socotra tourism

WELCOME TO SOCOTRA ISLAND

• The Dragon Blood Trees or umbrellas upside down.
• Sand pyramids or Crab’s homes to flirt with their partners.
• Trees in the shape of a Picasso bottle.
• A vertiginous gorge where it seems that at any moment, the dinosaurs will pop up to say hello.

Adventure in Socotra

Experience Socotra Island biodiversity  by practicing your favorite activities.

A memory for life. How does this sound to you?

• Swimming with the  Dolphins
• Trekking as if you were in Jurassic Park
• Diving among colorful corals full of marine life
• Fishing  pieces of a size you thought did not exist
• Kitesurfing with the powerful winds of the Monsoon season
• Kayaking or SUP in the water lagoons of the Arabian Sea
• Yoga under the light of the stars with the energy of the legendary trees
• A Gyrocopter flight to the peak of the mountains
• Sunbath in the most pristine beaches you can imagine

Do not dream, do it!

Get your camera ready and show your friends that you are in Socotra #TheMostAlienPlaceOnEarth .

SOCOTRA ISLAND TRAVEL OPTIONS

Every week there is a direct flight to Socotra from Abu Dhabi International Airport (UAE).

We will be waiting for you at  Habido airport, preparing absolutely everything for you to enjoy.

All our Socotra Trip  packages  are inclusive of:

• Roundtrip flight Abu Dhabi – Hadibo – Abu Dhabi
• Accommodation 8 days 7 nights in hotel room double occupancy and camping (all equipment included).
• Transportation 4 wheel cars (AC and fuel included).
• Local tour guides, beduins guides, and drivers
• 8 days excursions with a full guided & scheduled itinerary (since you land until your departure).
• Boat trip to Shoab Beach (typical  fisherman boats)
• 3 meals a day
• Mineral water
• Selection of soft drinks (juices & sodas)
• Protected Area Fees
• Antigen Rapid Test Swab mandatory before leaving Socotra
• Socotra trip memorabilia

Our days will be filled with bold discoveries of prehistoric wilderness and connection with nature.

Explore Socotra,  #TheMostAlienPlaceOnEarth

PLAN SOCOTRA TRIP

Socotra has been practically isolated from the outside world. This is one of its greatest attractions: it is a virgin and unexplored destination.

Be prepared to spend most of your time outdoors. The connection with  nature is key to understanding this trip. Socotra is the world that is so unique and so isolated in time that the Wi-Fi connection is remote and non-existent in many parts of the island. It is time for you to  connect with yourself.

We recommend you to read carefully  Plan Your Socotra Trip section where you will find the necessary information to enjoy #TheMostAlienPlaceOnEarth

• Travel Packages to Socotra
• Is Socotra open for tourists?
• How much does it cost to visit Socotra?
• Is it safe to travel to Socotra?
• FAQs on Socotra Island?

• Experience Socotra
• The Socotra Island
• Tour Packages
• Plan Your Trip

Socotra Seaport Road,

Hadibo La Sirena Hotel,

Dubai Investment Park -1,

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]

SOCOTRA TREK TOURS

Travel to socotra – discover the unseen.

⚠️ Bookings for the 2024-2025 season are now open ! Seats on the plane to Socotra are limited and can quickly fill up . We recommend booking early to secure your spo t and ensure an unforgettable experience with Socotra Trek. Don’t miss out on exploring the unique beauty of Socotra – reserve your adventure today !

Embark on a journey like no other with Socotra Trek, your gateway to the mystical island of Socotra. Discover untouched landscapes , from surreal Dragon Blood trees to pristine white sand beaches , on an adventure curated to connect you deeply with nature’s wonders.

Socotra Trek Tours, eco-tourism agency offering adventure trips since 2013

Experience Socotra with Adnan and his local agency based in Hadiboh , the capital of Socotra. Established in 2013, Socotra Trek offers personalized guidance and local insights that turn every trip into a memorable expedition.

Take a look at the camping , trekking , and other types of tours we organize for you.

