Socotra Tours

Socotra Island Tours

2023 / 2024

Unlike anywhere else on earth. Socotra has to be seen to be believed. We run both scheduled tours and private tours to Socotra every week from September to May.

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Socotra has a total population of around 60,000 people who speak their own native Socotri language. Apart from the main town of Hadiboh, little infrastructure exists on the island. The island is so remote that one third of its plant life can only be found there. Socotra is a remarkable place for camping, walking, hiking, wildlife spotting & cultural immersion. It’s for anyone who wants to experience a natural world like no other.

We now have seven scheduled and confirmed group tours per year in February, March, April, October, November & December. All groups are capped at 10 people.

Dates don’t work? No worries, check out our sample itinerary below, get in touch and we’ll give you a quote for a private Socotra tour on your preferred dates.

Covid - 19 Update

All tours are operating as normal with no restrictions in place.

Where?

Abu Dhabi - Socotra - Abu Dhabi.

When?

See our group Socotra tour itineraries below. Get in touch for a private tour quote. Private tours depart weekly every Tuesday.

Current Weather?

Hadibu, YE

30°C

Light Rain

Visa?

With just a scan of your passport, we will apply for the Socotra visa on your behalf. The visa fee is $100 USD extra.

Socotra Visa Approval Rate

Our Socotra visa applications have a 100% approval record.

Tour Itineraries

2023

2024

Fully Booked! Waiting list only.

Be amongst the first to visit the island after the long windy summer season!

1 spot remaining!

Escape the northern winter and head for paradise on earth!

4 spots remaining!

Where better to ring in the new year in style!

4 spots remaining!

Escape the northern winter blues and head for sunny Socotra!

5 spots remaining!

Come visit the iconic bottle trees in full bloom!

It’s our classic Socotra tour itinerary over the feast of Eid al-Fitr.

It’s your last chance to visit paradise before the long windy summer!

Sample Socotra Tour Itinerary

Day 1 - Abu Dhabi | Hadibo | Qalansiya

Take the early morning flight from Abu Dhabi to Socotra.
Arrival in Habido, Socotra. We’ll be greeted by our local Socotri guide who will accompany us for the trip.
Drive to Qalansiya, the second largest town on the island.
On the way stopping at some abandoned Soviet tanks.
See the incredible view of Detwah Lagoon from the highest point on the beach before trekking down to the beach. Relax and take a dip in the ocean!
Walk around the lagoon to our camp site for a big lunch.
Climb up a nearby hill which will give us a 360 degree view of Qalansiyah and Detwah at sunset.
Dinner and overnight camping at Detwah Eco-campsite – complete with shower and toilet!

Day 2 - Shoub Beach | Detwah Lagoon

Take an early morning boat trip to Shoub beach – passing by stunning rock formations and plenty of native birdlife along the way. There’s a high likelihood we’ll come across numerous dolphins on the way here too!
Arrive at Shoub – Relax & swim at the most beautiful beach on the island.
Make our way back to Qalansiya by boat.
After lunch, trek along the shores to visit the cave of Abdullah Alloi – known as the “caveman” Abdullah was born here and spends his time fishing the lagoon. We’ll have more fresh seafood here washed down with tea!
He’ll take us a quick tour of the lagoon (if he’s home…!). We’ll see pufferfish, sea cucumber, squid, starfish, sea urchin and more.
Camping at Detwah Eco-campsite.

Day 3 - Diksam Plateau

Up early to drive 2 hours to Diksam Plateau – home of the Dragon’s Blood Trees.
Walk through endless Trees to the viewpoint overlooking Wadi Dirhar – an incredible canyon that splits Diksam and the Firmihin forest in half.
Lunch under the shade of a Dragon’s Blood Tree.
Go for a post-lunch dip at one of the many fresh water creeks in the Wadi Dirhar.
Off road 4×4 drive to Firmihin forest and do a sunset hike to the top of the forest for one spectacular view overlooking thousands of Dragon’s Blood Trees.
Set up camp at Diksam, Dinner and overnight.

Day 4 - Dixsam | Amak | Dihamri

Start the morning with a walk to the nearby Dragon’s Blood Tree nursery
Drive towards the South coast towards the epic sand dunes that line the coast. Drive across the sand dunes and stop for plenty of photo opportunities.
Visit the cave of Dagub (If there’s time)
Swim at the nearby Amak Beach.
Lunch surrounded by a forest of palm date trees next to the beach.
2 hour drive north to our campsite at Dihamri Marine Sanctuary – the perfect time to try out some sunset/nighttime snorkelling!
Dinner and overnight.

Day 5 - Dihamri Marine Protected Area | Killisan Pools

Spend the morning scuba diving and snorkelling! (extra cost).
Drive inland and south towards the Killisan canyon and pools. It’s an off-road drive and a 45 minute trek to get here but it’s well worth it. Swim in the turquoise pools and jump from the ledges into the crystal clear water.
Picnic Lunch.
Drive to Arher Beach campsite. This is the spot where you can climb the massive sand dune!
You are free to walk around the area on your own. Those capable can climb the 300m-high dune! (Top tip – do it for sunrise instead!)
Dinner and overnight camping with a fire.

Day 6 - Homhil National Park | Raw Ersil | Arher

After breakfast head straight to Homhil National Park. The Park is famous for its supply of the famous Dragon blood trees. Lots of bottle trees and cucumber plants can also be found here. After walking for 30 minutes, we’ll reach an incredible crystal-clear pool complete with views over the whole southern part of the island.
Swim and relax at the “infinity pool” before making our way back upstream for a picnic lunch under the palms.
Drive back towards Arher beach.
Stop at the Socotra folklore museum on the way.
Drive to Raw Erisel, the meeting point of the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. This is the point where freshwater and saltwater meet creating a natural phenomenon.
Dinner and overnight in Arher.

Day 7 - Arher | Hoq’s Cave | Delisha Beach | Hadibo

Wake up next to the ocean and climb the sand dune (again..!) before sunrise if you dare. Cool off in the sea and rinse off in the freshwater streams.
Start our hike to Hoq’s Cave (3 hours return. Medium fitness required)
Lunch at Delisha Beach! A beautiful white beach complete with a shipwreck.
Visit the Yemeni Foundation & development for Socotra. Learn how the foundation is doing great work educating the youth of the island in conservation, foreign languages and computer skills.
Check into the newly opened Heathrow Hotel (Yep, it’s near the airport) – now the only hotel on the island with functioning AC & Wifi!
Freshen up and get rid of all the sand before our last dinner together.
Dinner and overnight in Hadibo.

Day 8 - Habido – Abu Dhabi

Quick city tour of Hadibo. Check out the local fish and meat market.
Any last minute shopping requests will be taken care of here!
Transfer to the airport for your departure to Abu Dhabi.
Arrive in Abu Dhabi around 17:00 local time.
End of Socotra Tour.

Get in touch for more info on camel trekking, hiking and fishing tours. You name it and we can arrange it!

Inclusions

Exclusions

Accommodation

Single tent camping and guesthouse on Socotra.
Guides

Both an expert local guide and western tour leader.
Transport

All transport to complete the itinerary.
Food

All meals are included in Socotra.
Activities

All activities mentioned in the itinerary unless otherwise stated.
Taxes & Fees

VAT & all entrance fees included.

Flights

Flights to and from Socotra from Abu Dhabi ($900 USD)
Single supplement

1 night - $50
Visa Fee

$100 USD
Tips

Tips are expected for your local Socotri guide and driver.
Travel Insurance

A must for this trip.
Snorkelling & diving equipment

All diving and snorkelling equipment hire is extra.