Socotra Travel

Socotra Travel and Tours

Socotra Holidays is a tour company offer Monthly and weekly packages tours ( scheduled groups tours) and private tours for Socotra travel at an affordable and competitive prices for the those who are eager to visit the Island of Socotra. ( The Domicile of Dragon Blood Tree ) and joining to other solo travelers in order to reduce the cost.

The main objective of Socotra travel and tours. is to give a chance to those who suffer from budget restrictions and who dream of visiting Socotra and also It is a good opportunity to meet new friends during your Socotra travel. Therefore, we created this method to help make those dreams come true.

The duration for Socotra travel and tour is 8 days / 7 nights. For the flights schedule, click here please.

The Booking for upcoming season ( October 2024 to the beginning of May 2025) has been started. Book your spot NOW with confidence.

Tour dates from / to	Group size	Tour’s Status	Tour’s Price		Itinerary Details
Tour dates from / to	Group size	Tour’s Status	Solo Traveler	Couple P / P	Itinerary Details
October 01st – 08th, 2024	3 – 6 Pax	Open for booking	1400 USD	1400 USD	Click here
October 15 – 22th, 2024	3 – 6 Pax	Open for booking	1450 USD	1400 USD	Click here
November 05 – 12th, 2024	3 – 6 Pax	Open for booking	1450 USD	1400 USD	Click here
December 10 – 17th, 2024	3 – 6 Pax	Open for booking	1450 USD	1400 USD	Click here
December 31st – January 07th, 2025	3 – 6 Pax	Open for booking	1500 USD	1450 USD	Click here
January 14 – 21st , 2025	3 – 6 Pax	Open for booking	1500 USD	1450 USD	Click here
February 11 – 18th, 2025	3 – 6 Pax	Open for booking	1500 USD	1450 USD	Click here
March 11 – 18th, 2025	3 – 6 Pax	Open for booking	1500 USD	1450 USD	Click here
April 01 – 08, 2025	3 – 6 Pax	Open for booking	1450 USD	1400 USD	Click here
April 30th – May 7th, 2024	3 – 6 Pax	Available for booking	1200 USD	1150 USD	Click here

Please Note:

If the above dates do not working with you. So, don’t worry, just checkout our weekly group tours, or just provide us with the date for your Socotra travel. And contact us and we will send you a quote for an itinerary according to your preferred date.

The prices above are fully inclusive to the following services:

2 nights hotel accommodation, (one single room for each in the arrival day and last day).
Airport transfer Services (from / to airport).
Full board meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) including drinking water during the tour.
English speaking guide (Socotra travel guide who has a long experience and knowledge of the fauna & flora ).
All transportation using (4WD Toyota land cruiser, Comfortable and Modern Cars). during the tour including the driver and the fuel.
All entering fees to protected areas.
All the required permits and local guides.
5 nights camping including all the camping equipment except the sleeping bags.
Excursion boat trip from Qalancyia to Sho’ab golden beach you’ll see the dolphins if you are lucky.
Visa fees and arrangement.
Arrival and departure airport tax.

Doesn’t inclusive

The cost for return flight ticket Abu Dhabi – Socotra – Abu Dhabi is 3350 AED or 930US$.
Ticket cost from Cairo to Socotra via Aden (non direct flight via Yemenia) and return to Cairo, the cost is depends for an early flight booking, it’s between 1070US$ – 1170US$).
Travel insurance.
Snorkeling equipment.
Any other services not mentioned above are not included in the price.

Please find below the Itinerary details.

Day 1: Arrival Day – Hadibo – Delisha

Flying to Socotra airport, we will assist you through the baggage and stamp your passports. Then transfer to the hotel in Hadibo to acclimatize and have lunch.

After that, our activity is a visit to Delisha beach, which consists of pristine white sand relaxing and swimming both in the sea and in a freshwater lagoon. All with a beautiful mountainous background.

There is also the possibility of witnessing a fabulous sunset from Delisha. In the evening, return to Hadibo for the fresh and seafood supper also to explore what the town has to offer. Overnight and dinner will be at the hotel in Hadibo.

Day 2: Homhil P.A and ArAr beach

Today after breakfast, we make our way to Homhil protected area taking in the fabulous sceneries of deep ravines and plains along the way.

