Istanbul - Jeddah - Socotra
The standard ideal duration to explore Socotra is 7 days / 6 nights. This special program has been extended to 11 days / 10 nights by adding Jeddah connections, Hoq Cave, a local family visit, a Hadibo experience, and premium hotel comfort at the start and end of the tour. The portion spent on the island itself is 8 days / 7 nights. This allows the island's iconic beaches, mountainous areas, natural pools and unique biodiversity to be experienced without rushing. Transportation is provided through a combination of flights, 4x4 vehicles and boats, while accommodation is a mix of premium hotel and beach/eco-camp stays.
We take our flight from Istanbul to Jeddah. After being met at the airport and transferred, we settle into our hotel. The rest of the day is planned for resting after the journey and enjoying free time in Jeddah. The guide team will carry out final checks and briefing for the Socotra flight the next day. Highlight of the day: A comfortable start to the journey and free time in Jeddah. Overnight: Jeddah - Hotel
✈ Istanbul - Jeddah flight
We depart from Jeddah at 11:00 by private jet / chartered flight, arriving in Socotra at approximately 14:30. After being met at the airport by our English-speaking local guide and drivers, we transfer to our premium hotel. Following check-in and rest, we visit Hadibo's local market, traditional shops, and the Socotra Heritage Museum if available. At the end of the day, we take a short beach break and watch the sunset amid Delisha Beach's white sands and turquoise waters. Highlight of the day: The chance for a shower, packing preparation and a well-rested start to the camping route. Overnight: Socotra - Premium hotel
✈ Jeddah 11:00 - Socotra 14:30 (Private Jet / Chartered Flight)
After breakfast, we head to Hoq Cave, one of Socotra's most impressive hiking routes. The round trip takes approximately 3-4 hours and is suitable for guests in good physical condition. The cave's large chambers, natural formations and the panoramic views along the route are among the journey's strongest photo stops. In the afternoon, we head to the Dihamri Marine Protected Area, surrounded by red rock shores. Here you have the chance to snorkel and observe sea turtles, octopuses, moray eels, parrotfish and schools of fish. Snorkel and diving equipment can be rented locally. Highlight of the day: Hoq's cave formations and Dihamri's rich marine life. Overnight: Dihamri / Delisha area - Beach camp
After breakfast, we reach Qalansiyah, the island's second-largest settlement, and Detwah Lagoon. Along the way, we make a short stop to see old Russian tanks. From the Qalansiyah shore, we set out by boat to the secluded Shuab Beach. During the journey we have the chance to see dolphins, along with seabirds such as Socotra cormorants, gulls, terns and sooty gulls. After a swimming and snorkeling break at rock formations surrounded by colorful fish, we spend time in Shuab's cool, clear waters. On the return, lunch at Detwah Lagoon, sunset at the viewpoint, and a visit to Abdullah, who lives in the cave, are planned. Highlight of the day: The boat trip, dolphin watching, and the Detwah sunset. Overnight: Detwah Lagoon - Camp
After breakfast, we climb to the Dixam Plateau, where thousands of Dragon's Blood trees rise. At the first viewpoint we take in the plateau's iconic trees, and at the second, the panorama of Wadi Dirhur Canyon. We then descend into the canyon for lunch in the shade of the trees, with free time for exploring and resting. As part of the program, we visit a local Bedouin family in Dixam or the surrounding mountainous area, getting to know daily life and local hospitality closely over traditional tea. In the afternoon we head to Firmihin Forest, covered with ancient Dragon's Blood trees, set up our camp, and have dinner under the stars. Highlight of the day: The local family visit and the Dragon's Blood forest under the stars. Overnight: Firmihin Forest - Camp
Heading toward the south of the island, we reach Degub Cave near Omak Beach. This shallow cave of damp rocks, reached by about a 5-minute walk from the parking area, is a striking photo spot. We then take a lunch and rest break at Omak Beach, known for its pristine white sand, clear waters and long shoreline. Around 15:30 we head to the wide white Zahek Sand Dunes stretching along the Indian Ocean. We watch the sand shift from golden yellow to purple in the changing light. Camels may be seen in the area, though as they roam freely this experience is not guaranteed. Highlight of the day: Ocean, mountain and sunset photos at Zahek. Overnight: Omak Beach - Camp
We set out early in the morning to enjoy a calmer experience ahead of other visitor groups. After about a 30-minute walk, we reach the blue-green waters flowing between white limestone walls and Socotra's largest natural pool. We set aside plenty of time here for swimming, jumping into the water from the rocks, sunbathing and taking photos. After a picnic-style lunch in the upper section, we head to Arher Beach, famous for its white sand dunes rising right beside the bright turquoise ocean. We explore the freshwater springs, the shore and the dunes, and have dinner by the sea. Highlight of the day: Kalasan's natural pool and Arher's dunes descending to the ocean. Overnight: Arher Beach - Camp
