Group Tours
Together For Full Discovery
This is carefully crafted journey draws you deep into Socotra’s wild beauty, through jagged mountain-scrapes and pristine coastline inhabited by endemic biodiversity, and host communities that continue to live in harmony with this unique nature.
Group Tours
Journey Into Socotra
Overview
Itinerary
Included
FAQs
WHEN
October - May
PRICE
Starts at $2000
HOW LONG
8 Days
CAPACITY
Min 5 / Max 8
Book Tour
ATTRACTION SPOTS IN SOCOTRA
Explore Socotra most hidden gems and wonders from stunning beaches, mind bowling landscapes, mysteries caves, towering sand dunes, breathtaking landscapes to unique ancient culture and traditions
Qadama Beach
Detwah Lagoon
Airport
Dolphin Bay
Shoab Beach
Neet Beach
Wadi Shuaab
Skand Peak
Irisel Beach
Arher Beach
Hadibo
Delisha Beach
Dihamri Reserve
Hoq Cave
Homhil Reserve
Kalisan Canyon
Zahek Dunes
Matiaf Village
Wadi Ayhaft
Dixam Plateau
Dirhur Canyon
Aomak Beach
Fermhin Forest
Hajhair Mountains
Degub Cave
Qadama Beach
Airport
Hadibo
Delisha Beach
Dihamri Reserve
Homhil Reserve
Hoq Cave
Arher Beach
Irisel Beach
Zahek Dunes
Kalisan Canyon
Matiaf Village
Hajhair Mountains
Fermhin Forest
Degub Cave
Wadi Ayhaft
Dixam Plateau
Dirhur Canyon
Aomak Beach
Skand Peak
Wadi Shuaab
Detwah Lagoon
Dolphin Bay
Shoab Beach
Neet Beach
The Itinerary
Wadi Ayhaft is commonly referred to as “Socotra’s natural botanical garden.” The vast valley houses the island’s highest concentration of endemic flora in a dramatic valley flanked by steep green mountains and dotted with clear pools. The valley is also home to small villages and distant hamlets that sustain themselves almost entirely off of agriculture and pastoralism.
Highlights:
• Wadi Pool-hopping in the dramatic scenery of Wadi Ayhaft
• Visit to abandoned cave-village
• Exploration of endemic flora and fauna (ideal place to find Socotra chameleon + endemic succulents)
• Visit village for taste of rural life and valley gardening
Detwah acts as one of Socotra’s most iconic and awe-inspiring natural areas. The emerald coastal lagoon on Socotra’s western-most tip is composed of towering white dunes hugging coastal cliffs and a flawless white sandbar that stretches close to 4.5 km, shifting with the tide. In addition, the lagoon is full of marine biodiversity, earning it the title of RAMSAR Wetland of International Importance.
Highlights:
• Enjoying the breathtaking landscapes of Detwah lagoon
• Sunset swim looking west over the confluence of the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean
• Meeting fishermen inhabitant of a nearby Coastal village, that acts as a hub of indigenous Socotri coastal culture
• Seaside fire with fresh fish for dinner
The morning begins with a boat ride under towering coastal cliffs and through waters full of dolphins and whale-sharks to the remote Shoab Bay. Upon returning, west, Ditwah is one of Socotra’s most awe-inspiring natural sights. Its azure coastal lagoon is full of sea life and is hugged by a flawless white sandbars that stretches close to 4.5 km and shift with the tide.
Highlights:
• Hopping on a boa trip to explore the furthest western coast of Socotra to explore it breathtaking cliffs, marine landscapes and biodiversity.
• Very gently getting in and hearing dolphins chatting all around you
• Scenic views for some incredible photography
• Enjoy the solitude, tranquility and aesthetic beauty of the multiple hidden sandy coves along the western tip of Socotra
• Fresh fish dinner around seaside fire
Firmhin is located in Socotra’s central highlands and is home to the largest forest of Dragonblood tree (Dracaena cinnabari) on earth. The area is characterized by dramatic mountain scenery and high endemic biodiversity. It is also considered a hub of indigenous Socotri culture.
