Socotra Photography Tour

The secret of eternal life shouldn’t be something that’s easy to stumble across and by cleverly hiding it out on Socotra the gods have certainly taken that thought to heart. At 3650 sq km Socotra is easily the largest Yemeni island and traditionally one of the most inaccessible. Lying 510km southeast of the mainland, the island has developed in near total isolation from the rest of the world. Rumoured to have once been a refuge for dragons and the Phoenix, it continues to provide a refuge for all manner of extraordinary fauna and flora, much of which is found nowhere else.

Because of the number of its endemic plants and creatures, it’s been described as the ‘Galapagos of the Indian Ocean’. While this is a little optimistic, there is no denying that Socotra is a unique and otherworldly island. It’s the kind of place where people speak a language unknown to anyone else, where the knowledge of how to make fire by rubbing sticks together is still common and where the elderly recall days when money didn’t exist. – Lonely Planet

Day 1:
Dubai | Hadiboh | Delisha Beach

Upon your arrival at the airport, we will transport you to your hotel in Hadiboh, the largest town on Socotra, nestled against the backdrop of the Hajhir Mountains. Hadiboh is the island’s hub, equipped with modern conveniences like hot running water, stable electricity, and cell service, providing a comfortable base at places like the Summerlands Hotel. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Delisha Beach, just a half-hour drive away on good roads. Here, you can relax on pristine white sands, swim in the crystal-clear sea or the freshwater lagoon, and if you’re up for it, climb the towering sand dune for spectacular views of the beach. Delisha Beach, with its resident army of crabs, offers a perfect blend of leisure and adventure to start your Socotra experience.

Day 2:
Qalansyia | Detwah Lagoon

Today, we’ll journey to the western part of Socotra to visit the quaint fishing town of Qalansyia. This “second city” of Socotra features traditional Socotri houses, narrow alleyways, and a bustling beach dotted with colorful fishing boats. After exploring Qalansyia, we will head to the nearby Detwah Lagoon, a marine protected area celebrated for its stunning landscape. Here, a brilliant white sandy spit curves into the turquoise Arabian Sea, while a serene blue lagoon forms a perfect backdrop, offering some of the best views on the island. This location is not only breathtaking but also provides excellent opportunities for swimming and exploring the vibrant marine life in the lagoon.

Day 3:
Golden Sands of Shu’ab and Dolphins

After enjoying breakfast in Detwah, we’ll embark on a scenic boat trip to Shu’ab Beach, a remote part of Socotra’s west coast. During our journey, we may have the delightful opportunity to encounter Spinner Dolphins and watch flocks of cormorants in flight. Upon arrival at Shu’ab Beach, known for its pristine white sands and vibrant reefs, we will enjoy a lunch by the sea. The afternoon will be spent exploring this beautiful area, where the marine life is abundant and the surroundings are tranquil. After a day filled with natural wonders and wildlife, we’ll return to Detwah to relax and reflect on our adventures.

Day 4:
Dixam Plateau and Firmhin

After breakfast, we will set out in our 4×4 vehicle to explore the Dixam Plateau, a prime location for encountering the iconic Dragon’s Blood trees. Here, we’ll learn about the resin of these trees, which is harvested and utilized by the locals. The plateau is also the habitat for the rare and endemic Socotra Bunting, with an estimated population of 1,000 pairs. We’ll embark on a hike down to Durhur Canyon, descending to the wadi for a lunch beside the refreshing freshwater pools, where you may take a swim.

In the afternoon, our adventure continues as we hike to Firmhin, the world’s largest forest of Dragon’s Blood trees. At Firmhin, we will visit a local couple in their Bedouin-style home. They will demonstrate how they collect and use the resin from the Dragon’s Blood trees, providing a deep insight into the cultural practices surrounding this unique species. This day promises a full immersion into the natural and cultural wonders of Socotra, from breathtaking landscapes to intimate cultural exchanges.