Guests who wish may take a short dune walk before dawn to watch the sunrise over the ocean. After breakfast, we head to the Homhil Protected Area, surrounded by Desert Rose, Boswellia and Dragon's Blood trees. After an easy walk of about 30 minutes following the stream line, we reach a natural infinity pool fed by fresh water from the mountains. In the afternoon we go to Ras Ersal, at the island's easternmost tip. At the point where the Indian Ocean meets the Arabian Sea, depending on the season it may be possible to watch the sunset and moonrise in the same view. After seeing the whale bones on the shore, we return to Hadibo. Highlight of the day: A shower, rest and packing after the camping days. Overnight: Socotra - Premium hotel
In the morning we head to Hadibo, visit the main fish market and use free time for some small shopping. After saying goodbye to the local guide, driver, cook and support team who accompanied us throughout the tour, we head to the airport. We leave Socotra by private jet / chartered flight at 10:00, arriving in Jeddah at approximately 14:00. After the airport transfer, we settle into our hotel and spend the rest of the day resting and at leisure. Highlight of the day: Farewell to the local team and return to Jeddah. Overnight: Jeddah - Hotel
✈ Socotra 10:00 - Jeddah 14:00 (Private Jet / Chartered Flight)
A full free day in Jeddah. Guests may rest, follow their own personal plans, or make use of the city for shopping. Final checks are made for the return flight to Istanbul, and the transfer time is shared with the group. Highlight of the day: Rest and personal time after the Socotra adventure. Overnight: Jeddah - Hotel
According to our flight time, we leave the hotel and transfer to Jeddah Airport by private transfer. We complete the program with our Jeddah - Istanbul flight. Our journey, which took in a range of different ecosystems, beach camps, local life and Socotra's unique landscapes, comes to an end. Highlight of the day: The tour concludes in Istanbul with the completion of all flights.
✈ Jeddah - Istanbul flight
Not Included in the Price: - Travel health and cancellation insurance - Personal expenses, shopping and minibar use - Personal meals and drinks during free time in Jeddah - Snorkel / diving equipment rental and optional diving services - Private activities outside the program and personal requests - Excess baggage and services separately charged by the airline - Gratuities for the guide, driver, cook and support team
Booking and Cancellation Policy: A deposit of 30% of the tour price is paid to secure the reservation. More than 60 days before arrival: The deposit is refunded, excluding bank transfer and processing fees. 31-60 days before arrival: 50% of the deposit may be refunded. 30 days or less before arrival: The deposit is non-refundable. Date changes are subject to availability and must be requested at least 30-60 days before arrival. No refunds are given for no-shows or services not used during the tour.
Visa Process: Full support is provided to Turkish citizens throughout the Yemen / Socotra visa process. The necessary invitation documents are prepared and visa arrangements are completed before departure. Passport validity and required documents are separately checked at the time of booking. 4x4 Vehicle Arrangement: For a more comfortable journey on off-road terrain, a maximum of 3 guests per vehicle is planned under normal circumstances. The final vehicle allocation is made according to group size. Temperature and Clothing: Nights in Firmihin Forest are mostly in the 18-22°C range depending on the season. A light jacket or fleece is generally sufficient. Sunscreen, a hat, lightweight long-sleeved clothing, a refillable water bottle and a personal power bank are recommended. Participant Checklist: Check your passport's validity; keep your visa documents and flight confirmations; verify the geographic coverage of your travel health and evacuation insurance; carry any medications you use along with their prescriptions; assess your physical fitness for hiking and water activities. Respect for Nature and Local Life: Do not touch endemic plants; do not leave the route set by the guide in protected areas; reduce single-use plastic consumption; ask permission before photographing people; choose clothing appropriate to local customs; do not touch marine life. Current Official Advisory: As of July 19, 2026, the UK FCDO advises against all travel to Yemen (including Socotra) due to the unpredictability of security conditions. The implementation of this program is subject to a reassessment of current security, flight, visa and insurance conditions close to the travel date. UNESCO World Heritage Site (2008): The Socotra Archipelago is a biodiversity hotspot unlike anywhere else in the world, where 37% of plant species, 90% of reptile species and 95% of land snail species are found nowhere else. The best time to visit is between October and April, with February to April especially recommended.