Small, guided trips led by people who know this island’s every trail by heart.
Far out in the Indian Ocean lies an island that could belong to another planet: dragon’s blood trees shaped like open umbrellas, vast white dunes spilling down to a turquoise sea, and plants that grow nowhere else on Earth. We take you to one of the strangest, most beautiful places our world has to offer.
Isolated from the mainland since ancient times, Socotra has grown into a natural world unlike anywhere else. Around a third of its plants exist on this one island and nowhere else. Walk across its high plateaus and you feel less like a tourist and more like an explorer who has wandered onto another world.
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Nights under skies with no light pollution. Fresh fish grilled over an open fire. Snorkelling above untouched reefs, hikes into hidden canyons, and a welcome so warm it stays with you long after you leave. The kind of memories that never fade, made in one of the last truly wild places on Earth.
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Set off with a small group on set dates, guided by locals who know every trail. It’s the easiest, most relaxed way to take in the island’s highlights alongside like-minded travellers.
Your own expedition, at your own pace and built entirely around what you want to see. Three ways to travel Socotra privately:
Join Nick Schmid and shoot Socotra in its very best light, from sunrise over the towering coastal dunes to the Milky Way arching above the dragon’s blood trees. Small groups mean more time in the most photogenic spots, plus hands-on coaching and the kind of tips that turn a good shot into a great one.
Just tell us when you’d like to go and how many of you there are, and we’ll find the right way onto the island for you.
First of all, another huge thank-you for the incredible trip to Socotra. Being with you and the wonderful group was just brilliant. Honestly, I was never once bored, and how we laughed around the table from early morning till late at night. What a beautiful journey, and now a treasured memory.
The whole trip was superbly organised, and Nick was always there whenever I needed a hand or some advice. An unforgettable, one-of-a-kind adventure. Thank you!!
As someone who isn’t a photographer, I felt so welcome on the 2025 Socotra photography tour. The way you, Nick, and especially local guide Salem looked after everyone’s individual wishes was wonderful. A thousand thanks for such a unique, adventurous and priceless trip. I can’t imagine a better company to travel with.
Nick is a professional landscape photographer and guide. He’s travelled to Socotra many times, worked on and produced film projects there, and now runs trips to this extraordinary island.
Alongside him is Salem, one of Socotra’s most experienced guides and a committed conservationist. Up on the Dixam plateau he runs a nursery for young dragon’s blood trees, and he’s spent years working to protect the extraordinary nature of his home.
Together, Nick and Salem founded socotra.eu. Their trips bring together genuine, first-hand experiences, deep local knowledge and a real commitment to conservation, always with one goal: to share the beauty of Socotra responsibly and sustainably.
Meet the team →The practical essentials, from entry requirements to what to pack, explained simply and honestly.
Yes. Socotra sits around 350 km off the Yemeni mainland and isn’t affected by the conflict there. The island is calm and its people wonderfully welcoming. We’ve worked with trusted local partners here for years. Read more on our safety page.
You fly in from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, and we’re happy to arrange the flight for you. You’ll find all the details on our flights to Socotra page.
October to April is the sweet spot. Over the summer, the monsoon makes the island hard to reach. See the full picture on our best time to visit page.
Yes. Socotra needs a special visa, and we take care of it for you. All we need is a copy of your passport. More on our visa page.
Our guided trips start at €2,100 per person, and that covers everything on the ground: guide, transport, meals, accommodation and more. The flight from Jeddah, which we arrange, is priced separately. You’ll find a clear breakdown on our costs page.
Small by design: never more than 10 travellers per group. Prefer to go your own way? A private tour works for as few as one person.
Personal advice, quick replies and a trip planned entirely around you. We’d love to hear from you.