Freediving & Yoga Retreat in Sataya, Egypt

Open your heart to more love, joy and peace

Join our 8 day wild dolphin retreat

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 aboard a liveaboard boat at Sataya Reef. Sataya is home to one of the world's largest resident pods of spinner dolphins. For one week, it is home to us too. We live aboard a beautiful yacht, waking up to open water, spending our days learning to breathe, freedive, move and slow down.

This is a collaboration between Flowstate Freediving and Yoga with Maja. We have brought these two practices together because they complement one another perfectly. You will get out of your head, into your body, and into the present moment. You do not need to be a freediver. You do not need to be a yogi. You just need to be a little curious.

See the highlights Dates & pricing

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Sataya Reef, Red Sea

Reconnect with yourself. Swim with wild dolphins.

We live aboard a beautiful yacht in the Red Sea, where the waters shimmer with turquoise light. Sataya Reef carries the frequency of purity, peace, and a deep remembrance of who you are.

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 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.

Highlights

Your week in the water

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. Learn to move with ease beneath the surface, deepen your connection to dolphin behaviour, and grow into a calm, confident freediver.

Awaken inner wisdom

Through breathwork, movement and a cacao ceremony, reconnect with your inner guidance and awaken the power to live in alignment with your most authentic self.

Sunrise yoga & meditation under the stars

Begin and end each day with soul-nourishing yoga and meditation, creating space for healing and clarity beneath a sky free from light pollution.

A floating home on the Red Sea

Live aboard a comfortable yacht, your peaceful sanctuary at sea. Far from the noise of the world, you will find space to breathe, be, and reconnect.

No experience needed

This week is designed so you can try freediving with no prior experience. If you can swim and you are curious, that is enough.

The freediving

Freediving starts with letting go

Freediving is often misunderstood. It is not about pushing limits or holding your breath until it hurts. It is about learning to be calm, trusting your body to do what it is naturally capable of, and letting go of the tension that holds us back.

The week is focused on building the foundations. It is not a formal qualification, so there is no pressure to achieve. Across a series of introduction workshops you will 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

Accommodation onboard

Your floating home

Relax aboard a spacious, modern liveaboard yacht moored inside the reef. Each twin cabin has its own ensuite bathroom and window, and there is plenty of shaded space to rest, read, journal, or do nothing at all. Three buffet meals daily, plus fresh juices, snacks and soft drinks. Sunbathe on the top deck, mingle, or take time for yourself.

The most beautiful part of being together on a boat is the sense of community: lifelong friendships and meaningful conversations, with always somewhere to retreat and reflect.

The yacht's shaded upper deck with seating and ocean views

Guests serving lunch from the buffet on deck

What is included?

Everything you need, taken care of

Arrive with an open heart - the rest is handled.

7 nights all-inclusive aboard the yacht - your floating home at Sataya Reef
3 buffet meals daily - plus snacks, soft drinks and fresh juices
Two dolphin swim sessions daily - wild spinner dolphins, on their terms
Dolphin behaviour introduction - so you know how to approach them well
Marine park entrance fee - worth €140
Morning yoga with Maja - plus evening meditations and a cacao ceremony
Conscious breathwork journey - guided, on deck
Freediving workshops - in-water basics and dry theory sessions
Small group freediving sessions - with feedback from your instructors, present all week
Snorkeling guides and airport transfers - from Hurghada or Marsa Alam

Not included Flights & visaTravel insurance & personal expensesCrew gratuity (€100)Gear hireOptional scuba

Book with a €500 deposit · payment plans available

Deposits are non-refundable regardless of circumstance, including natural events or unforeseen changes. We highly recommend travel insurance to protect your investment and give you peace of mind. Nearest airports: Hurghada (HRG) or Marsa Alam (RMF).

The liveaboard yacht at anchor at sunset

12 twin cabinsensuite & air-conditioned - your floating home

Dates & pricing

Reserve your place

Secure your place with a €500 deposit · payment plans available.

Freediving

Freediving & Yoga Retreat

3-10 April 2027

8 days · 7 nights aboard · Sataya Reef

Twin room · lower deckper person

€2,750

Twin room · upper deckper person

€3,000

Single room · lower decksingle occupancy

€3,450

Limited spaces and availability of private cabins.

Selling fast

Not sure yet?

Talk it through with Maja

A free 30 minute call - no pressure, just a conversation about whether this week is for you.

Getting there

From the moment you land

You don't have to work any of this out alone.

