best time to visit socotra island

• Blog & Content Creation (3)
• Bucket List Destinations (39)
• Digital Nomadism (44)
• Scotland (46)
• Van Build (11)
• Van Life (6)

• Bucket List Destinations

Best Time to Visit Socotra: Month-By-Month Breakdown

• 9th December 2022
• 3 minute read

Socotra is one of the most unique places in the world! With other-worldly plant species, surreal scenery and unspoiled lands, there is no doubt that you should travel during the best time to visit Socotra to experience the most value from your trip.

The island of Socotra is situated south of Mainland Yemen between the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. In fact, even though the island is part of Yemen, it’s actually closer to Somalia. It has over 70,000 inhabitants in an area of 3,796 square kilometres. Most of the island is barely inhabited as most of the population lives in the main town of Hadibo next to Socotra Airport.

Table of Contents

February to march, april to may, june to august, september to october, when should i go to socotra.

Don’t have time to read this now?  Pin this blog for later .

What is the Best Time to Visit Socotra?

It’s important to align your visit to Socotra with the appropriate season because there is so much to explore! The climate of Socotra Island has two distinct harsher seasons; cyclone and monsoon. Make sure you don’t find yourself amongst these less forgiving climates!

The following is an overview of the average monthly temperatures and the amount of rainfall .. .

Continue reading for a monthly breakdown of the typical weather you could expect on the island…

The first month of the year marks the beginning of the dry season. Rain showers become less frequent, but they leave the island’s landscape well-nourished and lusciously green. The disadvantage of January is that the previous seasons’ rainfall might be evident along the dirt roads as they may have been damaged as a result.

The months of February and March are the best time to visit Socotra because the weather is generally dry and relatively cool, plus, the seawater is also calmer and clearer. This combination of perfect conditions is great for typical island activities; snorkelling, hiking and camping. As an added bonus, the iconic Bottle Trees also begin to bloom in March, revealing their pretty pink and picturesque flowers.

Both April and May are still great months to visit the island of Socotra. As April brings warmer temperatures, it also marks the end of the dry season on Socotra. Temperatures could reach up to 38 degrees celsius near the coasts, but the mountainous regions would experience a slight chill during the evenings. The winds will gradually increase, also.

June, July and August are subject to the island of Socotra’s cyclone season; you could experience strong winds, especially along the north coast. Regardless, flights still operate (albeit with frequent cancellations), but most tour companies do not run trips at this time.

As the island vacates the windy season, it is still somewhat windy, and more so in the north. Typically, there would be no rain and the temperature could still be quite warm. Therefore, the travel season begins on the island once again, starting in October.

November brings a higher chance of rain, although this may only be infrequent and scattered showers. Since the weather is fairly stable at this time, tour companies will still organise trips throughout the month.

December is the wettest month of the year! For context, Socotra can typically receive almost half of its annual rainfall in December alone. Some roads may become impassable and off-roading is likely to be impossible, with snorkelling and trekking conditions not being ideal either. So generally speaking, December is not the best time to visit the island .

The travel season on the island of Socotra is typically between October and May. Any month other than those can yield difficult living conditions, especially for camping. My preferred time to visit Socotra is between February and May whilst the weather is pleasant; temperatures are not too hot, there will be little rainfall and the sea is generally more calm and clear.

Let’s go! @katie.maree

Did You Know…

If you purchase through a KatieGoes link, we receive a small amount but you still pay the same. This contribution helps keep this blog moving – win, win! Nevertheless, I only recommend personal favourites…

🎒 My Gear : Check my travel essentials for backpacking, van life and outdoor adventures.

🏥 SafetyWing : Stay protected with travel insurance made by nomads, for nomads.

📱 Airalo : Always be connected with a super simple eSim for almost every country!

🦈 SurfShark : Safely explore the internet with a world-renowned and trusted VPN .

💰 Wise : Send or receive money internationally for minimal fees – my life saviour!

👫 GetYourGuide : Find group tours, guides and day trips at unbeatable prices.

Save this on Pinterest

Are you short on time? Click on the  Save  button to decide later which would be the best time to visit Socotra.

Hey! I'm a Scottish backpacker turned digital nomad with a passion for the outdoors, van life, and international travel. I travelled 100 countries before I turned 30 years of age. Now... Let's go everywhere!

You May Also Like

Great Ocean Road Campervan Itinerary & Full Trip Guide

• 6th February 2024

Tuvalu Travel Guide: How to Get to Tuvalu & Where to Stay

• 5th February 2024

How to Ride the Iron Ore Train in Mauritania (Safely!)

• 4th February 2024

9 BEST Great Ocean Road Tours from Melbourne

• 25th February 2023

How to Get a Job in Australia as a Foreigner (The ULTIMATE Guide)

• 18th February 2023

19 AMAZING Things To Do In Pokhara Lakeside (Day & Night)

• 19th December 2022

The 13 BEST Things to See on Socotra Island

• 16th December 2022

13 Saudi Arabia Travel Tips You MUST Know

• 11th December 2022

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

Socotra Travel Guide

Updated April 2 024, The Socotra Travel Guide was originally written in May 2019

After several years of being nearly cut off from the outside world, Socotra is finally opening back up to tourism again. In this Socotra Travel Guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to visit the mysterious island coined ‘the most alien-looking place on Earth’.

Socotra is located in the Arabian Sea nearly halfway between Yemen and Somalia. About 80 million years ago during the Miocene Epoch, the island was separated from the Arabian Peninsula and left in isolation. Thanks to this long-standing isolation, Socotra was allowed to become home to one of the highest concentrations of endemic flora and fauna on Earth, putting it up in the ranks of places like the Galapagos, Hawaii, New Caledonia, and New Zealand.

In 2015  war broke out on the mainland of Yemen , though it was spiraling in that direction for several years leading up. This war is what cut Socotra nearly off from the outside world until late 2018 when new flights from Cairo had been announced. If you’re starting to plan your own visit to Socotra, I recommend picking up a copy of Bradt’s Socotra Guidebook , the first-ever in print (I also contributed to it too!).

Need Travel Insurance and Evacuation Services for Socotra?

Start shopping for travel insurance plans over at  IATI Insurance . Readers of the Adventures of Nicole get a 5% discount off your plan.

The Adventures of Nicole partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading medical evacuation and security advisory services. To travel with peace of mind, shop evacuation coverage at Global Rescue .

Looking to join one of our group trips to Socotra?  Click here  for more info, itineraries, and to sign up

Socotra Travel Quick Info

Currency-  Yemeni Rial

Language-  Socotri is the language of the island, a Semitic language. Arabic is spoken widely as well. English, Russian, French, and German-speaking guides can be hired as well.

Population-  Approximately 70,000.

When To Go-  October through mid-May is the best time to visit as there are less likely chances of storms. February to May have the driest and clearest weather, while October to January has a higher likelihood of rain though still relatively low. Mid May through September is generally not recommended due to storms and winds, however, kite surfers will find the best conditions during these months.

What To Wear-  More conservative clothing will be better welcomed when in towns and villages. Women should wear clothing that covers the body, shoulders, and legs (wearing a headscarf will be very welcomed in towns/villages too, though they are not compulsory), and men should avoid shorts above the knee when visiting towns and villages. When out hiking, at the beach, camping, and exploring nature this is more relaxed.

Temperatures can get quite hot and humid on Socotra, though in the Haggier Mountains nighttime temps can get cool enough to warrant a light jacket or fleece.

What not to wear- Skimpy clothing outside of beach/swimming areas. Of course, Socotris will likely not say anything but know that walking around half-naked is disrespectful to the locals as Socotra is still a very conservative society.

Check out  Socotra in photos

Getting A Yemeni Visa

Getting a Yemeni visa isn’t something you can just go do on your own at present. Yemeni embassies and consulates will not issue tourist visas. You will need to apply via a tour agency in Socotra that will get the visa approved by the government and send you a paper copy of this.

You will need this visa approval paper in order to board your Yemenia or Air Arabia flights (or arranging the ship from Salalah if traveling by sea). This visa paper will also be needed to clear immigration at Socotra Airport if flying in via Abu Dhabi or at Aden Airport if coming from Cairo (or at Socotra port if you will arrive by ship).

Note that you may be asked if you’d like your passport stamped on arrival. If you do not they will stamp a separate sheet of paper (this is thanks to the US making travelers to a handful of Middle Eastern countries ineligible for ESTA if they travel to any of them).

If you want to read the full guide on how to get a Yemeni visa,  click here .

Please do not email me asking how you can get a Yemeni visa without booking an agency because YOU don’t want to be guided, pay for it, etc. I DO NOT MAKE THE RULES. 

Read:  How to get a Yemeni visa to visit Socotra

How To Travel To Socotra

I have an entire post dedicated to explaining how to get to Socotra in detail that you can visit  here .

You will either arrive by Yemenia flight IY611/420 from Cairo /Aden or by Air Arabia Flight 476 from Abu Dhabi, or via the cement ship from Salalah, Oman . Neither route is easy to arrange so if you are serious about visiting I recommend reading the above-mentioned post.

There are also sporadic departures of ships from Al Mukalla bound for Socotra, however, this would require you to already be in the mainland of Yemen which is generally not recommended. It’s also worth noting that there has been an uptick in piracy in the Gulf of Aden since 2015.

Everything you need to know:  How to get to Socotra

USD is the most widely accepted foreign currency and the easiest to exchange on the island. Bring enough cash in USD to pay for your trip.

For small personal purchases such as souvenirs, you can convert USD into Yemeni Rial in Hadiboh at one of the many exchange offices around town.

As of April 2024, it was trading at about 1,200 YER to the dollar. You can easily pay for purchases with small denominations of USD. $1 notes are best (think drinks and snacks from shops and small souvenirs).

Getting Around

As getting a visa secured to visit requires booking a tour, you’ll surely be on a tour of the island.

You will get around the island by 4WD mostly, and dhow boat when visiting Shua’ab Beach. There are several hikes and camel trekking that can be done on the island as well.

Please note that there are no car rentals on the island and no formal public transport aside from the occasional buses I’ve seen between Hadiboh and the communities along the northwest coast and Hadiboh to the communities along the northeast coast to Qalansiya. I’ve also seen smaller minibusses between smaller towns and villages on Socotra, but I have not found any formal timetables.

Accommodations

While there are two hotels in Hadiboh you’ll most likely be camping in tents for the duration of your visit. Many places you’ll want to visit are far from Hadiboh and in my personal opinion going back and forth from Hadiboh every day is a complete waste of time, alas I can’t tell you how to live your life…

There are two hotels in Hadiboh- Summerlands Hotel and Socotra Eco Lodge, but please note both are very basic.

Where To Go On Socotra

With the gorgeous Haggier Mountains as a looming backdrop, Hadiboh is the main city on the island with about 8,000 residents. Most all the shops, offices, and supplies are centered here. There are small restaurants and street food, a bazaar, money exchange, a medical clinic, and more here in Hadiboh.

It’s definitely worth spending a day, or at least part of a day exploring Hadiboh. Don’t miss the fish market just out of town.

Expect to get a lot of stares, curious interactions, smiles, and hellos from local Socotris. More often than not people will walk up to you and try to communicate or ask you to take their photos.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of garbage all over the streets in Hadiboh. Locals and foreigners alike have tried to make efforts to change this but lose hope when in a matter of days it looks exactly the same.

In reality, the island needs a landfill and infrastructure in place as this is a larger problem than just simply cleaning up (they need a place to put waste). Another attribution to the problem is the import of packaged goods from other nations (Saudi Arabia, UAE, etc), that use A LOT of plastic packaging.

The northwest of Socotra is home to some of the most beautiful coastal scenery on Earth. Think ribbons of white sand, waters that transition from aquamarine to turquoise to emerald green, and finally to sapphire.

• Qalansiya-  This is Socotra’s second-largest city and the jumping-off point for adventures to Shua’ab Beach. It’s worth spending at least a couple hours meandering down the handful of streets, expect to attract a crowd of local kids.
• Detwah Lagoon-  Imagine blinding white sand with swirls of crystal clear water– this is Detwah Lagoon. Detwah is great for swimming and checking out the island’s marine life. It’s almost guaranteed Abdullah ‘the caveman” will find you here and invite you out for a few hours of catching seafood which he will take you to his cave and cook up. On the west end of the lagoon, there is a great lookout up a hill. A lovely woman (a sister in law of ‘the caveman’) named Saadia lives near the Detwah camp and is a joy to spend time with.
• Shua’ab-  With no road you’ll most likely arrive here by dhow boat from Qalansiya, but hiking here is a possibility. Shua’ab is a small and remote village set along a beautiful white sand beach flanked by arid cliffs. On the boat ride out here keep your eyes peeled for spinner dolphins.
• Balaqthan Sinkhole-  Roughly halfway between Hadiboh and Qalansiya you’ll reach the village of Balaqthan (just before nearby Ghubba) just off the main paved road. You can follow dirt tracks out there to visit the village (if you arrive when kids are on the afternoon break they’ll be really curious) which has a decent-sized sinkhole just off the beach. Many locals believe it’s the result of a meteor strike (similar to  Bimmah Sinkhole  in Oman), however, it is more than likely just a result of stone that collapsed here long ago.
• Balaqthan Salt Mine-  Directly across the main road from the Balaqthan Sinkhole is the Balaqthan Salt Mine. This circular depression is filled with salty water that evaporates, allowing for locals to mine salt from the pool.

Socotra’s northeast offers up caves, plateaus, wild beaches, dunes, and heaps of endemic flora.

• Homhil Protected Area-  Home to an abundance of Socotra’s endemic flora including dragon blood trees, bottle trees, and frankincense. Near the edge of Homhil, there is a natural pool that has epic views down onto the Arabian Sea below. After heavy rainfall in October 2019, the tracks to Homhil were washed out but should be restored soon.
• Arher Beach & Dunes-  This is a popular camping site for locals. Arher has a long white sand beach and is backed by massive white dunes pushed up against the cliffside. When I was here in March 2019 the beach was lit with blue bioluminescent plankton at night so do check for it.
• Dihamri Marine Protected Area-  Socotra’s prime spot for snorkeling and diving along reefs. There is a small dive shop that rents out snorkel masks and fins as well as dive gear.
• Hoq Cave-  The largest cave on the island accessible by a two-hour uphill hike from the village of Saqra. Trust me, the trek is worth it for what the cave holds. Fascinating rock formations, larger than life stalagmites and stalactites, a lake, and more await you in Hoq Cave. Bring a headlamp and flashlight.
• Delisha Beach-  Not far from Hadiboh is the little beach area of Delisha. Prior to the cyclones that ravaged the island in 2015 Adeeb’s Eco Lodge sat right off the beach. It is currently being rebuilt and you can camp there.
• Ras Irisal-  As far east in Socotra you can possibly go. Ras Irisal is a small beach from which most of the fisherman in the village of Irisal depart from. This is also the spot where the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet. Make sure and stop by the village as well, the locals are friendly and the kids will get a kick out of playing with foreigners.
• Crab City-  On a small cape-like piece of land that juts out to the north into the sea near the furthest east end of Socotra sits a beach facing toward the northeast that has thousands of little pyramids on it. Welcome to Crab City. These little pyramids are formed by the ghost crabs that call this beach home as they dig protective tunnels.
• Irisal Beach-  Irisal Beach sits on the opposite side of that little cape mentioned above, facing to the northwest. This is one of my favorite beaches in Socotra as it offers amazing views crystal clear waters and the Arher Dunes in the distance.
• Meeting Point Of The Oceans-  This is the easternmost point of Socotra Island. You’ll know if you’re in the right place if you reach a white sandy beach with humongous whale vertebrae on it. Continue on down to the water and you’ll find a rocky channel with a small rocky outcrop on the other side where you can find lots of balloon fish swimming around.
• Rash Marine Protected Area-  Another diving and snorkeling hotspot.
• Qaria Lagoon-  Home to a small village on its shore. Keep an eye out for pink flamingos in the lagoon.
• Socotra Folk Museum-  In the village of Riqela, along the main road connecting Hadiboh to Arher, you’ll pass the one-room Socotra Folk Museum. There are a handful of items inside including shells and corals collected from the shores, a sail, and various cultural artifacts including traditional Socotri clothing, a baby’s bassinet, and more.

Haggier Mountains & Central Socotra

This is where Socotra gets wild with deep wadis, jagged peaks, an out-of-this-world forest, and friendly Socotri Bedouin people.

• Haggier Mountains-  Rising from the Earth to heights of over 1,500 meters and home to Skånd Peak, Socotra’s highest point. The Haggier Mountains conveniently sit just south of Hadiboh. Several treks will take you to explore the Haggiers.
• Dixam Plateau-  This is the heart of Socotra, smack in the middle of the island. Dixam Plateau is home to a scattering of dragon blood trees, a dragon blood tree nursery, and views into Wadi Dirhur.
• Wadi Dirhur-  The Grand Canyon of Socotra. From Dixam Plateau delve 700 meters down into the oasis-like canyon. If you make a short detour to the southeast where Wadi Dirhur meets up with another canyon you’ll find freshwater pools waiting you can swim in, though some do have a lot of green algae, so you can expect to be turned green. From the wadi, you can trek up to the Firhmin Forest.
• Firhmin Forest –  The highest concentration of dragon blood trees in the entire world lies in this forest set atop the opposite side of Wadi Dirhur from Dixam Plateau.
• Wadi Faro-  This is a wild ride traveling along Wadi Faro from the north of Socotra to the south. There is a perfect oasis and nearby village halfway to break for lunch at.
• Wadi Ayhaft-  Wadi Ayhaft is located not too far from Hadiboh and is characterized by lush and green flora- you’ll see lots of Euphorbia trees, date palms, and succulents. You will eventually reach a large pool of water in the wadi.

Southern Socotra is the more off-beaten-path side of the island with sparse villages and wild beaches. Don’t miss the impressive Dagub Cave and the never ending dunes of Zahek and Hayf.

• Zahek & Hayf Sand Dunes – These fields of bright white sand dunes seem to continue you forever, that is until they drop off into the Indian Ocean. Early morning is a nice time to visit as winds are usually dead calm, however, the sunset is hard to beat.
• Omaq Beach-  This quiet beach along Socotra’s southern shore is the perfect place to camp and take in the island’s peaceful atmosphere.
• Dagub Cave-  The cave doesn’t go very deep but the opening of it is massive, to say the least.
• Kalysan-  A gorgeous string of wadi pools the gnarl together near the southwest of Socotra.
• Momi Plateau-  Just due south of Homhil Protected Area, Momi offers amazing views over the island as well as a scattering of frankincense, bottle and cucumber trees.
• Dahaisi Cave-  This cave is quite an effort to reach, but has some interesting art carvings found on the walls. To reach the cave you’ll need the help of a local guide to show you the way across the Momi Plateau.
• Steroh-  The village you’ll reach on the southern coast of Socotra as you descend out of the mountains along the main road crossing the island from the north.

Read:  10 days on Socotra Island, Yemen

The Other Islands Of The Socotra Archipelago

Socotra is actually comprised of six islands. These include Abd al Kuri, Samha, Darsa, Kal Firun, and Sabuniya aside from the main island of Socotra.

Only Abd al Kuri and Samha are inhabited (aside from the main Socotra Island). Samha and Darsa together are often referred to as ‘Al Akhawain’ translating out to ‘the brothers’.

I am tentatively planning another Outer Islands expedition for March 2024 that will take a group to explore these rarely visited islands as they require chartering a boat to reach them. Visit our page for this Socotra Archipelago Expedition to see full details and sign up.

• Abd al Kuri-  Abd al Kuri is the largest of the outer islands of the archipelago, located about 65 kilometers west of Socotra Island and home to less than 1,000 people. There are five main villages on the island and most inhabitants live off of fishing. Abd al Kuri is actually home to its own endemics including the Euphorbia abdalkuri, the rare Abd al Kuri Sparrow, and two species of lizard, the Mesalina kuri, and the Pristurus abdalkuri. The landscape of Abd al Kuri is arid, with hills that bisect the island and areas of sand beaches and high rocky cliffs. The sovereignty of Abd al Kuri is actually still disputed between Yemen and Somalia.
• Samha-  Samha is the smallest of the inhabited Socotra Islands and is home to a small population (I’ve seen estimates of around 100-200). There’s only one single village on Samha located on the northwest of the island. Much like Abd al Kuri, its sovereignty is disputed between Yemen and Somalia. The island is quite rugged and home to the rare endemic Begonia samhaensis.
• Darsa-  The smallest island of the Socotra Archipelago at 5.4 square kilometers and is completely uninhabited by humans. The island is mostly a barren-looking rock, though an unbelievably beautiful beach sits on the northwest coast that’s backed by craggy caves. Darsa is home to an abundant bird population and is infested by rats, which is why spending the night out here is not recommended.
• Kal Firun & Sabuniya-  Both Kal Firun and Sabuniya are rocky outcrops and not full-blown islands but are a part of the archipelago. Both islands are important to birdlife. Sabuniya is located about 15 kilometers off of Shua’ab Beach on Socotra Island’s northwest coast and Kal Firun is located about 25 kilometers north of Abd al Kuri.

Solo Female Travel In Socotra

Socotra is a great place to visit for intrepid solo female travelers. I actually visited “solo” (guide was mandatory) on my first trip in 2014 (my 2019-2024 visits were with a groups I brought to Socotra with the help of my local partners.

It’s worth noting that you won’t truly be solo as you’ll be guided on the island. That said, you should have plenty of chances to interact with local women.

Don’t miss the highest concentration of Dragon Blood Trees in  Firhmin Forest

Flora & Fauna

Socotra is famous for its endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. Many of the endemic fauna includes birds, reptiles, scorpions and spiders. Here are a few of the endemics that can be found on the island:

• ‘Dragon Blood Tree’  Dracaena Cinnabari –   Family: Asparagaceae . The famous trees are known for their unusual shape and blood-red sap. An icon of Socotra.
• ‘Bottle Tree’  Adenium Obesium Socotranum –   Family: Apocynaceae . Often described as looking like an elephant’s leg. Bottle trees are a type of desert rose and bloom pink flowers.
• ‘Cucumber Tree’  Dendrosicyos Socotranus –   Family: Cucurbitaceae . The only member of the Cucurbitaceae family that grows in tree form.
• ‘Socotra Frankincense’  Boswellia Socotrana –   Family: Burseraceae . Socotra is home to several types of Frankincense, however this is the only endemic Frankincense tree.
• ‘Socotra Acacia’  Acacia Pennivenia –   Family: Fabaceae . Found all throughout the island.
• ‘ Socotra Pomegranate’  Punica Protopunica-  Family: Lytheaceae.  Bears miniature pomegranates that are often too bitter for most people’s liking. The skins are usually crushed and then cooked down into a paste that is used to heal sores and wounds . 
• ‘Socotrine Aloe’  Aloe perryi-  Family: Asphodelaceae.  A type of aloe vera with important pharmaceutical and medicinal properties.

• ‘Socotra Cisticola’  Cisticola Haesitatus
• ‘Socotra Sunbrid’  Nectarinia Balfouri
• ‘Socotra Starling’  Onychognathus Frater
• ‘Socotra Sparrow’  Passer Insularis
• ‘Socotra Warbler’  Incana Incana
• ‘Socotra Golden Winged Grosbeak’  Rhynchostruthus Socotranus
• ‘Socotran Chameleon’  Chamaeleo Monachus
• ‘Socotran Tarantula’  Monocentropus Balfouri
• ‘Socotran Butterfly’  Bicyclus Anynana

Socotra Travel Safety

Socotra has been spared from the fighting that has gone on in mainland Yemen since the start of the war in 2015. The island has suffered consequences of the war such as lack of transport on and off the island, infrequent shipments from the mainland, price inflation, and loss of revenue from the tourism the island once brought in.

Socotra has also suffered a catastrophic cyclone, followed by another cyclone in late 2015 that damaged much of the little existing infrastructure. Some have been rebuilt since by “humanitarian efforts” by the UAE and to a lesser degree Saudi Arabia– though the efforts appear to be more of an attempt to gain influence on the island than a true offer of help.

Your biggest concerns visiting Socotra will be staying hydrated, protecting yourself from the sun, avoiding injuries while trekking, and food-borne illness. Look out for jellyfish when participating in water activities.

