A 15-Day Adventure Travel Itinerary for Socotra

  • Day 1: Delisha Beach
    30 minutes (23 miles) from Socotra International Airport

    Start your trip with a bang by visiting Delisha Beach, a secluded and pristine beach that has been described as a "gem" by locals. With crystal clear waters and breathtaking views, it's the perfect place to unwind after a long flight.

  • Day 2: Diksam Plateau
    1 hour (27 miles) from Delisha Beach

    Get your adrenaline pumping at Diksam Plateau, where you'll find gorges, waterfalls, and canyons to explore. This challenging trek rewards you with panoramic views of the island and unique flora and fauna.

  • Day 3: Hoq Cave
    1 hour 20 minutes (38 miles) from Diksam Plateau

    Ready to spelunk? Hoq Cave boasts magnificent calcite formations, underground lakes, and limestone stalactites and stalagmites. It's a subterranean wonderland that'll leave you in awe.

  • Day 4: Skand Peak
    50 minutes (17 miles) from Hoq Cave

    Tackle the highest peak on the island, Skand Peak. But don't let the trek fool you; it's a demanding climb, but the stunning panoramic view and sense of accomplishment are well worth it.

  • Day 5: Ayhaft Canyon
    1 hour 15 minutes (27 miles) from Skand Peak

    Time to cool off! Ayhaft Canyon is a reinvigorating treat in the heart of Socotra. Hike this natural swimming pool, fascinating scenery and find a relaxing spot to splash and unwind.

  • Day 6: Dixam Dam
    1 hour 20 minutes (37 miles) from Ayhaft Canyon

    If you aren't afraid of heights or deep water, Dixam Dam is for you. A great pitstop location for a relaxing swim combined with cliff diving, it offers an excellent adrenaline rush for any adventurous traveler.

  • Day 7: Hagghier Mountains
    1 hour 30 minutes (38 miles) from Dixam Dam

    Take a tour and explore Socotra's highlands. Hagghier Mountains offers panoramic views, stunning vistas, and landscapes that will take your breath away. It is the perfect location for hikers and nature lovers to experience great scenery.

  • Day 8: Detwah Lagoon
    1 hour (22 miles) from Hagghier Mountains

    Detwah Lagoon, surrounded by pristine beaches and coral reefs, is a natural wonder to visit. Swim in the turquoise blue waters, explore mangrove forests and take some amazing photos to last a lifetime.

  • Day 9: Qalansiya Beach
    1 hour 15 minutes (28 miles) from Detwah Lagoon

    A beach like no other, Qalansiya's dramatic sweep of golden sand and clear turquoise waters is stunning. It is perfect for snorkeling and kayaking, allowing visitors to see the vibrant aquatic life both above and below the sea.

  • Day 10: Socotra Eco-Tours
    30 minutes (8 miles) from Qalansiya Beach

    Experience Socotra's natural beauty with Eco-Tours, taking you to any number of hidden gems including Aomak Beach, Dirhor Canyon, and Dihamri Marine Protected Area. So get out there and explore!

  • Day 11: Homhil Protected Area
    1 hour 30 minutes (40 miles) from Socotra Eco-Tours

    Become one with nature by visiting the most popular national park in Socotra, Homehil Protected Area. The park's famous Dragon's Blood Trees and limestone formations are as magical as they are unique making it a must-visit destination on the island.

  • Day 12: Adho Dimellus beach
    50 minutes (15 miles) from Homhil Protected Area

    A stunning beach with unparalleled stretches of soft, white sand and clear water, Adho Dimellus Beach is the perfect place for swimming, kayaking or a daytime nap under a palm tree.

  • Day 13: Ayaft Gorge
    1 hour (29 miles) from Adho Dimellus Beach

    Take a refreshing swim in the Ayaft Gorge and escape from the heat. With picturesque surroundings, mammoth rock formations and turquoise waters, this is an ideal destination to chill out and reconnect with nature.

  • Day 14: DiHamri Marine Protected Area
    50 minutes (16 miles) from Ayaft Gorge

    Jump into the crystal-clear waters of DiHamri Marine Protected Area and experience marine wildlife such as live corals, fish and turtles. This location also offers great water-based activities like snorkelling and scuba diving.

  • Day 15: Souk Market
    45 minutes (13 miles) from DiHamri Marine Protected Area

    No visit to Socotra is complete without visiting Souk Market, one of the liveliest marketplaces in Yemen, popular among the locals and tourists. Find inspiration and happiness in the unique items for sale, such as Food, crafts, and souvenirs.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Delisha Beach (Free)
  • Diksam Plateau (2-3 hours, $20)
  • Hoq Cave (2 hours, $35)
  • Skand Peak (3 hours, $45)
  • Ayhaft Canyon (1-2 hours, $15)
  • Dixam Dam (2-3 hours, $20)
  • Hagghier Mountains (3-5 hours, $75)
  • Detwah Lagoon (Free)
  • Qalansiya Beach (Free)
  • Socotra Eco-Tours (3-6 hours, $50)
  • Homhil Protected Area (4-6 hours, $60)
  • Adho Dimellus Beach (Free)
  • Ayaft Gorge (Free)
  • DiHamri Marine Protected Area (2-3 hours, $30)
  • Souk Market (2-3 hours, $35)
  • Total Estimated Costs ($420)

Transportation

Transportation on the island is primarily by vehicle, but renting a car comes with added risks so hiring a local driver can be a much safer option. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is essential for some locations. Costs of hiring a driver for the day is estimated from $40-$65.

Useful tips

If you have less time, cut out some of the less popular destinations, which are farther from the Socotra Airport. On the other hand, if you have more time, try extending your stay in some of these locations as there is always more to see and experience.

Airports

The Socotra International Airport (SCT) has recently been reconstructed and is the primary airport and city center of the island. It connects to international destinations, including the Gulf countries, Jordan, and Egypt via Yemenia Airlines. The airport is situated 40 miles west of Hadiboh, near the island's west end.

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