Socotra: The Alien Island - 5 days

Why Visit Socotra?

• Exclusive Destination: With only 3,000 visitors per year, Socotra remains one of the most untouched and serene places on Earth.
• Unique Biodiversity: Home to an astonishing variety of species, Socotra boasts 37% of plant species, 90% of reptiles, and 95% of land snails that are found nowhere else in the world.
• Untouched Nature: Enjoy crystal-clear waters, majestic mountain peaks, and dolphins often seen near the shores.
• Warm & Welcoming Locals: Socotra's people are known for their hospitality and vibrant culture.
• Truly Remote: One of the world’s most isolated locations, offering an escape into tranquility.
• Perfectly Safe: Socotra is completely removed from mainland unrest, making it a peaceful retreat.
• Hassle-Free Travel: No passport stamps—your visa is issued on a separate paper, so your travel records remain unaffected.

Why Choose Us?

• All-Inclusive Package: We handle everything from flights and visas to all your expenses on the island, ensuring a completely worry-free adventure.
• Hidden Gems: We offer access to secret spots that are off the beaten path, giving you an exclusive look at Socotra’s untouched beauty without the crowds.
• Small Group, Personalized Experience: Our trips are limited to just 13 people, ensuring a more intimate and personalized adventure.
• Expert Local Guides: Led by the best Soqotri guides, you'll gain insider knowledge and have a truly authentic experience.
• Local Culinary Delights: Savor the best traditional food Socotra has to offer, prepared by locals who know it best.

Embark on an extraordinary 5-day adventure with Arabian Wanderers in the unparalleled beauty of Socotra, often referred to as the Garden of Eden. This remote island paradise, located off the coast of Yemen, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and unique biodiversity found nowhere else on Earth. From towering limestone cliffs to pristine white sand beaches, Socotra captivates visitors with its untouched natural beauty and ancient charm.

As you journey through Socotra with Arabian Wanderers, you'll discover a world of wonders waiting to be explored. Trek through lush valleys, explore hidden caves, and encounter rare plant and animal species that have evolved in isolation on this remote island. From the legendary Dragon Blood Trees to the endemic Socotri Rose, Socotra is a living laboratory of biodiversity, offering unparalleled opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Whether you're hiking to remote waterfalls, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, or simply soaking in the serenity of your surroundings, Socotra promises an adventure like no other. Join Arabian Wanderers on a journey to the heart of this enchanting island, where every moment is an opportunity to connect with nature and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Meals

All meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, 4x4

Accommodation:

High-quality camping equipment is provided, including private tents (2-person tents are available for couples), mattresses, mattress covers, pillows, pillow covers, blankets, and portable toilets as needed. Accommodations include 4 nights of camping.

• Included activities:
• Arher beach visit
• Hike to Hoq Cave
• Snorkeling in Dihamri
• Dragon Blood Trees Forest visit
• Swim and free time in Detwah Lagoon
• Boat ride along with dolphins to Shoab beach
• Short hike to meet the caveman

Visit Visa

Round Trip Flight from Abu Dhabi to Socotra

Entrance fees

Staff & experts

Adventure Leader throughout, local guides.

Health and travel insurance: It is mandatory to have a health and travel insurance in the country where this experience is happening. If you don't have insurance or your current insurance doesn't provide coverage, you can obtain it from Nomad.

• Group size: Small group experience - Avg. 10. Max 16.
• Physical rating: Intermediate - includes a hike that requires a good fitness level (Hike to the cave)
• Meeting point & time:
  • Meetup time: 6:30am 
  • Meetup location: Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi, Departures - Terminal A 
• Solo & women friendly: Solo and female travelers are more than welcome; 70% of our participants are usually solo adventurers and women.
• Visa requirements: We can secure a visa within 5 days for any nationality except Israeli.
• Health and travel insurance: It is mandatory to have a health and travel insurance in the country where this experience is happening. If you don't have insurance or your current insurance doesn't provide coverage, you can obtain it from Nomad or any similar insurance provider.
• Instagram: Follow us on Instagram for more adventures: arabian.wanderers.
• Important notes: 
  • Flights availability: Flights are subject to availability. If you plan to book an international flight to Abu Dhabi or take time off work, please confirm flight availability with us before proceeding with your booking. Failure to do so may result in your flight being booked without a confirmed reservation, leading to potential cancellations.
  • Visa stamp : As you may know, having a Yemeni stamp in your passport can affect your travel to other countries. To avoid this, you can ask the officer at the port of entry to stamp the visa instead of your passport, as they understand the potential travel complications.
  • Safety : Socotra is perfectly safe. Although it is part of Yemen, it is far from the mainland and is not affected by the civil war occurring there.
• Disclaimer: 
  • By joining the hike, you confirm that you have voluntarily, freely, and expressly chosen to incur all risks associated with the hike.
  • Personal insurance that covers Yemen is mandatory to ensure your safety and will be required.
  • Weather and Flight Cancellations: we cannot control the weather, and it seems that world-wide there are more unpredictable weather events leading to cancellations. IF the airline feels it’s unsafe to fly, they will cancel the flight and rebook it as soon as possible. This does not happen often, but it’s something we have to let you know of. We will ensure that you are fully taken care of on the island while you wait and have accommodations and meals/beverages.
• Mobile coverage: 
  • Etisalat (not DU) works as if you're in the UAE. Signal is spotty and not very strong, but you will be able to stay connected (with a very slow internet) many days. If you don’t live in the UAE or do live in the UAE and don’t have Etisalat, please get an Etisalat visitor SIM from the UAE. 

Good vibes! (& the below): 

• Passport
• Cash (AED) for personal spending and tips. 100 or 200 AED bills are recommended. 
• Light jacket
• T-shirts & long sleeve shirts
• Activewear pants
• Socks & underwear
• Trekking sandals or walking shoes
• Flip flops
• Hat
• 2 thin, fast-drying towels
• Hand sanitizer
• Eye drops
• Wet wipes
• Environmentally friendly soap, shampoo, and sunscreen
• Skin lotion & lip balm
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Insect repellents
• Personal hygiene products
• Pain killers
• Personal first aid kit
• Extra camera battery
• Power plug adapter (UAE plug and car charger)
• High-capacity power bank
• Extra charging cables
• Dry bag
• Flashlight
• Headlamp
• Lightweight backpack

**Charging: you will have access to a cigarette lighter adapter to charge your phones. If you need access for more charging ports or you have a laptop/camera/drone that you’ll need to charge then I recommend bringing an inverter!

**Stores on the island are limited in what they have, so any personal items that are necessary for you (or foods you can't live without for a week) make sure to bring them!

**As Socotra is a Muslim island, we ask that your clothing be modest and respectful. Women please bring at least 1 loose dress which covers your shoulders and knees to be worn in the villages and Hadiboh.

**You will be camping during the tour, so pack light. You will be able to leave anything in the cars (that stay locked when you're not in them), but you don't want to have to search through a big bag to find something.

If the Cancellation is Made by You:

• More than 14 days before the trip: 95% refund.
• Between 7 and 14 days before the trip: 50% refund.
• Less than 7 days before the trip: No refund.

Note: Rescheduling is accepted only if requested more than 14 days before the trip.

If the Cancellation is Made by Us:

• If we cancel the trip for any reason, a full refund will be provided.