Socotra Souvenirs

Not really the shopping Meccas of nearby Dubai or Kish Island, but there are a handful of souvenirs to purchase.

• Socotri Honey-  Socotra has been prized historically for its honey. You will likely pay $35-50 USD depending on availability for a 1L bottle.
• Dragon Blood Resin-  in Homhil children will typically collect dragon blood resin, dry it, and sell it in little bags to travelers. You can usually find it for sale in Hadiboh as well. Historically the resin has been used medicinally, as a cosmetic, and as a varnish.
• Frankincense-  Much in the same way dragon blood is collected so is Frankincense. You can usually find them being sold in Homhil and Hadiboh.
• Socotri Posture Belts-  These woven 2-inch thick belts are wrapped around the lower back and knees slightly raised up while sitting cross-legged. Locals believe it helps correct bad posture.
• Fouta-  This is the skirt traditionally worn by Socotri men and still worn to this day. They can also make nice scarves and sarongs for women.

Communication & Electricity

If you’re looking to be well connected with decent WiFi and mobile reception and have a regular electrical supply you should plan a trip elsewhere.

Mobile & Internet-  There is 3G coverage in Socotra, though not in many places. Hadiboh will have the best coverage. Etisalat has the best coverage though the SIM cards must be purchased in the UAE prior to your trip.

Electricity-  Electrical supply in Socotra is irregular. Realistically only Hadiboh has a grid though outages are frequent. In other areas of Socotra, solar panels and generators are common though there may or may not be sockets. If there are you’ll find Euro 2-pin and British 3-pin sockets.

Ultimately, it’s smart to plan as if you will not have electricity during your stay. Bring your own solar panel and battery banks .

It is possible to charge electronics while in the car. Bring an adaptor for the car cigarette lighter.

What To Pack For Socotra Travel

• Hiking Shoes, Boots Or Sandals
• Trekking Pants & Shirts
• Light Jacket or Fleece

Toiletries & Medications 

• Biodegradable Cleansing Wipes
• Hand Sanitizer
• Toilet Paper & Tissues
• Environmentally/Reef Friendly Sunscreen
• Moisturizer
• Environmentally Friendly Soap, Shampoo, Conditioner
• Toothbrush, Paste & Floss
• Cotton Swabs
• Bug Repellent
• Hair ties & Brush/Comb
• Feminine Hygiene Products
• Contact Lens Solution
• Any RX Or OTC Medications You Normally Take
• Ibuprofen Or Tylenol
• Antihistamines
• Broad Spectrum Antibiotic
• First Aid Kit

Electronics 

• Solar Panel
• Battery Bank
• Car Adaptor
• Camera & Lenses
• Spare Camera Batteries
• SD  Or  CF  Cards
• Dust Proof Camera Protector
• Cleaning Wipes + dust blower
• Chargers & Cables For Electronics
• SOS Beacon/Satellite Messenger

Miscellaneous 

• Headlamp  & Flashlight
• Microfiber Towel
• Water Purification Bottle or System

Read the full post:  Socotra packing list and prep guide

Socotra Tours

Check out the expeditions to Socotra I have departing over on Safar Expeditions .

Socotra Travel Costs

Without a doubt, Socotra is not a cheap destination to visit at present. There are only a handful of tour operators on the island, the Yemeni rial can fluctuate wildly, Yemenia has a monopoly on access and the costs of goods is high thanks to the island’s remote location. There is no question about it: Socotra travel is not cheap. Here is an estimate on what you can expect for cost:

• The roundtrip Yemenia Cairo-Socotra-Cairo flight costs $1,160 USD for an economy class seat
• The roundtrip Air Arabia Abu Dhabi-Socotra-Abu Dhabi flight costs $860 USD for an economy class seat
• A one week tour of Socotra will cost about $1,000-3,000 USD per person (this price can fluctuate some thanks to an unstable currency and economy)
• Visa cost is $170 USD

So for one week in Socotra, you should plan for $2,000-3,000 per person. You should also budget money for tips ($20 USD per day was suggested in the past to be split between a guide and a driver), personal travel insurance, and any souvenirs you’d like to purchase.

Please note that the price of tours does not decrease based on the number of people in your group (I have enquired about this with local operators and this is their policy). A tour will include a guide, driver, 4WD, food, camping gear, and activities and typically the price is not negotiable.

Please do not send me emails demanding ways to cut any of these costs. I do not have any influence nor control of the rules or costs in Socotra and quite frankly Socotris are struggling, so asking for discounts in a destination that is being affected economically by a brutal war I personally think is a slap in the face to the Socotri people who are welcoming tourists to their homeland.

Other Random Socotra Travel Information Worth Noting

• Don’t take photos of women and girls unless you have full permission from them. Many times women will scurry away at the sight of foreigners and especially of a camera.
• There are ice cream trucks on the island. I saw one on a desolate stretch of road near Arher (and if you’re wondering– yes, I chased it down and bought ice cream) and another in Hadiboh.
• Drones can be a bit tricky to get to Socotra if coming from Cairo. Since many will arrive by this Cairo flight, it’s worth mentioning that drones are totally illegal in  Egypt . You may be able to talk with officials at the airport and let them know you’re transiting but they likely will make you lock it up at the airport before they let you out. If you’re lucky you can pick it up when you are departing but plan for a lengthy process and a run around getting it. Make sure to arrive at the airport extra early to deal with it when you are flying out to Socotra. On a fall 2019 trip of ours, two travelers had their drones confiscated and destroyed, so you can’t always be lucky.

Need Any More Information On Socotra Travel?

Ask your Socotra travel questions in the comments below.

More Posts from Socotra:

Socotra Travel Guide: The Jewel Of Arabia

Socotra Expedition April 9-16, 2024

13 Day Socotra & South Yemen Expedition April 8-20, 2024

10 Days In Socotra: The Most Alien looking Place on Earth

How To Get To Socotra In 2024

Where The Wild Things Grow: Socotra’s Firhmin Forest

Socotra Packing List & Prep Guide

A Guide To Traveling In South Yemen

Visiting the Outer Islands of the Socotra Archipelago

Wanna Go To Socotra?

Socotra In Photos

How To Get A Visa For Socotra (Yemen)

Ancient Rock Art in Dahaisi Cave, Socotra

Why I Traveled to Yemen in 2014

Socotra Tour: Camel Trekking & Rugged Coastlines

10 Off The Beaten Path Destinations For 2021

Socotra Archipelago Tour: Outlying Islands & Remote Peaks

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• phone_in_talk +44(0)1304 262002
• email [email protected]

The Best Time to Visit Socotra

When is the best time to visit socotra.

Sitting just off the coast of mainland Yemen, between the Arabian Sea and the Guardafui Channel lies the unique island of Socotra . Known as the ‘Jewel of Arabia’, or ‘the Galapagos of the Middle East” its biodiversity makes it a UNESCO world heritage site and it has unrivalled opportunities for swimming, scuba diving, hiking and exploring.

The island has varying weather and there are certain times you won’t want to visit Socotra. January through to May is an excellent time to go, taking advantage of the dry season. From January to March you will still have some rain, making the island of Socotra green and lush. As the weather becomes drier into April and May, the waters are calmer and you can take full advantage of the incredible snorkelling, boat trips and the abundant wildlife like sea turtles and dolphins that swim in the crystal waters.

October and November are also good months to visit, but the rest of the year from May through to September and December are either scorching hot or incredibly wet, so it’s best to avoid these if possible.

Flights to Socotra?

Flights to Socotra are constantly changing, hard to organise and scarce. Contact us  for more information on flights and visas for your holiday to Socotra.

Privacy Overview

How to Visit Socotra Island in 2024

Do you wish to visit Socotra Island?

It is an island with few tourists and basic infrastructure but with astounding beauty and unique biodiversity.

Our complete guide explains how to visit Socotra, get a visa, book flights and which tour program we recommend to show you the best of Socotra.

Hi, we’re Rach & Marty!

We’ve visited every country in the world and want to help you get the most out of your travels!

Whether you need an expertly planned itinerary , some experienced hints and tips , or just craving a delicious food adventure , we’ve got you covered!

We may earn affiliate commissions from websites we link to, at no cost to you. Click here for details.

Post updated in Jan 202 4

We decided to visit Socotra in 2019, and if “off-the-beaten path” places are your thing, then you should put Socotra Island on your bucket list.

Since there is a new flight option to visit Socotra, we have updated our blog post to help you plan your trip . 

How to Visit Socotra Island – Everything you Need to Know

Table of Contents

Where is Socotra Island?

Socotra is located between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, where the Indian Ocean meets the Arabian Sea.

Politically speaking, it belongs to Yemen. But geographically speaking, it belongs to the African continent.

In 2008, the Socotra archipelago was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How to Visit Socotra – Which Airlines Fly to Socotra?

A visit to Socotra has been challenging for some years.

In 2019 and 2020, the only airline flying to Socotra was Yemenia Airlines on their once-weekly flight from Cairo. We visited Socotra in 2019, and we flew with Yemenia Airlines.

Things have since changed. Now, in 2023 and the plan for the upcoming 2024 season is a charter flight from Abu Dhabi to Socotra.

Air Arabia operates this charter flight and connects Abu Dhabi and Socotra on Tuesdays. You will not be able to book these flights on Skyscanner or other flight booking platforms; you will need the assistance of a local Tour Operator. Read more about our recommendations on the best Tour Operator in Socotra below.

The perfect time to visit Socotra is right now.

In this blog post, you will find information on how to visit Socotra on the flight from Abu Dhabi to Socotra by charter flight.

As far as we know, Yemenia Airlines is still flying between Cairo and Socotra. But, as they have a layover in Seiyun on the mainland, foreigners can’t use this route due to visas. 

The weekly flight from Abu Dhabi 

The new flight route from Abu Dhabi makes visiting Socotra much easier than in the past.

We recommend browsing Skyscanner for cheap flights from/via your home country to Abu Dhabi.

Socotra Island-What to Expect from this Unique Place (2024)

10 Hardest Countries to Visit in the World (2024)

The Current flight schedule from Abu Dhabi AUH to visit Socotra SCT (2023/24)

ABU DHABI – SOCOTRA Non-stop direct flights on Tuesday.

FLIGHT NO 476 Abu Dhabi (AUH) 11:00 departure > Socotra (SCT) 12:15 arrival 

FLIGHT NO 477 Socotra (SCT) 13:45 departure > Abu Dhabi (AUH) 17:00 arrival

You will be returning on the same plane that lands in Socotra, and you should expect delays.

If you’re considering a visit to Socotra this season, I suggest flying into Dubai for a few days (read our post about visiting Dubai on a budget ) and then transferring to Abu Dhabi before your flight to Socotra on Tuesday.

Alternatively, you can fly directly to Abu Dhabi with enough time to catch your connecting flight to Socotra.

On the way back, I would stay an extra night in Abu Dhabi to connect the flight home the following day. This means you won’t stress about missing your connecting flight. 

How to Book the Flight to Socotra 

You might’ve already searched for the flight online through Skyscanner but have not found it.

This is because this flight can not be booked online. And yes, this is the only flight you can book to visit Socotra as a foreigner.

To book the flight, you’ll need your Yemeni visa first (more details below), and you can only book the flight through a travel agent.

The agent can hold your seats (reservation) for a few weeks while your visas are being processed and then once payment is made, the e-tickets will be issued.

You must have a printout of your visa and ticket to check-in at Abu Dhabi Airport to visit Socotra. 

As there is currently only one flight between Abu Dhabi and Yemen and it does sell out. Not because of tourists, as only a few are on each flight. But many Yemeni citizens fly for medical procedures.

Our Recommended Tour Operator to visit Socotra

The easiest way to book the flight is to have your tour company take care of that. It was booked via their travel agent in Abu Dhabi and you could pay via bank transfer.

We recommend the local Tour Operator, Eye Of Socotra . They offer two popular tour itineraries that you can view here .

The package price depends on how many people in your group are travelling, but you can contact Eye of Socotra for more information. The email address is:  [email protected] .

WhatsApp: +967 774 186 500

How Much Is A Tour to Visit Socotra?

Tour prices will vary between operators, and as mentioned above, the price does depend on how many passengers are in the group. Most groups that visit Socotra are small, or between 4-12 people. Tour programs are often very similar and include similar activities.

Most agencies can arrange private tours in Socotra; however, expect to pay more for this option.

We have listed approximate prices for this season, 2023/2024, if you book your tour program with Eye of Socotra . The prices below are for the Tour Program only , excluding flights, visas or any hotel upgrades or extras. *These prices are subject to change at any time.

When booking, you can take 5% off this tour price if you quote our exclusive code below.

• 1 person: USD 1800
• 2 to 3 people: USD 1450 pp
• 4 to 5 people: USD 1300 pp
• 6 people: USD 1150 pp
• 7 – 9 people USD 1050 pp
• 10 or more people: USD 950 pp

SAVE 5% ON TOUR PRICE!

Quote our exclusive code:  EYEOFSOCOTRA5  to receive a 5% discount on your tour!

Need an online account that lets you send money, get paid, and spend money internationally? A Wise account provides these services, and it will save you loads of cash in International fees.

Send your first International transfer for FREE when you sign up here for a Wise account.

We used WISE to pay for our trip to visit Socotra Island in 2019.

The Price of the Flight to Socotra

In 2023, the return flight from Abu Dhabi to Socotra costs approximately USD 900 per person. As there are limited options for Socotra, the charter flight is the only way to visit Socotra.

They have a monopoly and can charge anything they wish, so you don’t have any choice in getting to Socotra.

Back in 2019, we paid USD 1200 per person for our return flight to Socotra.

How To Get A Visa for Yemen?

The only way to secure a Yemeni visa for your visit to Socotra is by booking a tour with a local company.

Embassies are currently not issuing tourists visas. And as you can imagine there aren’t many Yemeni embassies in the world and only a small number of adventure travellers wish to visit Socotra.

Eye Of Socotra Agency can arrange your flights, tour packages and visa.

You can also obtain your visa if you know someone in Socotra who can facilitate this, especially if your visit to Socotra is not your first time there.

The Yemeni visa price is USD 150 ; you will receive it via email about 2-3 weeks before you arrive in Socotra.

Once you arrive in Socotra, your visa will be issued at the airport. The visa is valid for 30 days, and you must not have any stamps from Israel.

Make sure you get Travel Insurance before hitting the road. We recommend Heymondo & SafetyWing Travel Insurance.

Click here and get 5% off Heymondo from us!

How to Book a Tour to Visit Socotra

The season to visit Socotra is short, so you need to be quick! To book a tour to visit Socotra, check the website of Eye of Socotra for dates of tours for this season (October- January).

Remember to quote code EYEOFSOCOTRA5 to save 5% on the tour price; it’s a significant saving!

Alternatively, this tour booked through Tourradar is another great option.

If you need visas for other countries – see our helpful Visa Page here

Extra Travel Tips

Learn more about Yemeni cuisine and check out these 20 most popular foods from Yemen .

You may also be interested in visiting some nearby countries that are also fascinating. These 10 reasons why you should visit Oman  should provide enough inspiration to book a trip here. 

Don’t miss our Perfect 7 Day Road Trip Itinerary for Oman.  This country is best explored on wheels to explore all the hidden wadis and amazing views.

And then, if you’re stopping by the UAE, it’s possible to visit Dubai on a Budget.  Seriously, stay somewhere nice and eat the best food; the details are covered in our post.

For more of our best travel advice, read our list of expert travel tips from 20+ years of travel .

Subscribe to our newsletter!

Expert travel tips, resources and exclusive discounts worldwide

Travel Planning Resources

✈️ Flights : We use Skyscanner to book cheap flights worldwide.

🏨 Accommodation :  Booking.com is our preferred platform for booking hotels and accommodation.

🏥 Travel Insurance : We recommend Heymondo ( Get 5% off Heymondo)  & SafetyWing

🚌 Transportation : Trainline is the best website to reserve trains. We use Omio to book transport worldwide. For travel in Asia, we use 12Go.  

🚘 Car Rental : We use DiscoverCars to book rental cars worldwide.

👫 Group Tours :  G Adventures OR compare multi-day tours worldwide with Tourradar .

📸 Day Tours & Trips :  GetYourGuide  & Viator are the only two platforms you need.

📚 Lonely Planet: The Best Range of Travel Guides & Ebooks , and FREE Shipping! (use code RACHELDAVEY10 for a 10% discount)

🎒 Luggage :  Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack  or  Samsonite Luggage Range.

🛄 What to Pack:  Don’t forget your Universal charger and a good  power bank .  To help you pack the essentials, here is our ULTIMATE Packing List for all Travellers .

🐶 Become a House Sitter:  Join Trusted Housesitters and enjoy FREE accommodation worldwide. Use our invite to receive 25% off your new membership.

💰 Send Money Anywhere: WISE  &  Revolut  are the best online accounts that let you send money, get paid, and spend money internationally. Both are so easy to use and way cheaper than any bank transfer.

📶  Stay Connected: Airalo eSIM allows you to get connected the moment you land at your destination, and you can avoid those expensive data roaming charges. We LOVE this product! Use promo code NOMAD15 for 15% off ALL eSIMs (new Airalo users only) OR use NOMAD10 for 10% off ALL eSIMs (for existing Airalo users)

✅ Check out our Travel Gear  and  Travel Resources for more valuable tips to save you money!

Tasty Food Adventures

Food in Ukraine – 10 Most Popular Dishes

20 Most Popular Foods from Croatia

Travelling for Food? 10 Best Countries for Food Lovers

Food in Scotland – 12 Popular Scottish Foods to Try

See all Food Adventure blogs

Expert Travel Guides

How to Visit AMAZING Dubai On a Budget

Where to Stay in Solomon Islands – Ultimate Accommodation Guide

Travel during Covid – Checklist

8 Smallest Countries In Europe On A Map

See all our Travel Guides

Trusted Hints & Tips

21 Cheapest Countries to Visit Now

How to Avoid 6 Common Tourist Scams in China

8 Things To Know About Travelling to Eastern Europe

How Many Countries In The World Are There? Best Answer: 193!

See all our expert Hints & Tips

15 Comments . Leave new

Amazing, helpful, exciting info here Marty. Thanks for sharing! Absolutely love seeing your & Rach’s adventure updates on Instagram!

Thanks Shauna. Great to hear you are enjoying the journey. And yes Socotra was pretty special.

Eye of Socotra is the best choice for organizing a Socotra trip 👌

Hello. I’m intrigued and love traveling to untouched parts of the world. Would it be safe for me, as an American woman, to join a group of travelers via tour company? How many tend to be in the tours, if you know, and where are people from? Thank you!

Yes, we love to explore untouched parts of the world too – and Socotra was definitely one of our favourites. Yes, if you hold an American passport, you could still visit Socotra using a tour company. They will help you to arrange a visa once you book a place on the trip. There are several tour companies to choose from, but it’s best to choose a reputable one. We recommend using the one we went with. (details in our blog). Groups tend to be small, our group had 8 people. You can certainly book a private tour with a company also (only you or your friend(s), plus a driver/guide), but the price will be more. We enjoyed having other people to share the experience. The people who book this destination are from all over the world, just in our group we had Australian, South African, Lebanese, German, and Japanese. It’s definitely for people who like adventure, camping, outdoors, hiking, and natural beauty.

Thanks Marty, I hope it’s helpful for visiting there. Socotra seems like an exotic place. Even though flight tickets are a bit overwhelming it could be made simpler if you are travelling by an associated tour company. I have visited places like these which are raw and unique in their own way. But I don’t know if its possible to travel at this time due to the travel restrictions to so many countries. Any way seems like another place to my bucket list.

Socotra Eco tours ( http://www.socotra-eco-tours.com ) is the senior and best agency for organizing inbound tour to Socotra. All staff are local Socotris and well trained of Socotra environment and cultural attributes to Socotra. It is strongly recommended to come through locals.

Kind regards

Yes, we had a friend who visited Socotra with Socotra Eco-Tours and his feedback was very positive. He had a good experience travelling with you.

Thanks for the detailed blog! One question regarding the visa – have you experienced any issues entering other countries with a Yemeni stamp in your passports? I’ve experienced something like this with an Iranian visa and I’m curious whether it’ll be an issue. Thank you so much!

Hi Cindy, we have been told not to have a Yemeni stamp if you plan to travel to Libya and Afghanistan and since we were planning a trip there, we got new passports to not have any problems. Some countries might definitely find it unusual to have a stamp from Yemen, but hopefully explaining that you went to Socotra island can help. Don’t forget that if you have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and/or Yemen, you are not eligible to obtain ESTA for the USA, but need an actual visa.

Ah, Socotra! One of the most interesting places on earth for sure. It’s sad that visiting this place also prevents from obtaining ESTA for the USA 🙁 How much are the flights from UAE to Socotra?

Round-trip costs around 950 USD.

As a citizen of the US, will I have any trouble getting back to the US from Socotra? Sorry, but I am a little confused about ESTA. This will probably go into your “Stupid Question” pile. ;~)

Hi Joan, If you’re an American citizen with a US passport, you don’t need ESTA so no need to worry 😉

I just clicked on the tour company above, and referenced by you. It appears that starting in September ‘23 until May ‘24 there will be flights on both Friday AND Monday!!! That would be much more convenient for those not wanting or unable to stay a whole week.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Post Comment

Socotra Advisor Tours

Company of Adventure Travel Experts & Local Guides

When to visit

Climate of Socotra, determined by summer monsoon, is an important topic and  this depends on your interest.

The climate is strongly influenced by both the south-west and north-east monsoons. The south-west monsoons (April to October) bring extremely strong, hot and dry winds from Africa. There is little precipitation and extreme desiccation during these months. The north-east monsoons, not so strong as in the summer, begin in November and last until March.

Mean annual rainfall varies from about 150 mm on the costal plains to more than 1,000mm in the mountains. Rainfall is sporadic and there are some years when no rain falls. Nocturnal dew is far more important to the water supply than monsoonal rain, especially in the high altitude mountain belt. The mountainous cloud zone provides ground water and running water for the entire island. The dew and mist is channeled into small rooks and rivulets that support aquatic fauna and may flow the entire way from the mountains to the sea in winter.

The climate of Socotra is classified in the Köppen climate classification as BWh and BSh, meaning a tropical desert climate and semi-desert climate with a mean annual temperature over 18 °C (64 °F). Mean average tempertures range from 27º to 37ºC maximum and 17º to 26ºC minimum along the coastal plain. It is substantially cooler in the Haghier Mountains.

References : ”Socotra Island xeric shrublands”. http://www.eoearth.org/article/Socotra_Island_xeric_shrublands

Thus, nature enthusiasts should go from September to end of April, not later then mid May, before south-west monsoon starts to blow. Mid November to March offers the best weather with cool temperature and little or no rain (occasional showers); April and May are hot and daytime temperature can rise up to 40°C.

Extremely strong, hot and dry winds affect the island in June, July and August; ships cannot land due to high waves. The island  is accessible only by plane and many inhabitants leave for the mainland, Gulf countries or at least to the central mountains for this period. Nevertheless, during this time of the year, surfing and kitesurfing activity can be arranged in the south-east and south-west of the island. 

Hiking and trekking on the mountains and wadi is possible any time of the year.

Socotra weather patterns for tourists travel 

September:  Coming out of the windy season, and still somewhat windy on the north coast. The sea is just navigable; usually no rain and the temperature still quite warm.

October:  Wind now on shore, (usually just a breeze) from the North East, usually bringing some rains to the island, but maybe only a few days of intermittent heavy and scattered showers and most parts of the island get the effects of this rain; the temperature is cooling down, but still warm.

November to March:  These are the pleasant months ths. There can still be rain in November, even into December, but usually only scattered and not very frequent. The sea begins to calm down and travel in small boats is possible. On the Hagghier Mountains everything is green so there has been a good rain up there, and also behind the mountains.  But on the top of the mountains, especially at Scant at this time, the temperature can be very cold with frosty mornings!  At mid March the midday temperature can be 30 degrees centigrade, with developing humidity.

