Retreat · 1–8 November 2026 · Red Sea, Egypt

Voices of the Deep

Welcome back to the water — your original home.

Seven days with wild dolphins Aboard the Nooraya With Jacob
What the week holds

Seven days of dolphins and sound

Seven days in the water

Swim multiple times a day with wild dolphins in the stunning Sataya Reef, in Egypt’s Red Sea.

Somatic Vocal Healing

Powerful voice work guided by Jacob — process work, sound constellations, singing and chanting to integrate and deepen your dolphin connection.

Life aboard the Nooraya

Live, dine, and sleep aboard the Nooraya, a warm and welcoming boat, for the whole of the trip.

Warm water, gentle sun

Relax in the warm waters and the gentle, pleasant temperatures of the Egyptian sun in November.

The wonders of the reef

Free dive and marvel at the reef, encountering a surprising variety of marine life.

Optional scuba diving

A first initiation for beginners, or a chance to continue exploring for those with experience.

Once in a lifetime

They choose to swim with you

Make no mistake — you don’t swim with dolphins; they choose to swim with you.

It is a rare and magical experience to encounter wild animals that choose to connect 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 that transcends what your mind can comprehend.

A dolphin holding your gaze, close up in clear water
Spinner dolphins gliding just beneath the surface
A green turtle in the deep blue of the Red Sea
And then, your voice

Where the sound work comes 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.

The group sounding and moving together on deck at sunset
Shafts of light through the corals of the Sataya reef
Marvelling in the Sataya Reef

Six days in Dolphin Bay

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, 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 — a hidden world of wonder.

The Nooraya under way, guests waving from the deck
Aboard the Nooraya

A home on the water

Your journey is made complete aboard the Nooraya — a 29-metre-long, 7-metre-wide boat designed for comfort and tranquillity. Fully refurbished, it offers shaded decks and sunlit spaces for relaxation, socialising, and soaking in the beauty of Sataya.

Inside are cozy lounges, a traditional Egyptian salon with a bar and dining area, and eight cabins with private bathrooms. Meals are prepared by a chef who blends flavours from different cuisines throughout the week, and a dedicated crew of experienced guides ensures smooth sailing and unforgettable water experiences.

Life aboard

Long days on the water

Jacob Vermeulen
Your guide

Unleash your voice of the deep with Jacob

For 15 years, Jacob has offered voice-led online sessions to people worldwide, and hosted in-person retreats across Europe and South Africa. His approach is deep and healing, yet grounded and infused with a touch of humour. Everyone — regardless of their affinity for, or fear of, singing — is warmly welcomed and easily drawn into his accessible, 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

Everything you need to know

When

Arrival: Sunday, 1 November 2026

Departure: Sunday, 8 November 2026

Where

Onboard the Nooraya

Sataya Bay, Red Sea, Egypt

Group

A maximum of 17 participants, for an intimate experience.

All-inclusive package

“All-in” means everything is provided for you upon arrival:

  • Airport shuttle to and from the harbour
  • Lodging on board the Nooraya
  • All meals throughout the week
  • Dolphin swimming with experienced guides
  • Snorkelling in the reef
  • The daily sessions with Jacob

How to get there

Fly to either Hurghada or, preferably, Marsa Alam, as it is closer. A shuttle will collect you at the airport and transfer you to the harbour, where the boat will be waiting.

The shuttle takes roughly 3 hours from Marsa Alam and about 5 hours from Hurghada.

Map showing Hurghada and Marsa Alam airports, Port Hamata, and Sataya Reef

Price

€1995 all-in · twin cabin, private bathroom

Reserve with a 50% deposit and settle the balance before September 2026.

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.
Good to know

Questions, answered

Can I pay with a deposit?

Yes. You’re welcome to reserve your spot with a 50% deposit and settle the remaining 50% before September 2026. Just choose “Reserve with a deposit” at checkout.

Is the registration refundable?

No. Once you place a deposit or register for the retreat, your registration is considered final.

In some cases someone on the waiting list can take your place. Last year the retreat was fully booked with more than 20 people on the waiting list, so this has rarely been an issue.

When should I arrive with my flight?

You book your own flights, but you’re very welcome to email Jacob at info@songdance.co for help checking arrival times.

Arriving: if you fly into Hurghada, please be at the airport no later than 12:00 (midday) on the arrival day. From Marsa Alam you have more flexibility — no later than 15:00.

Departing: flights from Marsa Alam should not be booked before 15:00; evening departures no earlier than 19:00. A shuttle is arranged from the airport to the harbour, where the boat will be waiting.

Can I arrive earlier or leave later?

Yes, absolutely. If you do, transport to and from the harbour may not be included and you might need to arrange it separately.

If you arrive early, we recommend Marina Lodge in Port Ghalib — a comfortable, beautiful hotel to relax and acclimatise before the retreat.

Is it safe to travel to Egypt?

Yes. Egypt remains a safe and reliable destination for this retreat.

Registration

Reserve your place

1–8 November 2026 Sataya Reef, Egypt Max 17 places
Phone number

Secure payment by card via Stripe. Questions? Email info@songdance.co.