15-Day Adventure Itinerary for Socotra

  • Day 1: Arrival at Socotra
    Assuming arrival at 10:00 AM on Jet Airways flight 572 from Mumbai (BOM).

    Welcome to the beautiful and remote island of Socotra! After landing and clearing customs, take a taxi to your hotel in Hadibo. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring the town on foot.

  • Day 2: Ayhaft Canyon
    1 hour (14 miles) from Hadibo

    Today, take a guided tour to Ayhaft Canyon, one of the most beautiful places on the island. The canyon features lush green vegetation, natural pools, and waterfalls. Don't forget to bring your swimsuit for a refreshing dip!

  • Day 3: Homhil Nature Reserve
    1.5 hours (34 miles) from Hadibo

    Homhil is a popular reserve that offers panoramic views of the mountains and the sea. Enjoy a leisurely hike through the reserve and observe the wildlife, including the native Socotra Sparrowhawk and the Socotra Starling.

  • Day 4: Diksam Plateau
    1 hour (22 miles) from Hadibo

    Today, visit the Diksam Plateau, a stunning scenic plateau that features endemic flora, including the Dragon's Blood Tree, one of the most famous trees on the island known for its unusual shape and red sap.

  • Day 5: Detwah Lagoon
    2.5 hours (47 miles) from Hadibo

    The Detwah Lagoon is a beautiful bay surrounded by sand dunes and the turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea. It is a great place to relax, swim, and enjoy the sunset. Don't forget your camera!

  • Day 6: Qalansiyah Beach
    1 hour (18 miles) from Hadibo

    Spend the day at Qalansiyah Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Snorkel, sunbathe or just relax in the crystal-clear waters surrounded by stunning rock formations.

  • Day 7: Wadi Dirhur Canyon
    2 hours (29 miles) from Hadibo

    Wadi Dirhur is a breathtaking canyon featuring rocky cliffs, a freshwater pool, and the famous Bottle Tree, which has a unique shape and is endemic to Socotra. A local guide can explain the endemic flora and fauna.

  • Day 8: Momi Plateau
    1 hour (16 miles) from Hadibo

    Momi Plateau is a remote and peaceful place featuring panoramic views of the mountains and the sea. It is accessible by hiking or by 4WD vehicles. Enjoy a picnic lunch and soak in the serenity of your surroundings.

  • Day 9: Trek to Skand Peak
    6 hours (23 miles) from Hadibo

    Today, take a guided trek to Skand Peak, the highest peak on the island at 1,503 meters. The trek will take you through beautiful landscapes and steep terrain. Be prepared for a challenging but rewarding adventure!

  • Day 10: Arher Beach
    2 hours (38 miles) from Hadibo

    Spend the day soaking up the sun at Arher Beach, a beautiful white sandy beach surrounded by towering cliffs. The beach is popular for its crystal-clear waters, white sand, and sea turtles.

  • Day 11: Aomak Beach
    2 hours (45 miles) from Hadibo

    Aomak Beach is a secluded paradise with turquoise waters and white sand. It is located on the eastern side of the island and can only be accessed by a 4WD vehicle or a strenuous hike, but it's worth the effort!

  • Day 12: Hoq Cave
    2 hours (43 miles) from Hadibo

    Hoq Cave is a unique underground cave featuring stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is located on the western side of the island and can only be accessed by a 4WD vehicle or by foot. A local guide can show you the way and explain the cave's history and geology.

  • Day 13: Skant Dragon Blood Trees Forest
    2 hours (29 miles) from Hadibo

    Today, visit the Skant Dragon Blood Trees Forest, an area that features some of the most famous and ancient Dragon's Blood Trees on the island. The trees look like giant mushrooms and are surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

  • Day 14: Dihamri Marine Protected Area
    2 hours (37 miles) from Hadibo

    Dihamri Marine Protected Area is a unique place that features a variety of coral reefs, fish species, and other marine life. It's perfect for snorkeling, diving, and observing the rich biodiversity of the Arabian Sea.

  • Day 15: Departure from Socotra
    Assuming departure at 12:00 PM on Jet Airways flight 573 to Mumbai (BOM).

    After a fantastic adventure in Socotra, it's time to say goodbye. Take a taxi to the airport and catch your flight back home.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Accommodations (14 nights): varies depending on the level of comfort – average cost range from 20 USD/campsite to 200 USD/night.
  • Food and drink: 15-20 USD/day/person.
  • Transportation: Taxi is the best option for transportation around the island. The average cost of a daily rental is 200 USD/day.
  • Guided tours: Most of the places require a local guide. The price for a guide is 30-50 USD/day/person.
  • Activities: Prices for activities vary based on the activity itself. Snorkeling equipment, for example, can be rented for around 10 USD/day/person.
  • Total Estimated Costs: Approximately $2000/person.

Transportation

The best way to travel around Socotra is by taxi or by 4WD vehicle. For longer trips, a local travel agency can provide comfortable transportation with a guide, depending on the destination. The cost of renting a 4WD vehicle with a driver is around $200-300 per day, depending on the distance.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can visit more remote areas such as the Island of Samha and the Island of Darsa. If you have less time, you can skip some of the less challenging hikes and visit the most popular places instead.

Airports

Socotra International Airport (SCT) is a small airport located in the town of Hadibo, Socotra. It's located about 5 miles northeast of the city center, and it takes around 15 minutes to reach Hadibo by taxi. The airport connects the island to the mainland with daily flights from Cairo, Abu Dhabi, and Mumbai.

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