Highlights:
• Optional hike through the enchanting Dragonblood forest
• Exploring the high concentrations of endemic biodiversity in the Firmhin forest
• Pool-hopping in the dramatic scenery of Wadi Dyirhur
• Visit to Terebek; a small highland hamlet that acts as a hub of indigenous Socotri culture
• Hike details: Length: ~2 hours, Difficulty: Easy, Altitude range: ~550 - 800 m.a
• Sunset tea/drink looking over the Dragonblood forest
• Sunset and sunrise from within the Dragonblood forest
• Fireside dinner under the trees and accompanied by nodemic Socotra scops owl hoots.
Journey to the Socotra’s wild southern coastal plain to explore Degub cave for special access to its hidden archaeological details Continued to Zahek; a is a small coastal community nestled in vast date-palm groves and a seemingly endless expanse of white sand dunes, with the rich waters of the Indian Ocean a few meters away.
Highlights:
• Explore Degub cave for special access to its hidden archaeological details
• Climbing the towering dunes and running down
• Swim on soft sand and azure water beach under towering coastal cliffs
• Observing marine bioluminescence by night, if lucky
• Sunset walk through the endless dunes, followed by swim on the ~124 kilometer long white sand beach
• Learning Socotri dance and poetry around the seaside fire with the team and friends from ZahekHER
The morning is spent in the expansive emerald pools of Kalisan, then we head to Dihamri. Above water, DiHamri delights the eye with a striking red and white pebble and coral beach, and two deep red rock outcrops in the background. But it is below the water that DiHamri really shines. Here we find Socotra’s largest coral reef, home to a plethora of marine life and a largely intact coral community.
We drive along coast to reach the eastern coastal gem of Arher. Arher is characterized by a freshwater stream that pours out of a cave, that flows between a collection of towering white sand dunes propped up against the coastal cliffs, through natural lawns of beach grass that give onto a soft sand beach and crystal clear waters of the Arabian Sea.
Highlights:
• Day trip to the fresh water emerald pools of Kalisan
• Sensory exploration of Socotri sights, sounds and smells of Wadi Kalisan
• Snorkeling to observe sea turtles, rays, eels, huge schools of fish, and sometimes even curious dolphins
• Climbing the towering dunes and running down
• Swim on soft sand and azure water beach under towering coastal cliffs
• Observing marine bioluminescence by night, if lucky
• Stargazing, & dinner prepared with fresh catch, followed by performance from local musicians & singers.
After an optional stop at the quaint yet important Socotra Folk Museum, we hike ~2.5hrs up Wadi Shifa’ to the upland locale of Homhil. Homhil acts as a quintessential example of the beauty found in Socotra’s eastern highlands. It is home to a high density of endemic flora and a community that lives intrinsically tied to the surrounding ecosystem. Some of Homhil’s surreal natural marvels are the frankincense tree forest and a natural infinity pool overlooking the Arabian Sea.
Highlights:
• Optional short hike up wadi Shifa’. If not, ascent by car
• Short hike up to the amazing natural infinity pool at Homhil.
• Hike details: Length: ~1.5 hours, Difficulty: Easy-medium, Altitude range:~300 - 400 m.a.s.l.
• Swim in the natural infinity pool
• In-depth exploration of Homhil’s sights, smells (aromatic endemic flora), sounds, and tastes explore the frankincense tree groves at Homhil
• Unforgettable sunset experience from the Frankincense groves
Hadibo is Socotra’s capital and biggest human settlement. Though known primarily for its hustle and bustle, Hadibo is full of fascinating history and cultural notes, making it a charming stop on our way out of Socotra. This is a great place to pick up any Socotri souvenirs such as local honey, handicrafts, plant products, or local apparel.
