Socotra: The Hidden Paradise

Travel Diary

Day 1: Abu Dhabi - Socotra

Upon arriving at Socotra airport, you will be met by your local Socotri guide, who will accompany you throughout the trip. You will be transported to Qalansyia, the island’s second-largest city. Lunch will be in Detwah, and then you can stroll through the vast lagoon, famous for its white sand, spectacular landscapes, marine craters, turtles, giant octopuses, puffer fish, rays, seashells, fish, and squid, among others. As the afternoon turns to evening, make sure to find a spot to enjoy one of Socotra’s spectacular sunsets. On the way to Qalansyia, in the village of Alalmah, you will stop to take photos of the Russian military tank near the coast. Dinner and overnight at Detwah Lagoon.

Accommodation: Camping

Included: Breakfast and dinner (depending on arrival time).

Day 2: Shoub Beach - Magical Detwah Lagoon Beach - Qalansyai

Early in the morning, you will take a boat ride to Shoub Beach with local fishermen. Along the way, keep an eye out for spinner dolphins and observe the many native seabirds and impressive rock formations. It is also possible to fish from the boat before reaching the pristine beach, where you’ll find mangrove trees. Relax on the island’s most beautiful beach and then return by boat to Qalansyia Beach, where you will meet our local driver and proceed to Detwah Lagoon for lunch. After 3 p.m., you will meet the "cave man" and explore the lagoon with him to see puffer fish, rays, squid, octopuses, oysters, and then return to camp before sunset. Dinner and overnight at Detwah Lagoon.

Accommodation: Camping

Included: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 3: Experience Local Life in the Village Among Dragon’s Blood Trees

After breakfast, head to the Diksam Plateau and then to Rokeb Farmhin. This area is known for its native Dragon’s Blood trees and is home to nomadic Bedouins. We will stop for photos at the Shebahon viewpoint. Lunch will be in the village of Diksam, and then we will head to the Dragon’s Blood tree forest in Farmhin. We will hike through Wadi Dehur and explore the beginning of the Dragon’s Blood tree forest in Fermahin, also getting to know the local shepherds. Tonight, we will interact with locals, having dinner and tea in a village. Dinner and overnight in the Farmhin forest, among the Dragon’s Blood trees.

Accommodation: Camping

Included: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 4: Explore Degub Cave and Relax on Omaq Sand Beaches (Indian Ocean)

After breakfast, head south to Nuged. Explore Degub Cave, which offers views over a cluster of villages below. Next, proceed to Omaq Sand Beach, where you can walk along the beach and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Lunch will be prepared in Omaq by our team. After lunch, enjoy tea and relax under the palm trees. Around 3 p.m., we will head to the large sand dunes of Hayf and Zahak to watch the sunset over the dunes, then return to Omaq Beach for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Camping

Included: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 5: Kelesehan Canyon

After breakfast, travel for 3 hours to the Momi Plateau to visit one of the most amazing and famous spots for its natural freshwater pools and waterfalls, known as Kelesehan Natural Pools. We will pass through Wadi Farho, known for its palm oasis and water in the wadi, and see many bottle trees along the way. After a swim, we will continue to the palm oasis of Qaria for lunch, prepared locally by our team. Then, we will head to Arher (large sand dunes), where fresh and salty waters meet, creating a natural phenomenon. The area is surrounded by giant dunes and is ideal for watching a fabulous sunrise. Dinner and overnight in Arher.

Accommodation: Camping

Included: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 6: Deep Exploration of Arher’s Caves and Mystical Dunes

Wake up early at 4 a.m. to climb the sand dunes and watch the sunrise. After breakfast, prepare for a hike to Hoq Cave (4 hours round trip). Starting from the base of the mountain, the cave is 2.5 km long and features stunning natural beauty, including stalactites, stalagmites, and natural pools, as well as ancient inscriptions. Afterward, we will descend for lunch before returning to Arher Beach. This time, after 3 p.m., we will visit Ras Erisal, where the Arabian Sea meets the Indian Ocean. We will visit the local village and meet the local children. Dinner and overnight at Arher Beach.

Accommodation: Camping

Included: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 7: Homhil Natural Botanical Garden

After breakfast, head to Homhil National Park (Natural Botanical Garden with an incredible natural pool). The park is known for its Dragon’s Blood trees and frankincense trees, which are unique to Socotra. Bottle trees and cucumber plants are also found here. After about an hour of hiking, you will arrive at an amazing crystal-clear pool with a view of the northern part of the island. Then, we will return to the Qaria palm oasis for lunch. After lunch, we will go to the marine protected area of Dihamri, where we can snorkel to see different types of fish and coral reefs. Afterward, we will head to Delisha Beach for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Camping

Included: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 8: Socotra – Departure

Enjoy a final delicious breakfast in Socotra before heading home. This was your first visit, but it certainly won’t be the last, especially after a week filled with incredible and unique experiences. Socotra will be waiting for you! 

Included: Breakfast and dinner (depending on departure time).