.png)
Socotra
embark with us on an unforgettable journey to
Socotra feels like another planet.
Dragon blood trees. White dunes touching the sea. Clear water everywhere.
It is peaceful, slow, untouched, and full of life.
Hosted by Ricardo Braz & Leo Cavazzana
November 20-27th, 2026
.png)
What is Socotra
​​
This journey isn’t just about taking photos; it’s about living fully in one of the most surreal landscapes on Earth.
​
Socotra is a small island in the Arabian Sea. It belongs to Yemen but lies far from the mainland.
It is one of the safest and calmest islands in the region, as it is mainly controlled by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Due to its great distance from the Yemeni mainland, Socotra remains unaffected by the political unrest and conflicts that occur in some parts of Yemen. Travel is via Abu Dhabi and the Yemeni mainland is not entered at any time.
​
There are only 2 weekly flights, so tourism is very controlled. The island is empty, peaceful, and friendly.
​
People live a slow and simple life. They smile, they help, and they welcome travelers.
There are no big cities, no crowds, no noise. Only mountains, canyons, beaches, and trees that exist nowhere else on earth.
Traveling in Socotra is easy. Our local team takes care of all logistics. They arrange flights, visas, transport, meals, and campsites. You just enjoy the journey.
Whether you’re a photographer, writer, filmmaker, or simply someone curious to experience the world more deeply, you’re welcome. No gear, skill level, or background required.
For 8 days, our small group (10-12 people) will travel in private vehicles with local guides, sharing moments that go far beyond sightseeing. The accommodation will be camping (there are no hotels on the island), where every day we move to a new location, according to where we're photographing. The tents can be single or double.
Expect open conversations, creative exercises, and time to let the island spark something new inside you. This is not a class, it’s a creative retreat disguised as an expedition.
​
Hosts: Ricardo Braz & Leo Cavazanna
​
Trip Highlights
-
Dragon blood forests
-
Detwah Lagoon
-
Shuab Beach and dolphins
-
Diksam Plateau
-
Hoq Cave
-
Omaq Beach
-
Homhail Infinity Pool
-
Big white sand dunes
-
Canyons with crystal pools
-
Stars every night
​
Itinerary
​
Since we're traveling in a private group, our itinerary is completely flexible. We'll adapt conform the weather and group energy. We'll photograph sunrises and sunsets every day, and set camp in the most beautiful locations.
​
Day 1
Arrive at Abu Dhabi Airport 3 hours before your flight to Socotra. Please note that check-in counters close 90 minutes before departure. Our team will pick you up from Socotra Airport and transfer you to your first
camping spot at Detwah Lagoon. Upon arrival, relax by the lagoon, go for a swim, or explore the stunning cliffs that offer a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the area.
Dinner at the camp.
​
Day 2
Breakfast at the camp.
15-minute drive to Qalansiyeh, a picturesque fishing village.
30-minute boat ride to the pristine Shuab Beach. If we’re lucky, you may spot spinner dolphins and even
whale sharks along the way. Spend the morning enjoying the peaceful beach atmosphere and your favorite tunes.
Return to the lagoon for lunch.
20-minute walk to Eliah, the famous Socotra “caveman” (optional).
Dinner at camp.
​
​
Day 3
After breakfast we travel through the heart of the island and enter Wadi Dirhur.
If it is the wet season, natural pools appear, and we can stop for a refreshing swim.
We continue to Diksam Plateau, meet local families, and learn about the red sap from the dragon blood trees.
By the end of the day we reach Firhmin Forest, one of the most magical places in Socotra.
We have dinner surrounded by ancient trees.
​
Day 4
The morning starts with a walk through the forest and soft sunrise light shining through the trees.
We learn how the red sap is collected and then visit Degub Cave.
Lunch is served at Omaq Beach, a calm and open place to rest.
In the afternoon we move to the Hayf and Zahaq dunes, where golden sand meets the sea and the sunset is unforgettable.
Dinner is served by the beach.
​
​
Day 5
After breakfast we explore Wadi Kalissan, a canyon filled with bottle trees and white stone walls.
We hike down to a natural freshwater pool where we can swim and relax.
A small snack waits for us when we return to the cars.
Later we reach Archer Beach, a place of giant white dunes falling into the ocean.
We swim, rest and enjoy the evening light.
Dinner is by the beach.
​​
Day 6
Those who want can climb the dunes for sunrise.
