Come and discover the island of Socotra, a true paradise hidden in the Indian Ocean, in the company of our experienced trip leader, José Mendes. This trip is a unique opportunity to explore an island still unknown to many, but which offers breathtaking landscapes and an authentic experience with nature and the local culture.
Adventure in Unique Landscapes
Socotra is an island that seems straight out of a fairy tale, with nature that defies the imagination. However, during your 8 days of exploration, you will come across unique landscapes, including the impressive dragon’s blood trees, which are the symbol of the island. Their unusual shapes and colors make the landscape surreal and unforgettable. In addition, the rolling dunes and secluded valleys provide the perfect backdrop for adventures and hikes.
Underwater Experience and Paradise Beaches
Socotra’s beauty is not limited to the land. You’ll have the chance to explore the island’s underwater world, diving in crystal-clear waters that are home to a rich marine life. From vibrant corals to exotic fish, diving in Socotra is an experience that will fascinate ocean lovers. For moments of relaxation, the island’s paradisiacal beaches are perfect for resting, sunbathing and enjoying the serene surroundings.
Immersion in Nature and Local Culture
Socotra is more than just an island; it’s a place where you can connect deeply with nature. The local fauna and flora are so unique that many consider Socotra to be one of the last bastions of biodiversity on Earth. Interacting with the genuine people of the island provides an intimate insight into the local culture and traditions, further enriching your experience.
Camping and Adventure
Your Socotra adventure includes tent camping, which adds an authentic touch to your stay. Sleeping under the stars, in the midst of unspoiled nature, creates an even stronger connection with the surrounding environment. Evenings outdoors are an opportunity to reflect on the wonders of the day and share stories with other travelers.
Join Us
This is a rare opportunity to explore a truly remote and spectacular destination. Join us on this unforgettable 8-day trip, led by the experienced José Mendes, and create memories that will last forever. If you’re ready for a thrilling adventure and total immersion in the natural beauty of Socotra, don’t miss this unique opportunity! ✨️
8 Days
8 people
1800€
Flights to Abu Dhabi are not included, but we can help you buy them.
Flights from Abu Dhabi to Socotra are not included in the price of the trip, but must be purchased with Triskelion as they are charter flights.
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Swimming in the Kelisan Wadi.
Explore a wide range of trees native to Socotra.
Ride a camel (on request) or go sandboarding or snorkeling.
Walk to the Wadi Kelisan
Swimming in the Wadi of Dirhur.
Explore a wide range of dragon blood trees.
Bird and spider watching.
Learn about the extraction of dragon’s blood and Luban (gum).
Understand first-hand the lifestyle of the people of the Socotra mountains.
Swimming at Qalansiyah beach and Detwah lagoon.
Explore the city of Qalansiyah.
Accompanied by a Portuguese travel leader
Transportation in air-conditioned 4×4 vehicles.
Camping equipment, tents, pillows, sheets.
One night in a local hotel/guest house with a twin room.
8 breakfasts, 7 dinners and 7 lunches.
Drinking water, soft drinks, snacks and chocolate.
Hire a boat to see the west side of Socotra.
Entrance fees to all protected areas and campsites.
All government taxes.
Transportation to and from the airport.
Travel Insurance (Possibility of Upgrade)
International flights Abu Dhabi – Socotra – Abu Dhabi
Socotra visa
International flights to and from Abu Dhabi
Accommodation in Abu Dhabi
Transfers in Abu Dhabi
Meals in Abu Dhabi
Personal expenses and tips
Traveller medical appointment
Upgrade Travel insurance
Itinerary
Day 1
Abu Dhabi - Socotra
Meeting the leader in Abu Dhabi, then flight to Socotra
Reception and assistance at Socotra airport.
After being met by our guide in Socotra, we'll head east to the Arher area, where there are large sand dunes, an excellent beach and freshwater wells. Snacks, dinner and breakfast will be provided.
We camp in Arher or Ras Arsel.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO Fishing and snorkeling. Climbing or sandboarding on the large sand dunes. Swimming in the Arabian Sea and bathing in the freshwater pools. Take long walks along the beach. Explore some of the caves in the area (talk to your tour guide).
AREA GUIDE Sandy area, easy to walk, suitable for everyone. There is no mobile cover in the area. Be careful when walking on the sand due to sharp fish bones.
Day 2
HOQ's cave
We need to get up early, around 5:00 a.m.; breakfast will be served and then we'll head for Ras Arsel (the eastern end point of Socotra). It's about a 15-minute drive from the camp; there, you'll be able to see the meeting point between the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. After a quick visit to Ras Arsel, we'll drive for 30 minutes to the village of Rosh, where we'll start the hike to Hoq cave (see the area guide section).
Hoq Cave is the largest cave in the Middle East. It is about 2 km deep. Depending on your level of fitness, it can take 2.5 hours to reach the main gate of the cave, which is at the top of the mountain, and around 30 minutes to reach the end of the cave. The whole journey will take between 6 and 7 hours. Those who can't make it to the cave can relax on the beach.
We camp in Arher or Ras Arsel.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Observe the speleothems.
See the bottlebrush trees (desert rose) and gum trees up close.
Drink from the water dripping into the cave.
An excellent place for birdwatching.
AREA GUIDE
We don't recommend going to the Hoq cave for those with knee, back or heart problems.
Take a head flashlight; if you like photography, we recommend bringing a larger flashlight.
You should wear walking shoes, protective clothing against the heat (during the hot months) and a hat.
A minimum of 1 liter of water should be taken before going into the cave.
There is no mobile coverage in the area.
