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Dolphin Sataya

Frequently asked questions

Good to know
before you set sail.

Your first Red Sea cruise, a question about the budget or life aboard? Find your bearings here. We’ll help you with the rest.

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26 answers to help you prepare

Choose your trip

Find the right cruise and the right time to go.

Where does the cruise go and how long does it last?

Dolphin Sataya cruises explore the southern Red Sea in Egypt over 8 days and 7 nights, departing from and returning to Porto Ghalib.

The itinerary includes Abu Dabbab, three days at Sataya lagoon, Sha’ab Claudio, the Hamata islands and Shouna. The order of stops and outings may change with sea conditions and authorisations.

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What is the difference between Origine and the Signature cruises?

Origine focuses on the stops, activities at sea and life aboard. Signature cruises add a themed practice, such as swimming or yoga, with the instruction described on each cruise page.

The crew and diving instructors are present on every cruise. For kitesurfing, check the dedicated page for conditions and confirmation of instruction before booking.

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When should I go on a Sataya cruise?

Late spring and early autumn are good starting points for a trip combining swimming and life aboard. Then compare available departures around your activities and comfort in the water.

Our seasonal guide compares Red Sea conditions throughout the year. The weather during a particular week and the presence of dolphins cannot be guaranteed.

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Can children join the cruise?

The Origine cruise welcomes children aged 12 and over, accompanied by a parent and comfortable in the water.

For a Signature cruise, contact the team to check that the activity, pace and cabin suit your family. Origine’s conditions do not automatically apply to every trip.

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Can you organise a group or company trip?

Yes. Dolphin Sataya arranges group trips, company retreats and employee committee trips, quoted according to group size, dates and the programme.

Tell us your group size, preferred period and expectations. The team will discuss arrangements and yacht charter options with you.

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Booking & budget

Know what you are booking and paying for.

How do I book and how much is the deposit?

Book through Dates & prices: select your departure, cabins and optional diving, then enter the traveller details. You can pay in full or pay a 50% deposit.

With a deposit, the balance is due 30 days before departure. The summary shows the full total and the amount due before you enter the secure Monetico payment page.

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What is included in the cruise price?

Your stay includes accommodation in an air-conditioned cabin, full board and guided snorkelling outings. Water, tea, coffee, soft drinks and snacks are included aboard.

Each cruise page describes its specific programme. Flights, visas, personal expenses, optional diving and equipment hire are separate.

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What are the €300 mandatory fees?

Mandatory fees are €300 per person. They are already included in prices shown on our cruise pages and Dates & prices and in the booking total: do not add them a second time.

The “cruise + €300 fees” breakdown explains the displayed total. Flights, visas and optional extras are not covered by these fees.

  • €170: port and marine park fees.
  • €50: airport transfers.
  • €80: crew contribution.
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Can I travel solo and share a cabin?

Yes. Solo travellers can book a bed in a shared cabin, subject to availability. Shared cabins are arranged for travellers of the same gender; this information is requested when choosing your cabin.

You can also choose sole occupancy of a cabin where offered. The supplement is shown before confirmation and added to the total. The deck plan shows the beds still available.

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What are the cancellation conditions?

For a cancellation by the customer more than 40 days before departure, the booking terms provide for a refund of 100% of the deposit paid. From 40 days before departure, cancellation charges apply under the terms.

Send your cancellation request to Dolphin Sataya in writing. Cancellations by us, including those caused by exceptional weather conditions, are covered by separate provisions in the booking terms.

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Prepare for departure

Flights, documents and packing essentials.

Which airport should I use, and are flights included?

Flights are not included. Our travel terms provide for arrival at Hurghada airport, followed by a transfer to the boat at Porto Ghalib.

Before buying flights, ask the team to check your times. If you are considering Marsa Alam or a different arrival arrangement, contact us to confirm feasibility and transfers.

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What are the boarding and disembarkation times?

Boarding is scheduled from 5 pm on Saturday at Porto Ghalib. The boat leaves the marina on Sunday morning once maritime authorisations have been obtained.

Disembarkation is at 1 pm the following Saturday. Confirm arrival and return times before booking flights, particularly if you need a hotel night.

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Do I need a visa, and which travel documents should I bring?

Visa and passport requirements depend on your nationality and travel documents. Check the requirements for entering Egypt with your consulate or official travel advisory before departure.