Flights and transfers

Fly into either Hurghada or Marsa Alam. Transfers from both are included, and once I have your flight details I'll arrange everything end-to-end, so there is someone waiting for you when you walk out of the airport that brings you to us.

Timings to book around

On the first day of the retreat, we leave Hurghada at around 8am, and pickup from Marsa Alam is at around 12pm. On the final day, book your flight home no earlier than 2pm from Marsa Alam or 6pm from Hurghada.

Most guests arrive the day before rather than racing an early landing, and I'd recommend it. As soon as your deposit is down, I'll send you my list of hotels I know and trust, so you can rest, adjust, and step onto the boat unhurried.

If you're able to, stay one extra night at the end too and fly home on the Sunday. A week with the dolphins moves something in you, and having a day to let it settle before you walk back into ordinary life makes all the difference.

You'll know the group before you meet them

About six weeks before we sail, everyone joins a WhatsApp group. It's where questions get answered, packing lists get shared, and people start talking long before they step on board. By the time you meet the group, the names are already familiar, and guests often arrange to travel the last stretch together.

Coming on your own?

Most people do. The majority of guests book this retreat solo, and by the second evening it rarely feels that way. Twin cabins are shared with another solo guest, and I intuitively match people myself. If you'd prefer your own space, private cabins are available on both decks but please do book early.

Four years of Sataya retreats have taught me that the ones who arrive alone are always the ones who leave with the closest friendships. You will not be the odd one out. You will be among people who came for exactly the same reason you did.

Still deciding? and ask me anything.

Is this your week?

This week is for you if

You are keen to try freediving

Learn the basics: safety, breathing, equalisation and how to explore a wild environment. Freediving equips you to meet wildlife with little impact and total presence, and teaches you to tap into a state of internal calm.

You are curious about the ocean

You have always been drawn to the water but never quite made it below the surface. This week is a gentle invitation to change that, and to explore the depths of yourself alongside the depths of the sea.

You want to go deeper

Into yourself, and into the water. You want to skip the small talk and get straight to the soul-connecting conversations. Sataya has a way of channelling 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. The freediving gives you the stillness to be with them in a way nothing else does.

You are drawn to yoga, breath and holistic wellness

Whether you have practiced for years or you are brand new, the sessions are about connecting more deeply with yourself, others and nature. It goes beyond traditional yoga and takes you on a journey within.

You are craving a reset

A week away from the noise, living on the reef, nowhere to be except with the group and the dolphins of Sataya. This place has a way of upgrading you to a new level of life.

Meet your retreat hosts

Two practices, one week

Yoga with Maja · retreat facilitator and certified yoga instructor

Maja

"Learning to breathe, to surrender, to move through the water on a single breath changed the way I meet the sea."

My name is Maja Mika. Yoga teacher, breathwork facilitator, author and retreat creator. But beneath the titles, I am simply a human being on a spiritual journey, just like you.

Over the last ten years I gave myself to the practices that helped me heal, grow and reconnect with who I truly am. Somewhere along the way the ocean became my greatest teacher, and Sataya became home. Then in 2025 I discovered freediving, and everything shifted. Suddenly I was not just watching the dolphins. I was meeting them on their terms, quiet and weightless in their world.

And now I cannot wait for you to feel it too. What it is like to be welcomed into a dolphin pod, a guest in their home.

Flowstate Freediving · certified AIDA freediving instructors

Immy & Joe

"Less about chasing depth and numbers, more about the flow state you find when you are at one with the water."

Immy and Joe guide the freediving side of this week. They teach because they believe it is one of the best ways to explore the ocean, and their focus is on the feeling rather than the numbers.

What Maja loves is how naturally their world overlaps with hers. 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 is why bringing this expertise together felt so right.

Everything in the programme feeds directly into your time in the water, and your time in the water feeds back into everything else. That is the heart of why a week like this makes so much sense.

Read Maja's story

Heart-felt reflections from Sataya

What guests take home

▶ Watch · voices from the boat

Thank you, Immy and Joe, for extending your knowledge about freediving with me! To be able to finally dive underwater without ear pain was one of the biggest gifts! It allowed me to be closer to the dolphins and I felt more free to explore. I appreciate both of you!

Brandy Peters · Sataya workshop

Immy and Joe are awesome! They have a warm and confident presence that made me feel safe trying the skills to freedive. They never made me feel awkward or unable to learn, which felt great because I was really nervous. They have so much patience, are kind, and so encouraging. I was always in awe watching them freediving with the dolphins in Sataya. I would highly recommend anyone who wishes to try freediving to do it with these two amazing people.