We will stop at Qaria lagoon en – route which is the largest lagoon on the Island and we can hopefully see flamingos, Herons and Green-shank, amongst others.

Once at Homhil, we can walk a selection of trails. one of which takes us to a viewpoint where there is a natural pool and a view village below on the plain and of the sea.

Homhil is home to many Dragons Blood trees, the resin of which is collected used and traded by the people of Socotra. bottle trees and Frankincense trees are also prevalent here and deserve a close look.

After that we’ll hike down to the northeast coast of the island to wadi Al-Shifa where the cars can meet us. (optional, for who want to do so, medium –half and one hours walk down, or we can go from Homhil to ArAr by Car).

Then driving to ArAr beach which is a meeting point of fresh water from the mountain and salt water from the sea.

Arher is also home to another magnificent sand dune… If you are feeling especially fit, you can climb the huge dunes for view that is truly worth the effort.

In addition, there are some caves to explore at face of the mountain. one of them is full of water. Therefore, the remainder of the day is for swimming and exploration of this location and climbing the sand.

The beach is also perfect for stargazing and relaxing by the campfire. The sunrise here, atop the sand dunes, It will be one of the most magnificent of your life.

So, for Socotra travel if they want to witnessing a magnificent sunrise, we recommend them to sleep early. Dinner and overnight are camping in Arher beach.

Day 3: Hoq Cave and Marine protected area of Dihamri

After early breakfast, an adventure geared up again, we will drive by car to Hala area. and then we’ll start our way hiking up by foot to the Hoq cave. it’s about one hour and half until we arrive at the gate of the cave.

The cave itself is 2.5 kilometers long. We’ll spend about an hour and half exploring inside the cave. Walking a long and holds a wealth of Socotri history.

Inside we can witness stalactites, stalagmites, and a rim pool. In addition, Ancient writing in the cave walls and appears to be a picture of an old trading ship has been preserve over the ages by a calcite glaze.

There is also evidence to suggest that the cave used for ritual purposes by the presence of mysterious alter.

After that, we will hike down by foot to the first point where we left our cars. we’ll have our lunch, and then drive to the marine protected area of Dihamri. (coral reef spot) which is home to one of the richest coral reefs of the archipelago. and also it’s the best place for snorkeling.

You’ll be astonished when you observe the variation of fishes and coral reefs the many marine creatures to be seen whilst swimming /snorkeling include. parrotfish, Moray eel, Rays, Sea urchins, etc.
we would like to remind people not to touch the corals in the marine protected area as this would cause irreversible damage.

Enjoy explore this fabulous location of the area. Dinner and overnight camping at Dihamry.

Day 4: Wadi Killisan, Difa’arhu- sand dunes of Hayf and Zahek and Omaq beach

Today, we will drive to Momi plateau in order to visit Killisan Canyon. which is of the most amazing sites famous for its natural fresh water and swimming pools.

You will walk about 50-minutes or so in order to reach this location. but it is well worth the effort, Enjoy swimming in turquoise pools and jumping from the ledges into crystal clear waters.

After that, we will take our way by cars to the south of the Island (Nowgad). our way passing through Difa’arhu canyon where we can see traditional villages and natural water pools at the bottom of the canyon. The unusual Desert Rose tree clings to many places on the canyon walls.

We will then witness the colossal sand dunes of Hayf and Zahiq villages. which have been push up against the mountainside by the seasonal winds of Socotra. If you are feeling especially fit, you can climb the dunes for view that is truly worth the effort.

After that we’ll drive by car to Omaq beach and campsite. here you can swim in the water of the Indian Ocean and also witnessing a magnificent sunset. Dinner and overnight camping at the beach.

Day 5: Degub cave, Dixsam plateau, wadi Derhur and Fermihin forest

After Breakfast on the beach, we will visit Degub cave, which overlooks a scattering of traditional villages below. The cave itself, is of interest as there are many stalactites, stalagmites and pools of water that has seeped through the rock over time.

After that we will drive to Dixsam plateau, we begin our natural wonderland discovery of the island, as we drive for an interesting visit this plateau (Most of the people here are Bedouins/nomads) and we experience their traditional generous welcome and the typical lifestyle).

here we will find the most famous botanical curiosities of Socotra is the Dragon’s blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari), with its unique flora and see some of the birds which are exclusive to the island such as Socotra Bunting (Emberiza socotrana).

