Practical Info

The Sea Soul Retreat suits families, groups of friends, solo travellers, and company trips. No need to be athletic — you just need to be able to swim.

For the Retreat: you just need to be able to swim. Everything is at the surface, mask and snorkel. No freediving or athletic level needed. The Diving Cruise requires a minimum level and number of dives (see the Diving section).

The dolphins are wild and free. Sataya Bay welcomes them almost every day as they return from the open sea at night, but nothing is guaranteed. Over a week, encounters are very frequent — and the reefs do the rest.

Yes, under their parents' responsibility. The crew does not provide childcare. The Retreat is well suited to families.

Of course. Two single cabins are available aboard. It's an ideal cruise for solo travellers as well as groups of friends or families.

One week: 7 nights aboard, 6 full days at sea. Boarding on Saturday, disembarking the following Saturday.

Yes. The Sea Soul meets every standard for sea safaris and diving: 2 life rafts, 36 life jackets, oxygen, first-aid kits, fire alarm, VHF and GPS. The crew is first-aid trained, and the captain has full authority over safety.

The Sea Soul is certified for 26. We take 19 at most (16 for diving cruises), by choice: more space, more quiet, real room for everyone. That's the difference between a mass trip and an intimate cruise.

Eight permanent crew: captain, engineer, chef, assistant, steward and three zodiac drivers, plus our snorkeling and diving guides. A small, loyal team, born of a Swiss-Egyptian partnership, returning season after season.

No. The boat has a desalinator and a 10,000-litre fresh-water tank. Every cabin has a hot shower, and running water stays available even at night with the generators off.

Days follow the dolphins' rhythm: first zodiac outing around 6 am, breakfast at 7:30, second outing at 9:30, fresh fruit at 11, lunch at 12:30, third outing at 2:30 pm, a snack at 4:30, dinner around 7. Nothing is compulsory — you can stay aboard and rest while the group heads out.

All meals are buffet-style, freshly prepared by our chef (Western cuisine with an Egyptian touch). Fresh fruit, fresh juice, sweet and savoury snacks, hot and cold soft drinks: all complimentary. Beer is on sale aboard (€5). Lovers of other drinks bring their own.

Yes, depending on the season. Deck mattresses are provided. At night we switch off the generators for the quiet — running water stays available. Bring a torch and a sheet or sleeping bag depending on the season.

No internet aboard — it's part of the experience. Power runs during the day (220 V sockets); generators are off at night. Charge your devices during the day.

Twelve cabins, each with a private bathroom (hot shower, basin, WC), individual air conditioning, storage and a small fridge. Lower deck: 6 twin-bed cabins and 2 single cabins. Upper deck: 4 double-bed cabins.

The zodiacs cross the bay to see whether the dolphins are present and willing to interact. If so, you spend time with them; if not, you head to a reef. Between outings you can enter the water from the boat — dolphins often come close.

Yes, anytime from the boat, as long as you always go in pairs and tell a crew member. You can also swim out to the coral reef.

Yes, on arrival at Sataya: safety rules aboard and in the water, signing of the liability waivers and medical questionnaire, and we share our knowledge of the dolphins' world.

It depends on the date. Some weeks are for confirmed divers (PADI Open Water / CMAS*, minimum 25 dives). Others for experienced divers (PADI Advanced / CMAS**, minimum 50 dives, comfortable in current). The required level is shown on each date.

On the finest sites of the southern Red Sea: St John's, Fury Shoals, and depending on the week Daedalus, Elphinstone or Zabargad. Routes may change with the weather.

The boat has 34 aluminium 12 L tanks (DIN), weights, a covered dive deck, a launch platform, freshwater showers and rinse tanks. Bring your personal gear.

Yes, on request. The boat has a covered dive deck, a launch platform, 34 tanks and 2 compressors. To be arranged with us in advance.

A passport valid at least 6 months after your return. Bring about USD 30 for the entry visa. Bring a photocopy of your passport for coastguard formalities. With an ID card: two passport photos + a photocopy.

The home port is Hamata, in the south. Allow about 6 h from Hurghada and 3 h from Marsa Alam, by air-conditioned minibus. The driver waits for you with a Sea Soul sign.

It's customary: plan around €50 depending on your means for the crew, who look after you all week long.

Let us know when you book. For specific diets (gluten-free, etc.), bring your own substitute foods: these are hard to find in Egypt.

Secure online booking with a deposit, the balance paid before departure. Terms are shown before booking and accepted at payment.