Local expertise

Eco-tourism focus, comprehensive services, variety of activities, departures to socotra for the 2024-2025 season.

The airline has finally released the flight schedule for the period from October 2024 until March 2025 (April 2025 to be confirmed later). We are happy to announce that during this time, there will be at least two flights per week from Abu Dhabi to Socotra on Tuesdays and Fridays . Additional flights on Sundays have also been added from October 20th until November 24th and from February 2nd until March 23rd.

The new flight schedule offers flexibility, allowing you to tailor your adventure to Socotra according to the number of days you prefer (1 week, 10 days, 11 days, 2 weeks, etc.). Our island is full of surprises waiting to be explored. Feel free to contact us , and we’ll be glad to help you organize the trip of your dreams!

What our clients say about Socotra Trek Tours

Ready to visit Socotra?

Let’s get in touch.

You can also contact us directly:

• via email: [email protected]
• via Whatsapp: + 967 777 948 334

Adnan, ready to make your journey unforgettable.

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Hello, I'm here to answer all your questions about Socotra. Let's chat!

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:

Ancient Rock Art in Dahaisi Cave, Socotra

How To Get A Visa For Socotra (Yemen)

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

Socotra Travel Guide: The Jewel Of Arabia

Socotra Expedition February 11-18, 2025

14 Day Socotra & South Yemen Expedition February 9-22, 2025

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

How To Get To Socotra In 2024

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

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18 Incredible Things to do in Socotra

So you want to travel to Socotra Island (sometimes spelled Soqotra)? That’s not surprising considering the insane amount of natural beauty and biodiversity.

This largely undisturbed island getaway is the absolute perfect destination for a nature escape.

Over 1/3 of all the plant species in Socotra can’t be found anywhere else on earth!

Yes, you read that right, over 1/3 of the plant species are endemic to Socotra only.

There are a lot of places with unique biodiversity, but Socotra has plants that are so unique that it’s been described as a “tropical alien planet.” Now tell me, who wouldn’t want to visit a tropical alien planet?

Why Don’t You Hear More about Socotra Tourism? And What Makes Socotra Travel Unique?

You may wonder why you don’t hear more about this alien tropical paradise?

Socotra is an island that is located just south of the Arabian Peninsula and east of the Horn of Africa (technically there is also an archipelago named Socotra, but most of the attractions are on the main Socotra island).

The reason you don’t hear more about Socotra travel is because visitors are currently discouraged from going. Socotra is part of Yemen, and Yemen has been involved in a fierce civil war since 2014. Supposedly the war is winding down and stability is hopefully on the horizon in the near future.

How to Get to Socotra Island

Even with the civil war going on, if you are wondering how to get to Socotra island there are now flights available that don’t stop in mainland Yemen. Adventurous travelers are going there, though most people are waiting for more peaceful times.

To travel to Socotra island you can book flights from Cairo Egypt, Dubai or Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, or Amman Jordan.

Visiting Socotra Island

The incredible amount of biodiversity make visiting Socotra island one of the most appealing nature reserves on earth and justify it being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Before the war the world was just starting to get out about the incredible allure of the Socotra.

Pristine beaches you can camp on? Dragon blood trees? That’s just the start. Are you dying to plan a trip there as soon as possible just like me? If not, you will be after you read on and see the best things to do in Socotra.

What to Expect As a Tourist In Socotra

This pristine island getaway is largely undeveloped. There are only 40,000 locals living there, and they are only beginning to get acquainted with a lot of tourists.

Given its undeveloped nature, your trip there is most likely to be described as an “off-the-grid” eco-tourism excursion. You will not finds rows and rows of luxury hotels. While there are a few hotels, the most common experience is to camp along one of the beaches.

There are not a ton of public transportation options (only 2 busses). Many people get around by walking, by camel, or by hiring a car with a driver. You also won’t find a ton of adventure tours, but rather opportunities to hike and explore the one of a kind natural delights.

18 Best Things to do in Socotra

Alright – so what kinds of unique things are there to do and see there? Read on to discover what you need to see when visiting Socotra Island.