Highlights:
• Walk through Hadibo market
• Visit to the Women’s Handicraft Cooperatives to pick up any mementos
• Pick up any souvenirs or mementos
• Big thanks and bid farewell to your team
8 DAYS OF TRUE SOCOTRA
Airport pick-up and drop-off
4x4WD private car ( 3 people in every car with window seat for everyone)
Vehicle services car for loading all our camping equipment's.
Private experienced chef + kitchen crew
3 freshly meals per day + fruits+ snacks + refreshments (customized menu available for all dietary restrictions )
All entry and camping fees in all protected areas and national parks
Private cozy camping set up ( High quality tents, pillows, mattresses, sheets, mats, lights , chairs, tables sunshade tents,
Portable toilet and shower service
Experienced tour guide fluent in English, Arabic and Socotri with extensive knowledge on Socotri nature and cultural heritage.
Local experienced guides/rangers to explore mountains, forest, canyon and caves
Starlink Wifi Internet
First aid equipment
What's Included
Flights from Jeddah to Socotra and back ($1.100)
Official Socotra tourist visa ($200)
Travel and medical insurance
What's Included
Book Tour
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
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Yes, Socotra is safe. The island is geographically and politically separate from mainland Yemen and has seen no conflict or violence affecting tourists. Thousands of international travellers visit every year without incident, and our team provides full on-the-ground support from the moment you land.
We always keep our group size very small: Min 2 and Max 8.
We will be camping throughout the trip, so being comfortable with sleeping outdoors is also a must! Our team will set up deluxe camps equipped with all needed requirements for your comfort and privacy.
Flights arrive at Socotra Airport (SCT) in Mouri, with the main international connection via Jeddah (Saudi Arabia).
Flights operate by Yemenia Airways twice a week — every Tuesday and Thursday. These flights are not available online for bookings, and to book them is through reliable travel agents. We are handling flight bookings.
A round-trip flight ticket costs around 1,100 USD.
Most travelers to need to get a visa to enter Socotra. We will help to take care of this for you. The government fixed the price at $200 for this season. We will request your tourist visa 3 weeks before your departure.
*GCC nationals (Saudi, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain) do not need a visa.
Mobile Networks: GSM and CDMA mobile systems are in place, but coverage can be limited, especially in remote areas. eSIM does not work on Socotra, so we would not recommend you purchase one .
For travelers seeking a faster and more stable internet connection , Starlink service will be provided for a small additional fee. The device will stay with you throughout the trip to stay connected with friends, family and/or work!
ATM is only available in the capital of Socotra, Hadibo, but limited to some international cards and some of them do not work. We still highly recommended to bring cash in US dollars $500 to $700 as an emergency cash. Please ensure the dollar banknotes must be issued in years of 2009, 2013, 2017, or 2021 and newer and need to be at least $50 bills in order to be accepted in local banks.
At Discover Socotra, we always provide a first aid kite in all our trips, but still we strongly recommended our guests to bring any necessary medications you night need during your trip.
For emergencies, there is a main hospital in the capital Hadibo, and a number of health units in specific parts of Socotra including Qalansiyah town, Nojed plain and eastern coast of Socotra in Qaria village. Travel health insurance is highly recommended for your Socotra trip.
Yes. You would need a travel insurance that specifically should cover Yemen, Socotra , because most of the standard travel insurance do not cover travel in Socotra, Yemen except for: Safetywing, IATI and InsureMyTrip . Please make sure your travel insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage for flight and tour cancellations, including those caused by weather conditions or unforeseen political unrest.
At Discover Socotra, we believe taking pictures, videos and drone shots are essential during your tour so we make it easy to recharge your devices including smartphones, cameras and drones where each car will be provided with separate charging device that is plugged to the car USB port in order to allow our guests to charge their devices.
At Discover Socotra, on all our trips a portable toilet and shower will be provided and set it for you because every day we camp in very hidden iconic remote spots in the middle of nowhere.
Also, most campsites and touristic spots have basic toilet and shower facilities that can be use. Please be aware that the hygiene standards are not comparable with European conditions.
What Awaits You On Socotra