April/May:   April and May are quite hot, up to 38 degrees near the coasts, and still the weather is coming gently from the north east. But it is quite a lot cooler on the top of the mountain range and at Scant you would still need a covering at night to keep warm, but probably not a sleeping bag. These are still good months to visit the island.

June/July/ August:  These are the very windy months on the north coast especially. The south coast is fairly calm at the same time. The winds blow in Hadibo day and night for three months at about 80 kph, only slacking off most days for an hour or two in the afternoon to perhaps 60kph. Gusts have been recorded at the port area, Howlaf, at 180kph.  Schools close and fishing stops, except for a couple of places such as Deleisha, but all round the island fishing is limited by the strong ocean currents at this time of the year.  It is not really a time for normal  tourism except for surfing and trekking. In the north-western part of Socotra from July to August one can see big turtles crawling at night on deserted sandy beaches to lay eggs. The weather is still calm in the middle of the island and the south, so it is possible to make tours on the other coast-side of the island (the south-west). There are no rains accompanying these winds. The Boeing aircraft land and take off safely throughout this period, because the airstrip is straight up and down the wind direction allowing planes land and take off straight into the wind.

Share this:

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

Socotra Travel Guide

Table of Contents

This is a Socotra Travel Guide by taste2travel.com

Date Visited: September 2022

Introduction

While a civil war rages on in Yemen, there is one part of that country which is completely safe to visit – Socotra .

The stunning beach, which I had to myself, at Detwah Lagoon.

Visas are required by almost all nationalities (see the ‘ Visa Requirements ‘ section below for more details) and can only be obtained through local tour operators, once you have signed up for a tour.

The only way of visiting Socotra is by joining an all-inclusive, 8-day, camping tour. The tours correspond with the once-per-week UAE government charter flight from Abu Dhabi, which operates each Tuesday.

As of September 2022, the cost of an 8-day tour, plus return airfare from Abu Dhabi is US$2,360 (1 pax tour) or US$1,910 (2 or more pax sharing a tour).

All costs have to be paid in USD cash, although there is an option to pay for your flight via bank transfer. Full details on all of this are included in the sections below.

Arher beach is a typical Socotran beach – spectacularly beautiful and completely deserted.

Socotra is an ancient land which broke away from the African mainland in the days of Gondwana.

Despite being located alongside one of the busiest shipping channels in the world, at the point where the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet, Socotra remains firmly off-the-grid, with the locals living a traditional life which hasn’t changed for centuries.

Arriving on Socotra from the glitzy, modern, world of Abu Dhabi is definitely a culture shock! Travelling to the island is like travelling through a wormhole – back into a way of life which existed in the 19th century!

Bottle trees come in all shapes and sizes.

Socotra is a sparsely populated, mostly undeveloped island, which is home to about 50,000 souls, most of whom live in traditional villages.

The only places on the island where you will find electricity are the two towns – Hadiboh and Qalansiya, which have a combined population of 12,000 souls and many more goats.

Elsewhere, some villages have solar panels and are able to generate some electricity.

Would you like to have this beach to yourself? Detwah Lagoon beach, Socotra.

The only accommodation, shops, banks and services are in Hadiboh. If you require something as simple as a power outlet for charging anything (e.g. camera batteries), you will need to return to either Hadiboh or Qalansiya.

As for communications – internet and telephone signal is almost non-existent on Socotra. The only signal towers are in the two towns but even there, the Wi-Fi signal is very weak.

Outside of the towns, the only chance locals have of getting a phone signal is by driving to a high point. They all know the places which provide the best signal.

Hayf and Zahek Sand Dunes are a highlight of the south coast of Socotra.

A trip to Socotra is all about disconnecting from the outside world and forgetting about making daily updates to your Instagram Story. The only time I could reconnect to the internet was upon my return to Abu Dhabi.

A swimming pool to myself at beautiful Wadi Kalysan.

From the weird flora, to the most spectacular of landscapes, Socotra offers plenty of jaw-droppingly beautiful sights. This is an island which is renowned for its strange, otherworldly landscapes – unlike anywhere else on planet Earth.

Beautiful Hala beach, a typical beach on the east coast of Socotra.

Recognising the significance of the island to humanity, UNESCO declared all of Socotra a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.

The Dragon’s blood tree is THE iconic image of Socotra Island.

Socotra is an ancient land with alien landscapes – a dazzling gem in the Indian Ocean, which remains largely untouched and unaffected by the modern world – a rewarding travel destination for truly intrepid travellers!

Hadiboh, Yemen

Socotra is an island of the Republic of Yemen in the Indian Ocean. Despite Yemen being a part of the Middle East, Socotra, which lies off the coast of Somalia, and is an extension of the African continent, is considered to be a part of Africa.

Socotra is the largest of the four islands in the Socotra archipelago and represents around 95% of the landmass of the archipelago.

Socotra is famous for its ‘otherworldly’ landscapes.

The island lies 380 km (240 mi) south of the Arabian Peninsula, and measures 132 km (82 mi) in length and 50 km (31 mi) in width. Somalia lies 400 km (250 mi) to the west.

No shortage of stunning beaches on Socotra.

The vast limestone plateau rises up from the narrow coastal plain on the south coast of Socotra.

Socotra has three geographical terrains: the narrow coastal plains , a limestone plateau and the lofty Hajhir Mountains (1,503 metres (4,931 ft) , which rise up behind the main town of Hadiboh.

A large limestone ridge, Socotra is home to many fine white sand beaches.

Despite an ongoing war on the Yemen mainland, Socotra is safe, peaceful and very inviting.

Is Socotra safe to visit? Yes!

Despite the ongoing war on mainland Yemen, Socotra exists in isolated, peaceful bliss. It is completely safe to visit.

Young girls on Socotra.

The local Soqotri people are very welcoming and friendly and love seeing tourists on their island.

Independent Travel

Exploring the south coast of Socotra with Socotra Eco-Tours.

Can you travel independently to Socotra? Not really!

In order to get a visa, and hence a flight ticket, you will need to join an organised tour, run by a local tour operator on Socotra.

Socotra Tour Operator

My tour team from Eco-Tours (left – right), Ali (the guide), Abdulrahman (the driver) and Mohammed (Trainee Guide).

I travelled to Socotra with Socotra Eco-Tours who charge US$1,500 for an 8-day itinerary for a single traveller, or US$1050 for 2 or more travellers.

Tiny Hala beach – one of many amazing beaches on Socotra Island.

The tour cost includes visa, meals, accommodation (rough camping), driver and guide. It is fully escorted from airport pick-up to drop-off.

As a solo traveller, I was free to design my own itinerary.

Socotra tour operators provide tents and bedding plus meals. All campsites are in beautiful locations but mostly have no facilities.

A rainbow over Socotra.

Contacts Details for Eco-Tours

Email : holidays @socotra -eco-tou rs.com

Telephone : +967 777 007 588 (also WhatsApp)

Website : https://www.socotra-eco-tours.com/

This splendid wadi served as our lunch and bath spot on one day of our camping trip.

Socotra Flights

The weekly Socotra – Abu Dhabi flight at Socotra Airport.

There are currently two options for reaching Socotra:

• A weekly flight with Yemenia from Cairo (via mainland Yemen)
• A weekly, direct, flight from Abu Dhabi .

If you wish to fly on the Yemenia flight and are having trouble booking a ticket, you can book through Socotra Eco-Tours who act as an agent for the airline.

I flew from Abu Dhabi on what is a UAE Government charter flight which is operated by Emirates Aviation Services (not related to the more famous Emirates Airlines) who use an Air Arabia plane for the service.

The flight operates every Tuesday , leaving Abu Dhabi (Terminal 1) in the morning, returning later in the afternoon. The flight time between Abu Dhabi and Socotra is 2 hours, 15 minutes.

Despite a return ticket costing US$860 , this special charter flight is very popular, especially with European tour groups. I was told by a representative from the airline that the flight is sold out from October 2022 to May 2023.

I was able to get a last-minute ticket as I flew in September, just ahead of the main tourist season.

Best to book everything in advance!

Flight Schedule (operated by Air Arabia)

• Flight 9G-476 / Depart AUH 09:25 / Arrive SCT 10:40
• Flight 9G-477 / Depart SCT 12:10 / Arrive AUH 15:25

Contacts Details for Emirates Aviation Services

Telephone : +971 50 671 6175 (also WhatsApp)

Contact Name : Abdulla Yousef

Travel Season

September on Socotra is a wonderful time to visit – before the main tourist season begins.

The best time to travel to Socotra is from September to May . This is when the weather is most stable, although December is the wettest month.

While the weekly flight is reliable from September to May, flights at other times of the year are less reliable, due to strong winds and unfavourable weather.

Travel Costs

The two biggest expenses when travelling to Socotra are the cost of a tour and the airfare.

When travelling to Socotra, the two main expenses are the flight and the tour cost. As outlined in the previous section, these are:

• Tour Cost (8-days / All inclusive) : US$1,500 (1 pax) or US$1,050 (2 or more pax).

Tour costs must be paid in USD cash upon arrival on Socotra. There are no credit card facilities anywhere on Socotra and banks are almost non-existent.

• Return Flight (from Abu Dhabi) : US$860

The flight ticket must be paid for in USD cash at the airport on the day of departure, or via bank transfer. I actually met Abdulla Yousef for a coffee at Dubai Mall and paid him directly for my ticket.

Apart from these costs, a little extra USD cash will be required to cover any incidental costs and tips for the tour driver and guide.

If you wish to stay in a hotel in Hadiboh , rather than rough camping every night, a room at the Diamond hotel costs US$30 per night.

A school girl, in the 2nd largest town of Qalansiya.

Quite different to the Yemenis on the mainland, the Soqotri people are a Semitic ethnic group native to Socotra. The island has been settled for at least 2,000 years.

A young girl at Diksam plateau.

The Soqotri currently number around 57,000 with most living in remote, rural communities and in the capital and main town of Hadiboh (pop: 8,500). The 2nd largest town is Qalansiya which lies on the west coast and is home to 4,000 souls.

Very shy children at Diksam plateau.

The inhabitants speak the Soqotri language and are mostly Sunni Muslims.

Women on Socotra are rarely seen and are always covered in public.

The modern age has bypassed Socotra, which retains a very traditional way of life. Electricity, internet and shops can only be found in Hadiboh and Qalansiya.

While Socotra is home to 50,000 souls, the goat population is much larger.

Being a traditional Islamic society, women are rarely seen in public and are always covered. While young girls can be photographed, females older than adolescent age cannot!

Wherever I travelled on Socotra, I was surrounded only by men.

Despite the traditional way of life, some Socotran females travel to Egypt, along with many males from the island, to receive a tertiary education. Almost all attend a college in Alexandria and live in student accommodation before returning home. Some females can be found working in Hadiboh.

Houses on Socotra feature colourfully decorated wrought iron doors and windows.

The overwhelming majority of Socotrans live a traditional rural lifestyle, either fishing or raising livestock (goats, sheep, cattle and camels), which allows them to produce milk and meat for themselves and their community. Commerce on the island is minimal.

Being a close-knit community, everyone knows everyone. Wherever we travelled on Socotra, my driver and guide would often stop to say hello to friends.

My guide Ali, posing with the very cute daughter of a friend, in the town of Qalansiya.

There is a close bond between Soqotri which is the result of living a traditional life, isolated from the rest of the world, free from the distractions of a 21st century lifestyle.

Yemen and South Yemen

A map showing North and South Yemen, prior to unification. Source: Wikipedia.

For most of its history, what is today a united Yemen was two different entities – North Yemen and South Yemen .

During the colonial era, North Yemen existed as a state in the Ottoman Empire, with Sanaa serving as its capital, while South Yemen was administered by the British as part of British India. Aden served as the capital of South Yemen, which also included Socotra.

While you travel around Socotra, you will see the flag of South Yemen and rarely the flag of Yemen.

During its day, South Yemen had the distinction of being the only avowedly communist nation in the Middle East, receiving generous foreign aid and other assistance from the Soviets.

The two Yemen’s were eventually united on the 22nd of May 1990, becoming the Republic of Yemen .

The ongoing civil war today sees Iranian-backed (Shia) Houthi forces, which control all of North Yemen, fighting against a coalition of Saudi-backed (Sunni) forces which controls South Yemen.

Russian Tanks

One of many rusty Russian T-34 tanks which line the north coast of Socotra.

Despite the fact that Socotra is today safe, during the 1970-90s, the island was part of South Yemen aka Democratic Yemen, which was a pro-U SSR communist state. 

To protect the island from any potential invasion from the mainland, the USSR installed several dozen old and rusty T-34 tanks (from the days of WWII), along the north coast. Hardly functional at the time they were installed, these tanks served only as gun turrets. 

These broken relics can be seen in various places along the northern coastline.

The flag of the Republic of Yemen.

The flag of the Republic of Yemen was adopted on May 22, 1990, the day that North Yemen and South Yemen were unified.

The flag is essentially the Arab Liberation Flag of 1952, introduced after the Egyptian Revolution of 1952 in which Arab nationalism was a dominant theme. The same flag is today used by Egypt, Iraq, Sudan and Syria.

According to the official description, the red stands for unity and the bloodshed of martyrs, the white for a bright future, and the black for the supposed dark past.

You will rarely see the Yemen flag on Socotra, where the flag of South Yemen is flown instead.

The flag of South Yemen, officially the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen.

The Flag of South Yemen is the same as that used by the Republic of Yemen (i.e. the Arab Liberation flag) with the addition of a sky-blue chevron and a red star on the hoist side.

The flag was adopted on 30 November 1967 when South Yemen declared independence from the United Kingdom until the Yemeni unification in 1990.

Today, the South Yemeni flag is used by the separatist supporters from the Southern Movement and the Southern Transitional Council. It is this flag which you will see flown on Socotra.

The official currency of Yemen is the Yemeni rial.

The official currency of Yemen is the  Yemeni rial , which has the international currency code of YER.

Banknotes are issued in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 250, 500 and 1,000 rials.

The Yemeni Civil War has caused the currency to diverge.

In southern Yemen , which is primarily controlled by UAE-backed separatists and the former government backed by Saudi Arabia, ongoing printing has caused the currency to plummet into freefall.

In northern Yemen , which is primarily controlled by Ansar Allah with support from Iran, banknotes printed after 2017 are not considered legal tender, and therefore, the exchange rate has remained stable.

1000 Yemeni rial banknotes.

Exchange Rates

Despite the current advertised exchange rate (on Google) of USD$1 = 250 rial, the exchange rate on Socotra at the time of my visit in September 2022 was:

USD$1 = 1,100 rial

Dragon’s Blood Tree

Dragon’s blood trees at Homhil Plateau Protected Area, Socotra, Yemen.

Most famous and iconic of all Socotri flora is the Socotran dragon’s blood tree ( Dracaena cinnabari) . While other species of this tree can be found in other parts of Africa and Arabia, the Socotran dragon’s blood tree is endemic to the island.

Since ancient times its red resin, from which the tree gets its name, has been highly desired.

A view of the Firmihin Forest on Diksam plateau.

The most prolific stand of Dragon’s blood trees on Socotra is in the Firmihin Forest on Diksam plateau.

A view of Dragon’s blood trees and the spectacular gorge at Diksam plateau.

However, during my visit the plateau was always shrouded in mist and fog with constant rain fall, making photography tricky.

Dragon’s blood trees on Homhil, Socotra.

The best photo opportunity was on Homhil where the trees were basking in brilliant sunshine.

Young Dragon’s blood trees in a nursery on Diksam plateau.

While there are many fine examples of Dragon’s blood trees on Diksam plateau, the tree is classified as ‘threatened’. It is believed the many roaming goats on the island love to eat the younger trees.

To counter this threat, a team of Czech researchers has established a protected nursery for young Dragon’s blood trees on Diksam plateau, adjacent to the tourist campsite.

My haul of Dragon’s blood tree resin which I purchased from a village on Diksam plateau.

The red resin from the Dragon’s blood tree has been in continuous use since ancient times as incense, medicine, dye and varnish. Today, villagers on Socotra sell packets of resin to passing tourists. The small haul pictured above cost me about US$3.

Socotran Frankincense Tree

Socotran frankincense trees (Boswellia socotrana) at Homhil Plateau Protected Area, Socotra, Yemen.

Frankincense, the resin produced by a species of Boswellia, was one of the most valuable commodities produced in the ancient world. Highly prized as fragrant incense, it was also widely used in medicine, cosmetics, and even cuisine.

Today, large quantities of Frankincense are traded around the world for use in religious ceremonies and for incense production.

Common to the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, the species found on Socotra – Boswellia socotrana – is endemic to the island and is said to produce the best quality resin.

The best examples on Socotra can be found in a small grove at the  Homhil Plateau Protected Area .

Socotra Bottle Trees

Bottle trees can be found throughout Socotra Island.

If there is one tree which gives Socotra its otherworldly look then it must be the weird and wacky bottle tree.

Bottle trees are easily distinguished by their swollen trunks.

The species found on Socotra is Adenium obesum var socotranum , which is a poisonous plant, which explains why the many goats on the island leave it completely alone.

Pink flowers on a bottle tree.

Bottle trees can be found throughout Socotra, taking root in mostly hard limestone rock on vertical cliffs and high mountain plateaus. They also especially like sloping ground. 

Flowering Bottle tree on Socotra.

Each year, especially in March, the trees bloom with big, beautiful pink flowers. During my visit in September, I was able to find several flowering trees.   

Bottle trees like to grow in precarious locations.

Aloe Jawiyon

Aloe jawiyon is a species of aloe which is endemic to Socotra.

Aloe jawiyon is a species of aloe which is endemic to Socotra and is used by locals for medicinal purposes.

Birds of Socotra

Socotra Starling 

Socotra (female) starling.

The Socotra starling can be found throughout the island and always in mating pairs.

Socotra starlings (male on the left, female on the right) pair for life and can always be seen together.

A female Somali starling at Diksam plateau.

Socotra Sparrow

The Socotra sparrow is endemic to Socotra.

The endemic Socotra sparrow has distinct plumage which sets it apart from most other sparrows.

Egyptian Vulture

The widespread Egyptian vulture is a common sight on Socotra.

Egyptian vultures are widespread throughout Socotra, where they can be seen scavenging off rubbish heaps and anything else they can find.

Despite their name, this species of vulture is widespread and can be found in many regions between Spain in the west and India in the east.

Whenever I ate my meals on Socotra, I was quickly surrounded by Egyptian vultures, who were keen for any scraps.

Whenever meals were served at our campsite, shadows would circle overhead. Egyptian vultures looking for a feed!

Eventually they would settle on the ground around me, waiting for any scraps of food. My fellow dining companions during my week of camping!

Sightseeing

My Socotra Eco-Tours team, (left – right) Mohammed, Abdulrahman and Ali.

During my 8 days on Socotra, I covered the sights listed below on a tour with Socotra Eco-Tours .

I travelled in a Toyota 4WD which was expertly driven by the very capable Abdulrahman , who also served as the cook. The tour was led by my guide, Ali who was supported by a trainee guide, Mohammed , who was on a break from his studies in Alexandria, Egypt.

Fish vendors at the Central fish market in Hadiboh, Socotra.

The first day of the tour started with my arrival on Socotra from Abu Dhabi. After exiting the airport, we drove into Hadiboh to have lunch at the very busy Shabwah Restaurant.

Fresh tuna, seen here at the Central fish market, is always on the menu on Socotra.

The noisy, chaotic, less-than-hygienic, nature of the restaurant was a complete culture shock after many days spent dining in the ritzy malls of the UAE.

Fresh tuna for sale at the Central fish market in Hadiboh.

The capital and biggest town on Socotra is a collection of non-descript breeze-block buildings which line dusty, chaotic streets which are covered in litter. There is no organised rubbish collection on Socotra.

Hadiboh is small but does have some all-purpose shops, banks and currency-exchange facilities, a handful of café/restaurants, a market and a hospital. There are no shops elsewhere on the island! If you need anything for your week of camping, you need to purchase it in Hadiboh.

Handicrafts for sale at the Woman’s Co-operative in Hadiboh.

There are two places of interest which are the municipal fish market , which was built by the UAE government, and a Saudi-supported Women’s Co-operative where locally made handicrafts are offered for sale at very reasonable prices.

Di Hamri Marine Protected Area

A view of the coral-covered beach at the Di Hamri Marine Protected Area.

A short drive east of Hadiboh, the Di Hamri Marine Protected Area is home to an offshore coral reef and is the one place on Socotra where you can go diving with the one certified dive master on Socotra – the very friendly Naseem (Tel: +967 777 801 948) .

Sunset at the Di Hamri Marine Protected Area.

Located on a remote peninsula, Du Hamri is home to a small fishing. One of the residents of the village, Naseem, is the dive master.

A fulltime fisherman, Naseem has dive equipment, speaks English, and is happy to take tourists diving.

As a diver, I was keen to dive, but Naseem advised that visibility was very poor at the time of my visit (September) due to the ongoing monsoonal winds which were whipping the island every day during my visit.

He advised that the best months for diving are April and May.

A red mattress, my bed for the night, at the Di Hamri Marine Protected Area, a campsite without any showers or toilets.

The campsite at Di Hamri contains one sturdy building which is currently under construction. I slept the night on a red mattress under the cover of the building, my first night of camping. At the time of my visit there were no facilities such as toilets, showers etc.

Wadi Kalysan

The most amazing freshwater pool on Socotra – Wadi Kalysan.

On the 2nd day of my 8-day trip, we drove from the Di Hamri Marine Protected Area to the remote Kalysan Canyon , which is close to the south coast, with views of the Indian Ocean in the distance.

A view of the Kalysan Canyon, with the Indian Ocean in the background.

A 45-minute hike down into the canyon ended at the stunningly beautiful Wadi Kalysan , where a river of bottle-green , fresh water flows through a canyon of white, polished limestone.

Bottle trees at Wadi Kalysan.

Once again – we had this amazing sight all to ourselves.

The green waters of Wadi Kalysan pass through the very remote Kalysan Canyon.

A great place to swim and relax while Abdulrahman (our driver and cook) prepared lunch back at the camp sight.

Wadi Kalysan – a perfect freshwater swimming pool.

Our driver and cook, Abdulrahman prepared the most amazing Kingfish for lunch at Kalysan Canyon.

Our driver and cook, Abdulrahman prepared lunch at Kalysan Canyon.

The fish had been caught in the morning at Di Hamri by the dive master, Naseem, who had been out fishing earlier that morning.

Kingfish for lunch at Kalysan Canyon.

I chose to eat my lunch at the edge of the canyon, where I was joined by a number of opportunistic vultures.

My Kingfish lunch, with a view of the Kalysan Canyon and a vulture overhead.

Arher Beach Sand Dunes

A highlight of the east coast of Socotra are the towering white sand dunes which have been blown against the walls of the limestone massif at Arher beach.

A truly impressive sight are the towering white sand dunes at Arher beach.

Like large piles of talcum powder, the sand dunes at Arher beach are 150 metres (500 ft) in height).

Over millions of years, the strong winds which constantly whip the east coast, have blown the powdery white sand up against the cliffs of the limestone massif which runs along the coast.

The sand dunes of Arher beach, Socotra.

Yet another jaw-droppingly beautiful sight on an island which offers so many incredible views!

Sand dunes at Arher beach.

Our cave campsite at Arher beach.

Due to strong winds, our plan to camp overnight on the beach had to be abandoned. Instead, we camped in the shelter of a cave which overlooked the beach.

My guide, Ali, serving breakfast in the cave campsite.

Even in the shelter of the cave, the howling winds throughout the night tried their best to blow us all away.

Breakfast each morning usually consisted of flat bread (never fresh of course) with cheese spread and jam. This was served with a furnace of sweet black tea – delicious!

Sunrise over the east coast of Socotra, as seen from our cave campsite.

Located on the east coast, a short drive from Arher beach, is the truly beautiful Hala beach.

The only house on Hala beach.

Yet another stunning beach with was deserted when we arrived.

A fisherman, fishing on Hala beach, Socotra.

I managed to take a few photos of the empty beach before a friendly fisherman appeared to demonstrate his fishing skills.

Hala beach – a perfect swimming beach with not a soul in sight – until the friendly fisherman appeared!

He managed to catch a very tiny fish, which he then stuffed in his pocket!