Examine a Socotra Tree

Hear me ouT! Even if you aren’t a dendrophile (I learned that meant tree lover when writing this post) there is something about the trees of Socotra that will make you feel like one.

The Socotra trees are so unique they feel like they are from another planet. Sound crazy? Keep reading and you will see.

Socotra Dragons Blood Trees

The Socotra dragon trees are one of the main attractions on the island. These umbrella shaped trees get their name because if damaged the bark will slowly ooze out blood red sap! Want to see them? This is the only place that you can see bloody sap and dragon blood wood.

Legends of the Socotra Dragon Tree

Ancient legends said that this sap really was the blood of dragons. Even if not from dragons, the trees themselves make you feel like you could encounter a dragon or at least a dinosaur.

Bottle Tree Socotra

The Dragon Tree Socotra offers isn’t the only unique species! Another Socotra tree that is endemic to the island is the Bottle Tree.

This funky looking tree features a bulbous trunk and and “leafy crown.” Unfortunately this super unique tree is endangered. Its unique properties allow it to be cut down and used as animal feed in times of need, but this also has contributed to its scarcity.

Socotra Cucumber Tree

The Socotra Bottle Tree is actually the same tree as the Socotra Cucumber tree, but different from the Dragon Blood wood or a Dragon Tree Socotra offers. I’ve seen people confuse them thinking they are two different species. There is a lot of variability in what the trees can look like as well. The scientific name of this tree is Dendrosicyos socotranus, which means cucumber tree of Socotra.

Frankincense Tree

There are 9 species of Frankincense trees on the island of Socotra. The sap of these unique trees are what the precious gift given to the baby Jesus was derived from.

Explore Detwah Lagoon

The Socotra Cucumber tree, also known as Dendrosicyos socotranus, is endemic of Socotra Island.

Detwah Lagoon is one of the most beautiful spots on the island. It is located on the northwest coast, and isn’t just famous for the vivid blue water and pure white sand. It is also one of the best places to observe the birds that are native t Socotra.

I am not sure there is anywhere else in the world where you can have water so blue and sand dunes so white.

White Sand Dunes

Want to experience unmolested san dunes with perfect views of the oceans? There are miles worth of sand dunes that can rise to over 600 feet above the Indian Ocean.

Drive through Dixam Plateau

This plateau is often used as one of the best lookout points to view the famous Dragon Blood Trees. It is located in the center of the island and is supposedly easy to access via good roads (not a guarantee on the rest of the island).

Visit the town of Hadibu

This booming metropolis is the biggest city on the island. When I say booming metropolis I mean the total population is actually only about 10,000 people. Regardless, this is one of the places where you will find a few restaurants and shops for supplies.

The airport is only about 7 miles from the town.

Qalansiyah Beach

This beach lagoon is another site where you can see the brilliant blue ocean and piercing white sand. You can visit the nearby town of Qalansiyah and then access this beach by boat or hiking in yourself. It is surrounded by limestone mountains as well.

Wadi Dirhur Canyon

Want to swim in a mountain stream? Crystal clear mountain waters make this possible at Dirhur Canyon. Or how about explore the Socotra island trees the way? The gorge is a perfect place for backpackers to explore and camp nearby.

Arher Beach

Note, the name of this beach is Arher, and not Archer beach. You will see it mistakenly labeled incorrectly. This is another perfect place to camp as the mountain streams meet the beautiful ocean. Arher beach is located on the far east end of the island.

Fishing Villages in Socotra

There are a number of fishing villages in Socotra that are truly one of a kind. Make sure you make time to explore the villages that line the shores reaching the Indian Ocean. Locals still fish in a much more simple manner than you would expect.

Ghost Crabs

It will be very difficult for you to find the famous Socotra Ghost Crab . They get their name because they only come out at night. They stay hidden deep in the sand to avoid the scorching heat of the day, and also to avoid potential predators that would feed on them.

They are not easy to find as they can burrow down as deep as four feet, though you can find evidence of them coming up by the piles of sand they leave.

