An eco-tour to Socotra Island – a journey to a mysterious island

Waking up on the ocean shore, we enjoy the morning breeze and have breakfast at the campsite. A busy day lies ahead, beginning with a trip to Kariya Lagoon , one of Socotra's largest lagoons.

Along the way, we cross rolling plains , passing small fishing villages. Once we reach Kariya , a picturesque scene opens up before us: a blue lagoon surrounded by mangroves , and flocks of flamingos and other rare birds can be spotted in its waters . Here, we stop briefly to enjoy the scenery and take photos.

Our journey then leads inland to the Homhill area , famous for its dragon trees and natural pools . Accessible only by dirt roads , we switch to 4x4 vehicles, which easily navigate the challenging terrain.

As soon as we arrive in Khomkhil , it immediately becomes clear why this place is one of the most special on Socotra . Here, among the rocky hills, grow ancient Dragon's Blood trees , shaped like enormous umbrellas. Their resin, known locally as "dragon's blood," has been used for medicine and dyes for hundreds of years.

We set off on a short hike through the hills to the main attraction – a natural pool of crystal-clear water , seemingly floating above a sheer cliff overlooking the ocean . It's one of those places where nature seems to have created a perfect picture : azure water framed by greenery, with the endless ocean stretching below.

Here we relax, swim, and savor the moment. After a busy day, we dine al fresco and spend the night at Khomkhil Camp , surrounded by the wild landscapes of Socotra.

After breakfast, we head to one of Socotra's most mysterious places – Hok Cave . The road leads through mountainous terrain, followed by a 2.5-hour hike through rocky gorges and thickets of endemic trees .

Hawk Cave is one of the largest underground formations on the island . As soon as we enter, the temperature cools, and majestic stalactites and stalagmites , formed here over thousands of years, begin to emerge from the darkness. Hidden deep within the cave are underground lakes , as well as traces of ancient settlements—this site was used by locals hundreds of years ago.

After the excursion, we head to Arkher , a place where a freshwater spring flows into the ocean . Here, a small lagoon of clear water forms , surrounded by green palm trees , where you can cool off after the hike.

But Arkher's main attraction is its gigantic sand dunes , reaching 150 meters in height . Climbing them is challenging, but the views of the coast and canyons from the summit are worth it.

In the evening we have dinner by the fire and spend the night camping on Arher beach , listening to the sound of the ocean.

Today we change the scenery and head to the south of the island , where Socotra reveals a completely different side .

The first stop on our itinerary will be Amek Beach – here the ocean looks especially impressive: crystal clear water, a wide sandy strip and strong waves make this beach an ideal place to relax.

After swimming and a short rest, we head to the Dagoub Cave , another hidden wonder of Socotra . Inside , long underground passages, stalagmites, and small freshwater lakes await us . This cave was also used by nomads to escape the heat, and ancient rock paintings can be seen on its walls .

Next, we'll encounter one of the island's most impressive natural formations : the Haifa and Zahak sand dunes . These enormous mounds of golden sand seem to have been torn from the Sahara , but beyond them, rocky mountains begin , creating a contrasting landscape .

Here we spend the rest of the day watching the play of light and shadow on the dunes , and then have dinner and stop for the night at a campsite near Amek beach .

This day is dedicated to the most mythical and mysterious corner of Socotra – the Dixam plateau and the Dragon Tree forest.

Early in the morning, we head to the plateau, which offers a breathtaking view of the Derhur Canyon , one of the deepest on the island ( 700 m ). This place amazes with its grandiose cliffs, the curves of the gorge, and the play of light .

But the most important thing is the Firkhminsky Forest , home to the largest grove of dragon trees . Their unusual shape and dark red resin, reminiscent of blood, lend this place a mysterious atmosphere . Here we walk among ancient trees, learn legends about the origin of the resin , and chat with local Bedouins, who offer us tea.

After dinner at the camp, we spend the night among the Dragon Trees , which becomes one of the highlights of the trip .

Waking up among the Dragon Trees , we head to the coast of Socotra , where one of the most picturesque lagoons of the archipelago , Detuah , awaits us .

As we approach this place, a striking contrast of colors opens up before us :
🔹 Snow-white sand , so soft that it feels like flour
🔹 Blue Lagoon , the shades of which change depending on the lighting
🔹 The surrounding green hills create an atmosphere of privacy

In Detuah Lagoon you can:
✔ Swim in the warm waters (but be careful – there are stingrays here)
✔ Enjoy panoramic views while taking incredible photos
✔ Take a walk along the shore , where you can often see traces of rare birds

After relaxing in the lagoon, we head to the port of Qalansiyah , where a boat awaits us to take us to Shuab Bay .

🚤 A boat trip is an adventure in itself, as along the way you can:
✔ Meet the dolphins that accompany the boats
✔ Watch colonies of seabirds soaring above the waves
✔ Drive along the rocky coastline dotted with sea grottoes

As soon as we arrive in Shuab , it becomes clear why this place is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Socotra . It's a perfect sandy bay with incredibly clear water and palm trees lining the coast .

Here you can:
✔ Swim in the Indian Ocean while enjoying solitude
✔ Walk along the beach without meeting a single person
✔ Relax in the shade of palm trees , listening to the sound of the waves

🌅 Sunset at Shuab Bay is one of the most unforgettable moments of the trip .

In the evening we return to Qalansiyah and spend the night at the campsite near Detuah Lagoon .

Today we have a more relaxed day and head back to Hadiboh , the capital of Socotra.

🚗 Along the way we:
✔ We admire the final views of the island , cross desert plains and mountain passes
✔ We make stops for photos in picturesque places

Once we arrive in Hadiboh , we will have free time to:
✔ Stroll through the market and buy local souvenirs
✔ Try traditional dishes in a restaurant
✔ Chat with locals and learn more about life on the island

After lunch we head to the final beach of our route – Delisha .

🏖 Delisha Beach is a place where the sand is unusually white and the water seems like glass . Here you can:
✔ Take a swim in the warm ocean before returning home
✔ Watch crabs hiding in the sand
✔ Climb a dune to see the last sunset on the island

After sunset, we have a final dinner , discussing the highlights of the trip.

🛶 Overnight at a hotel in Hadiboh

Early in the morning we have breakfast and head to the airport.

Before leaving, you can do it again:
✔ Stroll around Hadiboh and do some last minute shopping
✔ Visit a local souvenir shop
✔ Take final photos of the island

📍 The return flight – and unforgettable memories of Socotra will stay with us forever!