A fisherman at Hala beach, showing me his catch, before he put it in his pocket.

Homhil Plateau Protected Area

A panoramic view of the countryside from Homhil.

Day three saw us climb the first of many steep, rough gravel roads to the Homhil Plateau Protected Area .

Video: The drive down from Homhil. 

Homhil is home to a stand of Socotra frankincense trees and many Dragon’s blood trees . Local villagers tap both trees to extract the valuable gum resin.

Frankincense trees on Homhil, Socotra.

Frankincense has been used since ancient times as an incense and fragrance. The Three Wise Men brought gold, frankincense and myrrh to the new-born king. Gold, of course, was valuable as currency, frankincense – a valuable perfume and myrrh – a precious ointment often used in the burial process.

Bottle tree on Homhil.

Today frankincense resin is sold around the world for incense production and religious ceremonies and is especially popular in the Middle East where it can be found in any souk.

Dragon’s blood trees at Homhil.

Photography was best on Homhil since the trees were basking in glorious sunlight – unlike Diksam plateau which was always overcast and foggy.

Diksam Plateau

Dragon’s blood trees on Diksam plateau.

Diksam plateau is home to the largest stand of Socotra Dragon’s blood trees to be found anywhere in the world.

Children on Diksam plateau.

The weather during our two days was constantly overcast, foggy and wet.

Socotra Dragon blood’s trees on the edge of the 700-metre-deep gorge.

For the locals, who live on the dry coastal plain, where it rarely rains, visiting the plateau is a special experience. The cool, wet weather is truly a world away from the arid, blistering hot coast.

Exploring Diksam plateau with Socotra Eco-Tours.

The plateau is dissected by the 700-metre (2,295 ft) deep gorge which drops vertically to the valley floor.

On one side of the gorge is the Fermhin forest , home to the largest stand of Socotra Dragon’s blood trees.

My campsite at Diksam plateau.

The village at Diksam plateau is home to a campground which includes a couple of buildings for cooking and sleeping and a toilet and shower facility.

I chose to sleep outside, in a tent, under the protection of one of the buildings – out of the constant drizzle rain.

Standing in the entrance of Dagub cave, Ali and Mohammed provide a sense of scale for the two gigantic columns inside the cave.

On an island full of unforgettable sights, Dagub cave was another fascinating stop.

Set into the limestone escarpment which runs along the south coast, this large cavern is completely open to the elements which has resulted in the former stalactites and stalagmites becoming discoloured due to exposure to oxygen and the elements.

The view from within the massive Dagub cave.

The entrance of the cave features two massive columns (i.e. a structure where stalactites and stalagmites have joined together to form a single column). These columns are easily 20 metres in height.

Dagub cave is set in the limestone escarpment which runs along the south coast.

Considering that stalactites and stalagmites grow at approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) per 1,000 years, these were formed over many millions of years. Today they lie exposed to the elements with vegetation sprouting from them.

The floor of Dagub cave is carpeted in a thick layer of Guano .

Also impressive is the fact that the floor of the cave is completely covered in a thick layer (a least 10 cm) of guano from the many bats and birds which inhabit the caves, the result of millions of years of pooping!

Amazing to see such a valuable resource lying untouched. Only on Socotra!

Located on the south coast, Amek beach served as our campsite for one night. I got to dine, and sleep, in this newly purchased tent which was wonderful.

Our campsite on the rugged south coast of Socotra was on Amek beach.

The long, exposed beaches on the south coast are pounded by the rough, turbulent waters of the Indian Ocean.

Swimming here is dangerous due to rips and currents.

The best swimming beaches on Socotra are on the north and east coasts which face the much calmer Arabian sea.

The campsite at Amek beach, on the south coast of Socotra.

The campsite at Amek beach features the usual rudimentary structures (no good if it starts raining!) plus an amenities block (pictured in the background) with pit toilets and showers – which are placed directly above the pit toilets!

A curious camel, checking me out, on Amek beach.

Hayf and Zahek Sand Dunes

The magnificent and surreal sand dunes on the south coast of Socotra.

A highlight of the south coast is the beautiful and totally surreal Hayf and Zahek sand dunes. Best photographed early morning or late afternoon when the light is especially moody.

Truly stunning and very special to have such a place to yourself!

Dramatic skies over the Hayf and Zahek sand dunes.

Incredible sand designs and stormy skies at the Hayf and Zahek sand dunes.

A photographer’s dream – the incredible Hayf and Zahek sand dunes.

One more image from the Hayf and Zahek sand dunes.

A school girl in Qalansiya.

Located at the far western end of Socotra, facing out towards Somalia and Africa, the island’s 2nd largest town, Qalansiya, is a sleepy settlement with nothing too redeeming to offer.

With a population of 4,000 – Qalansiya is the 2nd largest town on Socotra.

Most people drive through the dusty streets of sleepy Qalansiya, on their way to the nearby Detwah Lagoon.

I treated the tour company staff to a delicious lime juice at this shop in Qalansiya.

One stop worth making in Qalansiya is at the local juice shop. I treated the guys to a jug of freshly blended Socotra lime juice – so good in the baking midday heat.

Detwah Lagoon

On an island full of stunning beaches, the beach at Detwah Lagoon is possibly the best!

Wow! Wow! Wow! What a stunning sight!

After a week of driving around Socotra and photographing one amazing beach after another, the finalé came in the form of the spectacular Detwah Lagoon and the adjacent beach, both of which are tucked away behind a rocky hill which rises up behind the town of Qalansiya.

The locals on Socotra do not have a swimming culture and with no development anywhere, the stunning beaches on the island are always empty.

What an amazing sight – and absolutely deserted!

Of course, I had to go for a swim. An incredible experience to have such an amazing beach to myself. Anywhere else in the world, this would be lined with hotels and crammed full with bathers!

With its large granite boulders, the beach at Detwah Lagoon reminded me of beaches in the Seychelles.

Only on Socotra can you have such an idyllic beach to yourself.

An amazing beach to have to yourself!

Alongside the beach is Detwah Lagoon which is home to one family who fish and operate an informal campsite which is used by the different tour companies.

A view of Detwah Lagoon.

From the beach I walked to the campsite which overlooks the beautiful Detwah Lagoon. Like other campsites on Socotra, this campsite consists of a few rudimentary structures which allow you to keep out of the blistering sun during the day.

The campsite at Detwah Lagoon where I dined on freshly caught crab for lunch.

The campsite is operated by a young fisherman and his family, who live in the only house to be built on the shores of the lagoon.

The fisherman, who operates the campsite at Detwah Lagoon, offered me a freshly caught crab for lunch.

The fisherman offered me a crab which he had caught in the morning. This was an extra charge for which I paid US$4 – a charge which was totally worth it!

My lunch at Detwah Lagoon included a freshly caught crab.

My crab was served with a plate of rice and pieces of fresh tuna – which were overcooked.

All food on Socotra is served ‘well done’.

The fisherman at Detwah Lagoon showing me a baby stingray which inhabits the lagoon.

The shallow waters of Detwah lagoon provide the perfect nursery for cute baby stingrays. The fisherman showed me one juvenile ray which had a stinger in its tail.

A view of Detwah Lagoon at low tide.

If you’re walking around in the lagoon, its best to shuffle your feet, rather than stepping, which helps to stir up the sandy floor and will force any lurking rays to move on.

Qoba Crater Lake

A view of the Qoba crater lake which lies on the north coast.

Located on the north coast, a short drive from the main road, the Qoba crater lake is an enigma. No one seems to know when this was formed, but the saline water attracts local livestock.

Hajhir Mountains

The lofty peaks of the Hajhir Mountains are often shrouded un cloud.

Forming a towering backdrop to Hadiboh, the Hajhir massif is the highest mountain range on Socotra Island. The highest point of the range is Mashanig peak which lies at approximately 1,500 m (4,900 ft) above sea level.

The road up to the top of the range is a very steep, poorly maintained gravel road which becomes slippery mud as you enter the fog/ cloud zone near the summit of the range.

Our 4WD, shrouded in fog and cloud, at the top of the Hajhir Mountains.

It’s best to check the cloud condition before driving to the top, and best not to go when cloud covers the mountains, although weather conditions at the summit change every 5 minutes.

A view down to the north coast from the Hajhir Mountains.

The drive up the steep, perilous gravel/ mud road takes almost one hour. If the mountain is covered in cloud, there is little to see!

Accommodation

My room at the Diamond hotel in Hadiboh costs US$30 per night.

Socotra Island is largely undeveloped and has been bypassed by the modern age. As such, the standard of everything, including accommodation, cannot be compared to the modern world.

Hotels are generally basic and camping grounds are very rudimentary.

There are a few hotels in the main town of Hadiboh but no accommodation options elsewhere. Most tours include a hotel on the last night so you can freshen up before your flight the next morning.

Those who do not wish to participate in camping can instead stay in hotels in Hadiboh and do daytrips each day. This option will cost you extra.

The island is small enough that it can be covered on day trips from Hadiboh.

The following hotels are located in Hadiboh:

• Summerland Hotel : the fanciest accommodation on Socotra with rooms starting at US$75.
• Diamond Hotel : a good mid-range option with rooms starting at US$30.
• Socotra Tourist Hotel
• Taj Socotra Tourist Hotel : Tel: +967 5 660 626

This cave on the east coast served as our campsite one evening.

While camping trips are the norm on Socotra, there are few established camping grounds. In some places, rudimentary shelters have been erected with very basic toilet and shower facilities. In other places, you camp rough, maybe inside a cave.

The best restaurant in Hariboh, the popular Shabwah Restaurant.

In Hadiboh, dining options are very limited, but everywhere you can find sweet, black tea.

A tea shop on Socotra. Tea, or chai is an integral part of life on Socotra.

The most popular restaurant in town is the Shabwah Restaurant which is where all tourists end up dining.

Sharing breakfast, and the largest piece of flatbread I’ve ever seen, at the Shabwah restaurant with my guide Ali.

During my stay on the island, eggs had not been available for weeks. On my last day, eggs were back on the menu at the Shabwah restaurant thanks to a boat which had arrived the day before.

Most meals on Socotra consist of rice with some sort of protein, normally freshly caught fish.

With almost all food imported by dhow boat from mainland Yemen, the island suffers food shortages during the windy season when boats are often cancelled.

Goats are everywhere on Socotra and love to steal your food (or anything else) while you have your back turned.

Special mention should be made of the large number of goats on Socotra – they easily outnumber the human population.

As cute as they look, the free-roaming goats are very mischievous and will steal any food whenever you have your back turned.

This is a problem since all meals on a camping trip are eaten outdoors. The goats are ever-present and will strike whenever you let your guard down.

Shooing away goats is a national pastime on Socotra. Very annoying!

A deliciously refreshing, icy cool, freshly blended, lime juice in the town of Qalansiya.

Something that should not be missed while on Socotra is the deliciously fresh lime juice, which is freshly blended using Socotra limes.

A blender full of delicious lime juice at a shop in Qalansiya.

The best lime juice on the island can be found at a juice shop in the smaller town of Qalansiya and at the Shabwah Restaurant in Hadiboh.

Visa Requirements

My departure stamp from Socotra.

Almost all nationalities require a visa to visit Yemen.

Currently, 11 nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival. To check your visa requirements, you should refer to the Visa Policy of Yemen .

My Yemen tourist visa.

Visas are included in the cost of a tour and will be emailed to you by your tour operator. The visa needs to be printed and presented upon arrival at Socotra airport.

Upon arrival at Socotra, your passport will be stamped and the bottom section of the visa form will be detached, stamped and handed to you. It’s important to retain this part of the visa which will need to be surrendered upon departure.

Getting There

A view of Socotra Airport.

Air Arabia operate the weekly UAE government charter flight from Abu Dhabi airport.

Just two airlines provide flights to Socotra:

• Emirates Aviation Services (UAE government charter flight which uses an Air Arabia airbus): Flies to/ from Abu Dhabi every Tuesday.
• Yemeni Airways : flies to/ from Cairo every Wednesday.

A view of Socotra from my Air Arabia flight.

Getting Around

Transport on Socotra is provided by your tour company.

All transport on Socotra is provided by your tour company.

Public transport is very limited with a few minibuses providing infrequent services for locals. Most locals tend to hitch rides by waiting by the roadside.

A Socotra car license plate.

Signage is totally non-existent on the island and with no WiFi signal, navigation apps do not work!

That’s the end of my travel guide for Socotra. If you have any feedback, please do not hesitate to leave a reply below. 

Safe Travels!

Socotra Travel Guide Socotra Travel Guide Socotra Travel Guide Socotra Travel Guide Socotra Travel Guide Socotra Travel Guide

Author: Darren McLean

Darren McLean is an Australian full-time digital nomad who has spent 36 years on a slow meander around the globe, visiting all seven continents and 236 UN+ countries and territories.

He founded taste2travel to pique one’s curiosity and inspire wanderlust.

Related Articles

Equatorial Guinea Photo Gallery

Equatorial Guinea Travel Guide

Comoros Photo Gallery

7 comments leave a comment.

Thanks for the very complete guide to Socotra… good to see an Aussie moving beyond the regular places. I am going there in March — I’m excited. As a funny note, it will not complete the 246 or 197 (depending upon which list you follow), but it WILL mean I have done at least 1 country of every letter of the alphabet (not including X).. 🙂

… not including ‘X’ or ‘W’… haha!

I follow a list of 246 countries and (populated) territories which can be downloaded from my website – it’s an editable Excel spreadsheet which readers can use to keep track of their country (and territory) count.

Thanks for the positive feedback regarding my Socotra Travel Guide. It’s an amazing destination. Enjoy your time there!

Was a fabulous trip.

Happy to hear you had a great trip.

Nice guide explored so many things. thanks for sharing its worth it.

Hi Sachleen,

Many thanks for your positive feedback, I appreciate it very much.

Are you planning a trip to amazing Socotra?

Safe travels!

Hello Dareen!

I really really enjoyed your report it was full of information. I was wondering do you have more photos to share?

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Discover more from taste2travel

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

My Free Range Family

Destinations , Yemen, Socotra Island · Last Updated: November 24, 2023

Travel to Socotra – Everything You Ought to Know

🏖 If you intend to travel to Socotra or want to know more about what travel in Socotra looks like then welcome! Here I share a series of posts that provide some clarity on what to expect if you are planning a visit – clarifications on the safety side of things , the best tour operator to book with, and the best places to visit on Socotra Island , Yemen.

We planned, booked and made the journey to Socotra in March 2022.  After many years of longingly searching the web and each time falling further in love with the images that popped up, we knew it was a must on our travel bucketlist. 

In these series of posts, I share firsthand  our  experiences on  our  travel to Socotra. So read on to learn about visas, booking a tour and price, how to book flights, currency, tipping, what to wear and pack, the best time to travel  and so on. I love photography, so I share some tips on what to ask your travel guide so that you can capture the photos that you need.  

I also include my thoughts on sustainable and responsible travel on the island.  Information related to the dragon blood tree, camping versus hotels, volunteering opportunities and the UAE and Socotri relationship.

Basically, I share ALL the travel tips across a total of four posts . In other words, everything you’ll need to know for visiting Socotra. Have a look around… and contact me if you have ANY questions at all.

* This post may contain affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks for your support!

Table of Contents

Tourism & Travel to Socotra

One of the most unique elements to visiting Socotra is that just over 100 people visit per week. This is because currently just two flights arrive and depart a week.  The busiest flight, Air Arabia, arrives from Abu Dhabi with about 100 people onboard. Given it’s a turnaround flight a returning 100 people later the same Monday are bound for home via Abu Dhabi.

This number of visitors makes exploring Socotra island rather cozy.  You’ll bump into familiar faces, others on the same flight, as you travel around Socotra.   Expect to see many photographers, nature lovers and other off the beaten track travel lovers … they are all there for the same reason you are!

There are only a handful of tour operators and they will sponsor your visa so that you can enter the Republic of Yemen.  And they will take care of your every need.  

I recommend you read my post on booking the right tour to Socotra . In this post I explain further how tourism on the island works along with information about the tour type we booked, and the price . Otherwise read on for more on currency, packing and planning – the need to know stuff – to help you plan your travel to Socotra.

We teamed up with Inertia Network ! Use code: FREERANGE100 for a $100 discount (per individual)

Visas / Money and Tipping

The most widely accepted currency in Socotra is US Dollars.  The tours are essentially all inclusive and after you have paid your trip and put aside money for tipping the driver, guide and cook, there is little else to pay for.  Though it’s definitely a good idea to bring a little extra so that you can purchase small souvenirs here and there.

It is recommended to tip the guides, drivers and cooks 10-20 USD each per day .  This indication ranges between fair to generous, so depending on your overall level of satisfaction you can make the call here.

Also, you might occasionally be provided a guide to specific destinations such as Hoq Cave or within Firhman with the Dragon Blood trees.  Having some smaller USD notes is a good idea for tipping in these situations as well.

There is a really beautiful shop which you might have the opportunity to visit at the end of your visit which I just loved.  The Women’s Foundation has a lovely selection of handicrafts and by purchasing here you are also supporting a great cause.

These are arranged by your tour provider and are included in the overall tour fee. In 2013 Socotra was declared an autonomous governorate, and so they are now able to arrange visas directly on the island rather than through mainland Yemen. According to the tour providers this has made tourism a great deal easier for them to organise.

Read: Our guide to visas & the best guided tour of Socotra

Taking Kids to Socotra

Okay so this is a great question… and we had honestly intended on taking our two girls aged 7 and 9 to Socotra.  Following all the information we had read and people we had spoken to, we were advised that travel to Socotra is safe for children , and also that they would be very welcome.

We had gone so far as booking our two to come with us, and then in the last month, from a budget point of view we decided against it.  Given that we travel full-time , this type of holiday pushed our weekly budget well beyond what we would normally spend.  And so, we decided instead to enjoy some time away from the kids in a destination that we had long wanted to visit.  Time for ourselves for a change.

Tips for Taking Kids

If you plan to take the kids there are a few things I would suggest you keep in mind…

• The time of year you visit should be taken into consideration, as it can get very hot in April and May during the middle of the day.
• The walks up to the Infinity Lake and Hoq Cave are very steep and quite intense walks.  Children should be used to somewhat intermediate level mountain walks. The terrain is very rocky and at times unstable, so suitable footwear is a must. Our kids always travel with these Keens .
• If you choose to take the camping option, then you’ll often be staying on the beach, so the ocean is nearby. 
• The food is very good but quite simple, beans, fish, rice and salad.  If you have a fussy eater on your hands, then perhaps you want to bring extra snacks to keep bellies full.
• These Mosquito bands are a great idea for keeping them protected.
• Be aware seat belts aren’t really a thing on the island. If you want to bring a car seat it would be advisable to check with the tour provider.

Best Time to Travel to Socotra?

The travel season on Socotra begins in October and goes through till May .  The in between months are known as the windy months and can be a bit of a rough time to be in Socotra according to some expats we met living on the island.

April is beginning to get pretty warm and May I imagine could get a bit uncomfortable during the middle of the day, but this is a great time to see turtles nesting on the island.  December and January can be a bit wet, so my recommendation would be March and April.

We went in April and loved this time of the year.  The bottle trees were in bloom and the pink flowers dotted along the hillsides made for a stunning sight. Though I’m sure any time of the year you visit, you will have the adventure of a lifetime.

What to Pack for Socotra

If you are camping you will need a few things to keep comfortable.  I love my sleep and at the risk of sounding like a bit of a snob the camping is pretty rugged. So below are my tips for a more comfortable experience.

I have broken it down into two packing categories – must haves & recommended extras.

Packing Must Haves

• First aid kit – Fucidin, Imodium, general antibiotic, Panadol, plasters.
• Head torches are a very good thing to have for the cave walk and camping.
• A few rolls of toilet paper are always a good idea.
• A really good microfibre towel .
• Solar Power Bank – (this is the one we used and recommend). We charged our DJI mini drone, mobile phone and camera batteries on it most of the time. 
• A car charger with multiple ports – likewise with this.  There is no electricity if you are camping and these are an absolute must.
• Dual purpose water-friendly and hiking shoes. We can’t recommend our Tropic Feel shoes enough! One minute you’re on the beach, the next in the mountains, and they dry immediately, making them super practical for Socotra. I love the Canyons , while Mike prefers his Monsoons .
• Some seriously good sunblock – the sun is HOT and it burns!
• A very good hat and sunglasses.
• Protein bars – these were great for a bit of a pick me up when we needed them.

Packing Recommended Extras

• Foam mattresses are provided – however they are on the thin side so put in a thin inflatable mattress if you have room.  We attached ours to our pack.  And I tell you, the first night we didn’t use them, and sleep was very interrupted.  The following night, the inflatable under the foam mattress made ALL the difference.
• Sleeping bag – sheets are provided but I tend to feel the cold and ended up using my sleeping bag a couple of times.  
• Bring your own snorkel and mask – Our Cressi kit is a must for us. On the first morning when dolphins swam past us at 6 am on Arhar Beach I was grateful we had them with us at hand.
• Lifestraw bag – we used ours to reduce the amount of plastic water bottles we would use on Socotra Island.
• Camera Gear – DJI Mavic Mini drone (this is the one we have) and filters , camera with lenses and multiple batteries, Go-Pro with filters.  We keep everything packed in our Wandrd PRVKE camera bag . This is a god send for our travel and kept our gear sand and dust free.
• Alternatively combine your packing – gear and camera kit together – in this awesome little Tropic Feel Shell Backpack . Basically start with the shell and add the accessory of your choice – toilet bag / camera cube / wardrobe and so on.
• A 10 L dry bag was big enough for our week on the island.
• We brought packets of dates which we were able to gift when we felt it was appropriate in certain situations.
• Soap free shampoos and cleansers.  Because you will be camping off-grid you really want to be conscious about not putting soaps into the ocean.  We used these shampoo bars and soaps .
• If you are a coffee snob like me then grab a Nanopresso .  We don’t go anywhere without our one and I enjoyed starting the day with a quality cup of coffee. Read our Nanopresso review here.
• Ladies bring one of these menstrual cups (my fav) – trust me you don’t want to be messing around with anything else.

What to Wear 

Before I get into what to wear, I’ll remind you that you are off-grid. So, forget washing machines and dryers.  Your clothes will need to last the week, or two, if you stay longer.  Think light, quick drying, breathable fabrics .  We always pack super light and had three outfits each with us. We rinsed these in the wadis when they needed some freshening up which seemed to work very well.

Men will be fine wearing shorts and t-shirts.  Singlets are also fine, but I would advise that you keep a t-shirt on hand.  A long pair of trousers, and some light long sleeved clothing is good for the evening when the temperature drops.  Woman are slightly different so carry on below for more details.

Women Travellers

As a woman you need to think sensibly about what to take in terms of suitable clothing.   Remember Yemen is a strict Muslim country .  Local woman are seldom seen. And when you do see them they will likely be wearing full abaya, covered completely except for their eyes.  

This doesn’t mean that you’ll need to do the same, but as a courtesy you’ll need to keep in mind what you’re wearing at certain times. If in doubt ask your guide and he will let you know what is appropriate for the given situation.

The guides and drivers in Socotra are comfortable with foreigners in bikinis, shorts, singlets and vest tops.  So, the majority of the time, like beaches, walks into the mountains and the campsites you’ll be okay wearing this kind of thing.  However, when you get to towns and villages it’s best to be respectful and cover up .  Basically hair, knees and shoulders should be covered when entering these busier kinds of locations. 

I prefer to wear longer light clothing like cotton t-shirts and linen skirts to the ankle, which I can tuck up if I get hotter.  I put a scarf around my neck to cover my hair in case I need to. And I carry a long shirt in my bag to throw on if the situation presents itself.  

In other words, just be ready to cover up.  And if you ever get the opportunity to join the women in a village, take it!  They will shower you with curiosity and it’s a very special chance to get a glimpse into their lives.

Photography in Socotra and What to Pack

This is one of the most incredible destinations in the world. And if you are a photographer then chances are you are already familiar with some of the sights the island has to offer.  Including the Dragon Blood tree.

To clarify, I am by no means a professional photographer.  I just love to take photos and learn more the longer I experiment, read blogs and question other photographers.  So below are my tips from a hobbyist perspective.