British passport holders can consult GOV.UK; French nationals can consult France Diplomatie. If you hold another nationality or dual nationality, check with the Egyptian consulate. Visas are not included in the cruise price.

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What should I pack?

Pack swimwear, sun protection, a hat, sunglasses and light clothing. Bring a warmer layer for wind and evenings on deck.

Bring your travel documents and your own equipment if you have it. For swimming, yoga or kitesurfing, also check the trip’s specific packing list. Snorkelling equipment can be hired when booking.

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Do I need travel insurance?

Personal travel insurance is not included. Our terms require each participant to arrange cover suited to their trip and activities.

Check cancellation, medical care, assistance and repatriation cover with your insurer. If you choose diving or kitesurfing, confirm that your policy covers these activities.

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Life aboard

Your cabin, meals and the rhythm of the week.

What are the cabins like?

Confort and Luxe cabins have air conditioning and a private bathroom. Bed types, layout and deck location vary by yacht and cabin.

You can see both yachts, cabin photos and facilities on the Our yachts page. When booking, the deck plan lets you choose a bed from those available for your departure.

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Are meals included, and can I mention dietary requirements?

Full board aboard is included in your stay. Meals are also a chance to spend time with the group between outings.

Tell us about allergies, intolerances or dietary preferences before booking so the team can confirm possible arrangements. The yoga cruise, for example, describes vegetarian food on its page.

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Is there Wi-Fi or mobile reception at sea?

Mobile reception is limited at sea. Do not rely on a continuous connection for work or calls during the cruise.

Connection options depend on the yacht, stop and coverage. If Internet access is essential, ask the team to confirm what is possible for your departure.

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What if I am prone to seasickness?

The boat alternates between sailing and time at anchor. Conditions vary, so calm seas cannot be promised throughout the week.

Tell the team about your sensitivity before departure. For prevention or treatment suited to your circumstances, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

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In the water, with respect

Snorkelling, diving and dolphin encounters.

Do I need to know how to swim or have a diving certification?

You need to know how to swim and feel comfortable in the water to join snorkelling outings. No diving certification is needed to explore reefs from the surface with fins, a mask and a snorkel.

Guides explain the instructions before outings. If you lack confidence in the water, speak with us before booking to check that the trip suits your ability.

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Are dolphin sightings and swimming encounters guaranteed?

No. Sataya’s dolphins are wild and free. Their presence, movements and proximity cannot be guaranteed.

The itinerary allows three days in the lagoon to take time exploring it. Water entries are decided with the team according to conditions, the animals’ presence and their behaviour.

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How do outings near the dolphins work?

The team guides outings and explains how to observe without disturbing the animals. We do not touch or chase dolphins, or try to block their path.

We respect their space and resting time. Encounters follow their pace; the animals’ behaviour and the guides’ instructions come first.

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Can I try scuba diving or book dives?

Yes, diving is optional. An introductory dive costs €50, with an instructor and equipment included. Single dives and packages are also available according to your level.

Choose your options at the Diving step when booking. You can also decide aboard; arrangements depend on conditions and availability.

  • Beginner: €70 per dive, €189 for 3 dives, €262.50 for 5 dives.
  • Certified: €60 per dive, €162 for 3 dives, €225 for 5 dives.
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Is snorkelling equipment included?

You can bring your own fins, mask and snorkel. If you do not have them, the booking module offers a snorkelling kit for €50 per person for the week, or fins only for €25.

This hire is separate from the guided snorkelling outings included in your stay and from equipment supplied with an introductory scuba dive.

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What can I do if I do not want to scuba dive?

Scuba diving is optional. You can spend the week snorkelling, swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, enjoying the stops and relaxing on deck.

Evenings are part of the trip too: shared meals, games or cinema under the stars according to the programme. There is time to rest; activities depend on conditions and your chosen cruise.

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How can we limit our impact on the reefs?

During outings, follow the guides’ instructions: do not touch the coral, stand on the reef or take anything from the sea.

Aboard and ashore, keep your litter with you and dispose of it in the designated places. These actions help protect the reefs and animals we come to observe.

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Information reviewed by Dolphin Sataya on . Your cruise page and our booking terms set out the details of your trip.

Laure from the Dolphin Sataya team aboard the yacht.
Laure, here to help you prepare your trip.

Let’s talk about
your trip.

Unsure about your swimming level, need to check a flight or have something special in mind? Laure and the team are here to help, even before you book.

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