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Welcome to the magical island of Socotra! Ready to discover a natural paradise lost in the Indian Ocean? This island, located off the coast of Yemen, is a canvas of surreal landscapes, unique biodiversity, and a fascinating culture. For a week, and alongside professional photographer Kike Arnaiz, you'll discover one...
Flight from the departure airport to Abu Dhabi. Overnight stay at a hotel in Abu Dhabi.
Accommodation.
Upon our arrival, we will be welcomed by our local Socotra guide who will accompany us during the trip. We head to Dihamry and will pass through the island’s capital (Hadiboh), Dihamry, which is home to one of the richest coral reefs in the archipelago. There are many marine animals that can be seen while swimming or snorkeling, including parrotfish, etc. We like to remind people not to touch the corals in the protected marine area, as this would cause irreversible damage.
Dinner and accommodation in the Dihamry protected marine area.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Today we will drive approximately 2 hours to Wadi Kaleasehon, where we can swim in the huge natural pool formed in the Wadi. We will park our car in the parking lot to look at the Indian Ocean and take some photos of the village and the ocean. After enjoying our time in the pool, we will return to the car for lunch in the parking lot. Next, we will head to Arher Beach, the meeting point of the fresh waters rushing down the mountain and the salty sea water. Arher Beach is a sight truly worth the effort. The rest of the day is for swimming and exploring this place.
Dinner and accommodation at Arher Beach.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
In the morning, after breakfast, we start early and head to the base of Hoq Cave, then hike to the cave entrance. The cave itself is 2.5 km long and rich in Socotra's history. Inside the cave, we can find stalactites, stalagmites, and a pond. After returning from the cave, we drive to see the end of the island where the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean meet.
Dinner and accommodation at Arher Beach.
Today we head to the protected area of Homhil, enjoying the fabulous landscapes along the way. Once in Homhil, we can explore a selection of trails, one of which leads us to a viewpoint featuring a natural pool and a view of the villages over the plain. Homhil is home to a variety of trees that deserve a closer look. After lunch in Wadi Oariah, we head south of the island, with visits to villages along the way. Our first destination is the sand dunes of Hayf and Zahek, witnesses to the colossal sand dunes of Hayf and Zahek that move with the seasonal winds of Socotra.
Dinner and accommodation at Aomaq beach.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Today we will drive to the Degub cave, with its distinctive stalactites, stalagmites, and small water puddles. After that, we will head to the Dixam plateau and the Shebhon viewpoint. This area is famous for the native dragon's blood trees, whose resin is collected, used, and traded by the people of Socotra. The Shebhon viewpoint offers a fabulous view of the Derhur canyon, where you will see unusual but beautiful rock formations. We will descend to the wadi for lunch and take a leisurely hike and perhaps swim in the freshwater pools and visit the Dragons Blood Trees forest.
Dinner and accommodation at alkebany camping or in Firmhin Dragons Blood Trees.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
After breakfast, we will head to Calansiya to admire this charming and picturesque fishing village with traditional and always narrow houses. Then we will head to the protected area of Detwah lagoon, famous for its spectacular landscape. Stingrays can be seen in the lagoon, so be careful when walking through it. There is also a wide variety of seabirds that can be observed at this location.
Dinner and accommodation at Detwah lagoon.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Early in the morning we will take a boat to Shuaab Beach to see the dolphins play and swim near a long, very pure, and clean sandy beach. Once we reach Shua'ab Beach, we can take a look at the mangrove area. You have to watch out for the long-snouted acrobat dolphins that can be seen along the way. It is also possible to fish with a line from the boat. Cormorants also frequent the area in the afternoon.
We take the boat back to Qalansyia for lunch and then head to Hadiboh for shopping.
Dinner and last night at Delisha Beach.
Breakfast.
The whole adventure comes to an end. After breakfast, transfer to Socotra airport.
Return flight to Abu Dhabi, where depending on the arrival time we can enjoy the city's attractions.
Hotel night in Abu Dhabi.
Free day to explore the city of Abu Dhabi. The magnificent archipelago offers a blend of ancient history, rich culture, and heritage. Possible visits include the Corniche Avenue, the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum or the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. In the evening, transfer to the airport to catch the return flight, arrival in the city of origin on November 7.
Round-trip flights between Abu Dhabi and Socotra.
Air taxes for the above flights.
7 nights of accommodation in tents.
Meal plan according to itinerary (Full board in Socotra).
Accompaniment of Kike Arnaiz.
Accompaniment of PANGEA advisor.
English-speaking local guide during the tour in Socotra.
All transit permits in Socotra.
Pick-up and airport transfer in Socotra.
Driver and transportation according to program.
Basic travel insurance.
24-hour assistance.
International flights between the city of origin and Abu Dhabi.
Accommodation and transfers in Abu Dhabi.
Meals and activities in Abu Dhabi.
Entry visa to Socotra 150 USD.
Food, drinks, and other personal expenses not included in the INCLUDES.
Tips for local staff.
Expenses arising from unexpected events, whether caused by third parties or due to weather conditions. (Delays, cancellations, floods, landslides, snowfalls, natural disasters, etc.).
Any service not specified in the "The trip includes" section.
Premium insurance with cancellation coverage. We recommend purchasing it. Consult your advisor.