Often called the “Jewel of Arabia” or the “Galapagos of the Middle East,” the Yemeni island of Socotra is celebrated for its extraordinary biodiversity and marine landscapes. Situated at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East, the island is home to rare wildlife, ancient ecosystems, and deep cultural traditions. With tranquil lagoons, otherworldly fauna, and white sand beaches, travelers can immerse themselves in one of the most unique environments on Earth. During the trip, travelers will encounter rare wildlife such as spinner dolphins and leopard whiprays while exploring the island’s diverse terrains - from lagoons, caves, and canyons to iconic Dragon Blood trees and Frankincense trees. Travelers will experience the local Bedouin culture by meeting nomadic herdsmen and enjoying tea in their homes, gaining insight into their way of life. Travelers should be in moderate physical condition and expect to be on their feet exploring the island.
This is an 8-day trip that costs $2,450. The trip is led by Untamed Borders, an adventure travel company specialized in some of the world’s most interesting and inaccessible places. They run cultural tours as well as adventure sports including skiing, trekking, marathons and more. Whenever possible, proceeds from the trip are directed back to the communities visited and the trips are always led by local guides.