Hoq cave 

Bet you didn’t think you could explore underground caves on this island paradise? There are miles of caves on the island, with Hoq being the most well known. These caves are known for being much less developed than other cave expeditions around the world.

When in the cave, keep an eye out for the whip scorpions! The scorpions are a real concern, unlike the dragons blood trees Socotra offers.

The mountain lake of Homhil

Want to hike through Dragon Blood tree forests to an practically undiscovered mountain lake? The journey to Lake Homhil is famous. The entire Homhil plateau offers unrivaled views of the island as well.

Shoab beach

This is another beach for the adventurer. It is easiest to access by boat, but you can hike in. You are very likely to have it nearly to yourself if you get there. Adventurers will often camp along its shores.

Zahaq sand dune in Socotra island

The Zahaq sand dunes are known as some of the biggest on the island. You can climb up these enormous dunes for more perfect views of the island.

Wadi Difarhou Natural Pool

This natural pool is another unreal attraction that is unique to Socotra. Bring your swimsuit so that you can take a dip to avoid the hot sun!

Visit a Mosque

So, are you convinced that you should visit Socotra yet? Whether it’s the Socotra island trees, the unmolested caves, or a beach you can have to yourself, put Socotra on the list!

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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.

Quality holidays on Socotra with SOCOTRA TAMAM

Socotra is one of the rare pearls of the Earth.

The archipelago has long been isolated from the rest of the world, but there is a tourist boom in Socotra now, constrained only by a shortage of air tickets. Civilization and mass tourism are already coming with all the ensuing problems.

We do not play dumping and still offer good service for organized groups and individuals. We make custom programs on any topic and we have new places and routes for those who are going to Socotra again. We provide special terms to agencies and tour leaders.

You can write us a email or contact us via WhatsApp

The last tourist season on Socotra was very busy. We have received many groups and individual travelers, some of whom come to Socotra not for the first time. We have a special program for them with new places that are not included in regular tours.

A dense one week program with overnight stays in nature includes the most interesting and beautiful places of the island of Socotra.

• Our travel programs on Socotra

Traditionally, summer is considered a non-tourist season, although it is at this time of the year that you can see a lot of interesting and unusual things on Socotra. We invite you to visit Socotra in the summer, during the monsoon season, when the island is completely transformed. We have developed special summer programs that allow you to comfortably travel around the island in camping mode. In the summer of 2024, there will be two flights to Socotra - from Abu Dhabi ($960) and from Cairo ($1200 with a transfer in Aden)

We have received a very limited amount of Commiphora Ornifolia myrrh, which is endemic on Socotra. Myrrh was collected especially for us in the most remote corners of the island.

• Natural resins from Socotra Island

Socotra is absolutely calm and safe place. There are no pirates on Socotra. "Socotra Tamam" working as marine agent since 2014 when Socotra was reopened to sailors. Every year we receive about 30 yachts, most of which come to Socotra for refueling. We arrange all the necessary documents on Socotra, help you to fill the boat with water and fuel, buy food, do your laundry etc.

• SOCOTRA TAMAM tour operator

Summer on Socotra is traditionally considered a non-tourist season, although at this time you can see a lot of interesting and unusual things on Socotra. We invite you to visit Socotra in summer, during the monsoon winds season, when the island is completely transformed. We have developed special summer programs that allow you to comfortably travel around the island in camping mode. In the summer of 2023, there will be two flights to Socotra - Emirates from Abu Dhabi ($860) and Yemenia from Cairo ($1070 with a transfer in Aden)

An exclusive camping tour to Socotra will take place from 1 to 8 November 2022. The group is led by Ismael, one of the best experts on the cultural, natural and historical heritage of Socotra. Ismael does not usually work with tourists, but at our great request he agreed to work with one group. The cost of participation is $ 1350

A dense program with overnight stays in nature includes the most interesting and beautiful places of the island of Socotra. The program is specially-designed for photography enthusiasts. We provide maximum comfort and excellent nutrition. The best guides and chefs of Socotra are at your service.

