What to expect
Spend a full week with us in some of the liveliest waters off the coast of Egypt in the Deep South.
We will take you with us on a cruise to the incredible Dolphin Reef: a protected area that offers very high chances of encountering these beautiful creatures in the wild and in the water.
Then we will explore the Fury Shoals, over 9 km of the most pristine reefs you will find on the planet. Egypt has some of the best underwater landscapes in the whole world and this trip will absolutely BLOW YOUR MIND!
What ?
A real underwater dream.
A week freediving and scuba diving between the most amazing coral formations and the most playful pods of dolphins.
Where ?
Marsa Alam area, Egypt.
We will spend the first 4 nights in a luxury tent at Wadi Lahami Village and the last 4 nights onboard Aziab Seafaris 50.5 ft sailboat anchored around the Dolphin Reef for a memorable diving experience.
When ?
19th to 27th Oct 2024.
Join us for a 8 night adventure exploring the underwater beauties of the Red Sea during it’s best season.
Who ?
We will be travelling with you together with a very small number of people, up to maximum 8 guests. All will be young like-minded ocean lovers.
What ?
A full-blown underwater retreat. We will literally be spending every day in the water, taking full advantage of all the beauty of the Red Sea.
You will have the chance to encounter wild dolphins and swim with a whole pod. You will explore the most pristine and gorgeous underwater coral landscapes you can imagine.
You will learn more about underwater photography as we will guide you into filming content with your own camera or ours.
You will enjoy the very best of the Egyptian coast and Deep South.
Where ?
Marsa Alam, Egypt.
We will not be staying in Marsa Alam, but we will start our journey from there, heading south.
We will spend the first 4 nights at Red Sea Diving Safari – in Wadi Lahami Village – while we explore the sea from land.
After that, we will spend 4 nights onboard Aziab Seafaris 50.5 foot Beneteau Cyclades sailboat while we journey to the Dolphin Reef for a memorable diving experience.
When ?
19th to 27th Oct 2024.
Join us for a 8 night adventure exploring the underwater beauties of the Red Sea.
October is a beautiful month in Egypt. The weather is warm but not scorching, averaging between 25° and 30°C (82-93°F) night and day. But the sea is pretty warm, hanging around 26-27°C (84°F). This is the prime reason for our choice of dates.
This way, you will enjoy the very best conditions to live by these incredible waters.
Who ?
We will be travelling with you together with a very small number of people, up to maximum 8 guests. All will be young like-minded ocean lovers, with a passion for adventure and with whom we will have the best underwater fun.
Want to join with a friend or group of friends? No problem.
Want to join with your boyfriend or girlfriend? No problem. Are you travelling solo and would love to meet new friends? No problem. This is the perfect opportunity!
Anyone is welcome!
Highlights of the trip
Wildlife is in fact wild. Nature cannot be controlled. We will do our best during this trip to organise sufficient excursions to give wildlife encounters the highest possible chance of happening. But please remember that we cannot control if the animals want to see us. We will always strive for respect and simplicity first.
Accommodation
Red Sea Diving Safari – Wadi Lahami Village
Enjoy 4 nights in the village of Wadi Lahami, one of the last signs of civilisation before the Sudan border in the Deep South of Egypt. Nestled amongst one of the largest protected areas of mangroves, it offers a wild and comfortable opportunity to experience and explore raw nature. All the RSDS villages are built following a sustainable tourism model, allowing only a limited number of people to visit the area per time. This means that nature remains well preserved and pristine offering a truly unique experience.
You will sleep in the Royal Tents. These tents are truly luxurious, wide and spacious, 5x5m (15x15ft) and equipped with everything you might need. The tents are positioned just a few steps away from the sea, with a guaranteed sea view and especially, a truly gorgeous sunrise view from the water.
Bathrooms and showers are shared but close to the tents. They’re cleaned very frequently. Food is served in a communal buffet area with tables under a tented space.