After breakfast we begin the trek to Hoq Cave, a long and beautiful walk that leads into a huge cave full of stalagmites and ancient shapes.
If you prefer, you can spend the morning relaxing at the beach instead.
We reunite for lunch and then move toward Ras Aresal to watch the sun fall into the Arabian Sea.
Dinner follows at camp.
​
​
​
Day 7
We travel to Homhail and either drive or hike to the natural infinity pool.
The pool sits above the valley with a wide view over mountains and trees.
We swim and rest, then have lunch by a nearby wadi.
In the afternoon we reach Dihamri Marine Protected Area for snorkeling in clear water with colorful coral.
There is an optional short climb for a final sunset view.
Dinner is served at camp.
​
​
Day 8
We shoot one last sunrise, enjoy breakfast and stop in Hadiboh to buy local souvenirs.
Then we head to the airport.
Saying goodbye to Socotra is always hard, but the island stays with you.
​
​
​
*Our itinerary is flexible. Depending on the conditions, we want to spend 2 nights in the Dragon Tree Forest to photograph the full moon (November 24th).
Safety
​
Socotra is very safe and very calm.
There is almost no crime and the local people are kind and protective of visitors.
The island is small and easy to navigate.
Our trusted local team stays with us the whole time and takes care of every detail.
Tourism on the island is well controlled.
There are no crowds and no busy areas.
Nature is the main focus, which creates a peaceful and relaxed environment.
The only thing to prepare for is that flights can sometimes shift because there is only one weekly flight. We plan everything with this in mind and guide you through every step.
Logistics
Traveling to Socotra is simple, but it has a few important steps.
Our team handles everything once you reach Abu Dhabi.
Flights to Abu Dhabi
All flights to Socotra leave from Abu Dhabi only.
There are no other international routes.
You must fly to Abu Dhabi first, usually one or two days before the trip starts. This flight is not included in the package.
We will give you the exact meeting time at the airport.
Check the entry rules for your nationality to see if you need a visa for the United Arab Emirates.
Most travelers do not need one for short stays, but it is important to double check.
Flights from Abu Dhabi to Socotra
Our team books and organizes the round-trip flight to Socotra for you.
This includes the flight to the island and the flight back to Abu Dhabi after the trip.
We also manage all the paperwork and all the local permits required for these flights.
You only need to book your international flight to Abu Dhabi.
We take care of the rest.
Visas and Permits
We handle the Socotra visa for every guest.
We also arrange all entry permits for the island, national parks, camps, and protected areas.
Nothing is required from your side except a valid passport.
Israeli, Saudi, and Iranian passports are banned from Yemen.
Drone License
Flying a drone in Socotra is possible but requires an official permit.
Our team can arrange it for you before the trip.
The cost is 120 USD, paid separately.
Without this license, drones cannot be used on the island.
Photographic equipment
​
There is no mandatory equipment - what you have is enough! That said, below is a list of equipment and accessories that, if you have them, will provide a better photographic experience. Remember that, on trips like this, we can always share material and equipment so that we all have an incredible experience!
-
Camera;
-
Lenses: a 24-70 or equivalent will get you covered for most of the trip, but also wide-angle for night photography, and tele lenses for compressed shots work well - we recommend taking all you have!
-
Tripod - especially for night photo shoots;
-
Extra batteries;
-
Memory Cards;
-
Cables and chargers;
-
Polarizing/ND filter;
-
HD or SSD for storage;
-
Laptop (preferably with Lightroom and Photoshop installed);
-
Drone;
-
External battery.
​
Investment
The price of the trip is 4195 USD.
Use the "EARLYBIRD" discount at checkout for 5% off if booked until February 15th, 2026.
​
-
Payment options:
Deposit of 1000$ to secure reservations and monthly installments until the date of travel.
​
-
What's included:
-
Visa
-
Flights to/from Socotra to Abu Dhabi
-
Entry permits
-
Camping gear
-
English-speaking guide
-
Daily excursions
-
All meals and drinks
-
Boat trip
-
Snorkeling
-
Starlink WiFi when available
-
​
-
What's not included:
-
Flight tickets to Adu Dhabi;
-
Health insurance;
-
Equipment insurance;
-
Drinks;
-
Tips;
-
Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, SIM cards, snacks, etc.
-
Optional tours and activities.​
-
​
*We advise you not to don't buy your flight ticket until the trip is confirmed by us, or buy it with a flexible fare!*