Tour Itinerary: Socotra Highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Hadibo & Delisha Beach
- Welcome to Socotra! Upon your arrival in Hadibo, you’ll be greeted by our local Socotri guide, who will accompany you throughout the journey.
- Delisha Beach: Dive into the pristine waters of Delisha Beach, a stunning white sand beach with a serene lagoon.
- Sunset Magic: Witness a breathtaking sunset from the sand dunes as ships pass by on the horizon.
- Overnight: Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at a comfortable hotel in Hadibo.
Day 2: Dixsam Plateau, Dirhour Canyon & Firmhin Forest
- Explore Dixsam Plateau: We’ll drive to the famous Dixsam Plateau, home to the iconic Dragon’s Blood trees and rare bird species.
- Shehahon’s Viewpoint: Pause for photos at this stunning viewpoint before continuing to the village of Dixsam.
- Meet the Locals: Enjoy lunch in Dixsam village and meet the village head, who will share insights about life in this remote area.
- Dirhour Canyon: Take a leisurely walk through Wadi Dirhur, once a popular camping spot before a major storm altered its landscape.
- Firmhin Forest: Hike through the beginning of the Firmhin Forest, a dense area of Dragon’s Blood trees.
- Overnight: Experience the hospitality of a local homestay in Dixsam.
Day 3: Zahek & Hayf Sand Dunes, Dagub Cave & Amak Beach
- Morning in Dixsam: Start the day with a walk through the village, visiting a local garden dedicated to planting new Dragon’s Blood trees.
- Southern Coast Adventure: Drive towards the Southern coast at Nogud, stopping at the towering sand dunes of Zahek and Hayf.
- Dagub Cave: Explore the mysterious Dagub Cave before enjoying lunch at the cave or on the beautiful Amak Beach.
- Overnight: Spend the night under the stars at Amak Beach.
Day 4: Homhil National Park & Arher Beach
- Homhil National Park: After breakfast, head to Homhil National Park, a botanical wonderland featuring Dragon’s Blood trees, bottle trees, and cucumber plants. After a short walk, you’ll reach a crystal-clear pool overlooking Socotra’s southern coast.
- Adventure Options: Die-hard adventurers can descend the mountain on foot, while others can opt for a more relaxed return by car.
- Arher Beach: Drive to Arher, where freshwater meets saltwater, and explore the area’s giant sand dunes.
- Overnight: Camp at Arher Beach, with the option to climb the 300-meter-high sand dune for an incredible view.
Day 5: Arher, Hoq’s Cave/Raw Ersil & Dihamri Marine Protected Area
- Morning Activities: Choose between a steep hike to Hoq’s Cave, one of Socotra’s most significant sites, or a drive to Raw Ersil, the meeting point of the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, followed by a walk back to the camp.
- Dihamri Marine Protected Area: After regrouping, we’ll head to Dihamri Marine Protected Area. Though the beach is modest, the underwater world is rich with diverse marine life.
- Choose Your Adventure: Dive, snorkel, or join local fishermen on the sea for a truly immersive experience.
- Overnight: Enjoy fresh seafood for dinner and camp overnight in the Dihamri Protected Area.
Day 6: Qalansiyah & Detwah Lagoon
- Explore Qalansiyah: We’ll start the day early with a visit to the charming fishing town of Qalansiyah, known for its traditional houses and narrow alleyways.
- Detwah Lagoon: Discover the spectacular landscape of Detwah Lagoon, a marine protected area where stingrays and a variety of sea birds can be spotted.
- Overnight: Camp at Detwah Lagoon, surrounded by natural beauty.
Day 7: Shu’ab Beach & Hadibo
- Shu’ab Beach Boat Tour: Embark on a boat tour to the stunning Shu’ab Beach. Keep an eye out for Spinner Dolphins and Cormorants along the way.
- Beach Day: Swim, relax, and enjoy lunch on this pristine beach, complete with mangroves. Line fishing is also available.
- Return to Hadibo: In the afternoon, return to Hadibo and delve into local life with visits to the Women’s Market, Spice Market, Fish Market, door manufacturers, and a local school.
- Overnight: Stay overnight at a hotel in Hadibo.
Day 8: Departure from Hadibo
- Farewell to Socotra: After breakfast, we’ll drive you to Socotra Airport for your flight back to Abu Dhabi, marking the end of an unforgettable journey.
What’s Included:
- Accommodation: Hotels, homestays, and campsites.
- Transport: All ground transportation during the tour.
- Guided Tours: Local guide services, including specialized mountain guides.
- Boat Tour: A scenic boat tour to Shu’ab Beach.
- Camping Gear: Provided for overnight stays.
- Meals: 3 meals a day featuring local and international cuisine.
- Water: Mineral water provided daily.
- Entrance Fees: Access to all parks and protected areas.
- Cultural Experiences: Meet local people and visit Socotra’s largest Dragon’s Blood tree nursery.
What’s Not Included:
- Airfare: Flight tickets to and from Socotra.
- Visa Fees: Obtainable at the airport upon arrival.
- Tips: Gratuities for drivers and guides.
Discover the untouched beauty of Socotra with this comprehensive 8-day adventure. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, this tour offers a little bit of everything for an unforgettable experience.
