Socotra Island 8-Day Guided Tour Itinerary
Welcome to Socotra Island, the Galápagos of the Indian Ocean!
An unforgettable 8-day guided adventure through a land of surreal beauty, endemic wonders, and pristine beaches. Prepare to disconnect, explore, and be amazed.
Day 1 – Dihamri Marine Protected Area
Upon your arrival on Socotra Island, you will be greeted warmly at Socotra International Airport by your local guide and support team. After a welcome briefing, you’ll begin your journey to the northeast coast and settle into your first destination: the Dihamri Marine Protected Area
About Dihamri:
Dihamri is one of Socotra’s earliest established marine reserves, created to protect the island’s rich coral reef systems and diverse marine life. The rocky shoreline gives way to an underwater world filled with over 200 species of colorful fish, including moray eels, trumpetfish, parrotfish, rays, and rare nudibranchs It is also home to endangered species like the Humphead Wrasse and Hawksbill turtle.
Because of the clarity of the water and the proximity of coral to shore, Dihamri is perfect for snorkeling even for beginners. The local rangers stationed here work with conservation NGOs to protect and monitor reef health.
Activities:
Day 2 – Kalisan Canyon & Arher Beach
About Kalisan Canyon:
Hidden within the foothills of the Haghier Mountains, Kalisan is a green gorge carved by freshwater streams and rainfall runoff. It provides a cool contrast to Socotra’s arid landscapes. The canyon is lined with native ferns, palms, and flowering plants not found elsewhere. Natural pools form during the wetter seasons, attracting goats, birds, and locals who use it for water collection and relaxation.
Kalisan is a beautiful demonstration of Socotra’s microclimates, where water sustains lush ecosystems even on an otherwise dry island.
About Arher Beach:
After Kalisan, you’ll drive to Arher Beach, a breathtaking point where towering white sand dunes, up to 150 meters high, descend directly into the Arabian Sea. A freshwater spring emerges from the cliffs here, making it a rare intersection of dune, rock, and freshwater ecosystems.
Activities:
Day 3 – Hoq Cave & Arher Beach
About Hoq Cave:
Hoq Cave is among the largest caves in the Arabian region, stretching more than 3 kilometers into a limestone mountain above the northern coast. It contains ancient Indian Ocean trade inscriptions, pottery shards, and petroglyphs dating back to the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. These markings were likely left by sailors traveling between the Roman Empire, Arabia, and India.
Stalactites, stalagmites, and underground pools make the cave a geological and historical wonder. The hike to the entrance (around 1 hour uphill) rewards you with views of the coast and deep silence inside.
Activities:
Day 4 – Homhil Plateau & Omaq Beach
About Homhil Nature Sanctuary:
Homhil is one of Socotra’s most surreal locations, known for its high concentration of dragon blood trees (Dracaena cinnabari), a species found nowhere else on Earth. These umbrella-shaped trees ooze a red resin known for its historic medicinal and ritual use. The trail through Homhil leads to a natural infinity pool perched on the cliff’s edge, overlooking the Arabian Sea.
You’ll also find frankincense trees, bottle trees, and rare succulents. Homhil is a key spot for understanding Socotra’s endemic flora and its fragile balance with human and goat presence.
About Omaq Beach:
Tucked away from more popular beaches, Omaq offers a pristine, deserted coastline, perfect for walking, reflection, and stargazing. Its remoteness makes it a peaceful end to an adventure-filled day.
Activities:
Day 5 – Douqeb Cave & Dixsam Plateau
About Douqeb Cave:
Douqeb is a lesser-known limestone cave that showcases the raw, unaltered rock formations shaped by millennia of erosion and mineral flow. Its remote setting and untouched nature make it an ideal stop for those curious about geology and hidden wonders.
About Dixsam Plateau:
Dixsam is perhaps Socotra’s most iconic landscape. It is the largest remaining forest of dragon blood trees, situated on a vast, elevated plateau above the Daerhu Canyon. The plateau is dotted with Bedouin goat-herding families and offers dramatic views into deep valleys. You may visit a traditional home to learn about Socotri customs, food, and nomadic life.
Activities:
Day 6 – Qalansiya & Detwah Lagoon
About Qalansiya:
Qalansiya is a quiet, traditional fishing town on the western tip of the island. Its simple stone homes, narrow streets, and small harbor offer a glimpse into daily Socotri life, largely unchanged for centuries.
About Detwah Lagoon:
Just beyond the town lies Detwah Lagoon, a shallow tidal pool and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The calm, crystal-clear water reflects the sky and is home to an abundance of marine creatures—stingrays, pufferfish, sea cucumbers, and more. Its surrounding limestone cliffs, sandbars, and marshes make it a birdwatcher’s paradise.
The lagoon is also famous for Abdullah the Cave Man, a charismatic local who guides visitors to sea caves and tells stories about island folklore.
Activities:
Day 7 – Shuab Beach via Boat
About Shuab Beach:
Accessible only by boat from Qalansiya, Shuab Beach is one of the most remote and untouched places on Socotra. The 1-hour boat ride takes you past dramatic cliffs and often includes sightings of dolphins, flying fish, and seabirds.
Once at Shuab, you’ll find yourself on an expansive, white-sand beach lined with shallow coral reefs and surrounded by mountains. There are no buildings or infrastructure—just pure nature.
Activities:
Day 8 – Until we meet again
You came as guests and left as friends. We’re honored to have been part of your journey. With hearts full of gratitude, we wish you safe travels and joyful adventures ahead. Socotra will always welcome you back.
OCTOBER 2025-MARCH 2026 TOUR DATES
October
Every Tuesday-Tuesday Every Friday-Friday Sunday-Sunday Starting Oct 20
November
Every Tuesday-Tuesday Every Friday-Friday Every Sunday-Sunday
December
Every Tuesday-Tuesday Every Friday-Friday
January
Every Tuesday-Tuesday Every Friday-Friday
February
Every Tuesday-Tuesday Every Friday-Friday Every Sunday Sunday
March
Every Tuesday Tuesday Every Friday Friday Sunday-Sunday Until Mar 23
***April dates will be added as soon as the flight schedule is released!
Service inclusions
Service not Included
Please Note: Packing list will be sent to you upon the confirmation of the tour and participation.