Monica Kim-Taylor · Sataya workshop

Loved how friendly and approachable Immy and Joe were. They were very patient and explained things clearly. First on dry land, then in the water! Great advice and one to one coaching. Demos on point.

Natalie Williams · Freediving workshop

Egypt, Sataya, the dolphins, Maja and her team will all contribute to blast your heart open - enabling you to take in profound and life-changing experiences.

Kristine · Norway

I just returned from the most transformative retreat I've ever experienced. Everything was perfect. If you're considering attending one of Maja's retreats, all I can say is: do it!

Karin · Namibia

A week of transformation, meeting beautiful like-minded souls, singing, dancing, doing yoga, diving and swimming with the most playful, pure and joyful animals.

Yivonne · Germany

Maja's retreats are incredible heart-opening experiences, filled with love and care. I'd highly recommend them for anyone interested in a life-changing experience.

Jens · UK

Maja's retreat gave me a sense of meaning and purpose, inspired me, rejuvenated my soul, heart and mind. One needs to experience it to fully grasp how awesome it was.

Costa · Cyprus

Could not have asked for a more incredible and magical experience - the dolphins, the daily yoga and the most supportive group. What a privilege.

Lucy · UK

More testimonials here →

Frequently asked questions

Everything you're wondering

I have never been to a retreat before, is this for me?

Absolutely, this retreat is open to all, even if you've never attended one before. There's no need to worry about being "ready" - the retreat is designed to be welcoming and accommodating for first-timers. 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 call with Maja who will put your mind at ease.

Do I need any freediving experience?

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.

I have no yoga experience, can I join?

Absolutely. Our yoga sessions are designed to be gentle and accessible to everyone, regardless of prior experience. We welcome beginners and ensure the practices are inclusive and adaptable to all levels. Maja guides each session with clear, step-by-step instructions, so you learn at your own pace and comfort level.

I'm not a strong swimmer, will I still be able to swim with the dolphins?

Yes. We take great care to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable in the water, and we can provide a swimming ring to help you feel more secure. The Red Sea is also known for its high salinity, which increases buoyancy and makes floating far easier. We often find that those who initially struggle are swimming unaided and with new confidence by the end of the week.

What meals are included?

Meals are included and served buffet-style three times a day, with a wide variety of options. Whether you prefer vegan, vegetarian, or fish and meat dishes, there's something for every palate, balanced for both flavour and nutrition.

Between meals you can enjoy replenishing snacks and freshly squeezed juice made from seasonal fruits. In Egypt the mangoes in particular are exquisite.

What are the sleeping arrangements?

The boat has 12 twin cabins, each with individual air conditioning and a private bathroom with a hot water shower and toilet. All bedding and towels are provided, so you can travel light. There is a 24/7 220v supply with European-style 2-pin sockets.

You will share your cabin with one other person, which is a lovely way to connect with fellow guests. If you would prefer more privacy, a private cabin is available subject to availability and for an additional fee.

Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?

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 have never run a trip without seeing them, and it is normal to see them on 95% of our water sessions.

I'm worried about being seasick.

Sataya is a coral reef, which means it is a protected area with minimal wave activity. The waters are typically calm and stable, which significantly reduces the likelihood of seasickness.

If you are prone to it, do bring your preferred remedy: medication, wristbands, or something natural like ginger. In our experience 95% of guests have no trouble at Sataya, even those who have struggled with motion sickness in the past.

Do you provide airport pick up and drop off?

Yes. Airport transfers from Hurghada or Marsa Alam are included. We recommend arriving in Egypt at least one day before the retreat begins, and a driver will be waiting to greet you on arrival.

I want to explore Egypt after the retreat, can you arrange this?

Certainly. We usually offer a 4-day tour: two days in Luxor and two in Cairo. In Luxor we visit the Karnak Temple Complex, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut. In Cairo we explore the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Sphinx and Khan El Khalili, Cairo's oldest bazaar. Let us know at the time of booking if you would like more information.

Is alcohol available on board?

No. This is a holistic retreat focused on health, wellness and mindfulness, so alcohol is not part of the offering. This keeps the environment supportive for relaxation, rejuvenation and inner balance. If you have specific dietary or lifestyle preferences, let us know so we can accommodate them.

Do you offer discounts?

Occasionally, yes. Our pricing reflects the intimate nature of the retreat and the limited number of guests, which is what allows everyone to receive proper attention and support. That said, we do sometimes offer early bird rates, group bookings or special promotions. If you have specific financial constraints, reach out directly and we will happily discuss the options.