Zodiacs and boats depart every day, just next to diving shade and a few steps away from the tents and the dining area.
Aziab Seafaris
Enjoy 4 nights aboard a 50.5 foot long sailboat, specifically built as a charter boat. Aboard this yacht we will sail our way to the Dolphin Reef where we will stay for 3 days (hopefully!) in the company of a beautiful pod of spinner dolphins.
The 2 double cabins at the bow of the boat have 2 separate private bathrooms and can sleep 2 people each (for a total of 4).
The 2 double cabins at the stern of the boat can sleep 2 people each (for a total of 4) but share a communal bathroom.
The cabin in the center of the boat right next to the galley has 2 bunk beds, thus sleeping a total of 2 people who share the same communal bathroom as the stern cabins.
Shared spaces include a galley with kitchen and dining table and sofa. On deck is where we will eat most of the time, on a centre table. The boat is also equipped with solar panels and outdoor shower.
Red Sea Diving Safari – Wadi Lahami Village
Enjoy 4 nights in the village of Wadi Lahami, one of the last signs of civilisation before the Sudan border in the Deep South of Egypt. Nestled amongst one of the largest protected areas of mangroves, it offers a wild and comfortable opportunity to experience and explore raw nature. All the RSDS villages are built following a sustainable tourism model, allowing only a limited number of people to visit the area per time. This means that nature remains well preserved and pristine offering a truly unique experience.
You will sleep in the Royal Tents. These tents are truly luxurious, wide and spacious, 5x5m (15x15ft) and equipped with everything you might need. The tents are positioned just a few steps away from the sea, with a guaranteed sea view and especially, a truly gorgeous sunrise view from the water.
Bathrooms and showers are shared but close to the tents. They’re cleaned very frequently. Food is served in a communal buffet area with tables under a tented space.
Zodiacs and boats depart every day, just next to diving shade and a few steps away from the tents and the dining area.
Aziab Seafaris
Enjoy 4 nights aboard a 50.5 foot long sailboat, specifically built as a charter boat. Aboard this yacht we will sail our way to the Dolphin Reef where we will stay for 3 days (hopefully!) in the company of a beautiful pod of spinner dolphins.
The 2 double cabins at the bow of the boat have 2 separate private bathrooms and can sleep 2 people each (for a total of 4).
The 2 double cabins at the stern of the boat can sleep 2 people each (for a total of 4) but share a communal bathroom.
The cabin in the center of the boat right next to the galley has 2 bunk beds, thus sleeping a total of 2 people who share the same communal bathroom as the stern cabins.
Shared spaces include a galley with kitchen and dining table and sofa. On deck is where we will eat most of the time, on a centre table. The boat is also equipped with solar panels and outdoor shower.
Program
Corals & Dolphins, that’s all you need to know 😉
Day One
Arrive at Marsa Alam International Airport where you will meet a member of our team who will take you to a minibus. Travel for about 2 hours to reach Wadi Lahami, the furthest south of the Red Sea Diving Safari villages.
Day Two to Four - Coral Exploration
Wake up at dawn and enjoy the first rays of the sun coming up from Red Sea. We will spend these 3 mornings onboard our zodiac as we travel between different amazing freediving spots.
Lunches will be served back at the village in buffet style.
In the afternoons, we will host Freediving and Underwater Photography Workshops with the whole group, giving everyone the opportunity to chill by the beach as well.
Dinners will be served at the village in buffet style and we will all go to bed early in our tents under the stars.
Scubadiving day: one day will be dedicated to scuba diving! Certified divers will have the opportunity to dive some of the most amazing coral formations and tunnels in the world (Open Water certification is enough). Non-certified divers will freedive in the morning in the same spots as the rest of the group and do their first Discovery Dive in the afternoon to experience the joy and beauty of breathing underwater!
Extra*: kitesurfing is possible in the afternoons and a really exciting addition for those who are interested (the lagoon is super shallow and flat!)
*Please note this is an extra and not included in the trip package price.
