The map below shows the areas that we explored on this day
Farewell to Socotra
Our final full day on Socotra began just outside Hadiboh, near the village of Hulaf, where we had camped overnight in our usual way—sleeping in tents beside a small house that served as our kitchen and dining space. The morning was calm and unhurried, spent swimming and relaxing in the warm sun, savoring the last of the island’s peaceful rhythm.
After lunch, we set off toward the eastern tip of the island. There, scattered along the shore, we came across the haunting remains of marine giants—whale skeletons, or at least large sections of them, and the massive shells of sea turtles. It was a stark and humbling reminder of the natural cycles that shape life here.
Later in the afternoon, we discovered a quiet, hidden cove—our so-called “goodbye beach.” It was the perfect place for one final swim in the turquoise waters, with the warm sea breeze and rugged rocks providing a serene backdrop to reflect on our journey. As we relaxed, we watched hundreds of tiny hermit crabs scurrying across the sand and climbing over boulders, each one hauling a mismatched, adopted shell on its back. It was a small, mesmerizing world in motion—a gentle, playful farewell from the island itself.
As evening fell, we returned to Hadiboh for one final walk through the city. After sunset, the city came alive. Shops opened, streets buzzed with activity, and people filled the markets and cafés. The heat of the day gave way to a vibrant night scene, with social life continuing well past midnight. We wandered through the busy streets, capturing moments of joy, commerce, and community—images that would become our final memories of this remarkable island.
It was a beautiful, bittersweet farewell to Socotra—a place unlike anywhere else on Earth.
