Marsa Alam, Egypt- I’m looking at a sky full of stars as I gently sway to the rhythm of the waves. Our small sailboat is floating in the middle of the Red Sea, surrounded by the silence of the night. In this moment I feel intense happiness warming my soul. No internet, unreachable – the days filled with swimming among large groups of dolphins, freediving along beautiful coral formations and relaxing on the boat with a group of inspiring women. The conversations are deep, the connections real. I lost myself a little bit in the last couple of months- but here, I feel more present and alive than ever.. Come sail with me on this unforgettable journey: full of dolphins, freediving adventures, moments of pure serenity and the magic of the Red Sea. In short: Marsa Alam at its best!
Red Sea Diving Safari, Marsa Shagra Village
Before our seven-day adventure at sea began, we met the other women at Marsa Shagra, an idyllic diving camp on the shores of the Red Sea. A few months earlier I had discovered this Women Only Retreat with Aziab Seasafaris, and together with my best travelbuddy, we didn’t hesitate for a moment to sign up. We didn’t quite know what to expect, but I could already feel the excitement bubbling up — the anticipation of diving again after more than two years. As soon as I stepped into the water at Marsa Shagra, with the familiar weight of the BCD around my body, it felt like coming home. Completely at ease, I explored the house reef alongside Marie, the experienced diver who led and organized every detail of our sailing trip. Her calm presence made those first moments underwater feel effortless and safe — the perfect start to our Red Sea adventure.
We spent three nights in a Deluxe Chalet at Marsa Shagra Village, filling our days with snorkeling along the stunning house reef, getting to know our fellow travelers, and indulging in the delicious food. Our taste buds were spoiled with flavorful dishes and a buffet overflowing with sweets — what a feast! Everything in the camp breathed diving; every detail was perfectly organized. While Joni took her first steps into the fascinating world of scuba diving, I got to experience the magic of the iconic Elphinstone Reef, where I was lucky enough to spot not one, but three hammerhead sharks.
Together, we also visited Abu Dabbab, where we dived with a gentle dugong- the so-called sea cow. We spent more than an hour in the water with this incredible creature. It was, without a doubt, an unforgettable experience.
Sailing on the Red Sea: a Story of Freedom and Connection
After three days, we exchanged the luxury of Shagra Village for a sailboat that was just big enough to accommodate our group. No internet, no hot shower, no soft bed. Due to the intense heat and humid southern wind, sleeping in our cabin was impossible, and we chose to spend the nights on deck. Despite the lack of comfort and the continuous sticky heat, this sailboat offered exactly what I needed at that moment: connection with myself and each other.
Living together in such a limited space brought us closer together in no time. We quickly felt the warmth of this sisterhood, where everyone dared to share deep thoughts and emotions. From tears and grief to bursts of laughter and wild dreams. We were able to completely free our inner child and this group felt so safe and familiar. This was more than a fun sailing trip, but also a healing experience for many.
Our chef prepared the most delicious meals, despite the limited space and ingredients. The funny captain quickly got lost in Joni’s blue eyes — and even proposed to her after the trip! The cute sailor was always nearby, ready to help with anything we needed. All of them clearly enjoyed the cheerful energy (and perhaps all the female charm) on board. Their care and attention made our stay incredibly comfortable, and before long, the bond between us felt like that of a close family. During the sweltering nights, the captain even acted as our personal fan, gently waving cool air toward Joni and me — a cute and funny gestere.
"Silence after the waves. Where freedom becomes fluid."
Sataya Reef: Swimming with Dolphins and the Silence of the Deep Blue
The days usually began in the same wonderful way: I was often one of the first to wake, and the captain would bring us a hot cup of coffee. A little stretch-session with our group on the deck, the sun slowly rising over the Red Sea. After a magical morning dive with dolphins, it was time for a delicious breakfast. My mouth still waters when I think about those fresh, crispy falafels
We spent most of our days in the ocean. Swimming with large pods of dolphins at Sataya Reef never lost its magic — even on the fifth day, it felt just as enchanting as our very first encounter. Sataya Reef, also known as Dolphin House, is one of the best places in the world to swim with wild dolphins. Large groups gather in this calm, turquoise bay to rest and hide from predators. No sonar or bait is used here, yet sightings are almost guaranteed. We learned how to approach these animals with respect, moving gently so as not to disturb their peace. They drift through the bay in big groups — most of the time sleeping, sometimes full of energy during their playful mating rituals. Let’s just say those flippers have quite the sparkling love life — we even witnessed more than one dolphin orgy!
We discovered the most beautiful coral reefs – unfortunately not all vibrant and colorful – and I had my first experience with some easy free dives in caves. Super exciting and a wonderful feeling! Together with the experienced freediver – and big boss of our boat – Sara, I trained on the line a few times and felt more and more comfortable at depth. With a maximum depth of 17 meters, I was quite satisfied as a non-experienced freediver. The passion has been sparked and I absolutely want to explore this further.
When the Ocean Holds your Heart
The days were simple, yet they flew by — floating on the ocean as we sang songs, reading in the sun, dancing on deck, or simply laughing together. In the evenings, we wound down with meditation sessions or enjoyed a relaxing massage night. We also took a trip to the Hamata Islands, a remote cluster of four islands that form part of the Qulaan Archipelago — a place so beautiful that it’s become a favorite among day-trippers.
And then suddenly, this week came to an end. The farewell hit me unexpectedly hard. Although I normally have no trouble saying goodbye, I let my tears flow freely. Simply because I hadn’t felt such intense happiness in a long time. This trip reminded me what it feels like to be completely myself — free, unburdened, and without pressure. It made me realize, once again, what truly makes me happy. More than ever, I understood that this is what I need — what makes me feel fully alive.
They say the waves can wash away your worries. Out there, in the heart of the ocean, I felt it deep in my soul. And now, I find myself already longing for another sailing or freediving adventure — a place where the sea can embrace me once more with its magic.
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