Dragon blood trees, turquoise lagoons, ancient sea caves and
some of the clearest night skies in the world. Socotra is one
of the most biologically extraordinary islands on earth, and
one of the most remote.
From 2425 USD per person
A tour to Socotra is one you are unlikely to forget any time soon. Socotra Island is unlike anywhere else on earth. The dragon blood trees with their flat-topped canopies look like something from a science fiction film. The lagoons are the kind of turquoise that makes you question whether you’re looking at a postcard or not. And the night sky, in this far corner of the Indian Ocean, is astonishing.
Socotra Island remains largely undiscovered, and travelling to Socotra requires an adventurous spirit. Camping for a week in some very rural but incredible landscapes, few showers and some of the most freshly prepared seafood you could wish for.
But the secret won’t stay kept for much longer…
Socotra Island sits in the Arabian Sea east of the Horn of Africa, south of the Arabian Peninsula. It belongs to Yemen, but geographically, biologically, and politically isolated for so long that it has evolved a unique ecosystem and has been spared from war and conflict, meaning it is completely safe to visit.
Over a third of its plant species exist nowhere else on earth, a level comparable only to the Galapagos Islands. The most famous of these is Dracaena cinnabari, the dragon blood tree, whose inverted-umbrella silhouette has made it one of the most recognisable plants in the world. UNESCO recognised the island as a World Natural Heritage Site in 2008.
This week-long tour to Socotra covers a full circuit of the island. We will travel Socotra in the best way possible – by 4WD over scenic coastal roads and rugged mountain passes, camping on beaches and in protected areas throughout.
The route for this Socotra tour takes in the western lagoon at Detwah, the dragon blood tree forests of Dixam Plateau and Homhil, the sand dunes and beaches of the southern coast, the freshwater pools of Kalisan Canyon, the stalactite cave of Hoq, and the coral gardens of the Dihamri Marine Protected Area.
We will also spend some time in Hadibo, the capital city of Socotra Island. Here, we will have a chance to walk around the city and do some shopping.
The pace of this Socotra tour is unhurried - but spectacular, soaking up the atmosphere of island life. We sleep camping under open sky, travelling with a team of private chefs and local guides and drivers, and you can expect an experience of complete immersion in a landscape that feels entirely separate from the rest of the world.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
This trip is based on entry through Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. International flights are not included. Schedules are published a few months in advance. The return flight between Jeddah-King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) and Socotra (SCT) costs approx. $750 USD to $900 USD.
The dates for this trip are as per the current scheduling from Jeddah. Should this change in the coming months, the dates of the trip may shift slightly. You can secure your spot on this trip through our booking form, but we recommend to wait until flight schedules are published before booking your international flights into Jeddah.
The tour camps throughout on beaches and in protected areas. All camping equipment is provided on a single-tent basis. Bedding and a light mattress will be provided. Our team will help with the setup and takedown when moving between camps.
All required Socotra permits, including the visa, and permissions are included in the tour price and arranged by the local team in advance.
Snorkelling equipment is not included and should be brought from home or rented locally at Dihamri.
Please apply by 31st October, 2027.
My next tour will be to:
[email protected] | + 86 10 6416 7544
WhatsApp (message only): +44 7822 014058