Sakili Adventures has developed the patented concept of ocean therapy through swimming with dolphins and oceanic excursions, meeting many objectives: revitalizing the metabolism, stress management, developing sensitivity, listening, observation and feeling… Sandra Bour Payet, the founder, explains.
Delphine Raimond
From journey to revelation…
In 2011, Sandra, a psychotherapist and sophrologist, moved to Mauritius with her family. When her husband died suddenly five years later, personal development became her “other pillar of support, after the missing one”.
It was in 2018 that an unexpected encounter changed Sandra’s still-charged emotional state: a long, eye-to-eye connection… with a dolphin!
“I was electrified and felt deep-seated emotions welling up inside me. My whole body and mind were rocked by this sweet moment offered by the wild animal, symbolizing our inner child. A magical moment. A gift from nature!
The Sakili adventure…
In 2019, her meeting with seasoned skipper Jean Karl gave birth to Sakili Adventures (a registered trademark), a fusion of the latter’s maritime and Sandra’s therapeutic experience. The benefits of the element “water” on the body and mind, the gentle interaction between man and dolphin in its natural environment… bring the notion of personal development into the environmental sphere; the concept of ocean therapy thus takes on its full meaning!
Sandra tells me that “the dolphin is a transmitter of positive messages, because it’s part of our childhood dreams. Depending on our mood, our state of mind… crossing paths with him will increase our vibratory frequency – emotions, thoughts, actions, words, physical health – and our state of contentment. The sound vibrations emitted by the animal instantly soothe and calm.
Total respect for the animal…
On their boat, Sandra and Jean Karl’s approach is respectful and delicate. “We don’t rush the dolphins, we don’t jump into the water! As soon as we spot them, we keep a distance of 100 m, switch off the engines and let them come to us. Extremely playful and sociable, they love to ride the waves formed by the boats and interact with us.” When I ask Sandra about the statutory ban on swimming with whales and sperm whales, she reassures me that simply observing them from a distance creates the same bond with these species, which in turn come to observe humans and create this prodigious connection.
“Everything in Mauritius is being structured in a positive way, and the authorities and professionals are working in this direction. It’s up to us specialists not to trivialize this exit – that’s the challenge!”
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