This makes the encounters with these wild dolphins even more magical—they choose when and how to swim with us.