Day Five
This morning we will pack our bags quickly and after breakfast, we will leave for Hamata Harbour. There we will board the SY ROAGA sailboat with Aziab Seafaris. We will settle down and set sail for the Dolphin Reef. Once arrived we will have lunch onboard and begin scouting for the dolphins. We will sleep there in the bay under the stars.
Day Six to Eighth - Dolphins & Dolphins
Days onboard the sailboat will typically follow the sun’s natural hours and… whatever the dolphins decide to do 😉 From dawn to sunset we will look for dolphins, dive and play with them, explore nearby reefs and channel passages and shipwrecks, observe the stars and their constellations, watch the sky light up twice a day, all while literally living on the ocean. It can’t get much better than this! Our schedule will be very flexible to accomodate everyone’s needs.
Depending on the group’s return flights, we will head back towards Hamata Harbour on Saturday evening.
Day nine
After our last breakfast onboard, we will pack our bags and head back to Marsa Alam International Airport for everyone’s return flights home.
Pricing
CHF 1'950 pp
ROOM ARRANGEMENTS: Twin bunk beds with shared bathroom.
CHF 2'050 pp
ROOM ARRANGEMENTS: Double bed with private bathroom – Double bed with shared bathroom.
We will pair up participants in the shared rooms based on sex, age and interests to make it the best experience for everyone! Single occupancy is not available.
Our goal is to offer a closed package deal. Unless you have some particular or special requests, once you have paid for this deal, it is unlikely you will have to spend anything else during this trip (excluding international flights from your country)
CHF 1'950 pp
ROOM ARRANGEMENTS: Twin bunk beds with shared bathroom.
CHF 2’050 pp
ROOM ARRANGEMENTS: Double bed with private bathroom – Double bed with shared bathroom. Rooms are allocated on first come, first serve basis.
We will pair up participants in the shared rooms based on sex, age and interests to make it the best experience for everyone! Single occupancy is not available.
Our goal is to offer a closed package deal. Unless you have some particular or special requests, once you have paid for this deal, it is unlikely you will have to spend anything else during this trip (excluding international flights from your country).
Reviews by our Guests
Vittoria
from Italy, joined the Maldives trip 2023
“On this journey I have amplified the connection with other people. People I didn't know, that I had never seen before. I left not knowing who to expect. Everything was born in a natural, harmonious, clean, simple way. People, like me, passionate about my own things, able to get excited about the same things I got excited about. It is a kind of feeling and energy that only those who connect can understand it. It's strong, it's pure, it's solid."
Maurizio
from Switzerland, joined Egypt trip 2023
A wonderful experience that I recommend to everyone who loves dolphins and the sea!
You give up a little comfort in exchange for excitement, unforgettable moments and close encounters with dozens and dozens of dolphins! The group was fantastic and there was an immediate spontaneous connection and friendship that made the vacation even more special.
The helpfulness, kindness and enthusiasm of Carlo and Miki then helped make it all special and unforgettable! A heartfelt thank you for giving us the opportunity to live an experience that will remain forever in our hearts and in my memories!
Veronica
from Italy, joined the Maldives trip 2023
"The retreat organized by Carlo and Micky was more than a diving trip to the Maldives. It was an experience, an emotional and personal journey. It made it possible for me to improve my skills in the water, to enjoy the wonders that only the ocean can give you, to consolidate that magical bond between me and nature and to create new bonds with amazing strangers, where each of them brought passion, joy, lots of laughter and shining eyes full of wonder and emotion."
Sarah
from the USA, joined the Maldives trip 2023
“Thanks for making this trip so wonderful and a safe place for us!!! I will repeat it over and over again, this trip was truly magical and unforgettable. Thank you thank you thank you!
❤✨🤟”
Christian
From Switzerland, joined Egypt trip 2023
These retreats 🥰 I can't wait for the next one 🥹
Marie
from France, joined the Maldives trip 2023
“Thank you for organising an absolute dream of holidays! Couldn’t have wished for better than this! Love you guys!!”