Read: What makes Socotra so unique – 10 reasons to visit!

Drones in Socotra

If you are travelling in from Abu Dhabi then you will be able to bring a drone with you, and if you can then I thoroughly recommend it.  This island is one of the best places I have flown my drone.  

Keep in mind however, that charging them is no easy task.  The batteries require a lot of juice, so it’s better if you have a DJI mini .  Alternatively, if you are travelling with a bigger drone, then you may need to consider staying in the city hotel. This way you’ll be able to get it charged at the end of each day.

I recommend that you bring extra batteries, we travelled with three and used one each day.  Before each flight, we thought about what shots we wanted and so made calculated flight plans before each flight.

If you are travelling via Egypt, then getting a drone in may be more difficult. Check here for more.

Don’t forget to travel with some good CPL filters to take away ocean glares etc.

Bring your favourite camera and the best lenses you’ve got. 

A quick warning – the sand and dust gets everywhere !  I mentioned in the packing list above to be prepared with a dry bag, Wandrd PRVKE camera bag, or a Tropic Feel Shell Backpack .  And I also recommend a small travel cleaning kit.  We were constantly brushing dust and sand off the camera and lenses when it had been left out of the bag.

We also loved having a Go-Pro for the dolphins and the wadi where we were able to get a few clips of places that we couldn’t have got to otherwise.

Don’t leave your tripod behind if you want to get photos inside Hoq Cave. OR if you want to practice night photography under the Dragon Blood trees.  

I also met a photographer who was travelling with an iPhone for her night photography. She used a great little phone tripod , this combined with a 30 second exposure on her iPhone 12, I was very impressed by the photos she managed to capture.

Photography Tips

Let your guide know on the first day that you love photography and fingers crossed he will help you get what you need.  I specifically asked to sleep under a Dragon Blood tree and I’m so glad I asked as boy did he deliver.  

Note:  IF you book as part of a group tour the possibility of this will be less likely.  I definitely recommend travelling as a small group or couple to get the best photography opportunities.  We booked with Inertia Network for this reason.

Ask your guide if you can stay in Firhman Forest as this is the BEST place to photograph dragon bloods.

Also, wake early in the morning and get to the special sights early.  That way you’ll have them to yourself.  Alternatively stay longer till other travelers have left – we did this at the wadi and it was one of my favourite afternoons in Socotra.

More from my Travel Socotra Series

Don’t miss the other posts as each blog shares something new – 

• Is it Safe to Travel to Socotra
• A Socotra Tour Review & Guide to Tourism on the Island
• 10 Beautiful Locations and Reasons to Visit Socotra

Book with Inertia Network & use our discount code: FREERANGE100 for $100 off your trip to Socotra !

Just quote our discount code with the team at Inertia Network and they will kindly discount each traveller $100 off the booking . Cool right… actually you won’t find a cooler travel tour operator!

I hope this post has shed some light on your travel to Socotra.  And I urge you to contact me if you have questions that I have not covered here.

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Pin this post or Bookmark for later!

We now travel full-time and have plenty more itineraries and guides to share on all the destinations we visit. Sign up to follow our journey! (And don’t worry we won’t spam you with unnecessary emails.)

You’ll Also Love

February 1, 2023 at 1:51 pm

Happy to find this blog! Plenty of useful information 🙂 Socotra Island is such an unique place (and a hidden gem).

February 14, 2023 at 2:55 am

Oh wow… thanks for your message Elisa, I’m so happy to know you find it helpful. It certainly is a special place and I hope it continues to stay hidden ☀️

April 5, 2023 at 12:24 pm

Thank you for all the fantastic tips! I am just considering going, last day to decide is tomorrow, and had so many questions – most of them you were able to answer 🙂 Socotra is on my bucket list since a loong time, alonside with Yemen – which is obviously out of question now.

Still, foreign ministries of all Western countries I have checked say it’s DO NOT GO recommendation! So glad to see yours and some others’ reassuring tips…

April 5, 2023 at 5:08 pm

Hi Ida, thanks for your comment and I’m glad our tips helped. And you are right, there is so much conflicting information out there, particularly those posts published on government travel websites.

Feel free to get in touch with any unanswered questions… and if you decide to go, have the most incredible time!!!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

• Privacy Policy

Join the List

Enter your email address below to receive updates from us.

• Slow Travel
• Sustainability
• Packing Lists
• Travel Products
• New Zealand
• Yemen, Socotra Island

Copyright © 2024 My Free Range Family · Theme by 17th Avenue

Is It Save To Visit Socotra, Yemen? A Full-Guide For First Time Travelers

Socotra, Yemen, is one of the most remote places on earth and it is considered safe to visit.

Read update

Take A Guided Tour Of Socotra.

Quick Links

How safe is travel to socotra, there are many reasons to visit socotra, how to arrive in socotra, what to pack when traveling, it is the perfect place to do an internet detox, what to expect of the food in socotra, diving in socotra is a must, guided tours to socotra island.

Socotra is one of those unique places on Earth. The archipelago is located between Yemen and Somalia and has remained isolated, which helped preserve its stunning biodiversity, including the dragon tree , which became one of its symbols.

Socotra is home to plants and animals that can only be found there, and therefore it became known as the G alapagos of the Indian ocean. The comparison with the South American island makes sense, but Socotra is also home to the most incredible landscapes that make people feel they are on another planet. Despite its uniqueness, the archipelago is still unknown, and there are many questions about it.

UPDATE: 2022/11/11 16:12 EST BY AARON SPRAY

Socotra is certainly a unique destination - however, it is in a very troubled region of the world. This article was updated to suggest travelers take guided tours for the safest experience. The article was also updated to note that visiting Yemen may make United States immigration more problematic for US Citizens and foreigners visiting the USA.

The first question many travelers have when they research Socotra is if the region is safe. The archipelago is part of Yemen, but it is far away from the civil war that has been going on in the country since 2014 , so Socotra is a safe destination for travelers. It is also important to bare in mind that if one visits Yemen, Americans may be questioned when returning to America, while other foreigners may no longer able to enter America visa-free .

Unsurprisingly, the war affects tourism in the country, and residents have seen travelers disappear from the island for years. Slowly, things are changing, and the island receives approximately 3,000 visitors per year, making it an exciting destination for those who want to avoid the crowds, as they will hardly see other tourists. It is mandatory to hire an agency when visiting Socotra, and they will be responsible for arranging everything.

RELATED: 10 Idyllic Islands In Southeast Asia (That Aren't In Thailand)

In 2008, UNESCO declared Socotra a World Natural Heritage, and the place became known as the "Galapagos of the Indian Ocean" due to its rich nature. Socotra has over 800 plant species, including the fantastic dragon's blood trees, and nearly 40 percent only exist on the island. The numbers are even more impressive with animals, as over 90% of the reptile species living in the archipelago can only be found in Socotra. Undoubtedly, it is a landscape the traveler will not find in another place.

Nearly 60,000 people live in Socotra, spread over the coast and the mountains. They have remained isolated for many years, as paved roads and the airport are relatively recent, which helped the island to stay preserved.

There are two ways to arrive in Socotra. One is to fly to Sanaa, Yemen's capital. The second one is catching a non-stop flight from Dubai. Every Monday, there is a flight that leaves Abu Dhabi, Dubai, at 10 a.m straight on to Socotra, but the travelers won't find them online, as they have to do it through an agency , which will also be responsible for arranging the Visa. With the ongoing civil war in Yemen, flying through Sanaa is not a viable option, so only look for tours from third countries.

The agencies will also arrange a seven-day tour, which must be paid at least two weeks in advance. Tourists should not expect luxurious accommodations, as they often have to sleep in tents.

RELATED: Mongolia's 10 Must-See Natural Wonders

Most people living in Socotra are Muslim, and agencies advise focusing on modesty when choosing clothes, especially when going to villages. Women should cover their shoulders and knees and wear a scarf to cover their hair when in the city. Men should also cover their legs, so trekking pants and t-shirts are a good option.

Besides that, it is recommended to bring a hat, trekking shoes, sunscreen ( this item is not available on the island, so it is really important), tissues, a swimsuit and warm clothes for the evening.

For Those looking for an internet detox, Socobra might be the perfect destination for them. It is only possible to find phones in Hadibo, the largest city in the archipelago. Yet, it is essential to note the phone network in Socotra is not compatible with western GSM mobiles .

Internet connections are rare on the island, as they are considered too expensive. There is one internet café in Hadibo, and it is the only way to use it on the island. Traveling to Socotra is really an opportunity to enjoy the moment and disconnect from everything else outside the island — literally.

RELATED: Top 9 Natural Wonders You Should Visit In Morocco

There are no restaurants outside Hadibo and Qalansiah, and tourists should not expect elaborated dishes. The agencies will often include at least three meals prepared with local ingredients available during the season. But what to expect of the food in Socotra? The dishes often feature rice, fresh seafood, grilled fish, salads, lamb, chicken, flatbread, and sometimes pasta.

Travelers with food allergies or special diets should let the agencies know in advance. As there is a concern with island preservation, agencies will also provide tourists with reusable bottles of water , mitigating the use of plastic in the area.

Socotra is also a great place for diving, especially in September, October, and between March, and May. The Dihamri Marine Protected Area has five diving spots as deep as 50 meters, where travelers can admire the corals and marine life. Night divers might find it interesting to check the Adho & Rosh Marine Protected Area, while the Eastern Cape Ras Di Erissel is famous for shipwrecks.

It is important to note that diving is often not included in the tours, so checking the prices and availability beforehand is essential.

Socotra Island is not a destination anyone should visit by themselves unless they are very experienced travelers already. If one has their heart set on visiting Socotra, then the best way is with a guided tour. One of the tour companies offering tours to Socotra Island is Young Pioneers - they offer some of the most affordable tours to intrepid destinations at some of the most affordable prices.

Hellosocotra.com offers more expensive all-inclusive tours of Socotra Island. The 2023 season is now open for booking and they offer both group and private tours.

• Duration: One Week
• Cost: From $2,500 Per Person
• Flight: From Abu Dhabi International Airport
• Season: October to May

Their tours are for 7 nights and 8 days on the exotic island. That is long enough for the tour to explore Socotra's main tourist attractions. Their packages are all-inclusive (entry visa, flights, meals, transportation, and more). The fee includes all expenses.

The flights leave from Abu Dhabi every Tuesday at around 9.45 am. For more information, visitors should contact them directly.

• Weather & Seasonality of Socotra

Though Socotra’s climate is rather equable (about 25ºC in the night-time and 35ºC during daylight hours), it is also characterized by seasonal variability, which is recommended to be taken into account when planning a trip to the island.

The Socotra’s tourist season starts from the end of September, when a monsoon season is over. In September – October it is usually warm and windless. After summer winds the island looks fresh and clean. In spite of the lack of fresh verdures it is a good time for sea-based recreation, diving, sea trips and trekking routes.

November is sometimes characterized by episodic rainfalls and storms. It is the time when rain water flowing down slopes comes together to form rapid stream flows in Socotra’s canyons. So, one has to be very accurate in choosing camping sites and routes.  

December – January is the "velvet" season on Socotra, when all the trees of the island come into leaf. It is the best time for walking and trekking routes. The north-east breeze creates good conditions for kite-surfing, but may rough up the sea and restrain diving activities.  

February – March is the most “beautiful” time on Socotra, when Dragon Trees and Desert Roses, the trees having the appearance of a wine barrel, burst into flowers and the sea calms down. The only disadvantage of this period is an inflow of tourists and a bit hotter climate provoked the lack of wind. It is an optimal time for sea trips and diving on Socotra.

In April – May it gets rather hot (30-34ºC). At this time, you will find a calm sea and warm water. Good time for quiet and comfortable private tours.

June-July-August is the period of strong monsoon winds. As winds begin to blow, the severely dry dirt and dust from the ground begins to blow through the air. In the mountains the air temperature may fall down to +12ºC. High waves prevent fishermen from going to sea.

Click here to see the current forecast and the weather archive.

• Comments: 0
• Date: 23.07.2009
• Author: Admin
• Socotra Archipelago
• Socotra News
• Republic of Yemen - General Information
• Historical Background
• Chronology of Yemen
• Sana`a - Capital City of Yemen
• Photos of Yemen
• General Information about Socotra
• History, Culture, Folklore
• Tourist Attractions of Socotra
• Do you know that...
• Photos and videos of Socotra
• How, what and why on Socotra
• Accomodation on Socotra
• Our travel programs on Socotra
• Activities on the island of Socotra
• Dragon's blood (Dracaena cinnabari) - a unique resin from Socotra
• The resin of Boswellia trees from Socotra is the best frankincense in the world
• Myrrh resin (Commiphora Kua) from Socotra island
• Sabur - dried aloe juice from Socotra
• Fake dragon blood on the market
• Commiphora Ornifolia - very rare and unique resin from Socotra island. A limited amount is available.
• Photoblog Socotra Island
• My life on the island of Socotra
• Sailor's letter: Socotra, Paradise island
• Report of sailing yacht Delta
• Sailing cruisers on Socotra
• SOCOTRA TAMAM

WHEN TO GO TO SOCOTRA ISLAND

The best time to visit the island of Socotra are the months of November to March. These months are in fact cooler and less windy.

Yemen climate: when to go to .

SOCOTRA CLIMATE: CLIMATIC TABLES

Accommodations, apartments, b&b and hotels.

Related Articles

The climate of yemen: when to go to yemen, yemen: the arabia felix of the ancients.

Socotra Island, Yemen丨Guide to the Most Alien-looking Place on Earth

By Author Christian L.

Posted on Published: May 14, 2020  - Last updated: July 30, 2021

Categories Adventures , Destinations , Middle East , Socotra , Yemen

Just 380 km (240 miles) off the coast of Somalia, near the Gulf of Aden, an otherworldly cluster of islands awaits. While this archipelago is located just off of Africa, it actually forms part of the Middle Eastern country of Yemen. 

Its main island, Socotra, is often referred to as the most alien-looking destination on earth. This is due to its anomalous scenery and its peculiar, native tree, the “Dragon Blood Tree” – which you will only find on this tiny island. 

Socotra Island Tour Guide

For over a decade now, Yemen has suffered from war and famish. While its island of Socotra has felt some of the collateral damage, it remains a beautiful and safe destination to visit. 

And while Mainland Yemen only received 60 foreign tourists last year, Socotra received around 200 foreign tourists a week (pre-COVID-19, that is). This increase in Socotra island tourism has been made possible by a weekly flight leaving every Wednesday from Cairo in Egypt , stopping in Seiyun (mainland Yemen), and continuing.

A lot of the standard itineraries have already been made widely available online, as you can see here:

1-week overview itinerary for Oct/Nov

1-week overview itinerary for Jan-May

1-week trekking itinerary

We’ll give a bit of an overview of the places in Socotra when to visit, and how much things generally will cost.

Hadibo: The Largest City On Socotra

Hadibo is the capital “city” of Socotra, with a population of around 50,144 residents. To be honest, the city does not have much of an appeal; it’s covered in plastic garbage, and goats roam the streets freely.

While the city does offer a handful of good restaurants, the central souq, and a hotel with hot water and slow internet, your time can be best spent in other parts of the island. 

What you should check out is the fish market. Located on the city’s outskirts, it’s an interesting place to visit early in the morning where people go to buy the fisherman’s catch of the day.

One important thing to remember when visiting Socotra, Yemen, is that it is the only place on the island where you can get money. There are no ATMs, and credit cards aren’t accepted anywhere either. However, you will find a Western Union and MoneyGram in Hadibo, which has a monthly limit of $2,000 per person.

Otherwise, take fresh, crisp notes of your currency (euro, dollar, etc.) and exchange it for their local currency, the Yemen Rial, while there. 

North-East Socotra

The north-east is home to mountains, stunning beaches, coral reefs, and wild plateaus full of endemic species. With all these different terrains, you’ll never be tierd of the beautiful scenery this part of the island have to offer.

Arher Beach

This stunning, white sand beach is best known for its massive sand dunes which formed against the granite cliffs. This Socotra beach is a great place to visit if you want to spot the brilliant bioluminescence in the evenings. You will also find a freshwater creek running into the ocean here.

Homhil Protected Area

This protected area is home to probably the second densest population of Dragon’s Blood Trees in Socotra. This valley is stunning and full of a diversity of plant life, not to mention an incredible natural infinity pool for swimming.

Momi Plateau

Located just above Homhil, this stunning plateau is home to Frankincense trees, cucumber trees, bottle trees, and sweeping views.

Ras Irisseyl

On the easternmost point of the island, where the Indian Ocean meets the Arabian Sea, you’ll find a quaint fishing village.

Crab City 

Located near Ras Irisseyl, this beach is home to thousands of sand crabs who build small castle-like structures above their holes during low tide. A fascinating place to visit and observe.

This is easily one of the most impressive features on Socotra. Hoq cave can rival many in terms of size and the sheer amount of unique rock formations such as stalagmites and stalactites .

The cave is at least 3 km deep, and the first 2 km can be explored on foot with a strong torch, flashlight or headlamp.

Rosh Marine Protected Area

Rosh Marine Protected Area is a great spot for diving or snorkelling amongst Socotra’s reefs and marine life. Also, a nice white sand beach for camping and picnics.

Dihamri Marine Protected Area

This is a great spot for diving or snorkelling amongst Socotra’s reefs and marine life, with a small dive shop with gear rentals set up nearby.

North-West Socotra.

The north western area of Socotra features stunning beaches and lagoons, loads of marine life, and the island’s “second city” of Qalansiyah. There are many highlights to be seen here. 

Detwah Lagoon

This lagoon is a stunning, bright-white sandy tongue that stretches out from behind Qalansiyah into the turquoise Arabian Sea. A blue lagoon forms behind it, making Detwah one of the most beautiful parts of the island. This is an excellent spot for swimming as well as exploring marine life in the lagoon.

Known as Socotra’s “second city”, Qalansiyah is home to narrow streets and a popular fishing port with colourful boats and friendly locals.

Shu’ab

This remote part of Socotra’s west coast is only accessible by boat or by hiking. Shu’ab Beach is a beautiful, white-sand beach, and nearby there are plenty of amazing reefs to explore marine life. Large pods of spinner dolphins are often found here as well.

Central Socotra

Home to the Haggier Mountains, central Socotra boasts deep wadis, rocky peaks, stunning plateaus and a plethora of unique plants and wildlife. Some of the highlights include:

This forest, just on the opposite side of the canyon from Diksam, has the highest concentration of Dragon’s Blood Trees on the entire island (and thus in the entire world). It’s a spectacular place for exploring.

This canyon near Diksam is surrounded by 700 metre-high walls and boasts a unique ecosystem.

This stunning plateau is located near the geographic centre of Socotra. It’s home to the Dragon’s Blood Trees, the most alien-looking trees in the world, as well as local Bedouins, a Dragon’s Blood Tree nursery, and stunning views into the Durhur Canyon.

Socotra South Coast.

The Southern part of Socotra is remote, sparsely populated and ruggedly beautiful. Home to incredible Socotra sand dunes and beaches, this area contains several highlights:

Hayf and Zahek Sand Dunes

This incredible Socotra dune formation is found in the south, where these sand dunes meet the sea. This sandy expanse is one of the most intriguing natural attractions to explore at sunset. 

This is a large cave that opens to the sea on the south coast of the island. It’s not particularly interesting to explore, but it’s still worth a short visit.

Omek is one of Socotra’s longest white-sand beaches (although not as spectacular as Arher and Shu’ab). It makes for a perfect place to bodysurf since waves here are normally a lot bigger. It’s also a nice camping spot on the south coast.

Kalisan Canyon

Tucked away in the remote southeast corner of Socotra, this is one of the island’s hidden gems. It’s surrounded by rolling hills and mountains, many of which also have Dragons Blood Trees. Kalisan is an incredible water wadi made up of numerous freshwater swimming pools, waterfalls and rock formations.

Socotra: Off The Beaten Path

But what about the lesser explored, off-the-beaten-path places in this already off-the-beaten-path island?

Hajhir mountains

The Hajhir Mountains are the heart and soul of what makes Socotra distinct. They generate unique weather patterns that, in turn, helped create Socotra’s endemic species.

The mountains rise to a height of 1500 metres, spanning the central and eastern part of the island, and are composed of dramatic stone peaks, lush green valleys, and outstanding water wadis.

Trekking through the Hajhirs is my favourite activity in all of Socotra, and the best trek takes you from Hadibo through Skand and to Dkisam in about five days. There are tons of new valleys and peaks ripe for exploration here, probably the most off the beaten part of the island, which is rarely visited by tourists, since you will need more than one week here to properly explore the Hajhir Mountains.

South-East Socotra 

While the northeast part of the island is commonly visited for its fantastic Socotra beaches and mountains, whilst the southeast is a remote, spectacular part of the country.

Roads here are unpaved and rough, and if you want to fully explore, you’ll need to do it on foot. But for those who do, seeing this part of the island is a real treat.

You’ll find vast water wadis where you can swim in crystal clear waters, remote villages and mountain slopes covered in Dragon’s Blood trees. 

Far West Socotra

The far west of Socotra in the Shu’ab village area (south of Shu’ab Beach) is strikingly beautiful. Here, stone mountains meet the sea, and white sand beaches provide spots for local fishermen to reel in their catch. 

Tourists rarely make it further than the main beach at Shu’ab, which is accessible only by boat from Qalansiyah.

Spending time along the far west and southwest (there’s a dirt road leading to Shu’ab village) gives you a chance to see a tranquil, unique side to the coastal part of the island.

Abd al Kuri Island

Described by a German rescue officer in 2006 as “A hellish place, where time stands still, and one can feel completely alone in the world.”

This remote off-shore desert island is part of the Socotra Archipelago and is almost never visited by anyone.

However, it is populated and has the main village called Kilmia. Island residents are dependent on fishing, as the island’s not suitable for agriculture nor much animal husbandry.

Abd al Kuri also has its own endemic species of plants, reptiles and birds, as well as mountain peaks reaching 700 metres in height.

The island can only be reached by a specially chartered fishing vessel from Hadibo capable of making the 105km crossing.

Best Time To Visit Socotra

Socotra has four seasons that you need to be aware of, a rainy season, a rainy monsoon season, a long, dry season and a windy monsoon season.

Rainy Season

Socotra’s rainy season lasts from mid-September through till mid-November. During this time, Socotra experiences a mix of rain and sun that brings bright green colours to the island. 

It’s normally a great time to travel, especially to the mountains in the central and eastern regions of the island. Conditions are unideal for aquatic activities due to large ocean swells.

Rainy Monsoon Season

From mid-November through mid-January, you can expect heavy rains, road blockages, and difficult conditions for travelling. Rains can last for a week or two straight and then suddenly stop completely for a week or two.

Travelling during this time requires a bit of luck. Conditions are unideal for aquatic activities due to large ocean swells.

Long Dry Season/High Season

The best time to visit the island is between mid-January and May. During this period, the weather is all around pleasant, dry and the oceans are calm, making it good for snorkelling and diving.

Windy Monsoon Season

Between June and mid-September, you should avoid travelling to Socotra. You can expect high winds, dust and sand storms, as well as hot temperatures. The flights to the island often get cancelled during this time of year, and the small boats can´t go out.

Prices & Money In Socotra

As mentioned previously, there are no ATMs nor credit card facilities anywhere on the island. So it is best to bring sufficient cash. Below is a breakdown of the general costs you will encounter during your stay. 

• Yemeni visa price: $150
• Camel rental (if trekking): $100-$200 per person
• Tips for Local guides: $100-$200 per person
• Nightly hotel rate at the Summerlands Hotel: $75 / $140 (sharing/single)

When it comes to camping, you have several options available. Ground costs (rough camping) per person cost $950 per person per week (minimum two people). This includes camping, basic meals, a guide, a 4 wheel drive vehicle, and a driver. Inertia members can get 10% off this cost.

Single supplement on ground costs (if travelling solo, i.e. one person group) cost $950 extra. Do take an extra $50-$100 for other spending on items like shopping and food. 

For a more luxurious experience, there’s the Dragon’s Nest glamping bell tent (with a mattress/blanket/sheets/pillow) rental costs $100 per unit per day.

