Freediving & Yoga Retreat in Sataya, Egypt
Encounter dolphins in the wild, ethically, every day
1-8th May 2027
Join our 8 Day Wild Dolphin Retreat
Open Your Heart to more love, joy and peace in your life
There is a place where your heartbeat begins to match the natural rhythm of the sea.
Where you and the water become one, and wild dolphins swim beside you, teaching you to love, to trust, and to be free -
Welcome to Sataya.
Freediving for beginners, daily yoga, ethical dolphin encounters and holistic practices on a liveaboard boat at Sataya Reef, Egypt.
Sataya Reef is home to one of the world's largest resident pods of spinner dolphins. For one week, it's home to us too. We'll be living aboard a beautiful liveaboard boat, waking up to open water, spending our days learning to breathe, freedive, move and slow down. You’ll be swimming with dolphins on their own terms, ethically, in the wild.
This is a collaboration between Flowstate Freediving and Yoga with Maja. We've brought these two practices together because they complement one another perfectly. You’ll get out of your head, into your body, and into the present moment.
You don't need to be a freediver. You don't need to be a yogi. You just need to be a little curious to give it a go. This week is specifically designed so you can try freediving with no prior experience.
Reconnect With Yourself. Swim With Wild Dolphins.
We’ll live aboard a beautiful liveaboard yacht in the Red Sea, where the waters shimmer with turquoise light and the energy is infused with ancient wisdom. Sataya Reef is a powerful portal, carrying the frequency of purity, peace, and a deep remembrance of who you are and why you came. It invites you to slow down, soften, and be present.
The dolphins here are wild and free, yet they choose to come close, teaching us, through their presence, how to return to play, open our hearts, and live in harmony with the natural flow of life.
If your soul is calling for a reset, to realign with your truth, awaken your intuition, and connect with a loving, like-hearted community: this retreat is for you.
Come home to your heart, with the dolphins as your guides.
This week is for you if:
❋ You keen to try freediving
Learn the basics, including safety, breathing, equalisation and how to safely explore in a wild environment. Freediving equips you to interact with wildlife with little impact and total presence. It also teaches you how to tap into a state of internal calm and bodily connection.
❋ You’re curious about the ocean
You've always been drawn to the water but never quite made it below the surface. This week is a gentle invitation to change that, and explore the depths of yourself and the water.
❋ You want to go deeper
Into yourself, and the water. You want to skip the small talk and get straight to the soul connecting convos. Sataya and our retreats have a way of channeling that energy.
❋ You want to meet wild dolphins
Not behind glass, not at a theme park. In the open ocean, ethically and respectfully on their terms. And the freediving gives you the stillness to be with them in a way nothing else does.
❋ You’re drawn to yoga, breath and holistic wellness
Whether you've practiced for years or you're brand new to it, the sessions here are about connecting more deeply with yourself, others and nature. It goes beyond just traditional yoga, and takes you on a journey within.
❋ You’re craving a reset
A week away from the noise, disconnected, living on the reef, nowhere to be except with the group, enjoying the energy and dolphins of Sataya reef. This place has a way of upgrading you to a new level of life.
Highlights
Wild Dolphin Swimming
Swim daily with wild and free dolphins in their natural habitat , a heart-opening encounter that inspires deep emotional release, joy, and a new way of living in flow.
Freediving & Marine Life
Glide on a single breath through the vibrant coral gardens of the Red Sea, immersing yourself in a colorful, diverse underwater world that awakens awe and wonder. Learn to move with ease beneath the surface, deepen your connection to dolphin behaviour, and grow into a calm, confident freediver.
Awaken Inner Wisdom with Embodiment Practices
Through breathwork, movement and a cacao ceremony, reconnect with your inner guidance and awaken the power to live your life in alignment with your most authentic, true self.
Sunrise Yoga & Meditation Under the Stars
Start and each day with soul-nourishing yoga and meditation, creating space for healing, clarity, and deep connection to self, all beneath a sky free from light pollution and filled with stars.
A Floating Home on the Red Sea
Live aboard a beautiful and comfortable yacht, your peaceful sanctuary at sea. Surrounded by calm waters and far from the noise of the world, you’ll find space to breathe, be, and reconnect.
Freediving Starts With Letting Go
Freediving is often misunderstood. It's not about pushing limits or holding your breath until it hurts. It's about learning to be calm, trusting your body to do what it is naturally capable of, and letting go of the tension that can hold us back.
The week is focused on building the foundations of freediving. It’s not a formal qualification, so there’s no pressure to achieve.
We run a series of introduction workshops, where you'll learn:
How to breathe properly for breath holds
Freediving safety, rescue basics and how to buddy properly
Equalisation technique and how to keep working on it
How to duck-dive efficiently so getting below the surface stops being a struggle
How to stay calm and regulated in and under the water
How to approach wildlife ethically and read a dolphin's behaviour
What freediving actually feels like when everything clicks
This is an introduction, not a formal qualification. We'll give you the foundations to experience the reef in a new way.
