Eco tour to Socotra

Waking up on the ocean shore, we enjoy the morning breeze and have breakfast at the campsite. Ahead of us lies a busy day, which begins with a trip to the Kariya Lagoon , one of the largest lagoons in Socotra.

Along the way we cross rolling plains , passing small fishing villages. Once we reach Kariya , a picturesque scene opens up before us: a blue lagoon surrounded by mangroves , and on its waters you can see flocks of flamingos and other rare birds . Here we stop briefly to enjoy nature and take photos.

Our next stop is inland, in the Homhil area , famous for its Dragon trees and natural pools . The only way to get here is by dirt roads , so we switch to 4x4 SUVs, which can easily handle difficult terrain.

As soon as we arrive in Khomkhil , it becomes clear why this is one of the most special places on Socotra . Here, among the rocky hills, grow ancient Dragon's Blood trees , which look like huge umbrellas. Their resin, which the locals call "dragon's blood", has been used for medicines and dyes for hundreds of years.

We take a short hike through the hills to the main attraction – a natural pool with crystal clear water that seems to float above a steep cliff overlooking the ocean . This is one of those places where it seems that nature has created a perfect picture : azure water framed by greenery, and below lies the endless ocean.

Here we relax, swim and enjoy the moment. After a busy day, we dine under the open sky and spend the night at the Homhil campsite , surrounded by the wild landscapes of Socotra.

After breakfast we set off to one of the most mysterious places in Socotra – the Hok Cave . The road leads through mountainous terrain, and then we have a 2.5 hour hike ahead of us , which will take place among rocky gorges and thickets of endemic trees .

Hawk Cave is one of the largest underground formations on the island . As soon as we enter, the temperature becomes cooler, and majestic stalactites and stalagmites that have been forming here for thousands of years begin to emerge from the darkness. In the depths of the cave, underground lakes are hidden , as well as traces of ancient settlements - this place was used by locals hundreds of years ago.

After the excursion we head to Arkher , a place where a freshwater spring flows into the ocean . Here a small lagoon with clear water is formed , surrounded by green palm trees , where you can refresh yourself after the hike.

But the main attraction of Arkher is the giant sand dunes , reaching 150 meters in height . Climbing them requires effort, but the view from the top of the coast and canyons is worth it.

In the evening we have dinner by the fire and spend the night camping on Arher beach , listening to the sound of the ocean.

Today we change the scenery and head to the south of the island , where Socotra reveals itself from a completely different side .

The first point of our program will be Amek Beach - here the ocean looks especially impressive: crystal clear water, a wide sandy strip and strong waves , which make this beach an ideal place for relaxation.

After swimming and a short rest, we head to the Dagub Cave , another hidden wonder of Socotra . Inside, long underground passages, stalagmites and small freshwater lakes await us. This cave was also used by nomads to escape the heat, and ancient rock paintings can be seen on its walls .

Next we come to one of the most impressive natural formations of the island - the sand dunes of Haifa and Zahak . These huge hills of golden sand seem to have been torn out of the Sahara , but behind them immediately begin rocky mountains , which creates a contrasting landscape .

Here we spend the rest of the day watching the play of light and shadows on the dunes , and then have dinner and stop for the night at a campsite near Amek Beach .

This day is dedicated to the most mythical and mysterious corner of Socotra - the Dixam plateau and the Dragon Tree forest.

Early in the morning we go to the plateau, from where a breathtaking view of the Derhur canyon opens up - one of the deepest on the island ( 700 m ). This place amazes with its grandiose rocks, bends of the gorge and play of light .

But the most important thing is the Firkhminsky forest , where the largest grove of dragon trees grows . Their unusual shape and dark red resin, reminiscent of blood, give this place a mysterious atmosphere . Here we walk among ancient trees, learn legends about the origin of the resin and communicate with local Bedouins who treat us to tea.

After dinner at the campsite, we spend the night among the Dragon Trees , which becomes one of the highlights of the trip .

Waking up among the Dragon trees , we head to the coast of Socotra , where one of the most picturesque lagoons of the archipelago , Detuah , awaits us .

As we approach this place, we are confronted with a striking contrast of colours :
🔹 Snow-white sand , so soft that it seems like flour
🔹 Blue Lagoon , the shades of which change depending on the lighting
🔹 Surrounding green hills create an atmosphere of privacy

In Detuah Lagoon you can:
✔ Swim in warm waters (but be careful – there are stingrays here)
✔ Enjoy panoramic views while taking incredible photos
✔ Walk along the shore , where you can often see traces of rare birds

After relaxing in the lagoon, we head to the port of Qalansiyah , where a boat awaits us to take us to Shuab Bay .

🚤 A boat trip is an adventure in itself, as along the way you can:
✔ Meet the dolphins that accompany the boats
✔ Watch colonies of seabirds soaring above the waves
✔ Drive along the rocky coastline dotted with sea grottoes

As soon as we arrive in Shuab , it becomes clear why this place is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Socotra . It is a perfect sandy bay with incredibly clear water and palm trees along the coast .

Here you can:
✔ Swim in the Indian Ocean while enjoying privacy
✔ Walk along the beach without meeting a single person
✔ Relax in the shade of palm trees , listening to the sound of the waves

🌅 Sunset at Shuab Bay is one of the most unforgettable moments of the trip .

In the evening we return to Qalansiyah and spend the night at the campsite near Detuah Lagoon .

Today we have a more relaxed day and head back to Hadiboh , the capital of Socotra.

🚗 Along the way we:
✔ We admire the final views of the island , cross desert plains and mountain passes
✔ We make stops for photos in picturesque places

Once in Hadiboh we will have free time to:
✔ Stroll through the market and buy local souvenirs
✔ Try traditional dishes in a restaurant
✔ Interact with locals and learn more about life on the island

After lunch we head to the final beach of our route – Delisha .

🏖 Delisha Beach is a place where the sand is unusually white and the water seems like glass . Here you can:
✔ Take a swim in the warm ocean before returning home
✔ Watch crabs hiding in the sand
✔ Climb a dune to see the last sunset on the island

After sunset, we have a final dinner , discussing the highlights of the trip.

🛶 Overnight at a hotel in Hadibo

Early in the morning we have breakfast and go to the airport.

Before leaving, you can once again:
✔ Stroll around Hadibo , do some last minute shopping
✔ Visit a local souvenir shop
✔ Take final photos of the island

📍 Flight back – and unforgettable memories of Socotra will stay with us forever!