Marius
From Romania, joined Egypt trip 2023
From an organising point of view, it was super smooth! Transfers, activities, everything! I also loved the underwater places a lot, probably I wouldn’t have found most of them, only knew about Sataya Reef before this trip.
Loved that we also got to practice scuba, although unintended, seems like we need to practice a little more of it and this came at the right time. Also liked the photography and freediving workshops, it made the trip different from other group trips.
Veronica
from Italy, joined the Maldives trip 2023
"The reality is that beyond defining it all as ‘wonderful', finding the exact words is really difficult...it was all a matter of emotions and hearts, because yes, these two guys here put their hearts into this retreat and you could feel it all. I will never be thankful enough to them for the gift they gave me, for the courage they lent me in stepping out of my comfort zone, for the hugs, the laughter... from the beginning to the end, all wonderful.
And you, are you still thinking about it?
Book that flight, trust me, you won't regret it 💙 "
Vittoria
from Italy, joined the Maldives trip 2023
"I'm happy to have stepped out of my comfort zone to realize what I imagined, to give it real proof and believe even more in myself and in my thoughts, in what I feel and believe.
There is satisfaction in saying: you were right. And I was in fact right in believing that there are reasons that drive people to connect with each other by merging their life paths because one's aura is on the same wavelength. With people like this you don't have to struggle to prove who you are, because it's as if they already know you, and it's beautiful because it's like feeling at home. The most intense and craziest experience of my life, a trip I will never forget, looking forward to the next one!”
Katrin
from Switzerland, joined the Maldives trip 2023
“The Retreat in the Maldives by Bonny and Gava was a lifetime dream come true. At just 20 years old I was visiting the paradise. The Hotel and their food was great, the staff was very courteous and the rooms clean and with AC. On the organised day trips I could freedive with whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins and nurse sharks. I learned to improve my breathing and equalise technique in their workshop as well as editing underwater pictures. The organisation was so smooth and we were bonding quickly with the other retreat guests and even learned how to sign dolphin and our names in sign language. Overall it was an amazing experience I will never forget and be forever grateful for.”
Mixed comments from our clients
Loved every second of every day!
One of the best trips I've ever taken, thank you so much for creating this magic.
We were so blessed with magical moments every day!
The most beautiful and intense experience of my life. Thank you Ocean and thank you @bonnyandgava for helping me fulfil this wish 🫶🏻 I love you so much
Thank you for organising an absolute dream holiday, couldn't have wished for better than this!
Memories we will have for a lifetime
Sara
from Switzerland, joined Egypt trip 2023
I would say that the trip far exceeded expectations.
We definitely got lucky with the weather and the dolphins and the group was really great so I had a really good time🥰 (translated with Deepl)
What's Included
4 nights in a luxury tent by the sea at the Wadi Lahami Village by Red Sea Diving Safari with shared bathroom
4 nights in a cabin onboard the SY ROAGA by Aziab Seafaris, a 50.5 foot Beneteau Cyclades sailboat with shared bathroom
Excursions EVERY SINGLE DAY, whether onboard a RSDS zodiac or on the sailboat
Full board meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner, hosted by RSDS and Aziab (including soft drinks)
All transfers by minivan; the tour will begin and end at the Marsa Alam airport
Priceless sunrise views on the sea every single morning
3 days at the Dolphin Reef for repeated opportunities to swim and play with wild dolphins
Full exploration of the Fury Shoals, spending plenty of time in the most pristine corals in the world
Shipwreck excursions to explore the beautiful corals that grow on these foreign underwater structures
Underwater Photography Workshops with Bonny & Gava in which we will spill all our professional secrets
Freediving Workshop for beginners to learn the basics and enjoy the week in the best way!
Full Day Scuba Diving for certified divers or a Discovery Dive for those who have never tried it before
Underwater photography workshop
Throughout this retreat an active underlying photography workshop will take place.
