Expedition Sataya 2026

 Join us for an unforgettable expedition to one of the Red Sea’s most stunning freediving spots – Sataya Reef. This trip is perfect for all certified freedivers who want to dive with dolphins and experience life on board a sailing boat.

Location: Sataya Reef

Sataya is a stunning place where a horseshoe-shaped coral reef forms a natural barrier around two shallow sandy lagoons with turquoise water and vibrant corals.
Located about two hours by boat from Hamata port (south of Marsa Alam), Sataya is special because it serves as a daytime resting spot for pods of spinner dolphins. That’s why it’s become a hotspot for safari tours - whether it's day boats or larger liveaboards. But with so many operators, the experience isn’t always as magical as it could be.

That’s why we’ve decided to do things differently.
Our boat is currently the only charter sailing yacht in the area, giving us the freedom to explore Sataya in a more mindful way. We’re surrounded by people who know what they’re doing - freedivers who prioritize the well-being of the animals over everything else. That makes the experience truly unique and meaningful on a whole new level.

About spinner dolphins

Spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) arrive in the bay each day after a night of hunting to rest, sleep, or play.
They’re a smaller species of dolphin, but well known for their acrobatic jumps and spins. Their playful nature makes them fantastic companions for freediving. It’s not uncommon to see mothers with calves here too, as the young dolphins learn and practice new skills in the safety of the lagoon.

What else?

But dolphins are far from the only thing to look forward to. Sataya and its surroundings are full of breathtaking spots just waiting to be explored! We’ll be snorkeling around some of the most beautiful, vibrant, and lively coral reefs we’ve ever seen. The seafloor at Sataya is dotted with towering coral pinnacles - some reaching up to 20 meters high creating an underwater labyrinth of color and life.

The reefs are full of tunnels, caves, and swim-throughs where you can easily spend hours exploring. And as a special bonus, we’ll also visit the wreck of a Chinese ship that sank here in the 1950s.

Small group, respectful encounters

We’ll be sailing in a small group, and our home for the trip will be the comfortable sailing boat Roaga. The name comes from Bedouin slang and means “to be carefree, to be at ease.” Since we’ll be spending the entire trip at sea with a fully flexible daily schedule, there’s no pressure to chase after wildlife or “get the shot” like on large tourist boats or commercial tours. This allows us to swim with dolphins in a calm, respectful way - focusing on a truly ethical and non-intrusive safari experience. Throughout the journey, we’ll have a professional camera on board to capture the most beautiful moments - both above and below the surface.

Onboard

Throughout the expedition, we’ll be accompanied by a professional crew - usually a team of four.
That means a real holiday for all of us, as the crew takes care of everything and provides top-notch service. Each day’s program is planned based on the weather, the dolphins, and the group’s wishes—and everything is completely optional. We’ll spend several hours in the water each day, but you’re always free to join as much or as little as you like.

One of the things that makes life on a sailboat truly special is the chance to sleep outside. There are good spots on deck where you can lay down for the night—and there are few views more magical than the one you’ll see under the night sky at Sataya. With almost no light pollution, you’ll have a perfect view of the stars and the Milky Way, and waking up to a sunrise over the sea is the perfect way to start the day.

Dates:

18 - 26 September 2026

Spots left: 6/6
Instructors: Pavel a Tereza

Itinerary

• Friday 18 September:
  • arrival in Egypt, group transfer to Wadi Lahmy Azur Hotel. Time to relax and settle in, followed by a welcome briefing.
• 19 September - 25 September:
  • we are sailing!
  • 19 Sept ~ 09:30 – check-in on the boat and departure from Hamata Marina.
    25 Sept ~ 10:00 – check-out from the boat and transfer to the airport or hotel.
• Saturday 26 September:
  • departure day.

Getting here

We’ll travel to the location on Friday, 18 September, one day before we board the boat. We'll be looking for flights from Prague to Marsa Alam (with the option of a group booking), and a group transfer from the airport to the hotel will be arranged. The hotel is located near Hamata Marina, from where we’ll set sail the following day. If anyone prefers to arrange their own travel—for example, flying into Hurghada—we can coordinate individual transfers. Upon arrival, we’ll spend one night at Wadi Lahmy Azur Hotel, with time to relax and take part in a welcome briefing. On Saturday morning (around 10–11 AM), we’ll check in to the boat and begin our liveaboard journey, which ends Friday morning.

After the expedition ends, we’ll return to the resort for one more afternoon and evening to unwind and reflect on the experience.

On Sunday, it's possible to fly home (especially if you have an afternoon flight or plan to depart from a different airport), or you’re welcome to extend your stay and enjoy more time in Egypt. It’s a great opportunity to combine the trip with a family holiday or further travel.

Accomodation

Our first night will be spent at the beautiful Wadi Lahmy Azur resort, and the expedition price includes three double rooms. This is a small, quiet resort with two swimming pools and all-inclusive dining. There’s also great snorkeling right by the hotel—either along the coral reef or in two shallow lagoons nearby.

For the rest of the trip, we’ll be staying aboard our sailing yacht, which offers four double cabins. Two of the cabins have private bathrooms, while the other two share a common bathroom (see the boat layout below).

Strava

We’ll have a professional chef on board throughout the trip. You’ll have access to non-alcoholic drinks (hot and cold) and light snacks throughout the day, plus three main meals daily.

If you have any dietary restrictions or special needs, please let us know in advance so we can accommodate you.

Prices

EARLY BIRD (until 15 October 2025)
 Cabin with private bathroom: 37,500 CZK / person
Cabin with shared bathroom: 36,500 CZK / person

STANDARD PRICE
 Cabin with private bathroom: 39,900 CZK / person
Cabin with shared bathroom: 38,900 CZK / person

 To secure your spot, a 20% deposit is required at the time of booking.

What is included in the price:

• 1 night accommodation at Wadi Lahmy Azur resort
• Group transfer from Marsa Alam airport
• 6-day liveaboard sailing trip
• National park entry fees
• Accommodation on the boat
• Professional crew (captain, chef, and guide)
• All-inclusive meals (3 main meals per day, plus fruit and snacks)
• Non-alcoholic drinks (hot and cold)
• Professional underwater photography

What is not included:

•  Flight (Prague – Marsa Alam: approx. 10,000–12,000 CZK)
• Visa (25 USD)
• Tips for the crew (recommended €80–100)
• Personal freediving gear
• Alcoholic beverages
• Transfer to the airport (prices based on 2025 rates and subject to change with fuel costs — final prices will be confirmed in 2026):
  
  • From Hurghada: ~4.5 hours (€140 minibus / €110 car)
  • From Marsa Alam: ~2.5 hours (€100 minibus / €80 car)

 Please note: The program is flexible and may be adjusted based on weather conditions and other factors.

 If you’d like to register or have any questions, feel free to call or send a message:

E-mail: apnoe.space@gmail.com
Pavel: +420 731 009 599
Tereza: +420 739 080 020
(due to frequent travel abroad, please contact us via WhatsApp only)