Day 5:
Dixam Plateau and Skand Mountain Hike

Today offers a unique opportunity to explore the Dragon’s Blood trees perched along the edge of the canyon. For those seeking a more adventurous pursuit, we have arranged an optional 6-hour trek to Skand Mountain with a local guide. The journey will take us through the heart of the Hajhir Mountains, culminating at the summit of Skand, the tallest peak on the island. From this vantage point, you will be treated to panoramic views of the sea from both the north and south coasts of Socotra.

The region is rich in biodiversity, home to more than 150 endemic plant species. As we traverse the mountain, we will pass by striking rock formations and a variety of unique flora including bottle and cucumber trees. The trek not only promises breathtaking scenery but also the chance to interact with local inhabitants, offering a glimpse into their lives and the natural beauty that surrounds them. This day is designed for a deep dive into the natural wonders and cultural textures of Socotra.

Day 6:
Homhil Protected Area

We will explore the enchanting Homhil Protected Area, capturing its unique landscapes through our lenses. Amidst the rugged terrain, we’ll photograph the distinctive Dragon’s Blood Trees, frankincense, and desert roses. Our journey will also take us to vibrant natural pools, where the interplay of water and rock creates serene, picturesque scenes. This visit promises a showcase of Socotra’s unique biodiversity and stunning natural beauty.

Day 7:
Homhil and Infinity pool

We will dedicate the day to photographing the ethereal forests of Dragon’s Blood and Frankincense trees on Socotra Island. For those feeling adventurous, we will also embark on a 1-hour hike to the “Infinity Pool,” a secluded freshwater swimming hole where the stunning natural surroundings offer yet another beautiful photographic opportunity. This day promises a blend of tranquility and exploration, capturing the essence of Socotra’s unique landscapes.

Day 8:
Arher Beach

We will spend our day at the stunning Arher Beach, where the dramatic intersection of massive sand dunes and the turquoise sea offers a breathtaking backdrop for photography. Early risers can capture the sublime beauty of sunrise, as the light plays over the dunes and sparkles on the waves. For those up for a little adventure, climbing the sand dunes provides a panoramic vantage point for sweeping coastal shots.

Day 9:
Arher Beach and
Ras Irisseyl

We will drive to Ras Irisseyl, the remote beach located on the northeast coast of Socotra. Our visit includes exploring a local fishing village where we can photograph the fishermen as they mend their nets or haul in their boats—a vibrant display of local life and culture. Additionally, we will have the unique opportunity to capture images of a whale skeleton that the waves have carried in from the Indian Ocean. This day offers a rich blend of cultural immersion and natural wonders, perfect for adding unique and compelling photos to our collection. 

We will spend the rest of the day at Arher Beach, immersed in photographing its diverse natural wonders. Our lenses will focus on the majestic sand dunes, capturing their curves and contours under changing light. We’ll also aim to photograph the soaring Egyptian vultures overhead and the various shore and sea birds that frequent the area. Additionally, the playful ghost crabs scurrying across the sand will provide charming and humorous subjects.

Day 10:
HADIBOH

We will start our day with one final sunrise at Arher Beach, capturing the early light as it illuminates the sand and sea. After soaking in the serene morning atmosphere, we’ll drive to Hadiboh, the capital of Socotra. In the afternoon, we’ll have time for some last-minute shopping, offering a chance to find unique local crafts and souvenirs. Our day concludes with dinner at a local restaurant, where you’ll have the opportunity to savor the distinctive flavors of Socotri bread, renowned for its delicious taste. This itinerary combines the natural beauty of Socotra with the vibrant culture and culinary delights of its capital.

Day 11:
Departure from Socotra | Abu Dhabi

After an early breakfast, we will take to the streets of Hadiboh for a morning of photography. We’ll visit the local produce and fish market, a vibrant scene perfect for capturing genuine portraits and the bustling local life. After immersing ourselves in the colors and activities of the market, we will transfer to Socotra Airport for our flight back to Abu Dhabi. This final morning in Hadiboh provides a rich opportunity to document the daily rhythm and culture of Socotra before our departure.