• Programs of the past years

Good news for those who do not want or cannot sleep in a tent! A new, very decent and inexpensive campsite has opened on Socotra. Built by the Jordanians. The hotel is located outside the city, near the airport, so you will be spared the noise and rubbish of the capital.

• Socotra News

Helicopter tours are now available on Socotra. In the presence of a helicopter MI-2 and several gyroplanes. Ukrainian pilots have been working at Socotra for several years.

Season 2021 on Socotra is open. Felix Airlines launched a direct flight from Dubai to Socotra (on Thursdays). We are waiting for the first guests in February. The next group tours to Socotra are planned in March.

The next group tours to Socotra in 2020: a camping tour from March 18 to March 25 and from March 25 to April 1 (guide Nadya Novikova). From April 1 to April 8, Nadya Novikova will conduct a trekking tour under our new program.

A real trekking tour is the best way to see and get to know Socotra island. Vladimir Melnik was on Socotra 12 time!

• Socotra visitor's pictures

Together with Salem Al-Keabany, who will be your guide, we offer a new weekly trekking program. Camels and porters will carry things and equipment. You will spend 2 days on the coast, including the most beautiful beach in Shuab Bay. This season we will do 4 group tours - March 4-11, 18-25, April 1-8 and 15-22. The minimum group size is 4 people. Maximum - 8 people. We invite agents to cooperation.

An extremely interesting book "Island of dragon`s blood" by a British researcher Douglas Botting. The book was published in 1958. Find out what was on Socotra during the time of Sultan.

Caution! Fake dragon blood resin found in the market. We found that some companies sell fake "dragon blood resin from Socotra". Instead of resin of Dracaena Cinnabiri that is produced only on Socotra, resin from Sumatra is most likely offered.

Our specially-developed program includes the most interesting and beautiful places of the island of Socotra. The main idea of our program is to avoid staying with other tour groups in camping sites. Instead, we plan to camp out in the most beautiful places of Socotra.

It rained heavily on Socotra. Many roads are blurred. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

In addition to the unique resins, Socotra produces Sabur - dried aloe juice. Aloe from Socotra is a very powerful remedy and should be taken with caution as a medicine.

In November, a northeastern monsoon is installed on Socotra, which brings clouds and sometimes rains to the island. The winter season in Socotra is the best time for trekking and landscape photography.

• My life on the island of Socotra
• 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
• Weather & Seasonality of Socotra
• Tourist Attractions of Socotra
• Do you know that...
• Photos and videos of Socotra
• How, what and why on Socotra
• Accomodation 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
• Sailor's letter: Socotra, Paradise island
• Report of sailing yacht Delta
• Sailing cruisers on Socotra
• SOCOTRA TAMAM

HOW TO GET THERE

Since the reopening of the commercial air route to socotra, the abu dhabi - socotra connection has become 100% reliable allowing tourism on the island once again. today you can reach socotra with a weekly non-stop direct flight from abu dhabi that is scheduled for every tuesday., it's a governmental charter flight and they do not offer online booking yet.  this unfortunately means that in order to get a seat on this in demand flight you need to be assisted by a local agency. to ease this process we use our local contacts to help make your flight reservations. transport.

WE ASSIST YOU AND HELP YOU WITH THE FLIGHT BOOKING .

Scheduled flight details :

2 hours direct flight

TUESDAYS Abu Dhabi to Socotra FLIGHT NO 476 AUH 09:00 - SCT 10:20

TUESDAYS Socotra to Abu Dhabi FLIGHT NO 477 SCT 11:50 - AUH 15:10

All tourists need a Yemeni visa to visit Socotra island. WE TAKE CARE OF THE WHOLE PROCEDURE FOR YOU. The process usually takes few days and the visa will be issued here by the island authorities. Free yourself from the headache of complicated visa procedures. The experienced staff at “Welcome to Socotra” have got you covered.

The only thing we need from you is a photo of the main page of your passport. Once we obtained your visa we will send you a copy by email, you just need to print it and show it at the Dubai check-in counter in order to board the flight. We will be waiting for you with the original copy of your visa at the arrival hall at the Socotri airport.