This area is renowned for the native dragon blood trees. the resin of which is collected, used and traded by the people of Socotra. The Shebahon viewpoint gives a fabulous vista overlooking Daerhur canyon where we will see unusual yet beautiful rock formations.

We will then make our way down by car (or walk for who want to do so, it’s optional) to the wadi for lunch and an easy – going walk. and maybe also to swim in the freshwater pools in the wadi. then we’ll go to fermihin forest which a home for dragoon blood trees. Dinner and overnight camping in Fermihin.

Day 6: Qadamah,Gubbah, Qalansyia / Detwah P.A

After breakfast, Our way today will be west to Qalansyia through Qadamah and Ghubba. We will stop on our way to see the salt pit, which is used by the locals to make salt.

On your way to Qalansiya. You will see many old tanks dating back to the Soviet Union. Once we arrive to Qalanciya. We look around this charming and picturesque fishing town. With its traditional houses and narrow alleyways, also Qalansyia, the inhabitants’ main income is from fishing and date palm plantations.

There is a big landing site for the small fishing boats. Where we can look at the variety of fish caught today. Then we go to the protected area of Ditwah lagoon.

Which is a protected area and renowned for its spectacular landscape. And also there are some palm shelters and toilets have been provided by local staff.

Detwah Lagoon the magnificent view opens on the turquoise blue water of the lagoon and the fine white sand of the shore.
The tidal flats at Detwah are very scenic and the beach un spoilt and beautiful.
Attention:
Stingrays can be seen in the lagoon, so please take care when you walking in the lagoon. Also it’s possible if you want to witness the picturesque sunset to the Island, Dinner and overnight camping on the Ditwah beach

Day 7: Sho’ab beach – Ayhaft – Hadibo

After breakfast at Detwah we will take a boat excursion to the marvelous of Shouab beach. (The most beautiful beach on Socotra), Whilst driving the boat, you’ll witness hundreds of dolphins’ bevies with the crystal water of Shouab beach.

On most of the days, dolphins groups can be witness and lopping right next to the boat. And if luck stand by you… You will be rewarded by swimming with the very rare ocean dolphins which is common to see in the water of Socotra.

Also during the excursion we will see some of the sea birds, Squadrons of Socotra Communions, sea gulls and Grey herons, cormorants also frequent the area. We’ll carry on all the way through a magnificent rock faces and clear until we arrive to Shoab Beach.

Once at Shu’ab, you will discover the beauty of Shouab beach. With the clear water and white sands you can snorkel, relax, swim and enjoy this pristine beach setting complete with mangroves.

Later, we’ll take the boat ride back to Qalansyia. And then we will drive back to Hadibo, on our way we will make a trip to Ayhaft Canyon National park.

Here we can find large fresh water pools. tamarind trees, Cucumber trees and wide variety of birds such as the Socotra sparrow, Socotra Sunbird and both the Socotra and Somali Starling.

In fact, Ayhaft is considered as a natural nursery due to its large abundance of endemic trees and plants and bird.
And then we will return to the hotel on Hadibo for Dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Fly back home

After breakfast, we will do city tour and visit fish market. and Socotra Women Development Association shop and we can buy some souvenirs.

Then transfer to Socotra airport for flight back to Abu Dhabi.

Most frequently asked question.

How to travel to Socotra? Flights to Socotra Schedules.

I order to get to Socotra, first of all you need to take an international flight from your current resident to Abu Dhabi airport (UAE).

Alternative, take an international flight to Dubai, but in this case you should consider the costs, time and Entry UAE visa, because you will transfer by taxi about one hour to Abu Dhabi.

Second you need to take another flight to Socotra from Abu Dhabi as follows:-

There are 2 weekly flights to Socotra by Air Arabia (charter direct flights, non-stop) from Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) as following schedule.

The first flight every Tuesday (AUH SCT AUH).

An additional flight will operate every Friday (AUH SCT AUH), starting from October 20 up to the end of April, except the flights on December 1 and 8 are not scheduled.

The flight schedule for April is 2 flights a week, the regular flight every Tuesday and an additional flight will operate every Friday.

This flight is not available for online booking so far, but of course we will book your flight and buy your round trip flight ticket through Air Arabia agent here.