Socotra: Internet Access

As you might expect, in a remote place like this, the internet is a rare thing. While the main hotel in Hadibo (Summerlands) does have wifi, it is both slow and unreliable. So what other options are there? 

Socotra island does have a slow 3G network which you can connect to with most of the major international networks providers. You will be roaming, so be sure to check the price with your local network provider. 

One thing’s for sure, though, it won’t be cheap for you to check your Facebook or Instagram while you are here.

How To Get To Socotra

To book the Yemenia flight to Socotra airport from Cairo or Seiyun, you will have to go through their office in Cairo or Kuwait City. (Inertia members are able to access this information from their membership document.)

Ticket prices (subject to change) are listed below. The earlier you book, the cheaper the tickets tend to be.

• Cairo-Return flight : $950~$1250 plus bank fees is the most common. You do have flights from mainland Yemen to, but that requires you to book a seperate tour for the country.
• Cairo-Socotra-Seiyun : $600~$800 plus bank fees.
• Seiyun-Socotra-Cairo : $600~$800 plus bank fees.
• Seiyun-Return Flight : $300~$400 plus bank fees.

For a more comprehensive travel guide to Socotra and to learn how to get in and out safely, check out the complete guide here

Author: Matt Reichel, learn about him here

Ready To Explore Socotra’s Alien Landscapes?

From Yemen’s beaches and aquamarine waters to towering mountains and peculiar vegetation, Socotra certainly is filled with interesting spectacles. 

This makes it the perfect, off-the-beaten-track destination to visit. So, why not get adventurous and explore one of the most alien-looking places in the world?

`Frida Simms

Sunday 6th of March 2022

Dear Sirs I wish to go to Socotra. One day I will. Its seem to be incredible place. Thank you for the informative article. I do enjoy your newsletter sending to my inbox every month or so. Great job, thank you so much. Frida Simms Alexandria, Virginia, USA

TRAVEL TO SOCOTRA

Welcome to the mesmerizing world of Socotra Island, a hidden gem nestled in the Indian Ocean. Situated off the coast of Yemen, Socotra is a place of unparalleled beauty and wonder, where landscapes meet extraordinary biodiversity, making it a destination unlike any other.

Socotra Island is Unique

What sets Socotra apart is its unique blend of surreal landscapes, rare flora and fauna, and a rich cultural tapestry. Also known as the “Galapagos of the Indian Ocean,” Socotra is home to endemic species found nowhere else on Earth, including the iconic Dragon’s Blood Tree with its umbrella-like canopy and the otherworldly Bottle Trees that dot the landscape like sentinels from a forgotten era.

Beyond its natural wonders, Socotra boasts a rich cultural heritage shaped by centuries of trade and conquest. The island’s strategic location along ancient trade routes has left a legacy of diverse influences, reflected in its cuisine, and traditions.

How to Travel to Socotra Archipelago

While Socotra’s remote location may seem daunting, traveling to this enchanting island is more accessible than ever before. With regular flights from the UAE, adventurers from around the globe can now embark on a journey to discover the secrets of Socotra firsthand.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast seeking out rare and endemic species, an intrepid traveler craving off-the-beaten-path experiences, or a cultural explorer eager to uncover the island’s rich heritage, Socotra promises an unforgettable adventure unlike any other destination on Earth. Join us as we delve into the mysteries of Socotra and experience the magic of this truly unique island paradise.

Best Time to Visit Socotra

The peak season for visiting Socotra is between January and April as these are excelent months due to the weather conditions. Besides October to December are also good months to visit the Island although those months can be wet and rainy. December is the most rainy month in Socotra Archipelago. Avoid visiting Socotra from May to September as there incredible hot and you can barely survive in a island where you spend the majority of the time outside in the nature.

January to April: Peak season, wet season is finishing and the temperatures are still good. May to September: Avoid visiting during these months due to the incredible hot temperatures. Besides, you will not find flights operating during these months. October to December: Wet and rainy season. You can visit Socotra during these months, although better to Avoid December due to rainy season.

RJ Travel LLC » Travel Agency & Tour Operator

Re-writing the concept of tourism and taking you on adventure tours to Iraq, Morocco, Afghanistan, Yemen, Persia, Lebanon, Saudi, Libya, Uzbekistan.

• Adventure tours
• Attractions

Socotra Island – A Guide to Yemen’s Natural Wonder

Table of Contents

Socotra Island is a breathtaking destination located in the Arabian Sea, off the coast of Yemen. It is known for its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and diverse plant species. The island is also home to the famous Dragon Blood Tree, an unusual tree species. This Socotra travel guide provides an overview of the island, its history, culture, and key tourist attractions.

Interactive Socotra map below. Click the yellow dots to show photo and description.

Socotra Island Interactive Map

Socotra Island

Hadiboh is a picturesque village located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, known for its stunning natural beauty, including pristine beaches, clear waters, and lush vegetation.

The Diksam Plateau is famous for its abundance of dragon blood trees, making it a one-of-a-kind destination. Spanning a large area of the island's highlands, the plateau is made up of limestone rock and dotted with open areas filled with dwarf shrubs. The eastern part of the plateau is home to the East Diksam communities and is known for its rainwater harvesting practices.

Arher Beach in the far east of Socotra Island offers the biggest sand dunes in the area, making it a prime spot for sandboarding and paragliding. The dramatic dunes and limestone cliffs rising from the beach are a sight to behold, and visitors can climb to the top for breathtaking views. Arher is situated on the northeast shore, where the towering white sand dunes stretch from the mountains to the sea.

Dihamri is located near the capital city of Hadibo. It's known for its stunning rocky beach and the nearby Delisha Beach with its sandy shore. Although the area was hit by hurricanes and some of the corals were destroyed, the Dihamri Marine Reserve remains a protected national park with mesmerizing underwater landscapes, including numerous corals and sea creatures like turtles.

Socotra Airport, located in the capital town of Hadibu, is the only commercial airport on the Yemeni island of Socotra in the Arabian Sea. With a weekly flight to Mukalla and one per week to Abu Dhabi, the remote airport opened in 1999. It's situated on a road linking Hadibo to the popular Qalansiyah beach in the west of the island.

Introduction to Socotra Island

Socotra Island in Yemen is a unique gem in the Arabian Sea. This island boasts a breathtaking landscape filled with diverse plant and animal species, including the famous endemic Dragon Blood Tree.

With its crystal clear waters, pristine beaches, and diverse culture, Socotra Island is an unforgettable destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. From eco-tours to scenic hikes, this island offers a variety of activities that highlight its unique beauty and rich history. Get ready to be transported to a world unlike any other and explore the wonders of Socotra Island.

A Brief Glimpse of Socotra :

• Socotra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the World’s most unique and biologically diverse places.
• Socotra is considered one of the most remote islands in the world and has a long history of human habitation, with evidence of human settlement dating back over 2,000 years.
• The island has a unique landscape, with high cliffs, sandy beaches, and diverse vegetation that includes strange-looking dragon blood trees and other endemic species.
• The island is known for its rich culture and history, with ancient tombs, caves, and ruins that are open to visitors.
• Socotra is located in the Indian Ocean and is part of Yemen, although it is closer to the coast of Somalia.
• The island is known for its high levels of endemism, with over 700 species of plants and animals found only on Socotra.
• The island has a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of African, Arab, and Indian influences, and is home to several unique traditions and festivals.
• Socotra is a popular destination for eco-tourism and adventure tours , with opportunities for hiking, snorkeling, and birdwatching.
• Because of its remote location, the island is not very well-connected, and there are no regular flights from the mainland of Yemen or international flights. There are only two weekly flights, one from Al Mukalla and another one from Abu Dhabi.

Socotra Island is renowned for its unique and diverse array of endemic plant species. From the famous dragon blood tree, to the unusual bottle tree, to the captivating desert rose, the island’s flora is truly one of a kind.

Visitors can explore the lush forests, barren deserts, and pristine beaches to witness these remarkable species in their natural habitats. The flora of Socotra Island is a testament to the island’s significance as a biodiversity hotspot, and provides a window into the incredible diversity of life on our planet.

Whether you’re a botanist or simply someone who appreciates nature, the unique plants of Socotra Island are sure to leave you in awe. So bring your hiking shoes and get ready to discover one of the world’s most fascinating ecosystems!

The significance of Socotra Island

Socotra Island is a unique and significant destination for many reasons. Its remote location has allowed for the evolution of a unique ecosystem, which includes a high number of plant and animal species found nowhere else on the planet. This includes the famous Dragon Blood Tree , a species that is exclusive to the island. The island’s diverse geography, ranging from lush forests to barren deserts, adds to its natural beauty and significance.

Additionally, Socotra Island has a rich cultural history, with a distinct language and traditional way of life that has been passed down through generations. These factors all contribute to the significance of Socotra Island, making it a destination unlike any other. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or just seeking a break from the familiar, Socotra Island is a destination that is not to be missed.

Location of Socotra Island

Socotra Island is located in the Arabian Sea, approximately 240 km east of the Horn of Africa and 380 km south of the Arabian Peninsula. It is part of an archipelago of four islands and is the largest of the group.

This unique location in the Indian Ocean sets the stage for the island’s stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking adventure and a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

If you’re wondering where is Socotra island, it’s located off the coast of Yemen and waiting to be explored. This Socotra holiday destination or Socotra trip opportunity is perfect for families who want to do something extraordinary and immerse themselves in a new culture and natural world. Book your “ travel to Socotra ” adventure today and experience the beauty of this unique and fascinating destination.

Curiosities about where is Socotra

• Socotra is located in the Indian Ocean, near the coast of Yemen.
• It is part of the Socotra Archipelago and consists of four islands.
• The archipelago is situated approximately 240 km east of the Horn of Africa and 380 km south of the Arabian Peninsula.
• It is considered a remote island, with limited transportation options and infrastructure.
• Socotra has a unique geography, with diverse landscapes ranging from deserts and caves to tropical forests and beaches.
• The island is of volcanic origin and is considered a hotspot of biodiversity due to its isolation from mainland Africa.
• The island’s location has also made it a strategic point for shipping and military operations in the past.

Socotra Archipelago

The Socotra Island is part of the Socotra Archipelago, which is officially one of the governorates of Yemen.

The archipelago consists of four large islands : Socotra , Abd al Kuri , Samha , and Darsah , and three small islets. The Socotra Governorate is divided into two districts: Hidaybu, which covers the eastern two-thirds of Socotra Island, and Qulensya wa Abd al Kuri, which covers the western third of Socotra Island and the other three islands.

If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable travel experience, consider taking one of the “socotra tours” or “socotra trek tours” offered on the island. Whether you prefer a scheduled tour or a private one, the options are available from September to May. You’ll get the chance to explore the stunning beaches, try “socotra fishing,” and discover the unique plant and animal life that can only be found on Socotra.

Geography and Climate

Socotra Island is characterized by its unique and diverse geography, with landscapes ranging from lush forests, to barren deserts. The island is also home to a number of unique rock formations, caves, and beaches, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The climate on Socotra Island is tropical and arid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C.

The island experiences two main seasons, the cool and dry season from November to March, and the hot and humid season from April to October. This climate, combined with its location in the Indian Ocean, creates the perfect conditions for the growth of the island’s unique flora and fauna.

During the cool season, temperatures are pleasant and comfortable, making it an ideal time to explore the island’s unique landscapes and beaches. The hot and humid season is characterized by higher temperatures and more frequent rainfall, which can make outdoor activities more challenging.

However, the rain provides a much-needed source of moisture for the island’s unique flora and fauna, making it a crucial part of the island’s ecosystem. Regardless of the season, the weather on Socotra Island is always warm and inviting, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a tropical getaway.

Socotra Island boasts a unique topography that is as diverse as it is stunning. The island is dominated by a central plateau, with towering cliffs, caves, and rock formations that are perfect for exploring. The coastline is dotted with serene beaches, crystal-clear waters, white sand dunes, and vibrant coral reefs that are teeming with marine life.

The interior of the island is home to deserts and barren landscapes, as well as lush forests and rolling hills.

Best time to visit Socotra

The beautiful island of Socotra has two vastly different weather patterns that travelers should take into consideration when planning their visit. From June to early September , the island experiences a windy monsoon season, characterized by high winds that raise sand and dust in the air, making hiking and outdoor activities difficult. This season is also hot, making it an unfavorable time for visitors.

In contrast, the rainy monsoon, which takes place from November to early January , brings heavy downpours that can cause damage to the island’s delicate roads. Although the bulk of rainfall occurs in December, travelers may experience storms in October, November, and January.

Despite the risks, this season is a beautiful time to visit, as the lush greenery of the trees is a sight to behold. For those who enjoy trekking, October and early November are excellent times to explore the Hajhir Mountains . However, oceanic activities such as snorkeling and diving may not be as enjoyable due to larger swells and cloudy water.

The ideal time to visit Socotra is between February and May , when the weather is mild, the water is calm and clear, and the island’s beautiful blooms are in full display. During this season, temperatures are pleasant and outdoor activities can be fully enjoyed. However, as the months progress towards May, the dryness of the season can result in haze and arid conditions. If you want to see the most flower blooms on the island, January and February are the best months to visit.

Wildlife and Flora

Socotra Island is a biodiversity hotspot, with a rich array of wildlife and flora that is found nowhere else on Earth. The island is home to a wide variety of endemic species, including the famous dragon blood tree, the unique desert rose, and the curious bottle tree. The wildlife on Socotra Island is equally impressive, with rare species such as the Socotra cormorant and the blue baboon tarantula calling the island home.

Whether you’re admiring the lush forests or exploring the barren deserts, the wildlife and flora of Socotra Island will leave you in awe. This unique and diverse ecosystem is a testament to the island’s significance, and provides a window into the incredible diversity of life on our planet.

Socotra Island is home to a diverse range of unique and fascinating animals that are found nowhere else on Earth. From the Socotra blue baboon tarantula , to the Socotra cormorant , to the various species of reptiles and birds, the island’s wildlife is truly a sight to behold.

10 Unique Animals Found on Socotra Island with Scientific Names:

• Socotra Rock Gecko (Tarentola recebiana)
• Socotra Sunbird (Nectarinia balfouri)
• Socotra Starling (Onychognathus frater)
• Socotra Sparrow (Passer insularis)
• Socotra Warbler (Sylvia laferreri)
• Socotra House Bat (Taphozous aureus)
• Socotra Chameleon (Chamaeleo monachus)
• Socotra Lizard (Trapelus dhara)
• Socotra Skink (Eumeces socotranus)
• Socotra Sand Lizard (Pedioplanis socotrana)

Visitors can witness these rare and intriguing Socotra Island animals in their natural habitats, such as the beaches, forests, and deserts. With its pristine landscapes and thriving ecosystem, Socotra Island offers a truly unforgettable wildlife experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or simply a curious traveler, the Socotra animals are sure to captivate and inspire you. So pack your binoculars and get ready for an adventure like no other!

Socotra Animals

The dragon blood tree.

The Dragon Blood Tree, scientifically known as Dracaena cinnabari, is one of the most iconic and recognizable trees on Socotra Island. Its name is derived from the red sap that drips from the trunk and branches, which is said to resemble dragon’s blood.

The tree has a unique, umbrella-shaped canopy and can grow up to 15 meters tall, making it a stunning sight against the island’s rugged landscape. Beyond its distinctive appearance, the Dragon Blood Tree is also a valuable source of medicinal and cosmetic products, with its sap used for various purposes, such as dyeing textiles and treating wounds.

With a history that dates back to ancient civilizations, the Dragon Blood Tree is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Socotra Island. Whether you’re a hiker, nature lover, or history buff, the Dragon Blood Tree is a must-see for anyone visiting Socotra Island.

7 Characteristics of the Unique Dragon Blood Tree:

• Unique appearance : The Dragon Blood Tree is known for its unique, umbrella-shaped canopy and its distinctive red sap, which gives it its name.
• Adaptability : This tree is capable of thriving in harsh conditions, including high winds, high temperatures, and drought.
• Endemic species : The Dragon Blood Tree is endemic to the island of Socotra, located off the coast of Yemen, and is found nowhere else in the world.
• Medicinal properties : The sap of the Dragon Blood Tree has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, including wound healing and as a treatment for various skin conditions.
• Threatened species : The Dragon Blood Tree is considered a threatened species due to over-harvesting and habitat destruction.
• Cultural significance : The tree holds significant cultural value for the local people of Socotra, who have used it for traditional medicines and as a source of dye for centuries.
• Ecological importance : As a keystone species, the Dragon Blood Tree plays an important role in the ecosystem of Socotra, providing habitat and food for a variety of plant and animal species.

The Dragon Blood Tree is native to Socotra Island and has evolved to thrive in its unique and harsh environment. The island is located in the Indian Ocean and is considered a biodiversity hotspot due to its isolation from the mainland, which has allowed for the evolution of a distinct and diverse array of species.

The Dragon Blood Tree is one of the many endemic species on the island, and its presence is due to the combination of the island’s hot, arid climate and its rugged terrain, which provides the tree with the ideal conditions for growth.

Over time, the tree has become a keystone species on the island, playing an important role in the ecosystem by providing shade and food for wildlife, as well as helping to prevent soil erosion. With its unique beauty, rich cultural history, and important ecological role, the Dragon Blood Tree is a symbol of the unique and vibrant nature of Socotra Island.

History and Culture

Socotra Island boasts a rich and diverse history and culture, shaped by its unique geography and location at the crossroads of major trading routes in the Indian Ocean.

Throughout its history, the island has been inhabited by various civilizations, including the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Arabs, who have all left their mark on the island’s culture and traditions. The island’s isolation has also allowed for the development of a distinct cultural identity, with its own language, music, and customs.

Today, the island’s population is primarily composed of the indigenous Soqotri people, who continue to maintain their traditional way of life, relying on fishing, animal husbandry, and agriculture for their livelihoods. Despite the challenges posed by its harsh environment, the island’s rich history and cultural heritage make it a unique and fascinating place, offering a window into the vibrant and diverse traditions of the Indian Ocean region.

Timeline of Significant Events in the History of Socotra Island:

• First human settlement : Socotra is believed to have been inhabited by humans for thousands of years, with evidence of early human settlements dating back to the third millennium BCE.
• Arrival of the Greeks : The island was visited by Greek traders in the 3rd century BCE, who established trade routes with the island’s indigenous peoples.
• Occupation by the Romans : Socotra became part of the Roman Empire in the 1st century CE, and remained under Roman control until the end of the empire in the 5th century.
• Islamic Conquest : The island was conquered by Arab forces in the 7th century, and became part of the Islamic world.
• Portuguese occupation : The Portuguese occupied the island in the 16th century, and established a fort on the island.
• British Protectorate : Socotra became part of the British protectorate in the late 19th century, as part of Britain’s attempts to establish a presence in the Arabian Peninsula.
• World War II : The island was occupied by the British during World War II, and served as an important base for Allied operations in the region.
• Independence from Britain : Socotra became part of South Yemen when Britain withdrew from the region in 1967, and was later incorporated into the unified Yemeni Republic in 1990.
• Cyclone hit : In 2008, the island was hit by a severe cyclone, which caused significant damage to its infrastructure and environment.
• Unesco World Heritage Site : In 2008, Socotra was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its unique biodiversity and cultural significance.

The People of Socotra

Socotra Island is home to a unique and vibrant community of people known for their rich cultural heritage and history. The island has been inhabited for thousands of years and has a long history of seafaring and trade, which has influenced its people and their traditions.

The island’s isolation has also allowed for the preservation of its indigenous language, customs, and beliefs, which are deeply rooted in the island’s natural environment and its rich history. Despite facing challenges posed by its remote location and harsh environment, the people of Socotra are resilient, resourceful, and proud of their unique identity and culture.

Whether through their traditional crafts, music, or cuisine, the people of Socotra offer a fascinating glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage and history.

Language and Traditions

Socotra Island, located in the Indian Ocean, is home to a unique and diverse culture that has developed over centuries of isolation. The island is inhabited by the Socotri people, who speak their own distinct language and practice traditional customs that have been passed down through generations.

These traditions include traditional music, dance, and the production of unique crafts and goods, such as baskets and pottery, which are still produced and used by the local community today. The cultural heritage of Socotra is an important aspect of the island’s identity and provides a connection to its rich history and heritage.

With its vibrant culture and rich history, Socotra Island offers a fascinating insight into the diversity of the world’s cultures and is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of its people.

Socotri is a South Arabian language spoken on the island of Socotra, which is located in the Indian Ocean. It is a member of the South Arabian subgroup of the Semitic languages and is closely related to the Modern South Arabian languages such as Mehri and Shehri.

The language is considered to be one of the most endangered languages in the world, with an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 speakers. Despite its declining number of speakers, Socotri remains an important part of the cultural heritage of the Socotra Island population and is a valuable resource for linguistic and cultural research.

Socotra Food

There are also a variety of Socotra food options available, including local dishes made with fresh seafood and vegetables, as well as international cuisine.

10 Must-Try Dishes from Socotra Island:

• Machboos : A spicy rice dish made with chicken or fish, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices.
• Harees : A traditional dish made from ground wheat and meat, typically served during Ramadan or special occasions.
• Salta : A thick, hearty soup made with lentils, potatoes, and spices.
• Stuffed Camel : A dish made from a whole roasted camel, stuffed with rice, spices, and nuts.
• Balaleet : A sweet pudding made with vermicelli noodles, sugar, and cardamom.
• Zalabia : A sweet fried pastry made with honey, sugar, and spices.
• Mathbi : A grilled flatbread made with ground barley and spices.
• Shuwa : A slow-cooked meat dish, typically made with goat or beef, and flavored with spices, herbs, and coconut milk.
• Machbous Salam : A spicy seafood dish made with shrimp, calamari, and a blend of spices.
• Roasted Goat : A traditional dish made by roasting a whole goat over an open fire, flavored with spices, herbs, and garlic.

Why Visit Socotra Island

Socotra Island is a unique and captivating destination, offering travelers an escape from the modern world and a chance to immerse themselves in a vibrant and diverse ecosystem. From its stunning beaches and towering cliffs, to its rare and endemic species of plants and animals, Socotra is a true natural wonder.

Visitors can participate in eco-tours to learn about the island’s rich cultural history, explore its rugged terrain, and appreciate its unique and pristine environment. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventurer, or simply looking for a change of pace, Socotra is the perfect destination to escape the ordinary and experience something truly special.

Traveling to Socotra Island and exploring its breathtaking landscapes, from the remote beaches to the rugged mountains, is a unique experience. Visit the capital city of Hadibo, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and learn about the island’s rich history. Book a stay at a Socotra hotel, where you can relax and rejuvenate after a day of adventure.

From September to May, you can take advantage of the weekly flights from Abu Dhabi to Socotra, which offer the opportunity to experience the island’s unique beauty. Whether you prefer a scheduled tour or a private tour, there are many Socotra tours to choose from, including socotra trek tours and socotra fishing tours.

If you’re looking for a truly unique holiday experience, consider a 7-day Socotra family adventure itinerary. This Socotra travel itinerary will allow you to explore the island’s stunning natural beauty, including the unique Socotra island animals, and immerse yourself in its rich cultural heritage. Discover why Socotra is known as the paradise of nature and why travel to Socotra should be on your bucket list.

For adventure, culture and relaxation, attracting tourists from all over the world. If you’re planning a trip to Socotra, here’s everything you need to know about Socotra travel.

Socotra Island is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers, with its diverse landscape and rich wildlife. One third of the plant life on the island can only be found here, and visitors can spot unique species of animals such as the Socotra starling, the Socotra sunbird, and the Socotra dragon. The island also offers opportunities for activities such as camping, hiking, wildlife spotting, and cultural immersion.

There are several tour options available for those visiting Socotra, including scheduled tours and private tours that run from September to May. Visitors can choose from a variety of activities, such as beach vacations, trek tours, fishing trips, and Socotra capital tours. A popular choice is the Socotra family adventure itinerary, which is a 8-day itinerary that provides a comprehensive and unique experience of the island’s beauty.

Attractions and Activities

To visit Socotra Island is quite easy, because it is a destination that offers an array of attractions and activities for visitors. From exploring its diverse ecosystems and rich cultural history to experiencing its unique cuisine and vibrant local traditions, there’s something for everyone on this idyllic island.