Day 3
The natural pool
After breakfast, pack your bags and put on your swimsuit and hiking shoes because we're off to the protected area of Homhill, which is home to an infinite number of plants endemic to Socotra, such as the dragon's blood tree, frankincense and the desert rose trees. It's about an hour's drive from Arher and a 30-minute walk along a selection of paths, one of which takes us to a viewpoint where there is a natural pool and a view of the villages below on the plateau and the Arabian Sea.
After Homhill, we head to another exciting area called the Dihammri protected area. Here, you can snorkel and dive in the marine protected area, home to dozens of species of colorful marine life and one of the richest coral reefs in the archipelago.
We camped in the protected area of Dihammri
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Swimming in the natural pool of Homhil.
Explore a wide range of trees native to Socotra.
Snorkeling or diving in Dihammri (possible to do a dive on this itinerary).
AREA GUIDE
The difficulty is medium when walking through the Homhil area.
You can rent diving equipment in the center of Dihammri.
Don't touch or step on the reef; if you need to rest, float on your back.
Day 4
The Indian Ocean
After an early breakfast, we'll head down into the Momi Mountains, where the famous Kelisan Wadi is a perfect place to enjoy a swim in the natural pools. It will take about 20 minutes to walk, with a breathtaking view of the entire wadi.
After our visit to the Wadi Kelisan, we'll have a quick picnic before continuing south, crossing the valleys to reach the Zahek dunes. These dunes were created by the seasonal winds, pushing the ocean waves directly into the mountains. We will then camp in Aomak, on the Indian Ocean.
We camped in Aomak.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Swimming in the Kelisan Wadi.
Explore a wide range of trees native to Socotra.
Camel riding (on request) or sandboarding.
Hiking along the beach.
AREA GUIDE
Walking to the Wadi Kelisan is not recommended for those with knee, back or heart problems.
Keep your bathing suit on if you want to swim in the Indian Ocean after Kelisan.
Be careful when walking on the rocks around the Wadi Kelisan.
Day 5
The forest of dragon's blood
After a quick dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, we head to Digub Cave, which overlooks a series of traditional villages below. The cave itself is interesting, as many stalactites, stalagmites and pools of water have seeped through the rock over time.
After finishing our visit to Digub Cave, we'll head to the Dicksam Plateau (approximately 700 m above sea level) and the Shebahon viewpoint. This area is home to an infinite number of plants endemic to Socotra, such as the dragon's blood tree and other trees. The Shebahon viewpoint offers a wonderful view of the Daerhu canyon, where we will see stunning scenery and unusual but beautiful rock formations.
We will then descend to the Wadi Dirhur in the canyon for lunch and a leisurely walk to swim in the freshwater pools. We'll then climb up to Firmhen point to explore the largest forest of dragon's blood trees.
We camped in Firmhen.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Swimming in the Wadi of Dirhur.
Explore a wide range of dragon's blood trees.
Go for long walks, bird and spider watching.
Learn about the extraction of dragon's blood and Luban (gum).
Gain an intimate understanding of the lifestyle of the Socotra mountain people.
AREA GUIDE
Don't climb the dragon's blood trees.
We recommend bathing in the Wadi Dirhur before climbing up to Firmhen.
Wear hiking shoes, long pants and a jacket, as it gets cold at night.
Be careful when walking on the sharp rocks.
Day 6
The best beach in the world
Today, we'll explore the western part of the island, but we'll make a quick stop at the Dicksam nursery so you can see the small dragon's blood trees and learn more about their growth process. We'll then continue on to see the town of Qalansiyah and the best beach.
We will visit the town and port of Qalansiyah and then head to an observation point, from where you can see the entire beach and the Detwah lagoon. This marine protected area is famous for its magical landscape, where you can swim, sunbathe and relax in the shallow sea.
WHERE TO SLEEP
We camped at the Detwah lagoon.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Swimming at Qalansiyah beach and Detwah lagoon.
Take long walks along the beach or climb the nearby hills.
Explore the town of Qalansiyah.
Sandboarding and snorkeling.
AREA GUIDE
Stingrays can be found in the lagoon, so be careful when walking there.
Avoid talking to the locals if you're wearing a bikini.
The beach is huge, there's no shade to swim in, so make sure you take water with you.
Day 7
A little piece of paradise
On this day, you should be ready to leave at 6am. Our drivers will take you to the port of Qalansiyah to catch the boat, where an exciting day begins. We'll head to the west side of Socotra to explore one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Shuaab beach and the secluded town of Qabahen. You can swim in the magical crystal waters and lie on the snow-white sand.
On the way to Shuaab, you'll see a group of spinner dolphins, and if you're lucky, you might spot a sperm whale during the months of March and April. So getting up early is important. You'll also see one of Socotra's only cormorants in its natural habitat and many underwater caves. May is still unexplored, making it a great place for adventurers and divers.
Time permitting, you'll meet Mr. Aliyah, also known as the Cave Man, the most intelligent man in Socotra who has created his own tourist attraction. Hundreds of tourists come to his cave to meet him and listen to his stories about life in the cave, the land and his people, and then we head back to Hadibo.
Today we slept at the hotel in Hadibo
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Walks along the beach.
Swimming and snorkeling.
Bird watching.
AREA GUIDE
Take a waterproof bag to protect your electronic devices.
There are toilets in the village, but no mobile coverage.
For your safety, we will have to cancel your visit to Shuaab if the sea currents are strong.
Day 8
Socotra - Abu Dhabi
After breakfast, we'll head to the airport for our flight back to Abu Dhabi and when we arrive at the airport, we'll say goodbye until our next adventure.