Accommodation Onboard
Relax aboard a spacious, modern liveaboard yacht moored inside the reef, with more than enough room to feel at home. Each twin cabin has its own ensuite bathroom and window, ensuring comfort and privacy, and there's plenty of shaded space to rest, read, journal, or do nothing at all. Enjoy three buffet meals daily, plus fresh juices, snacks, and soft drinks, in the dining area, or find a cozy spot around the boat to unwind. Sunbathe on the top deck, mingle with others, or take time for yourself: everything is possible.
But the most beautiful part of being together on a boat is the sense of community. It's a chance to form lifelong friendships and share meaningful, thought-provoking conversations. There's always space to retreat and reflect, yet the experience is also about supporting and challenging one another and that's what deepens the transformational journey.
24 April - 01 May 2027
8 Days | 7 Nights | Sataya Reef, Egypt
What's included
7 nights all-inclusive aboard the yacht
3 buffet meals daily, snacks, soft drinks and fresh juices
Two dolphin swim sessions daily
Dolphin behaviour introduction so you know how to approach them well
Marine park entrance fee (€140)
Morning yoga with Maja
Evening meditations and a cacao ceremony
Conscious breathwork journey
Freediving workshops: in-water basics and dry theory sessions
Dry equalisation practice
Small group freediving sessions with feedback from your instructors
Freediving instructors present throughout the whole week
Snorkeling guides
Airport transfers from Hurghada or Marsa Alam
Not included
Flights and visa
Travel insurance and personal expenses
Crew gratuity (100 Euro)
Gear hire (wetsuits and fins available to rent)
Optional scuba diving
Nearest airports: Hurghada (HRG) or Marsa Alam (RMF), Egypt
Payment Plans Available
BOOK WITH A€500 DEPOSIT
Please note: All deposits are non-refundable regardless of circumstance, including natural events or unforeseen changes. I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment and offer peace of mind as you prepare for this life-changing journey.
Overview
Pricing
Twin shared cabin (per person)
Lower deck: €2,750
Upper deck: €3,000
Private cabin (single occupancy)
Lower deck: €3,550
Upper deck: €3,800
Reserve your place with a €500 deposit. Payment plans available.
Limited spaces and availability of private cabins.
Maja, Yoga with Maja
Retreat facilitator and certified yoga instructor
My name is Maja Mika. Yoga teacher, breathwork facilitator, author, and retreat creator. But beneath the titles, I'm simply a human being on a spiritual journey, just like you.
In 2014, while studying Film Production and dreaming of becoming a documentary filmmaker, I was also living with depression, anxiety, self-harm, and thoughts of ending my life. I was 18 and completely lost. Then yoga found me. What started as a gym class became a lifeline. For the first time, I felt at home in my body, aware of my breath, present with myself. That moment changed everything.
Over the next last 10 years, I gave myself to the practices that helped me heal, grow, and reconnect with who I truly am. I gathered tools from around the world, rebuilt my inner foundation, and chose light, one day at a time. Somewhere along the way, the ocean became my greatest teacher, and Sataya became home. I've returned again and again to swim with the wild dolphins there, drawn back by something I couldn't quite name.
Then in 2025, I discovered freediving, and everything shifted. Learning to breathe, to surrender, to move through the water on a single breath, it changed the way I meet the sea. Suddenly I wasn't just watching the dolphins. I was meeting them on their terms, quiet and weightless in their world. That connection deepened beyond anything I'd known.
And now I can't wait for you to feel it too. What it's like to be welcomed into a dolphin pod, weightless in their world, a guest in their home.makes so much sense.
Meet Your Retreat Hosts
Immy & Joe, Flowstate Freediving
Retreat facilitators and certified AIDA freediving instructors
I'm so happy to introduce Immy and Joe, who'll be guiding the freediving side of this week.
They teach freediving because they believe it's one of the best ways to explore the ocean. They're less about chasing depth and numbers, and more about that flow state feeling you find when you're at one with the water and yourself.
What I love is how naturally their world overlaps with mine. Freediving draws on breathwork, nervous system regulation, mindfulness and presence, all the things that sit so close to yoga and other body-based practices. It's why bringing our expertise together felt so right.
Everything I bring to the programme feeds directly into your time in the water, and your time in the water feeds back into everything else. That's the heart of why a week like this makes so much sense.
More Heart Felt Reflections from Sataya
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Absolutely, this retreat is open to all, even if you've never attended one before! There's no need to worry about being "ready" – our retreat is designed to be welcoming and accommodating for first-timers. We understand that stepping into something new can be both exciting and a bit daunting, and we're here to support you every step of the way. If you have any doubts, send us an email and arrange a zoom call with Maja who will put your mind at ease.
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None at all. This week is designed with complete beginners in mind. We'll teach you everything from scratch: how to breathe, how to get below the surface, how to stay calm. If you can swim and you're curious, that's enough.