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

Cancellation policy.

What No One Tells You About Traveling to Socotra Island

Last Updated on Feb 20, 2024

Should you travel to Socotra Island in Yemen? It might be a bit strange for me to ask this question after you’ve seen some of the photos and probably wondering how to get there . The alien island of Socotra is incredibly unique so it’s not surprising that many people really want to visit. 

I’ve been wanting to travel to Socotra for years, but after my visit, I cannot honestly tell you if tourism in Socotra is entirely a good thing.

I’m not going to tell you not to go to Socotra, especially after I went myself (that would sound hypocritical, as I already experienced its beauty), but I would like to ask you to consider certain things before your visit as a tourist. I’m also aware that tourism in Socotra cannot be stopped.

Things to Think About Before Traveling to Socotra

How Much Are Locals Benefiting from You Traveling to Socotra?

Before the Yemeni war, there were only a few local Socotri companies and guides that could arrange your trip and recommendations were spreading through word of mouth.

These days in the era of the internet, blogs and Instagram, you can book a trip to Socotra through many agencies that specialize in these so-called ‘hardcore places’ – unsurprisingly none of them are locally based. Slogans of these companies are always the same and somehow promote the places as cool because your parents are afraid of going there: “destinations your mother would rather you stay away from”, “places you should not tell your mother about” and so on.

To be clear, I don’t think anyone should have any issues with a middleman making money off organizing a tour, especially when they’re doing all the legwork like booking your visas, flights, bringing tents, and talking to locals. Personally, I think it’s obviously fair.

Regardless of the “agency” or person you’re booking your trip with, your trip will be facilitated by the locals – there’s no way around it. The big question, however, is how much do the locals actually profit from you traveling there?

The price for a trip to Socotra isn’t a secret – regardless of whom you’re going with, it’s not cheap. Plus, due to just one weekly flight which for foreigners is crazy pricy ($800-1300ish return from Cairo or Dubai), it’s always a 7-day tour. Total tour prices range between $3000 and $4500.

As you can see these prices are different and the standard does not depend on the price, as there are no luxury hotels on Socotra (there are just 3 hotels and they’re not always available anyway), so you’re camping in remote places regardless of where you’re coming from.

I wrote a separate post about how locals are or aren’t always benefiting from your money . Locals charge a rate per person, so regardless if you’re a group of 4 of 15 it’s the same price. For a solo traveler, things would be more expensive as you still need a car.

The thing is, foreign guides don’t always know anything about the destination. In fact, quite often they’ve never even been there before . I went on a trip with one of these companies to another destination only to realize that the “guide” had never been there before.

Frankly, I wasn’t the only one in the group wondering where my money went (since I know how much things cost if you cut out the middle man), and more importantly what was the point of it.

What bugs me though, is when a company advertises conservation efforts, but then they bring their friends over making it 4 foreign “guides” coming on a trip on top of the local team. This did not provide anything extra for the guests that locals wouldn’t have provided.

Not to mention the fact that with 4 “guides” one would expect a very organized trip, but we never knew where we were going and we often felt rushed. Many photo opportunities were blocked because the organizers decided to take their own photos instead. I always thought that was the right and fair thing to do to give your paying group a priority.

Ironically, it was actually a “good tour”, because there was a big group on the island at the same time who sneaked alcohol in and was partying and yelling every night to the extent their drivers were so exhausted they could barely drive, as they weren’t able to sleep.

More importantly…

Ecotourism Issue in Socotra

Every single company arranging trips to Socotra is promoting ecotourism. Socotra is being introduced as a place to go remote camping, experience unique nature, sleep under the stars, and so on. 

According to the definition, ecotourism is: is a form of tourism involving visiting fragile, pristine, and relatively undisturbed natural areas. It conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education. Education is meant to be inclusive of both staff and guests.

