Socotra Island (Yemen) with tour operator Calypso Ukraine

Welcome to Socotra! We start our journey with a short briefing and set off to explore the island. From the very first minutes we will see what an amazing island it is.

Let's go to the nearby Dihamri Marine Protected Area. This is one of the richest coral reefs in the archipelago. Here we will relax and snorkel in the bay, enjoying the unique combination of underwater flora and fauna. Also, here we will see such marine inhabitants as parrot fish, moray eels, sea urchins, barracudas, sea turtles and much more.

For experienced divers, one of the many nearby shipwrecks is available. Dinner and overnight at the campsite on Dihamri beach.

Wadi Kalissan is one of the hidden wonders of Socotra. The dirt road heading southeast passes through some very remote areas of the island where we can see the alien landscape of Socotra at its best. A 30-minute walk to the wadi will take us to this spectacular extravaganza of turquoise freshwater pools fed by small waterfalls cascading from the smooth white limestone.

This is a unique place for swimming, jumping, diving and rock climbing.

We move along the northern coast to the eastern part of the island. On the way we enjoy the picturesque nature of the island, passing by small villages, pristine beaches and amazing plants. Transfer to the sand dunes in Archer. Archer — represents the sandy banks of a small freshwater stream flowing from a cave located between two large dunes. Physically fit people are advised to climb one of the dunes (height 200 m). This is one of the most fantastic vantage points. Enjoy the pristine beach and relax. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp. 

We will have breakfast and start trekking to the Hog cave (about 4 hours in both directions). The cave is rich in natural artifacts: stalactites, stalagmites, pools. After lunch, we will go down to the cars and return to Archer Beach at the confluence of the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Dinner at Archer Beach. 

Today the beautiful Homkhil Reserve awaits us. This is the best place on the island to see incense trees, bottle trees and the Dragon's Blood tree. On a walking tour (about 1.5 hours) we will explore the surroundings of the Homhill Plateau, and one of the trails will lead us to an observation deck with a natural pool, a view of the villages and the plain stretching to the sea below. The village of Qalansiya is on the northwestern tip and is the second largest settlement on the island. We will get lost in narrow alleys, meet friendly people and many curious children. Dinner and overnight in Detwah lagoon.

Imagine waking up on such a remote and perfect beach. Next, we move to the port of Qalansiya, dotted with fishing boats and a lively market. If you're an avid fisherman, Socotra is a fishing paradise.

New adventures await us with an exciting boat cruise along the rocks of the west coast to Shoab Beach! We'll have the chance to explore the coastline, swim in the turquoise sea near small, unspoiled beaches, observe the wonderful underwater world, and even meet dolphins.

Upon reaching the shore of Shoab, we'll dip into this secluded and pristine beach and prepare to feast on delicious fresh seafood brought by local fishermen or even caught by us. In the afternoon, we'll return to the port, enjoying a unique opportunity to swim with dolphins.

As we walk along the endless sandbar emerging from the crystal-clear shallow waters, enjoy the last sunset on the island. Dinner and overnight in Detwah lagoon.

We are heading towards the Dixam Plateau, the true home of Dracaena Cinnabari. This area boasts a stunning forest of Dragon Blood trees. Located in the central part of Socotra, the Dixam Plateau is abundant with dragon blood trees, frankincense trees, myrrh, and valuable herbs. The landscape is framed by a breathtaking mountain range in the background. Small settlements are nestled around the crevices of the valley, where nomadic Bedouin shepherds will greet us at the edge of the gorge—the most impressive limestone landscape on the island. The gorge descends 700 meters to the valley floor, offering views that evoke the atmosphere of a prehistoric era.

We continue through the unique and bizarre forest of Fermha, where the famous Socotra Dragon's Blood trees grow everywhere! Here, we will learn about the famous resin and its wonderful properties. Passing a small village, we can buy this resin from local children. Resin from the Dragon's Blood tree is a good immune stimulant with bactericidal properties.

After passing the village, we will descend 400 meters to reach the edge of the most beautiful canyon in Socotra, Wadi Dirhur. Arriving here in the soft evening light makes the surrounding panoramas fantastic. Here, we will discover one of the island's greatest secrets: an oasis surrounding a freshwater pool with a natural waterslide.

Dinner and overnight on the Dixam Plateau.

Our next destination is Aomak, with its immaculate white sandy beaches. After lunch, we'll visit the Socotra villages scattered across the southern plain before reaching the Dagub cave. This grotto features fascinating rock formations and has long been used by villagers for ritual purposes and to shelter livestock during the rainy season.

In the afternoon, we'll explore another stunning part of Socotra — the island's desert. The dazzling white sand dunes of Zahek will captivate even the most seasoned Sahara traveler. We'll climb, slide down, meditate, and walk to take in the breathtaking views before sunset.

Dinner and overnight camping will be on Aomak Beach or in the middle of the sand dunes, depending on the weather.

​​We'll have breakfast, take one last swim, and then head to the airport. From there, we'll fly to Abu Dhabi, where the tour ends, and everyone heads home.