Socotra Essence Expeditions is a social enterprise, A licensed local tour company, to make an positive impact on the Socotra Archipelago. We ensure that you have an unforgettable trip while contributing to employment and stimulating the local economy.

TOUR PRICES STARTS FROM $850 TOUR PRICES STARTS FROM:
$1000 HOW TO GET THERE
ANY ENQUIRIES
Explore the essence of Socotra.

This Arabian island has – like the Galápagos – evolved in near-isolation. That means its UNESCO alien landscapes host one of the highest levels of species endemism, plenty of opportunity for adventure thrill and an enthralling cultural past and present.

Socotra Essence Expeditions is a licensed tour operator based in the heart of Socotra Island. We provide responsible tourism services to customers planning to visit Socotra Island, whether individually or in groups. Our expedition trips aim to preserve the unique and fragile environment of Socotra and to support the locals.

To express your interest and for further information, please contact us at: see@endlesssocotra.com, or book a consultation with us by clicking on the button above.

It is a place full of surprises, with nature that you have never seen before. The island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique landscapes and the enormous variety of plants and animals. Here you will find rare and exotic species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

The island of Socotra is known for its safety and tranquility, with no local tensions or crime. Although it belongs to Yemen, Socotra is one of the safest places to visit. The island is untouched and offers peace of mind in every way.

Socotra receives less than 4,000 travelers per year, wich is equivalent the least visited country in the world.

There’s no public transportation nor car rentals on the island and locals don’t drive much either. Hotels are only located in the capital (Hadibo).

The tour doesn’t mean that you need to travel with a group. Many travelers go with their partner, friend, or even alone. It just means that your trip will be facilitated by a local agency. You’ll have a driver, cook, and guide. Sometimes all in one. 

– You come alone: $1700
– You come together (2-3 persons): $1400 (pp)
– You come with a group of 4-5 people: $1200 (pp)
– You come with a group of 6-15 people: $1000 (pp)

– Airport transfer in Socotra
– 4WD landcruiser with premium service, comfortably seats + driver and all travelers have a window seat
– Double tent for single use (we provide bigger tents for couples) that we pitch and fold for you
– Mattress, bed sheets, pillow, pillow cover and blanket
– Food: 3 meals per day (we cater to most dietary and religious restrictions)
– Purified drinking-water, coffee, tea, soft drinks
– Protected areas fees and other permit fees
– Boat cruise;
– Assisted by guides who know the region inside out.

– Flights Abu Dhabi to Socotra (return) $930
– Visa $150
– Insurance
– Tips for the accompanying team, from guides, drivers camp makers to cook
– Personal expenses (souvenirs)

The 7-day expeditions can run all year round (from Tuesday to Tuesday) except between June and September when strong monsoon winds hit the islands, contributing to Socotra’s inaccessibility.

Why destination Socotra

The Socotra Archipelago represents an unparalleled and untouched destination in the world. This archipelago of scenic mountains and pristine beaches in the Indian Ocean, about 340 kilometres south of mainland Yemen, remains largely unknown to the average tourist. Through millennia of isolation from the mainland, a rare and distinctive array of flora and fauna flourishes here. Within this realm, you will encounter endemic botanical wonders such as the dragon tree and the desert rose.

Through an engaging and experiential approach, we come face to face with some of Socotra’s most iconic biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes. Exploring Socotra through Socotra Essence Expeditions offers a distinctive itinerary, gaurantees every visitor has an unique and unforgettable experience.

Socotra is a peaceful haven, a safe place for tourism and Socotrans welcome tourists with open arms. Socotra’s isolation is a hidden blessing. Socotra’s safety owes a lot to its unique location and culture. Much is spoken about the conflicts in mainland Yemen. While Yemen grapples with internal conflicts, Socotra has been completely isolated from any distress related to those conflicts. Most embassies even have strict travel warnings advising people to stay away. Socotra doesn’t fit this scary picture at all. The island has its own Governor responsible for its people, a small population with their own cultural language. When you’re on the island, it’s hard to imagine any conflict happening of mainland Jemen.

Socotri people

Socotrans have their unique culture and warm hospitality make your experience on the island even more special. The concept of ‘karama’ or hospitality and generosity is held very dear by locals and do everything to make you feel at home.

Birthday’s are not celebrated here, age is not something you keep a tight record of. It’s just something that’s part of the natural flow of life, like the windy season that comes in June, or the rains that cascade down from the mountains in winter. 



The people have a very rich and ancient poetic tradition that is a treasure trove of their cultural traditions and language. They speak their own Semitic language, Soqotri, it is a pre-literate language and as yet has no written form, and the rich and descriptive vocabulary and terminology handed down from generation to generation is an oral tradition.

General info.

Name island: Socotra (part of Yemen)

Inhabitants: 60.000

Language: Socotri, Arabic

Capital: Hadibu

Area: of 3796 sq. kms, measures approximately 132km long and 49km wide.

Topographically divided into three main zones: the coastal plains, a limestone plateau and the Hagghier mountains.

Highest elevation: 1525 m

Legends & Myths

Socotra is a realm shrouded in mysticism and wonder, where the air is thick with legends and myths that have transcended generations. These captivating stories are not just stories: they embody the island’s rich history and vibrant culture, and enhance Socotra’s enchanting appeal.

One of the most intriguing myths surrounding Socotra is that of the ‘jinn’, or supernatural spirits that are believed to inhabit the island. According to local legend, the jinn are mischievous and unpredictable, and can take on many forms, including animals and humans.


Tour dates 2025/2026

From the end of September till May the tour commences and finishes at Socotra Airport (Weekly 2 flights from Abu Dhabi). Upcoming tour dates.

The iconic tree, Dracaena Cinnabari

According to legend, the dragon’s blood tree was created when a dragon was killed on the island, and its blood spilled onto the ground, creating the iconic red resin that the tree is famous for. The dragon’s blood tree is now a symbol of the island and its unique flora.

Every night you sleep in a different beautiful location in your own private double tent. Daily our team will pitch (and fold up) the tents for you with all the camping equipment while ensuring that your journey is as comfortable as possible.

The experience

This camping trip provides a fantastic opportunity to fully experience Socotra’s coastlines, mountains, canyons, and plateaus. You’ll travel by land cruiser across the island’s rugged roads to hike through forests and canyons, explore a complex cave system, swim in naturally-formed freshwater pools, walk white sand beaches, meet locals, embark on a boat ride to a secluded beach with perfect turquoise waters, look for marine life in lagoons, and scale massive sand dunes. What more could one ask for while surrounded by otherworldly landscapes?

How you will travel around Socotra? Well, in the most fun way possible – by 4×4 land cruiser. There are so many incredible places to discover, Wadis to roam and canyons to tackle. Expect to travel on foot as well, so bring a good pair of hiking boots, and get ready to camp under a sky full of stars every night while sharing meals and camaraderie with your local guides and travel mates. Socotra is host to an extraordinary array of landscapes and endless possibilities. For those who love the water, crystal clear reefs, bioluminescence, and even the chance to catch a glimpse of a whale shark. The rest is up to your imagination.

“Our trips are curated in a way to ensure you get a real authentic local experience but with an extra touch of comfort.”
To express your interest in a tour or to get a quote, please contact us

TRAVEL REQUEST

Translate »