1-8 November 2026 — Red Sea, Egypt
Dolphin & Sound Retreat
Welcome back to the water
Your original home
✔ Seven days of connecting with dolphins, swimming multiple times a day in the stunning Sataya Reef, located in Egypt’s Red Sea.
✔ Powerful Somatic Vocal Healing work guided by Jacob Vermeulen, including process work, sound constellations, singing and chanting for integration and deepening your dolphin connection and experience.
✔ Living, dining, and sleeping aboard the Nooraya, a boat with a warm and welcoming crew, for the duration of the trip.
✔ Relaxing in the warm waters and enjoying the gentle, pleasant temperatures of the Egyptian sun in November.
✔ Free diving and marveling at the wonders of the reef, encountering a surprising variety of marine life.
✔ Optional scuba diving for beginners as a first initiation, or for those with prior experience looking to continue their exploration.
It is a rare and magical experience to encounter wild animals that choose to connect with you. Make no mistake—you don’t swim with dolphins; they choose to swim with you.
With a single flap of their fin, they can disappear—gone in an instant, as if they were never there. And then, out of the misty blue, hundreds emerge, moving slowly and gracefully toward you.
Some will signal to their babies that it’s safe. Once the mother approves, the curious, playful young ones swim over, eager to explore. Your inner child will rejoice!
Others—especially the elders—will hold your gaze, sharing a silent exchange of wisdom and knowledge that transcends what your mind can comprehend.
That’s where our Sound and Voice practices come in. When you’re not in the water, you’ll process and integrate the gifts received from the dolphins by exploring the power of your voice.
You’ll create sound, chant around the piano, and share your experiences—both inner and outer—under the open sky on the deck of the boat that will be your home for seven days.
Once in a lifetime
Aboard the Nooraya
Marvelling in the Sataya Reef
Experience the enchanting beauty of Sataya’s “Dolphin Bay,” one of the Red Sea’s most stunning reefs. For six unforgettable days, our boat anchors in this serene haven, where playful Spinner dolphins visit daily. Swim alongside these gentle creatures as they glide through the turquoise waters, often inviting you into their world of joy and spontaneity. When the dolphins are away, immerse yourself in the reef’s vibrant underwater tapestry of corals and exotic marine life, discovering a hidden world of wonder.
Your journey is made complete aboard Nooraya, a 29-meter-long, 7-meter-wide boat designed for comfort and tranquility. Fully refurbished, it offers everything needed for an unforgettable trip. From shaded decks to sunlit spaces, Nooraya provides areas for relaxation, socializing, and soaking in the beauty of Sataya. Inside, the boat features cozy lounges, a traditional Egyptian salon with a bar and dining area, and eight cabins with private bathrooms, ensuring a restful stay.
Meals prepared by a chef who blends flavors from different cuisines, offering delightful menus throughout the week. The dedicated crew, including experienced guides, ensures smooth sailing and unforgettable water experiences.
Unleash your voice of the deep with Jacob’s healing guidance
For 15 years, Jacob has been offering voice-led online sessions to people worldwide, as well as hosting in-person retreats across Europe and South Africa. His approach is deep and healing, yet grounded and infused with a touch of humor.
Everyone, regardless of their affinity for—or fear of—singing, is warmly welcomed and easily drawn into his accessible and inclusive style.
His work focuses on connecting to your essence and addressing what stands in the way, using voice work (Somatic Vocal Healing), chanting, and mantra singing.
A gifted pianist, Jacob’s music transports participants to new realms—inviting moments of profound stillness and rejuvenation.
Practical information
When?
Arrival: Sunday, 1 November 2026
Departure: Sunday, 8 November 2026
Where?
Onboard the Nooraya
Sataya Bay, Egypt
All-Inclusive Package
“All-in” means that everything is provided for you upon arrival: airport shuttle, lodging on board, all meals, dolphin swimming with experienced guides, snorkeling in the reef, sessions with Jacob
How to Get There
Fly to either Hurghada or, preferably, Marsa Alam, as it is closer (see map image). A shuttle will collect you at the airport and transfer you to the harbor, where the boat will be waiting. The shuttle journey takes approximately 3 hours from Marsa Alam and about 5 hours from Hurghada.
Price
The “all-in” price for this retreat is €1995 for a twin cabin with bathroom facilities inside the cabin.
There is a maximum of 17 participants for an intimate experience.
You’re welcome to reserve your spot with a 50% deposit, and settle the remaining 50% before September 2026. Just use the coupon code deposit at checkout.
What’s Not Included
Flights
Scuba diving (available onboard for an additional cost)
Tip for the crew (captain’s recommendation: €70 per person)
Visa (€25, obtainable on arrival). Your passport or ID must be valid for at least six months after your return, and an extra photo may be required.
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Yes. You’re welcome to reserve your spot with a 50% deposit and settle the remaining 50% before September 2026. Simply use the coupon code deposit at checkout.
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No. Once you place a deposit or register for the retreat, your registration is considered final. In some cases someone on the waiting list might your place. Last year, the retreat was fully booked and there were more than 20 people on the waiting list, so this has not been an issue so far.
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You are responsible for booking your own flights. That said, you’re very welcome to reach out to Jacob via [email protected] if you’d like help checking arrival times or choosing the best option.
Here are the key guidelines:
If you fly into Hurghada, please arrive at the airport no later than 12:00 PM (midday) on the arrival day.
If you fly into Marsa Alam, you have a bit more flexibility and should arrive no later than 3:00 PM.
On the day of departure:
Flights from Marsa Alam should not be booked earlier than 3:00 PM in the afternoon.
Evening departures should be no earlier than 7:00 PM.
A shuttle will be arranged from the airport to the harbor, where the boat will be waiting.
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Yes, absolutely. You’re very welcome to arrive earlier or extend your stay after the retreat.
If you do so, please note that transport to and from the harbor may not be included, and you might need to arrange this separately.
If you plan to arrive earlier, we recommend staying at Marina Lodge in Port Ghalib, a comfortable and beautiful hotel where you can relax and acclimate before making your way to the retreat.
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No, this retreat is not affected by the war in Iran. Egypt remains a safe and reliable destination.