Whether you’re seeking adventure and excitement or looking to relax and unwind, Socotra Island offers a range of activities including hiking, snorkeling, and beachcombing. With its stunning landscapes and natural beauty, visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views and sunsets, and indulge in local customs such as markets and festivals. With so much to offer, Socotra Island is the perfect place for travelers who want to experience the beauty of nature and the richness of local culture.

7 Must-See Attractions of Socotra Island:

• Dragon’s Blood Trees : The unique and iconic Dragon’s Blood Trees are one of the most recognizable attractions on Socotra.
• Beaches : Socotra boasts some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the world, with crystal-clear waters and soft, white sand.
• Caves : The island is home to a number of caves, including the Al Shouf Cave, which is the largest cave system on the island.
• Wildlife : Socotra is home to a number of unique species of flora and fauna, including the Socotra Rock Gecko, the Socotra Sunbird, and the Socotra Warbler.
• Ancient villages : The island is home to a number of traditional villages, including Hadibo, the largest city on the island, which offers a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage.
• Hiking trails : The island offers a number of beautiful and challenging hiking trails, including the Hoq Cave Trail, which provides breathtaking views of the island’s coastline.
• Scuba diving : Socotra is a popular destination for scuba divers, offering a wealth of underwater life and vibrant coral reefs, including the popular Dixam Plateau dive site.

What to visit in Socotra

Beaches and scenery.

Socotra Island boasts breathtaking beaches and stunning scenery. With its crystal clear waters and pristine white sand, visitors can relax and soak up the sun or engage in various water sports activities. The island is also home to a unique and diverse landscape, including rugged cliffs, towering dunes, and lush vegetation.

These natural wonders, combined with its remote location in the Indian Ocean, make Socotra Island beach time a true paradise for those seeking an eco-adventure and a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether exploring the island on foot or by boat, visitors will be captivated by the stunning beauty of its breathtaking scenery and idyllic beaches.

10 Stunning Beaches to Visit in Socotra Island:

• Dihamri Beach
• Homhil Beach
• Shoab Beach
• Nasab Beach
• Dixsam Plateau Beach
• Tamr Henna Beach
• Al Maron Beach
• Delisha Beach
• Qalansiya Beach
• Kharaz Beach

Nature Reserves

Socotra Island is home to several nature reserves, which serve as important habitats for the island’s unique and diverse array of plant and animal species. These reserves are designated as protected areas, and they play a critical role in conserving the island’s natural beauty and biodiversity.

With its rugged landscapes, pristine beaches, and breathtaking scenery, the nature reserves of Socotra Island offer visitors a chance to experience the island’s natural wonders up close and personal. Whether you’re interested in birdwatching, hiking, or simply taking in the stunning views, the nature reserves of Socotra Island provide a memorable and unforgettable experience for all visitors.

10 Must-Visit Reserves and Parks in Socotra Island:

• Socotra Archipelago Marine Reserve
• Socotra Island National Park
• West Hajhir Mountains Reserve
• Calors Mountain Reserve
• Shouab Reserve
• Adho Reserve
• Al Mayzoon Reserve
• Homhil National Park
• Ayhaft Canyon National Park
• Dihamri Marine Reserve

Socotra Travel Information

Socotra Island is a remote and exotic destination, located in the Indian Ocean. Traveling to the island can be challenging, as there are limited flights and transportation options, but the effort is worth it for those seeking an adventure and a chance to explore the unique and unspoiled natural beauty of the island.

To make the most of your trip, it’s important to plan ahead and be well-prepared, with a good understanding of the local culture and customs, as well as the logistics of getting around and finding accommodations. With careful planning and an open mind, a visit to Socotra Island can be a truly unforgettable experience.

The island is home to around 70,000 people who speak their own native Socotri language, and the main town is Hadibo. However, despite its population, the island has limited infrastructure, making it the perfect place for camping, walking, hiking, wildlife spotting, and cultural immersion.

Yemen visa form for border crossing or airport arrival

Socotra Tours

Socotra Island offers an exceptional eco-tourism experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature and discover the unique and diverse flora and fauna of the region. The island is home to an array of endemic species, including the famous Dragon Blood Tree, and its isolation from the mainland has allowed for the evolution of a distinct and diverse array of wildlife and plant life.

Visitors can take guided tours of the island, exploring its rugged terrain, visiting ancient caves and rock formations, and observing its diverse wildlife. The focus on eco-tourism on Socotra Island not only provides visitors with a unique and unforgettable experience, but also helps to preserve the island’s delicate ecosystem, allowing it to continue to thrive for generations to come.

Our Socotra tours special edition includes exploring fascinating places such as Alalmah, Detwah Lagoon, Qalansyai, Shoub Beach, Rokeb Farmhin, Degub cave, Omaq Beach, Hayf and Zahak Dunes, Momi plateau, Kelesehan Canyon, Wadi Farho, Arher Beach, Ras Erisal, Homhil National Park, and the fabulous Delisha Beach.

8-day Socotra Island tours

Day 1 » Arrival at Socotra » Alalmah » Detwah Lagoon Day 2 » Detwah Lagoon » Qalansyai » Shoub Beach boat trip » Qalansyai » Detwah Lagoon Day 3 » Qalansyai » Diksam plateau » Shebahon viewpoint » Rokeb Farmhin Forest Day 4 » Rokeb Farmhin Forest » Degub cave » Omaq Beach » Hayf and Zahak Dunes » Omaq Beach Day 5 » Omaq beach » Momi plateau » Kelesehan Canyon » Wadi Farho » Arher Beach Day 6 » Arher » Cave exploration » Ras Erisal » Arher Day 7 » Arher » Homhil National Park » Dihamri Marine Protected Area » Delisha Beach Day 8 » Delisha Beach » Airport transfer » Departure from Socotra » End of services.

Accommodation

Tourists can enjoy dining at local restaurants, or opt for more private dining experiences in their accommodations. Whether you’re looking for a basic place to rest or a more luxurious stay, Socotra Island has something to offer.

Socotra tourism in terms of accommodation offers a limited range of options, from wild camping, and simple guesthouses to basic beach lodges. Above all, what the tourism Socotra industry business tries to promote is eco-tourism. This means that the impact of Socotra island tourism on the environment should be minimal, so that the natural beauty and ecosystem of the island are preserved for future generations. The goal is to allow tourists to enjoy the island’s unique flora and fauna while ensuring that their presence has no negative effects on the environment.

Socotra hotels are indeed restricted in terms of variety and mostly targeted at eco-tourists. In Hadibo, there are hotels like Summerland Hotel (4-star), Socotra Tourist Hotel, Socotra Island Hotel, and Taj Socotra Hotel , with modern rooms, AC, TV, fridge, private/shared bathrooms and laundry. For another type of Socotra hotel there is also an eco-lodge run by Adib’s family, offering woven huts and shaded resting areas.

Hotels on Socotra Island are also outstretched into 6 eco-campsites run by local communities, like Amak on a white sandy beach, Dihamri on the shore of a coral reef, Homhil in the magic land of dragon blood trees, and Skand at the foot of Jebel Skand. Adeeb’s eco-lodge offers huts and tents and is located near a pebbles beach outside of Hadibo.

Hotels in Yemen

How to Get to Socotra Island

Socotra Island can be reached by air travel. The island has a small airport, with flights available only from Al Mukalla in Yemen and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

The once monsoon-restricted archipelago of Socotra is now accessible year-round thanks to the opening of Socotra Island Airport in July 1999. Conveniently located just 12 km west of the main city of Hadibo.

To reach this breathtaking destination, and how to travel to Socotra airport, you have to take the airplane from from Abu Dhabi every Tuesday.

RJ Travel offers both scheduled and private tours to the exotic island of Socotra every week from September to May. The flights depart from Abu Dhabi every Tuesday, providing a convenient and reliable means of transportation to the island.

Please note that flights to Socotra Island are limited, with only one per week, travelers must stay on the island until the next flight. As a result, the tour length is fixed at 8 days to ensure you have ample time to explore Socotra.

Before traveling, it’s essential to check the latest travel advisories and requirements, including visas and vaccinations, to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to this unique and beautiful island.

Socotra Island flight schedule and prices

Air arabia flight schedule.

Air Arabia operates a weekly direct flight between Abu Dhabi and Socotra, taking off every Tuesday. The flight number 476 departs from Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 9:25 AM and arrives in Socotra (SCT) at 10:40 AM. The return flight number 477 departs from Socotra (SCT) at 12:10 PM and arrives in Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 3:25 PM.

Yemania Airways flight schedule

Yemenia Airways operates a weekly direct flight between Al Mukalla city and Socotra, taking off every Monday. The flight departs from Al Mukalla Riyan International Airport (RIY) at 9:00 AM and arrives in Socotra (SCT) at 10:00 AM. The return flight departs from Socotra (SCT) at 12:00 PM and arrives in Al Mukalla (RIY) at 1:00 PM.

Disclaimers on Socotra Flights

RJ Travel tour operator is a facilitator for travel to Socotra Island, and as such, it is not responsible for changes or updates to flight schedules or prices. RJ Travel tour operator provides land-based travel services and does not have jurisdiction over flight schedules or prices.

The company cannot be held responsible for any loss or inconvenience resulting from how to fly to Socotra, and consequent changes or updates. RJ Travel cannot be held responsible for any loss or inconvenience resulting from these external factors related to flights and weather affecting these same flights to Socotra.

Any changes or updates to flight schedules, delays or cancellations, are the responsibility of the airline and not within the control of RJ Travel.

It is important for travelers to understand that flight-related issues fall outside the scope of RJ Travel’s responsibility and to communicate directly with their airline for any related concerns. It is important for travelers to be aware of this limitation of responsibility and to stay informed of any updates or changes to their travel plans.

Safety Information

Socotra Island is considered a safe destination for travelers, however, it is important to take necessary precautions and be aware of local customs and laws. Visitors should exercise caution when venturing into isolated areas, and be mindful of the island’s unique wildlife and landscape.

Travelers should also ensure they have adequate travel insurance coverage and familiarize themselves with the island’s medical facilities and emergency services. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, it is advisable to research and plan ahead, and be mindful of one’s surroundings while exploring this unique and beautiful island.

Rules & Code of Conduct

To protect the unique ecosystem of Socotra Island, we ask all visitors to abide by the following rules:

• Respect the natural environment by avoiding activities that harm wildlife, breeding grounds, plants, and their habitats. Use only brushwood as fuel for fires.
• Properly dispose of waste, including cigarette butts and litter.
• Respect the privacy of residents and only enter their spaces or take photos with permission.
• Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages in public places and being loud inside caves.
• Do not bring in or take out any biological material, souvenirs, or natural resources from the island. Follow the advice of your guide before swimming in the sea or rivers.
• Do not touch or damage corals, and avoid collecting shells, flora, and fauna samples. Do not feed fish as it creates dependency and harms the ecosystem.

Is Socotra safe for tourists?

Socotra Island is a safe and secure destination for tourists, with a number of factors contributing to its overall safety.

Firstly, the island has a low population, meaning that it is not densely populated and has a more relaxed and peaceful atmosphere.

Secondly, the local people are known for being friendly and welcoming to visitors, creating a warm and hospitable environment.

Finally, Socotra Island has a strong Islamic tradition, which not only influences the culture and way of life on the island, but also contributes to the overall stability and security of the area.

What is so special about Socotra Island?

Socotra Island is special and important because it’s isolated from other places.

This has helped create a one-of-a-kind environment with lots of plants and animals you can’t find anywhere else in the world.

The most famous is the Dragon Blood Tree , which only grows on the island.

Can you stay on Socotra Island?

When you visit Socotra, you’ll have a few choices for where to stay. You can camp in nature, stay in simple guesthouses, or stay in beach lodges.

The hotels on the island are mostly for people who like to be close to nature, so there aren’t a lot of choices.

In Hadibo, there are some nice hotels like Summerland Hotel, Socotra Tourist Hotel, Socotra Island Hotel, and Taj Socotra Hotel. They have comfortable rooms with air conditioning, TV, a fridge, and private or shared bathrooms.

Can Americans travel to Socotra Island?

If you’re an American, you can go on a trip to Socotra.

Our company RJ Travel, takes Americans tourists on tours to Socotra.

We make sure you get a Yemen visa , which lets you visit the country, and it’s included in the price of our Yemen tour packages . So you don’t have to worry about extra costs.

How to visit Socotra island?

Socotra Island is accessible by air travel with a small airport offering flights from Al Mukalla in Yemen and Abu Dhabi in the UAE.

However, flights to Socotra are limited to only one per week, meaning travelers must spend 8 days on the island to fully explore it.

Air Arabia operates a direct flight from Abu Dhabi to Socotra every Tuesday while Yemania Airways operates a direct flight from Al Mukalla to Socotra every Monday

Where is Socotra island?

Socotra, an archipelago located 150 miles off the Horn of Africa in the Gulf of Aden, is officially part of Yemen. Socotra Island makes part of a group of four islands, and it’s the largest one in the Socotra Archipelago .

Who owns Socotra island?

Socotra Island is part of Yemen and is administered by the Yemeni government.

Although is officially part of Yemen, but has been under the control of the United Arab Emirates for several years.

Socotra has been part of Yemen since the country was formed in 1990 with the unification of North and South Yemen. Before 1990, Socotra was under the control of South Yemen, which was a Marxist state known as the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen .

Is Socotra part of UAE?

Socotra is officially part of Yemen, but has been under the control of the United Arab Emirates for several years.

The situation regarding the presence of the United Arab Emirates on Socotra Island is complex and politically sensitive.

In 2018, the UAE deployed troops to the island, causing tensions with the Yemeni government. Prior to this, the UAE had been providing aid and relief through humanitarian organizations such as Emirates Red Crescent , and had established a military base on the island as part of the Saudi Arabian-led intervention.

However, some Yemeni political factions have accused the UAE of attempting to occupy the island and causing harm to its unique ecosystem.

00967 777 477 418

[email protected]

Visit Socotra | Visiting Season

Essential advises to consider before you visit socotra..

Table of Contents

When to visit Socotra?

Socotra is the largest Island in Yemen and as such the climate of the Island can differ significantly from mainland. Due the island location, the strong monsoon which starting from June to the end of September yearly. Broadly speaking, it makes limited season to travel to Socotra , so the very best time to visit Socotra Island is from October to the end of March, when the weather is very pleasant in the Island. The months of April and May are good to visit Socotra, but the weather can be hot and humid, with daytime highs of temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

Accommodation.

Socotra Island is an Eco-tourism system and it’s still new to the international tourism market and the hotel accommodation on Socotra is not the same international standard, though it’s quite good and improving up yearly.

Hotels on Socotra Island

There are 5 Hotels on Socotra, four of them located in Hadibo, the capital city of Socotra and one located near Socotra airport in Mori. Three Hotels on one level (Diamond Hotel, Socotra Hotel and Taj Socotra Hotel), the fourth hotel is Heathrow which is quite good, the fifth hotel is Summerland Hotel which is the best hotel on Socotra, the hotel has European style and high furniture, the cost for a single room is 100USD per night and 140USD for a double room per night, both rates including breakfast.

Eco-lodging

If you wanna Visit the Island of Socotra, it’s possible also to camp outside of town, since there are several campsites and Eco-lodging provides sleeping services. There are several camping sites on Socotra, such as the camping site in Homhil , camping site in Arhur beach, camping site in Dihamry, camping site in Aomaq beach , Camping site in Zaheq, camping site in Dixsam plateau, camping site in Fermihin forest, camping site in Detwah  and camping site in Delisha beach, all camping sites supplied with toilets and showers except the camping site in Fermihin forest.

How to travel to Socotra Island (  flights to Socotra Island)?

From Abu Dhabi (UAE ) by Air Arabia which operates a weekly direct non-stop flights to Socotra every Tuesday, they added another flight to Socotra will start from 20th of October and it operating every Friday ( the additional flight scheduled up to April 2024), April flights are every Tuesday and Friday. The flight not available for online booking, because it is a charter flight, but of course Socotra Holidays and Tours will help you to book your Socotra flights and also buy your flight tickets through the Air Arabia agent here. The cost of international airline tickets (Abu Dhabi – Socotra – Abu Dhabi)  3350 AED, about 930$.

The flight currently leaves Abu Dhabi airport at 09:00AM and return to Abu Dhabi airport at 15:05 (UAE Timezone GMT+4). The flight arrives on Socotra airport at 10:10AM and leaves Socotra airport at 11:40AM (Yemen Timezone GMT+3).

Yemenia Airways has non  direct flight a flight to Socotra from Cairo (Egypt) via Aden as following.

The flight leaves Cairo airport on Sunday night at 22:30 ( Egypt timezone), arrive  Aden airport next day at the early morning ( Monday at 03:00 AM, Yemen timezone), then you’ll pass through immigration in order to stamp your passport, also you need to show them a copy of your Entry visa.

Then you will go to baggage hall and wait your baggage.  After that you will go to departure hall in order to register your Socotra flight and get the boarding pass.

The departure from Aden to Socotra on Monday at 07:00AM (Yemen timezone).

Next Monday your Socotra flights arrives  at Aden airport at 14:15 and then you’ll go to departure hall in order to register your flight back to Cairo.

The flight leaves Aden airport at 06:00PM (Yemen local time) and arrive to Cairo airport at 08:30PM ( Egypt local time).

The cost of international airline tickets (Cairo – Aden – Socotra – Aden – Cairo )  is 1170 US dollars.

  How to getting tourist visa in order to visit Socotra ?

The validity of the Visa.

The validity of the visa is 30 days from the issuing date. that’s mean the visa must be active during this period, once activated, you’ll get 1-2 months resident visa.

Important notice.

Please remember that we only process a tourist visa for our clients who wishing to take advantage of complete tour packages, that typically include the itinerary of the sightseeing for the period of stay in Socotra.  And we don’t issue a single visa without tour package. So, if your main reason of visit Socotra is any other activity that isn’t related to the tourism, or without complete package and Services, please don’t contact us for arranging you a visa.

What to pack?

Here are few useful things to pack when you visit Socotra:-

– Sun protection, sunglasses and a sun hat. – Sleeping bag. – Good walking shoes. – Torch (preferably a small head torch). – Insect repellent and Towel. – USB Car charger to re-charge your camera battery or your mobile.

Diving season.

The best time to visit Socotra for diving is Early October, the first half of December, the second half of January and from the second half of February to May.

 Fishing sport.

The prime season for sport fishing are from October till November and then from February till end of May.

Water sports, Surfing and windsurfing.

During the monsoon which starts from June to September, it is the best time for the people who interested in adventures sports, like windsurfing, surfing and kite surfing.

Join our world now. The world of adventures and enjoyment. And go further!! Achieve more!! Enjoy every moment!!

CONTACT DETAILS

Yemen Socotra +967 777 477 418 [email protected]

Yemen Socotra

Find Out More

• Monthly Offers
• Popular Tours
• Solo Travelers
• Group Tours
• Getting to Socotra
• Useful Information
• Socotra Photos
• Essential Advises

2024© Copyright by socotra-holiday.com

Things to Do in Socotra Island, Yemen - Socotra Island Attractions

Things to do in socotra island, explore popular experiences, top attractions in socotra island.

What travelers are saying

• Qalansiyah Beach
• Shoab beach
• Diksam Plateau
• Delisha Beach
• Arher Beach
• Dihamri Marine Protected Area
• Homhil Protected Area

responsible | Bespoke |  experiential travel Explore the above menu to learn more

Dig deeper into Socotra's natural and cultural heritage through experiential travel. Learn from the locals. Discover Socotra means immersion.

Specialized itineraries covering a variety of subjects, all guided by both local and international experts on the respective subjects.

Learn about the challenges being faced by Socotri nature and culture and how best to go about counteracting them. 

Research trip with Discover Socotra Spot 3 bird species previously undocumented  on Socotra

Members of a research expedition organized by Discover Socotra and the Ornithological Society of the Middle East in November 2021 managed to spot three birds species never before documented  on Socotra, one of which is even a first for the entire Arabian region. The expedition initially set out to focus on the outer island population of Socotra cormorants ( Phalacrocorax nigrogularis ), yet while on the archipelago, members of the team managed to spot:

Pomarine jaegers ( Stercorarius pomarinus ) Never before documented on Socotra 

 A Somali fiscal ( Lanius somalicus ) Never before documented in Arabia

A White-breasted waterhen ( Amaurornis phoenicurus ) Never before documented on Socotra

Pomarine jaeger spotted at Qadhub

Photo: Licia Calabrese and David Stanton

Field updates

What guests have to say:

They were completely brilliant... I've been twice before to Socotra over the last 10 years but I'd recommend Discover Socotra by far and away the best tour group I've used (on Socotra or pretty much anywhere.)

–S. Norfolk

Contact info WhatsApp: +39 391 380 4453                 +967 770 126 974 Tel: +39 391 380 4453 E-mail: [email protected]

Our   Story

Rocky road travel, rocky road   blog, all destinations, afghanistan, afghanistan tours, mauritania tours, south sudan, south sudan tours, socotra tours, syria tours, pakistan tours.

Socotra Tours

Socotra island tours.

2024 / 2025

Unlike anywhere else on earth. Socotra has to be seen to be believed. We run both scheduled tours and private tours to Socotra every week from September to May.

Share this page:

Socotra has a total population of around 60,000 people who speak their own native Socotri language. Apart from the main town of Hadiboh, little infrastructure exists on the island. The island is so remote that one third of its plant life can only be found there. Socotra is a remarkable place for camping, walking, hiking, wildlife spotting & cultural immersion. It’s for anyone who wants to experience a natural world like no other.

We now have seven scheduled and confirmed group tours per year in February, March, April, October, November & December. All groups are capped at 10 people.

Dates don’t work? No worries, check out our sample itinerary below , get in touch and we’ll give you a quote for a private Socotra tour on your preferred dates.

Abu Dhabi – Socotra – Abu Dhabi.

See our group Socotra tour itineraries below. Get in touch for a private tour quote. Private tours depart weekly every Tuesday.

With just a scan of your passport, we will apply for the Socotra visa on your behalf.  You then collect it on arrival. The visa fee is $150 USD extra.

Tour   Itineraries

Itinerary October 2024

It’s your first chance to visit Socotra after the long windy season!

• October 22 - 29th, 2024

Itinerary Winter 2024

Escape the northern winter and head for paradise on earth!

• November 26 - December 3, 2024

Itinerary December 2024

Where better to ring in the new year in style!

• December 27 - January 3, 2025

Itinerary February 2025

Escape the northern winter blues and head for sunny Socotra!

• February 4 - 11th, 2025

Itinerary Spring 2025

Come visit the iconic bottle trees in full bloom on this classic Socotra tour!

• March 25 - April 1st, 2025

Itinerary Easter 2025

No better place to spend your Easter holiday than a whole week in Socotra!

• April 15 - 22nd, 2025

Itinerary October 2025

We arrive back in Socotra fresh after the windy summer season!

• October 21 - 28th, 2025

Sample Socotra Tour Itinerary

Day 1 - abu dhabi | hadibo | qalansiya.

• Take the early morning flight from Abu Dhabi to Socotra.
• Arrival in Habido, Socotra. We’ll be greeted by our local Socotri guide who will accompany us for the trip.
• Drive to Qalansiya, the second largest town on the island.
• On the way stopping at some abandoned Soviet tanks.
• See the incredible view of Detwah Lagoon from the highest point on the beach before trekking down to the beach. Relax and take a dip in the ocean!
• Walk around the lagoon to our camp site for a big lunch.
• Climb up a nearby hill which will give us a 360 degree view of Qalansiyah and Detwah at sunset.
• Dinner and overnight camping at Detwah Eco-campsite – complete with shower and toilet!