– Currently, departure time from Abu Dhabi airport at 09:00 AM (UAE Local time) Flight NO 476. Arrival at Socotra airport at 10:20 AM (Yemen local time).

– Departure from Socotra airport at 11:50 AM (Yemen local time) Flight NO 477. Arrival at Abu Dhabi airport at 15:05 PM (UAE local time).

– The cost for round trip Airfare is 3350 AED (about 930US$) for Adults.

– The cost for round trip Airfare for children from 2 years old to 10 Years old is 2700 AED.

– The cost for round trip Airfare for infants 400 AED.

Yemenia Airways has a weekly none direct flight from Cairo (Egypt) to Socotra via Aden ( mainland Yemen) as following.

The departure time from Cairo airport on Sunday night at 22:30 ( Egypt timezone).

Arrive to Aden airport on Monday morning at 03:00 AM (Yemen timezone).

Then you need to pass through immigration in order to stamp your passport.

Also you need to hand over a copy of your visa that your tour operator sent it to you.

After that you will go to baggage hall and wait your baggage. Then you will go to departure hall in order to register your Socotra flight. And get the boarding pass.

The flight departure time from Aden airport to Socotra airport on the same day (Monday) at 07:00AM (Yemen timezone). Arrive to Socotra at 10:00AM (the flight has one stopover in Mukalla airport about 50 minutes).
The flight leaves Socotra airport at 11:00AM and arrives to Aden airport at 14:15. And then you’ll go to departure hall in order to register your flight back to Cairo.

The departure time from Aden airport at 06:00PM (Yemen timezone). ِAnd arrive to Cairo airport at 08:30PM ( Egypt timezone).

The cost of the airfares (CAI – ADE – SCT – ADE – CAI ) is about 1170 US dollars.

How I can join to one of these tours?

If you are interested in joining one of these tours. simply select your Socotra travel date from the list above. Then, send us an email or text message via Whatsapp , or Telegram, or Instagram Facebook messenger, in order to reserve a place for your Socotra tour.

How I can book one of these tours?

In order to book your favorite tour to Socotra, kindly Contact us or just send us an email with a color copy of your passport (first page contains personal details).
valid for at least six months in order to process the visa from here. The visa process takes a maximum of 3-5 working days to be ready. After that, we will email you a color copy of your visa which you will use to board your flight. We will meet you when you arrive at Socotra airport, with your original visa document. And then, we will finalize the final registration of the visa (stamp your passport).

Payment method

You can pay the tour cost cash upon your arrival day to Socotra.
The ticket cost, you can transfer the amount to Airline bank account in Abu Dhabi (UAE). We will provide you the bank details once you confirm your booking.

Cancellation Policy

There is no cancellation fee if the cancellation is made in advance of your visa being issued (We usually issue the visa a weeks in advance or within 10-15 days of the tour date maximum).

But if the cancellation is made after the visa issued, we only charge the visa fee which is $150 each.

Is there a problem if I am a vegetarian? or if I have special dietary requirements?

No problem at all, we know how to serve you. So don’t worry from this side.

What about internet access during the tour?

Yes, Internet can be accessed in most places in Socotra.
you can get hotspot from your guide or driver.
Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. Internet in Socotra is not as fast as you are used to, but you can send whatsApp text. and at times you can just lose connection.

Otherwise, you can buy Etisalat Sim card from Abu Dhabi airport, because it’s works here on Socotra.
in order to use it for internet (data).

Bring USD cash with you to Socotra. In addition, the date of printing the currency must be from 2009 and above.
Because the USD which issued before 2009 not acceptable on Socotra. in addition, no ATMs available on Socotra.
The WIFI available in Hadiboh. And mobile network data available in some places. So, you can get hotspots connection from your driver or guide. but, it is weak.
Sunglasses. towel, soap, shampoo and Small tissues or toilet paper and swimwear.
Bring shoes for walking on a rocky road and sandals or flip flops for the beach.
Headlamp (forehead torch).
Your personal medications and some medical kit, such as analgesics, antiseptic, antibiotic, intestinal.
Insect and Anti-mosquito repellents.
Small backpack for your personal stuff.
Power banks.
Empty bottle for drinking water.

Covid 19 update

Due the Flight is currently operating every Tuesday from Abu Dhabi to Socotra. So, no need PCR test in order to visit Socotra. This procedure has been in place since the beginning of June 2022.