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Yemen · Beach & Island
The journey
Set out on this 8-day tour of Socotra Island and dive into the unique treasures the region has to offer. Explore Hoq Cave, Ras Israel, Wadi Shafa, Detwah, Dagub, Diksam, Shu'ab Beach, and more. See the peculiar dragon blood trees and rare bird species, camp on beautiful beaches, swim in freshwater pools, uncover secluded caves, and take a boat ride to marvel at spinner dolphins leaping out of the sea.
After breakfast in Detwah, go on a boat trip to Shu'ab Beach and see spinner dolphins leap through the air.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Visit the mysterious Hoq Cave in the village of Terbaik in the morning. Take a 3-km walk to its entrance and see its various geographic features, including stalactites, stalagmites, magical crystalline formations, calcite floors, and recently discovered ancient writings and diagrams.
Head to the eastern tip of the island, Ras Israel, and explore the area with your Socotra tour guide.
Have a sumptuous dinner and enjoy your overnight stay at Ar-Ar Beach.
Drive to the bottom of Wadi Shafa in the morning. From here, continue on foot to the natural Homhil pool, a freshwater pool surrounded by indigenous dragon blood trees.
Visit traditional Yemeni villages and catch a glimpse of the lives of the locals and their culture.
Have dinner and stay overnight at the Amek eco-campsite on the beach.
After lunch, visit Dagub Cave overlooking the villages on the southern coast. Interestingly, the cave is of great importance to local shepherds, as they gather their goats in the cave during the monsoon season to protect them from the severe downpour.
Explore the white sand dunes of Hayf and Zahek. Climb the dunes for a breathtaking view of the horizon as the day comes to an end.
Have dinner and stay overnight at the Amek eco-campsite.
After breakfast, visit Diksam Plateau and Shebahon viewpoint. The Shebahon viewpoint offers a fabulous vista overlooking the canyon's unusual rock formations. This area is home to the scarce Socotra Bunting bird, among other fascinating flora and fauna.
After lunch, take a stroll or go for a swim in the freshwater pool.
Have a delicious dinner and spend the night in Diksam.
After breakfast, drive to the charming fishermen's town of Qalansiyah. It consists of traditional Socotri houses, winding alleyways, and a long beach full of fishing boats.
Continue to the neighbouring Detwah lagoon, a protected area renowned for its astounding landscape. The beach around it is completely secluded. Swim in the shallow sea waters or relax in the lagoon.
Enjoy your dinner and have a restful night at the Detwah eco-camping site.
After breakfast in Detwah, go on a boat trip to Shu'ab Beach and see spinner dolphins leap through the air.
Have lunch at Shu'ab Beach.
Embark on a boat ride back to Qalansiyah. During the ride, enjoy line fishing.
Spend the night at Detwah's eco-camping site.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in time for your return flight.
Where this trip takes you
Ar-Ar Beach, Hoq Cave, Detwah lagoon, Shu'ab Beach
The route
The fine print
Accommodation in Socotra
Camping equipment
One boat trip
4x4 private vehicles with a driver (maximum of 4 persons per car)
English-speaking Socotra guide services
3 meals per day
Water and soft drinks
Local Socotra guides at specific remote places
Travel insurance
Visa fees
Flights
Socotra at a Glance:
To step foot on Socotra is to embark on a botanical odyssey in the most alien-looking place on Earth. This island, off the Horn of Africa, is the most isolated in the world of non-volcanic origin. Scientists call it the Galapagos of the East; one-third of its plant species are unique to the island. Socotra is located 380 km from mainland Yemen. There are no safety or security issues here, and travellers do not have to leave the airport in Rayan en route to the island.
Socotra Travel Season:
Travellers are recommended to visit Socotra only between October and May. During the summer months from June to September, the island is hit with high winds, which makes it difficult for travellers to enjoy themselves. Moreover, if you want to avoid spending a night in mainland Yemen, you will have to depart on Wednesday from Sharjah, as it is the only flight that gets you to Socotra without requiring an overnight stay on the mainland.
Visa:
Tourist visas can be arranged for USD 130. However, in the rare case that visas cannot be obtained for you, the visa fee of USD 130 will be refunded, and the required documents will be provided so you can apply for the visa in your country of residence at the Yemeni Embassy.
Flights:
Return tickets can be booked at a cost of around USD 900.
Logistics
Your 8 days finish where they began, in Socotra.
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