Day 2 - Shoub Beach | Detwah Lagoon

• Take an early morning boat trip to Shoub beach – passing by stunning rock formations and plenty of native birdlife along the way. There’s a high likelihood we’ll come across numerous dolphins on the way here too!
• Arrive at Shoub – Relax & swim at the most beautiful beach on the island.
• Make our way back to Qalansiya by boat.
• After lunch, trek along the shores to visit the cave of Abdullah Alloi – known as the “caveman” Abdullah was born here and spends his time fishing the lagoon. We’ll have more fresh seafood here washed down with tea!
• He’ll take us a quick tour of the lagoon (if he’s home…!). We’ll see pufferfish, sea cucumber, squid, starfish, sea urchin and more.
• Camping at Detwah Eco-campsite.

Day 3 - Diksam Plateau

• Up early to d rive 2 hours to Diksam Plateau – home of the Dragon’s Blood Trees.
• Walk through endless Trees to the viewpoint overlooking Wadi Dirhar – an incredible canyon that splits Diksam and the Firmihin forest in half.
• Lunch under the shade of a Dragon’s Blood Tree.
• Go for a post-lunch dip at one of the many fresh water creeks in the Wadi Dirhar .
• Off road 4×4 drive to Firmihin forest and do a sunset hike to the top of the forest for one spectacular view overlooking thousands of Dragon’s Blood Trees.
• Set up camp at Diksam, Dinner and overnight.

Day 4 - Dixsam | Amak | Dihamri

• Start the morning with a walk to the nearby Dragon’s Blood Tree nursery
• Drive towards the South coast towards the epic sand dunes that line the coast. Drive across the sand dunes and stop for plenty of photo opportunities.
• Visit the cave of Dagub (If there’s time)
• Swim at the nearby Amak Beach.
• Lunch surrounded by a forest of palm date trees next to the beach.
• 2 hour drive north to our campsite at Dihamri Marine Sanctuary – the perfect time to try out some sunset/nighttime snorkelling!
• Dinner and overnight.

Day 5 - Dihamri Marine Protected Area | Killisan Pools

• Spend the morning scuba diving and snorkelling! (extra cost). 
• Drive inland and south towards the Killisan canyon and pools. It’s an off-road drive and a 45 minute trek to get here but it’s well worth it. Swim in the turquoise pools and jump from the ledges into the crystal clear water.
• Picnic Lunch.
• Drive to Arher Beach campsite. This is the spot where you can climb the massive sand dune!
• You are free to walk around the area on your own. Those capable can climb the 300m-high dune! (Top tip – do it for sunrise instead!)
• Dinner and overnight camping with a fire.

Day 6 - Homhil National Park | Raw Ersil | Arher

• After breakfast head straight to Homhil National Park. The Park is famous for its supply of the famous Dragon blood trees. Lots of bottle trees and cucumber plants can also be found here. After walking for 30 minutes, we’ll reach an incredible crystal-clear pool complete with views over the whole southern part of the island.
• Swim and relax at the “infinity pool” before making our way back upstream for a picnic lunch under the palms.
• Drive back towards Arher beach.
• Stop at the Socotra folklore museum on the way.
• Drive to Raw Erisel, the meeting point of the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. This is the point where freshwater and saltwater meet creating a natural phenomenon.
• Dinner and overnight in Arher.

Day 7 - Arher | Hoq’s Cave | Delisha Beach | Hadibo

• Wake up next to the ocean and climb the sand dune (again..!) before sunrise if you dare. Cool off in the sea and rinse off in the freshwater streams.
• Start our hike to Hoq’s Cave (3 hours return. Medium fitness required)
• Lunch at Delisha Beach! A beautiful white beach complete with a shipwreck.
• Visit the Yemeni Foundation & development for Socotra. Learn how the foundation is doing great work educating the youth of the island in conservation, foreign languages and computer skills.
• Check into the newly opened Heathrow Hotel (Yep, it’s near the airport) – now the only hotel on the island with functioning AC & Wifi!
• Freshen up and get rid of all the sand before our last dinner together. 
• Dinner and overnight in Hadibo.

Day 8 - Habido – Abu Dhabi

• Quick city tour of Hadibo. Check out the local fish and meat market.
• Any last minute shopping requests will be taken care of here!
• Transfer to the airport for your departure to Abu Dhabi.
• Arrive in Abu Dhabi around 17:00 local time.
• End of Socotra Tour.

Get in touch for more info on camel trekking, hiking and fishing tours. You name it and we can arrange it!

Accommodation Single tent camping and guesthouse on Socotra. Guides Both an expert local guide and western tour leader. Transport All transport to complete the itinerary. Food All meals are included in Socotra. Activities All activities mentioned in the itinerary unless otherwise stated. Taxes & Fees VAT & all entrance fees included. .elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-4fdd772d .elementor-repeater-item-ebe0563.jet-parallax-section__layout .jet-parallax-section__image{background-size:auto;}.elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .eael-feature-list-items .eael-feature-list-item:not(:last-child){padding-bottom:calc(12px/2);}.elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .eael-feature-list-items .eael-feature-list-item:not(:first-child){padding-top:calc(12px/2);}.elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .eael-feature-list-items.connector-type-modern .eael-feature-list-item:not(:last-child):before{height:calc(100% + 12px);}body.rtl .elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .eael-feature-list-items .eael-feature-list-item:after{left:calc(-12px/2);}.elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .eael-feature-list-items .eael-feature-list-icon-box .eael-feature-list-icon-inner{background-color:#ddb25a;}.elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .eael-feature-list-items.framed .eael-feature-list-icon{background-color:#ffffff;}.elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .eael-feature-list-items .eael-feature-list-icon{color:rgba(99,75,59,0.88);}.elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .eael-feature-list-items .eael-feature-list-icon svg{fill:rgba(99,75,59,0.88);}.elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .eael-feature-list-icon-box .eael-feature-list-icon{height:35px;width:35px;font-size:16px;padding:15px 15px 15px 15px;}.elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .eael-feature-list-items.connector-type-classic .connector{right:calc(100% - 35px);}.elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .eael-feature-list-icon-box .eael-feature-list-icon img{width:16px;height:16px;}.elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .eael-feature-list-img{width:16px;height:16px;}.elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .eael-feature-list-icon-box .eael-feature-list-icon-inner{padding:2px;}.elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .-icon-position-left .eael-feature-list-content-box, .elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .-icon-position-right .eael-feature-list-content-box, .elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .-icon-position-top .eael-feature-list-content-box{margin:30px;}.elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .eael-feature-list-item .eael-feature-list-title{margin-bottom:0px;}.elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .eael-feature-list-content-box .eael-feature-list-title, .elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .eael-feature-list-content-box .eael-feature-list-title > a, .elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .eael-feature-list-content-box .eael-feature-list-title:visited{color:rgba(99,75,59,0.88);}.elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .eael-feature-list-content-box .eael-feature-list-title, .elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .eael-feature-list-content-box .eael-feature-list-title a{font-family:"Poppins", Sans-serif;font-size:20px;}.elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .eael-feature-list-content-box .eael-feature-list-content{color:rgba(99,75,59,0.88);font-family:"Poppins", Sans-serif;font-size:15px;}@media(max-width:1024px){.elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .-icon-position-left .eael-feature-list-content-box, .elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .-icon-position-right .eael-feature-list-content-box, .elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .-icon-position-top .eael-feature-list-content-box{margin:20px;}}@media(max-width:767px){.elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-46323052 > .elementor-element-populated{margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;--e-column-margin-right:0px;--e-column-margin-left:0px;padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;}.elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .eael-feature-list-icon-box .eael-feature-list-icon{height:25px;width:25px;}.elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .eael-feature-list-items.connector-type-classic .connector{right:calc(100% - 25px);}.elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .-mobile-icon-position-left .eael-feature-list-content-box{margin:0 0 0 10px !important;}.elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .-mobile-icon-position-right .eael-feature-list-content-box{margin:0 10px 0 0 !important;}.elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .-icon-position-left .eael-feature-list-content-box, .elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .-icon-position-right .eael-feature-list-content-box, .elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .-icon-position-top .eael-feature-list-content-box{margin:10px;}.elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .eael-feature-list-content-box .eael-feature-list-title, .elementor-9040 .elementor-element.elementor-element-655438a1 .eael-feature-list-content-box .eael-feature-list-title a{font-size:20px;}} Flights Flights to and from Socotra from Abu Dhabi ($940 USD) Single supplement 1 night - $60 Visa Fee $150 USD Tips Tips are expected for your local Socotri guide and driver. Travel Insurance A must for this trip. Snorkelling & diving equipment All diving and snorkelling equipment hire is extra. jQuery(window).on('elementor/frontend/init elementor/popup/show', function() { var $currentTooltip = '#eael-section-tooltip-f2ecbc3'; if (typeof tippy !== 'undefined') { tippy($currentTooltip, { content: 'Exploring Babylon', placement: 'bottom', animation: 'perspective', arrow: '1', arrowType: 'sharp', duration: '300', distance: '10', delay: '200', size: 'regular', trigger: 'mouseenter', animateFill: false, flip: true, flipOnUpdate: true, interactive: true, flipBehavior: 'flip', maxWidth: 350, zIndex: 99999, followCursor: false , onShow(instance) { var tippyPopper = instance.popper; jQuery(tippyPopper).attr('data-tippy-popper-id', 'f2ecbc3'); } }); } }); jQuery(window).on('elementor/frontend/init elementor/popup/show', function() { var $currentTooltip = '#eael-section-tooltip-79a4a76'; if (typeof tippy !== 'undefined') { tippy($currentTooltip, { content: 'Mesopotamian Marshlands', placement: 'bottom', animation: 'perspective', arrow: '1', arrowType: 'sharp', duration: '300', distance: '10', delay: '200', size: 'small', trigger: 'mouseenter', animateFill: false, flip: true, flipOnUpdate: true, interactive: true, flipBehavior: 'flip', maxWidth: 350, zIndex: 99999, followCursor: false , onShow(instance) { var tippyPopper = instance.popper; jQuery(tippyPopper).attr('data-tippy-popper-id', '79a4a76'); } }); } }); Gallery

Socotra tours - faqs, most frequent questions and answers for our tours to socotra..

Socotra is and has always been conflict free. The civil war never came close to the island. Socotra is very autonomous from the rest of Yemen.

Socotra experiences a cyclone season that makes conditions quite difficult from June to September. The best time to visit Socotra is from October to May.

Currently the only flight option to Socotra is the charter direct route from Abu Dhabi.

USD cash is king on the island. You can change it on the black market to Yemani Rial once in Hadibo. 

There are no ATMs on the island and credit cards are not accepted anywhere.

Group size will be no more than 10 travelers.

We’ll be a convoy of 4 cars. This allows each 4×4 car to have only 3 people each for maximum comfort. Everyone gets a window seat.

Travel insurance is a must. We have teamed up with IATI Travel Insurance because they provide cover for all our destinations. You’ll also automatically receive a 5% discount with them as a Rocky Road Travel customer.

Mostly camping! The only guesthouses are in Hadibo town. Around the island we will mostly be camping in the wild. A couple of camps will have no running water – so be prepared!

Our advice is to bring an external battery pack – preferably solar powered. Sometimes there will be a generator at the camp and sometimes not. You can also charge devices in the car while driving.

Not at all! We can cater to all diets on the island.

Pick your Dates

Flights depart every Tuesday (& some Fridays) from October to May

Return flight from Abu Dhabi

Extra Charge - $940 USD

Guesthouse & Camping

7 nights on Socotra

Contact us for a quote

It's that simple

Further   Reading

Covid 19 Travel Updates By Country

Iraqi Kurdistan is currently open to international travelers. Where Can I Go? Updated 1st June, 2022 This is your one

Things To Do On Socotra Island

Socotra’s Best Tourist Attractions Socotra island is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Hikers could trek the entire island over the

Is Socotra Safe?

Is Socotra safe to travel to? Socotra is one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet. Located in

Travel to Socotra

Can I travel to Socotra? The Yemeni island of Socotra has been described as the “most alien-looking place on earth”.

📞 +491635158517 ✉️ [email protected]

Destinations

• Afghanistan
• North Korea
• Papua New Guinea
• South Sudan
• Agents & Partners
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Sustainability
• Travel Insurance

Subscribe To Our   Newsletter

Keep in touch with the latest news and info on our unique destinations.

Get in touch

Request more info or book a tour.

Fill in the form and we’ll get back to you in no time!

Insert/edit link

Enter the destination URL

Or link to existing content

WELCOME TO SOCOTRA

A journey to the end of the world.

“The Socotra Archipelago in Yemen has long been a land of mystery. Over the centuries travellers returned from the Indian Ocean isles with bizarre tales - of trees yielding dragon's blood and cucumbers, forest of frankincense, and towering pinnacles in the mist.".

NEXT DEPARTURES

We also design bespoke adventures to suit any traveller, from solo to couples or larger groups of friends. For private tours feel free to pick your own date!

Our itinerary is designed to inspire, whether you are looking to make the most of a classic one week trip, or explore more as part of a longer bespoke adventure.

Subscribe our newsletter

You will receive the map in the confirmation email

Passing Thru Travel

15 Unique Destinations Waiting to Be Discovered

Posted: March 20, 2024 | Last updated: March 20, 2024

The allure of undiscovered places and the road less traveled has always captivated the adventurous spirit of travelers. Beyond the well-trodden paths and iconic landmarks lies a world brimming with hidden gems, offering unique experiences and a glimpse into diverse destinations’ unspoiled beauty and culture. This guide ventures into the heart of off-the-beaten-path locales, from secluded natural wonders to ancient towns barely touched by tourism, providing an insider’s look at 15 must-visit spots for those seeking the road less traveled.

1. The Azores, Portugal

The Azores, a group of nine volcanic islands in the mid-Atlantic, are a prime example of nature’s artistry. The landscape is a lush tapestry of green pastures, deep blue lakes, and towering mountains, starkly contrasting the surrounding ocean’s deep blues. São Miguel, the largest island, is home to the mesmerizing Lagoa do Fogo and Furnas, where geothermal springs and mud pots bubble.

The islands are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities ranging from whale watching and diving in the clear Atlantic waters to hiking ancient volcanic craters. The Azores represent a quieter, more untouched Europe, where traditional Portuguese culture remains deeply embedded in the islanders’ way of life. The cuisine here reflects the islands’ volcanic activity, with cozido das Furnas, a stew cooked underground by geothermal heat, being a must-try dish.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the hot springs at Furnas Valley for a natural spa experience.

How to Get There: Direct flights from major European cities and the United States to Ponta Delgada on São Miguel are available.

When to Travel: The best time to visit is from May to September when the weather is mild and the flora is in full bloom.

2. Salento, Italy

Nestled in the heel of Italy’s boot, Salento boasts crystal-clear seas, Baroque towns, and an authentic Italian culture. Lecce, known as the Florence of the South, dazzles with its architectural beauty, while the coastline offers hidden coves and beaches like Pescoluse, the Maldives of Salento.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the Zinzulusa Cave near Castro for a stunning display of stalactites and stalagmites.

How to Get There: Fly into Brindisi or Bari and drive or take a train to Salento.

When to Travel: Visit between April and June or September and October to avoid the peak tourist season and enjoy pleasant weather.

3. Svaneti, Georgia

Svaneti, a remote region in the Georgian Caucasus, is known for its medieval watchtowers, ancient traditions, and breathtaking landscapes. Hiking trails lead adventurers through untouched nature, with Mount Ushba and the Shkhara Glacier as standout sights. The region is also a repository of Georgian culture, with unique customs and cuisine.

Insider’s Tip: Take the Mestia to Ushguli trek for an unforgettable experience of Svaneti’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

How to Get There: Fly to Kutaisi and then take a bus or drive to Mestia, Svaneti’s main town.

When to Travel: Summer (June to September) is ideal for hiking and exploring the outdoors.

4. Kep, Cambodia

Once a glamorous seaside retreat, Kep is now a tranquil destination known for its lush national park, abandoned French villas, and delicious seafood. The nearby Rabbit Island offers pristine beaches and a glimpse into a slower pace of life. Kep’s Crab Market is a must-visit for fresh seafood and local flavors.

Insider’s Tip: Enjoy a seafood meal at the Crab Market, where you can pick your own crab and have it cooked to order.

How to Get There: Kep is a short drive from Kampot or a few hours from Phnom Penh by bus or taxi.

When to Travel: Visit from November to March for the best weather and to avoid the rainy season.

5. Isle of Harris, Scotland

The Isle of Harris, part of the Outer Hebrides, is a landscape of contrasts, with stunning white-sand beaches like Luskentyre and rugged mountains. The island is also known for Harris Tweed and traditional Gaelic culture. Outdoor activities abound, from hiking to wildlife watching.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the Harris Distillery for a taste of the local gin, which incorporates botanicals unique to the island.

How to Get There: Fly to Stornoway on Lewis, take a short drive or bus to Harris, or take a ferry from Uig on Skye.

When to Travel: The best time is from May to September, with longer daylight hours and milder weather.

6. The Danakil Depression, Ethiopia

One of the most alien landscapes on Earth, the Danakil Depression offers a vista of lava lakes, salt flats, and sulfur springs. This harsh but mesmerizing environment is not for the faint-hearted but rewards the adventurous with its otherworldly beauty.

Insider’s Tip: A guided tour is essential for navigating the extreme conditions and understanding the geological and cultural significance of the area.

How to Get There: Organized tours typically depart from Mekele, accessible by flight or bus from Addis Ababa.

When to Travel: Visit from November to February when temperatures are slightly cooler.

7. The Faroe Islands, Denmark

The Faroe Islands, a group of volcanic islands in the North Atlantic, are a paradise of dramatic cliffs, green valleys, and quaint villages. The bird cliffs of Vestmanna and the lake above the ocean at Sørvágsvatn are highlights. The islands offer a unique blend of Scandinavian and Viking heritage.

Insider’s Tip: Try Faroese cuisine, which incorporates local ingredients like seafood, lamb, and seabirds, for a true taste of the islands.

How to Get There: Fly to Vágar Airport from Copenhagen or Reykjavik.

When to Travel: Summer (June to August) is ideal for exploring the outdoors and attending traditional festivals.

8. Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a serene town at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. Known for its well-preserved architecture, vibrant night markets, and Buddhist monasteries, it offers a peaceful retreat with a rich cultural tapestry.

Insider’s Tip: Wake up early to participate in the alms-giving ceremony, a daily ritual where locals offer food to Buddhist monks.

How to Get There: Fly into Luang Prabang International Airport from major Southeast Asian cities.

When to Travel: Visit from October to March for cooler temperatures and less rainfall.

9. The Gobi Desert, Mongolia

The Gobi Desert, one of the world’s great deserts, spans northern China and southern Mongolia. It’s known for its dunes, mountains, and rare wildlife, including the Bactrian camel. The desert offers a profound sense of solitude and an insight into nomadic culture.

Insider’s Tip: Spend a night in a traditional ger camp for an authentic experience of Mongolian nomadic life.

How to Get There: Organized tours to the Gobi often start from Ulaanbaatar, accessible by international flights.

When to Travel: The best time to visit is from June to September when the weather is milder.

10. Waiheke Island, New Zealand

Just a short ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke Island is a world away from city life, known for its vineyards, olive groves, and beaches. The island offers a relaxed atmosphere, with art galleries, coastal walks, and wine-tasting tours.

Insider’s Tip: Rent a bicycle to explore the island’s vineyards and beaches at your own pace.

How to Get There: Take a ferry from Auckland’s downtown terminal.

When to Travel: Visit during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer (December to February) for the best weather.

11. Patagonia, Argentina and Chile

Patagonia, a region shared by Argentina and Chile, is a rugged wilderness area known for its towering mountains, blue glaciers, and unique wildlife. Highlights include Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina.

Insider’s Tip: Consider a multi-day trek in Torres del Paine for a comprehensive experience of Patagonia’s natural beauty.

How to Get There: Fly to Punta Arenas in Chile or El Calafate in Argentina, followed by bus or car to specific destinations within Patagonia.

When to Travel: The Southern Hemisphere’s summer (December to February) offers the best conditions for exploration.

Bhutan, the last Himalayan kingdom, offers a blend of unspoiled natural beauty and rich Buddhist culture. Highlights include the cliffside Tiger’s Nest Monastery and the fortress-like dzongs that dot the landscape. Bhutan’s approach to tourism, focusing on sustainability and cultural preservation, ensures an authentic experience.

Insider’s Tip: Plan your visit around a local tsechu (festival) to experience Bhutanese culture and traditions.

How to Get There: Fly into Paro International Airport from select cities in Asia.

When to Travel: Visit in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) for the best weather and festivals.

13. Socotra, Yemen

Socotra, an island off the coast of Yemen, is known for its unique biodiversity, including the iconic Dragon’s Blood Tree. The island’s isolated location has preserved its unique ecosystem and traditional way of life, making it a fascinating destination for nature lovers and adventurers.

Insider’s Tip: Respect local customs and the fragile environment to ensure Socotra remains unspoiled for future generations.

How to Get There: Access to Socotra is challenging and often requires joining a specialized tour group.

When to Travel: Visit from October to December or from March to May when the climate is more temperate.

14. Transylvania, Romania

Transylvania, set in the heart of Romania, is a land of medieval castles, Gothic churches, and dense forests. Beyond the Dracula legend, it offers a rich cultural heritage, picturesque villages, and outdoor activities. The region’s highlights include Bran Castle, Sighi?oara’s citadel, and the Transfagarasan road.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the region’s Saxon villages, like Viscri and Biertan, for a glimpse into Transylvania’s rural life and heritage.

How to Get There: Fly into Cluj-Napoca or Sibiu, rent a car, or take a train to explore the region.

When to Travel: Visit in late spring or early autumn for mild weather and fewer tourists.

15. The Lofoten Islands, Norway

The Lofoten Islands, located within the Arctic Circle in Norway, are known for their dramatic mountains, deep fjords, and traditional fishing villages. The islands offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, and witnessing the Northern Lights or the Midnight Sun, depending on the season.

Insider’s Tip: Rent a rorbu (fisherman’s cabin) for a unique accommodation experience.

How to Get There: Fly to Bodø and take a ferry or a short flight to the islands.

When to Travel: Visit the Northern Lights in winter (February to March) or summer (June to August) for the Midnight Sun.

The Bottom Line

Exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations offers a unique opportunity to connect with the world in an intimate and profound way. These hidden gems invite you to uncover the lesser-known facets of our planet, from remote islands to ancient cultures.

As you venture beyond the familiar, remember that the true essence of travel lies in the journey itself — the people you meet, the landscapes you traverse, and the memories you create. Embrace the adventure with an open heart and a curious mind, and let these hidden gems inspire your next exploration.

More Articles Like This…

Barcelona: Discover the Top 10 Beach Clubs

2024 Global City Travel Guide – Your Passport to the World’s Top Destination Cities

Exploring Khao Yai 2024 – A Hidden Gem of Thailand

The post 15 Unique Destinations Waiting to Be Discovered republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / attilio pregnolato.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

More for You

Average US annual salary by age revealed – see how you compare

Former NBA Player Darius Morris Dead at 33

I Asked 4 Chefs What Their Favorite Fast Food Cheeseburger Was and Their Pick Was Unanimous

Google's former CEO lists $24.5 million mansion in most expensive ZIP code in the US

Best Movies Now on Netflix

‘Reacher’ star gets political again, decries an ‘entire platform by those who mostly claim to be Christians’

I Cut My Food Expenses In Half Using The Viral "6-To-1" Grocery Method — Here's How

In Memoriam: Cloris Leachman's Best Roles

20 States Where Squatters Can Legally Gain Ownership of Your Property

I drove the Tesla Cybertruck. These 7 design flaws surprised me.

We Ordered 7 Fast-Food Breakfast Sandwiches to Find the Best One

Donald Trump Demands Jack Smith Be Arrested After Document Revelation

24 Cars To Buy Now Before They Skyrocket in Value

Do I have to pay off my spouse's debts when they die? Here's what you're responsible for and what you aren't after a loved one's death

Noem: ‘They’re just attacking me like crazy right now.’

The most expensive state to live in isn't California or New York, based on data. Here are the top 10.

The Choco Taco Is Coming Back For A Limited Time

17 People Shared Their Favorite "Poor Man's Meal," And I'm Definitely Gonna Try Some Of These

Crazy V12-Powered Quad Bike Has Same Performance As A Bugatti Veyron

Liam Neeson thriller proves to be huge hit on Netflix despite critics' reviews