During the dives you will either be tutored on your own camera settings and skills, or you will have the opportunity to test our gear, either our professional-level Sony with underwater housing, our GoPro or our Insta360.
But the best part will be later, once back in the hotel/sailboat. During the free times before or after dinner we will be sharing our best tips on how to edit underwater photos and videos. Editing is such an essential part of underwater photography!
Discover all of our insider tips on how to make beautiful and successful underwater content. We will spill all the beans on years worth of practice and self-teaching. Don’t hesitate to ask us ANY questions, we will be excited to share everything with you.
Oh, and as an extra bonus, we will provide all of you with our Underwater Preset Pack for free to quickly edit your content on the trip.
Take home the very best memories you could ask for.
P.S. All guests will be participating in the Bonny & Gava videos on our platforms, so be ready for some fun times 😉
Throughout this retreat an active underlying photography workshop will take place.
During the dives you will either be tutored on your own camera settings and skills, or you will have the opportunity to test our gear, either our professional-level Sony with underwater housing, our GoPro or our Insta360.
But the best part will be later, once back in the sailboat. During free times before or after dinner we will be sharing our best tips on how to edit underwater photos and videos. Editing is such an essential part of underwater photography!
Discover all of our insider tips on how to make beautiful and successful underwater content. We will spill all the beans on years worth of practice and self-teaching. Don’t hesitate to ask us ANY questions, we will be excited to share everything with you.
Oh, and as an extra bonus, we will provide all of you with our Underwater Preset Pack for free to quickly edit your content on the trip.
Take home the very best memories you could ask for.
P.S. All guests will be participating in the Bonny & Gava videos on our platforms, so be ready for some fun times 😉
Requirements
Ocean Comfort
Free diving or scuba diving certifications are NOT necessary to participate, but a very good level of swimming and comfort in open waters is essential to enjoy the experiences. Of course, certification is welcome and training will be based on each individual’s level.
Insurance
A dive insurance is mandatory for this trip, we recommend DAN. Travel insurance is not mandatory but recommended.
Gear
Please bring your own gear if you own it (masks, fins, snorkels, wetsuits, cameras, weight belts..etc). We will provide everyone with weights if needed. If needed we can also organise to provide other missing gear, when duly noted.
Language
It is important for every participant to speak English at a basic level so that we can all have a fun time together without leaving anyone out.
Keep in Mind
Note: charging devices on board can be complicated due to limited access to electricity and batteries. Please bring power-banks to charge your devices and speak to us directly if you need special charging options.
Note: it is not a requirement to be free divers, however, free divers will most likely enjoy the retreat (especially with the dolphins) WAY MORE. For this reason we really recommend training before participating at this retreat.
Packing list: the temperatures in Egypt in October are fairly warm, especially in the water, but we will be staying on a sailboat for a few days so nights can always get slightly chilly. Be sure to bring:
- Layers layers layers. It can be super warm and also a bit chilly so make sure to bring all sorts of layers to always feel good.
- Comfortable clothes. This is quite an adventurous trip so be sure to bring clothes you feel good in.
- Sandals and/or filp flops, and sneakers with white soles for walking on the sailboat.
- Bikinis and board shorts and rash guards.
- Very recommended: a wetsuit for free diving or scuba diving, if you own any or are used to them. Most people use shorties or rashes as the water temperatures are warm, but we will spend a lot of time in the water. If you don’t have your own, the dive center will provide you with what you need for scuba diving (not free diving though).
- Free diving and scuba diving gear, if you own anything please bring it along, especially long fins or masks. If you don’t own anything, please let us know in advance so we can find a solution together.
- Underwater camera if you own one (including GoPros).
- Windbreaker and/or rain jacket if it gets very windy (the Red Sea typically is) and to keep warm on zodiac rides with a lot of sea spray.
- Towels for showering and for drying up after dives (1 or 2 is up to you) – if you own a poncho it is probably a good idea to bring it with you.