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Absolutely, you can join the retreat! Our yoga sessions are designed to be gentle and accessible to everyone, regardless of their prior experience. We welcome beginners and ensure that our practices are inclusive and adaptable to all levels of ability. Maja will guide you through each session with clear, step-by-step instructions, allowing you to learn at your own pace and comfort level.
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Yes, you will still be able to swim with the dolphins even if you are not a strong swimmer. We take great care to ensure that all participants feel safe and comfortable in the water. To assist you, we can provide a swimming ring that will help you feel more secure. Additionally, the Red Sea is known for its high salinity, which naturally makes swimming easier because it increases your buoyancy. This means you'll find it much easier to float and stay above water with minimal effort. We often find that those who initially have trouble swimming, by the end of the week have a newly found confidence and swim unaided. You got this!
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During your stay, meals are included and served buffet-style three times a day, offering a wide variety of delicious options. Whether you prefer vegan, vegetarian, or fish/meat dishes, there's something to satisfy every palate. Our culinary offerings are crafted to ensure both flavor and nutritional balance, reflecting local and international tastes.
Between meals, you can enjoy replenishing snacks and freshly squeezed juice made from seasonal fruits. In Egypt, fruits like mangoes are particularly exquisite, offering a refreshing and delightful treat that complements the sunny climate and enriches your dining experience. -
The sleeping arrangements on the boat are designed to provide you with comfort and convenience during your retreat. The boat features 12 twin cabins, each equipped with individual air conditioning, ensuring you can adjust the temperature to your liking for a restful night's sleep. Each cabin also includes a private bathroom with a hot water shower and toilet, providing you with the privacy and convenience of your own space.
We provide all necessary bedding and towels, so you can travel light and not worry about bringing these items with you. The boat is equipped with a 24/7, 220v electricity supply, featuring European-style 2-pin electrical wall sockets, allowing you to charge your devices and use any necessary electrical items with ease. You will share your cabin with one other person, creating an opportunity to connect with fellow participants. However, if you prefer more privacy, there is an option to have a private cabin, subject to availability and for an additional fee. This allows you to enjoy a more solitary and serene retreat experience if that is your preference. -
We can't guarantee wildlife, and anyone who tells you otherwise isn't being straight with you. What we can tell you is that Sataya Reef has one of the largest resident spinner dolphin pods in the world. We've never done a trip without seeing them. And it’s normal to see them on 95% of our water sessions.
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We understand your concern about sea sickness, and we're here to help ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Sataya is a coral reef, which means it is a protected area with minimal wave activity. This significantly reduces the likelihood of experiencing sea sickness, as the waters are typically calm and stable.
If you are prone to sea sickness, we recommend bringing motion sickness remedies with you, such as medication, wristbands, or natural remedies like ginger. It's always better to be prepared, just in case. However, from our experience, 95% of participants do not experience sea sickness during their time at Sataya, even if they have had issues with motion sickness in the past. -
Yes, we do provide airport pick-up and drop-off services for our retreat participants. We understand that travel can sometimes be stressful, so we aim to make your journey as smooth and convenient as possible. Typically we recommend you arrive at least 1 day before the retreat to Egypt and upon your arrival, a friendly and professional driver will be waiting to greet you at the airport.
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Certainly! We can absolutely arrange a memorable exploration of Egypt for you after your retreat. Usually, we offer a 4-day tour: 2 days in Luxor and 2 days in Cairo. In Luxor, often referred to as the world's greatest open-air museum, we visit the Karnak Temple Complex, Luxor Temple, and the Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of pharaohs such as Tutankhamun were discovered. We also visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, an impressive mortuary temple dedicated to the only female pharaoh. In Cairo, we explore the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Sphinx, and other pyramids, as well as Khan El Khalili, Cairo's oldest bazaar, where you can shop for souvenirs and experience the vibrant local culture. If you would like more information, please indicate this at the time of booking
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No, alcohol is not available on board because this is a holistic retreat. The focus is on promoting health, wellness, and mindfulness, and therefore alcohol is not part of the offerings during the retreat experience. This ensures a supportive environment for relaxation, rejuvenation, and inner balance. If you have any specific dietary or lifestyle preferences, please let us know so we can accommodate them accordingly.
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Yes, we do offer discounts in certain instances. While our primary focus is to ensure a high quality of service, which includes limiting the number of attendees for a more personalized and enriching experience, we understand the importance of making our retreat accessible to as many people as possible.
Our pricing reflects the intimate nature of our retreats, ensuring that each participant receives ample attention, guidance, and support. This approach allows us to maintain a serene and nurturing environment, where you can fully benefit from the holistic practices we offer. However, we recognize that financial considerations are important and occasionally provide discounts based on various factors, such as early bird registrations, group bookings, or special promotions. If you have specific financial constraints, we encourage you to reach out to us directly. We're happy to discuss your situation and explore potential options to accommodate you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS