Socotra Expedition – Against the Compass Expeditions

Located in the Arabian Sea, Socotra is an isolated island that has always kept safe and attracted visitors, despite belonging to war-torn Yemen.

Home to around 60,000 people, Socotra is also rich in a very unique flora and fauna that made them become a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008.

Dragon trees, white sandy beaches, unique cultural heritage and a wide range of endemic species, Socotra is a very different destination from anywhere you’ve seen in the Middle East.

Join us on this 11-day expedition to Socotra.

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November 5th to 15th, 2024

€1950

11 days

Lead by Joan Torres

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Itinerary

Note that we always keep the itinerary flexible, and it may be subject to change, depending on the political situation.

Day 1 – Arrival in Hadiboh

Day 2 – Dixsam Plateau

Day 3 – Amak sandy beach, Dagub Cave, Hayf and Zahaq Sand dunes

Day 4 – Dihamari Marine Protected Area

Day 5 – Wadi Kalisan and Momi Surinieteen

Day 6 – Homhil PA

Day 7 – Arher freshwater creek and beach

Day 8 – Hoq Cave/ Arher freshwater creek and beach

Day 9 – Qalansyia/ Detwah Lagoon/ The Golden Beach of Shuab

Day 10 – Ayhaft National Park

Day 11 – Departure

Day 1 – Arrival to Socotra

On November 5^th, we will all meet at the respective check-in counter in Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Arrival in Hadiboh, check-in at the hotel
Visit Ayhaft Canyon National Park
Evening at Delisha beach, a pristine white sand paradise full of crabs.
Overnight at in Hadibo.

Day 2 – Dixsam Plateau

After breakfast, we will head for Dixsam Plateau; the most spectacular limestone landscape of the island
Dinner and overnight in Diksam

Day 3 – Amak sandy beach, Dagub Cave, Hayf and Zahaq Sand dunes

In the morning, head to the south of the island, stopping at Amak Beach, a crystalline water paradise.
For lunch, we’ll head to Dagub cave, overlooking a scattering of traditional small towns below.
We will also witness the colossal sand dunes of Hayf and Zahek
Dinner and overnight camp at Amek beach.

Day 4 – Dihamari Marine Protected Area

Today we’ll start with a marine protected area nearby Dihamri, where we will see one of the richest coral reefs of the archipelago.
There will be the possibility of doing some snorkel, with high chances to see: parrotfish, moray eel, rays, and turtles.
Dinner and Overnight at Dihamari PA

Day 5 – Wadi Kalisan & Momi Surinieteen

After breakfast, we will drive to Wadi Kalisan.
On the way, we’ll stop at Qaria lagoon, the largest lagoon on the island, where we can hopefully see flamingos, herons and greenshank.
Dinner and Overnight at Suriniteen

Day 6 – Homhil PA

Today’s plan is focused on Homhil protected area for a small hike, trying to spot Dragon Blood trees.
Dinner and overnight at Homhil outside the campsite.

Day 7 – Arher freshwater creek and beach

In the morning, we will drive to Arher, home to the tallest dunes in Socotra (150m).
Time to relax or climb a huge sand dune.
Dinner and Overnight camping at Arher

Day 8 – Hoq Cave/ Arher freshwater creek and beach

After breakfast, we will drive to Hoq Cave. It takes 2.5 hours to reach the cave.
Dinner and overnight at Arher.

Day 9 – Qalansyia, the Golden Beach of Shuab

We will start the day heading to Detwah Lagoon, a marine-protected landscape composed of white sand and turquoise waters.
From there, we will take a boat to Shuaab, where we’ll have the chance to spot dolphins.
Dinner and overnight in Detwah campsite

Day 10 – Ayhaft National Park – Hadiboh

Ayhaft National Park.
Evening at Delisha beach, with time to swim, snorkel or sunbathing.
Dinner and night in Adeeb eco-lodge in Hadibo

Day 11 – Departure from Socotra

After an early breakfast, we will drive to the Hadiboh airport.
End of the tour.

Gallery of photos

Included

Visa processing and respective fees

Transportation and driver around Socotra

English-speaking Socotri guide

International tour leader

Airport transfers

2 nights of accommodation at Adeeb eco-lodge and camping gear for the remaining nights

All meals and water

Entrance fees to all places listed in the itinerary

Not Included

International flights to Socotra from Abu Dhabi (about $950)

Single supplement. 2 nights in Hadiboh (€100).

Tips. In Socotra, the local team will expect tips.

Snorkel and diving gear. All equipment hire is extra.

BOOK NOW

November 5th to 15th, 2024

€1950

11 days

Lead by Joan Torres

Book Now

FAQ

Which hotels do we stay at?

This is a full camping trip, except for the first and last nights, where we’ll stay in a lodge named Adeeb eco-lodge.

How does the room distribution work?

For this expedition, there is no possibility to have a single room when we stay in tents but when we stay in Hadiboh for 2 nights and want to have your own single room, you will have to pay an additional €100.

How to fly to Socotra?

You can fly in and out from Abu Dhabi with Air Arabia.

Flights can’t be booked online, however, but we will book them for you through a local agent based in Abu Dhabi.

How to get a visa?

We will arrange it for you, no worries, and all we’ll require is a copy of your passport.

Which nationalities can join this tour?

All nationalities, and that includes US citizens too.

How many people will attend this tour?

We will limit it to a maximum of 12 people.

Can I fly to Yemen after the trip?

Yes, you can. Flights from Socotra to Mukallah depart every Monday.

How does payment work?

To secure your spot on the tour, we require a deposit.

More details will be shared upon booking.

Do you recommend specific travel insurance?

Either you are joining one of our trips, or you are traveling by yourself, you might want to look for proper travel insurance. Against the Compass has been a partner with IATI for several years already, recommending it to all readers, as well as covering all Joan Torres’ personal trips.

We like it because It covers all the countries where the FCDO advises against all travel, it offers budget plans and covers all sorts of adventure activities.

Against the Compass readers can benefit from a 5% discount.

Get a quote here to claim your discount

What about the cancellation policy?

Please refer to our Terms & Conditions.