- Shampoo and conditioner (absolutely eco-friendly and reef-safe!!!) for washing on land and onboard.
- Sun screen.
- Mosquito spray (although there aren’t too many mosquitoes).
- A waterproof bag is not required but may be convenient for the excursions and for the stay onboard the sailboat.
- Note: don’t bring your drone. We’ve heard of people getting it confiscated at customs.
Terms & Conditions
Deposits
To secure your spot on this retreat you will have to agree to our T&Cs and pay a non-refundable deposit of EUR 200.
Bookings will be available from February 20th.
Payment
The remainder of the payment after the deposit will be asked via invoice and payed via bank transfer.
The total will be due 75 days before the beginning of the trip.
Cancellation
Once the deposit has been made, if you cancel before 90 days prior to departure, then you will not be charged anything extra, although we will keep the deposit.
If you cancel after 90 days prior to departure, then unfortunately as we are a very small business we will not be able to refund you. Should we be able to find someone else to fill your spot in time then we might be able to return the full amount (excluding the deposit of EUR 200 and any bank fees).
Very Important Note for Everyone: this retreat is subject to a minimum number of participants. We will make sure we can confirm the trip to everyone as soon as possible (at latest 75 days prior to departure) but until then we recommend to refrain from purchasing non-refundable flights to avoid useless expenses.
F.A.Q.
Still wondering if you should come with us? Here are some answers to your questions
What is the starting time of the trip?
The official beginning of the trip is in the evening of October 19th 2024. Should everyone arrive in time for dinner we will start with a welcome dinner, if not we will do introductions on the next day after a good night of rest.
What is the ending time of the trip?
The trip will end with a breakfast onboard the SY Roaga sailboat at the Hamata Port. Depending on the flights of the group we will decide at what time we will arrive at the port (potentially even on the evening of October 26th).
How do I get to the Marsa Alam?
You only have to worry about purchasing an international flight from your country to Marsa Alam International Airport on the coast of Egypt. Once you have arrived there you will be greeted by a member of our team. Depending on arrival times of all the guests we will organise the transfers by minivan to the village of Wadi Lahami. Hurgada international airport is also an arrival option if the international flights are more convenient but a surcharge on the transfer will be applied due to the longer route. We personally don’t recommend it but you are free to choose depending on your situation.
Are there any optional extra activities?
Kitesurfing is also available at Wadi Lahami, should you wish to do a session we will try our best not to make you skip any other activity or workshop.
Does Egypt require a VISA?
Yes it does, you need to purchase it online before departure. It will cost around 25USD and we will assist you with the process if needed.
Is there wifi or signal in the accommodations?
We are traveling to the furthest point in Egypt and our accommodations are all aimed at keeping you immersed in nature. Wifi will be decent in common areas in the village and signal available on land. We recommend getting a local SIM card. While on the boat we might lose it completely. Trust us, the only connection you will need will be the one with the dolphins 🙂
Should I bring extra cash?
You might want to, if you want to have alcohol, look for small souvenirs and gifts to take home or even for some snacks or extra activities (card is often fine too but just to be sure). Make sure you either have American Dollars $ or Euro €.
What are the sleeping options?
You can either have a shared double or twin room (you can share it with a friend or partner travelling with you). Otherwise you can share it with someone else joining the retreat.
What if I'm travelling solo?
This is a great opportunity then! The majority of our guests are young (<40 years old) solo travellers looking to make awesome ocean friends. We also get couples who are up to have some fun with other like-minded people. All in all, we’ve always had AMAZING groups and EVERYONE has made incredible friendships during our group trips.
What if I am vegan? Or have allergies?
Please let us know of any dietary requirements and we will do our best to fit your needs.
Are drinks included in the full board meal plan?
The full board plan includes 3 meals per day, water and soft drinks. Alcohol will be at an extra cost.
Still not sure?
Write to us so we can clear your doubts!
