Socotra (Yemen) – Private 7 day tour

Itinerary

Day 1 – Jeddah – Hadibu – Ayhaft Canyon National Park – Delisha Beach

• 08:00 AM – Arrive at Jeddah International Airport and go to check-in at the Yemen Airways counter.
• 11:00 AM – Flight to Socotra, Yemen.
• 2:30 PM – Arrival in Hadibu, Socotra, where our local guide will welcome us and accompany us throughout the trip.
• Transfer from the airport to the capital, where we’ll check in at our hotel.
• Highlight: We’ll head to Ayhaft Canyon National Park (expect a bumpy ride) for our first encounter with Socotra’s unique nature.
• Then we’ll visit Delisha Beach, where you can swim in the sea, stroll along the shore, or simply relax and watch the sunset over the water.
• Dinner at a local restaurant.
• Overnight in Hadibu.

Day 2 – Qalansiya – Shuaab Beach – Detwah Lagoon

• After an early breakfast, we drive west to Qalansiya, a traditional fishing town.
• From here, we take a local boat to the remote Shuaab Beach.
• Highlight: During the boat trip, there’s a good chance of spotting spinner dolphins along the coast. Shuaab is one of Socotra’s most pristine beaches, with white sand and crystal-clear water. Perfect for swimming and relaxing.
• After returning to Qalansiya, we continue to Detwah Lagoon, a protected area known for its surreal landscape and shallow turquoise waters.
• Dinner & overnight: Camping at Detwah Lagoon.

Day 3 – Dixsam Plateau – Derhur Canyon – Fermhin Forest

• We travel inland to the dramatic Dixsam Plateau, stopping at Shebahon Viewpoint, where a 700-meter-deep canyon opens up beneath you.
• Highlight: Descend into Derhur Canyon, a palm-filled gorge with freshwater pools where you can cool off with a swim.
• In the afternoon, we continue to Fermhin Forest, home to the world’s highest concentration of dragon’s blood trees. Learn about the red resin and its traditional uses, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this remote plateau.
• Dinner & overnight: Camping in Fermhin Forest.

Day 4 – Fermhin – Arher – Ras Erisel

• After breakfast, we drive to Arher, where towering white sand dunes meet the sea and a freshwater stream flows directly into the ocean.
• Highlight: Swim in both the sea and the freshwater creek, relax on the beach or climb the dunes for sweeping views.
• Later, we visit Ras Erisel, the easternmost point of Socotra, where the Arabian Sea meets the Indian Ocean.
• Dinner & overnight: Camping at Arher Beach.

Day 5 – Hoq Cave – Homhil Protected Area

• After breakfast we head to Hoq Cave, one of the largest caves on the island.
• Highlight: A scenic hike (about 3-4 hours) leads to the cave entrance, followed by time inside exploring stalactites, stalagmites and ancient inscriptions dating back to early settlements on Socotra.
• After lunch, we continue to Homhil Protected Area, famous for its dragon’s blood trees, frankincense trees and desert roses. The highlight here is the natural infinity pool overlooking the Arabian Sea.
• Dinner & overnight: Camping in Homhil.

Day 6 – Wadi Kalisan – Dihamri Marine Protected Area – Hadibu

• Today we travel to Wadi Kalisan, stopping at Qaria Lagoon along the way, where flamingos and other birdlife are often seen.
• Highlight: Walk down into Kalisan Canyon, known for its clear freshwater pools and lush surroundings.
• In the afternoon, we head to Dihamri Marine Protected Area, one of Socotra’s best snorkeling spots. The rocky beach hides an impressive underwater world with colorful fish, rays, moray eels and, if you’re lucky, turtles. Snorkeling gear can be rented on site (for $5-10).
• Dinner & overnight: Hotel in Hadibu or one more night in tents at Dihamri Marine Protected Area.

Day 7 – Hadibu

• Early breakfast before transferring to Socotra Airport.
• On the way, we stop at a small women-run heritage and souvenir shop, supporting local Socotri women and their livelihoods.
• 10:30 a.m. Flight departs from Socotra, arriving in Jeddah at 2:00 p.m.
• End of the tour.