Principles of ecotourism include:

• Minimize physical, social, behavioral, and psychological impacts.
• Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
• Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.
• Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.
• Generate financial benefits for both local people and private industry.
• Deliver memorable interpretative experiences to visitors that help raise sensitivity to host countries’ political, environmental, and social climates.
• Design, construct, and operate low-impact facilities.
• Recognize the rights and spiritual beliefs of the Indigenous People in your community and work in partnership with them to create empowerment.

Quite frankly, this is definitely not what’s happening with tourism in Socotra in most cases. 

Let’s start with minimalizing social impacts and cultural respect, for example, Socotra is still a part of Yemen which means it’s a very Muslim country. Women are rarely seen and if they do come out they’re wearing full-on burqa and niqab. Yet, when tourists arrive no one is covering up. 

We were asked to cover our legs when visiting small towns, but anywhere else a bikini and shorts were a way to go because “there’s no one around”. I packed a bunch of long dresses, shawls, and covered swimwear, and never got to use most of it because everyone was running around in shorts and bikinis.

While it’s true that in most spots it was just our group and possibly another group of tourists, we did occasionally see women passing by, our drivers and cooks (about 8 of them) were local too and we always ran into local kids. I cannot claim and say that anyone was offended as I speak no Socotri and the guides claimed they’re “used to tourists”. 

I can only say that based on my deep conversations in other Muslim countries not everyone was happy with it. Especially when a tourist is walking in a crop top through Hadibo – the busy main town in Socotra.

Not to mention respecting local customs and wishes. Socotra is a place where you can camp wherever you want. In Diksam Plateau we camped in designated spots, not to disturb the villagers as advised by our local guide.

However, I was told that even a year before one of the foreign organizers decided to set camp next to Dragon Blood Trees and when locals objected, he decided to bribe them to let the group stay. 

There’s a thorough luggage check upon entry and exit from Socotra (although it’s just enforced on women’s carry-on bags on the way out) and you could see many bottles of alcohol being confiscated.

But, not all bottles were confiscated since one of the groups had crazy drunken parties screaming and jumping off tables every night next to other camps who wanted to sleep, not to mention very displeased local guides.

This doesn’t surprise me, considering the fact that one of the companies is advertising Socotra trips as: “Beaches, hikes, lagoons, camping, cold showers, dragon blood trees, smuggled booze, and lots of crazy stories.”

Dragon Blood Trees of Socotra

I’ve yet to see any company making any efforts regarding conservation. I’m highly aware that because of the situation in Yemen (for those unaware Yemeni Civil War is an ongoing conflict that began in 2015 between two factions; while Socotra wasn’t that much affected by it apart from Saudis blocking the access for a while, the island is still ruled by Yemen) doing anything at the moment is problematic, but tourists could help a bit.

Most dragon blood trees, which Socotra is mostly famous for, are very old and unfortunately, there are no new trees growing anywhere apart from a small nursery. Why? Because of hungry goats and wild typhoons. 

While we cannot do anything about the latter, the goat issue could be helped. Goats are very cute, but Socotra has way too many of them (goats were brought there by humans, they’re not endemic to Socotra) that are literally everywhere destroying the natural flora and eating baby dragon blood trees.

I felt the same way as some National Geographic journalists – it was quite sad to see. When I came back home and started reading up about it, many botanist enthusiasts interested in endemic species were quite saddened by what they saw. 

People would ask: why don’t locals do something about it? To put it simply, life in Socotra (or mainland Yemen) isn’t easy. It’s understandable that locals don’t have the resources or financial help to rescue the trees. 

However, we tourists do. Another remote island of South Georgia had a similar issue, but with rats. The whole project of removing the rats started with visitors’ ideas and donations and was successfully finished in 2018. It’s all possible with a little will, especially considering that people are can afford to pay a high price for a trip to Socotra can spare some money. 

The Trash Problem

It would be unrealistic for me to present Socotra as a natural paradise without mentioning that it’s also so full of trash that it can make many sad. There is literally not a square meter on land that doesn’t have goat feces (Socotra does have a goat problem), or trash, or both.

When I addressed the issue of trash o n social media many people weren’t aware of the presence of trash on beaches. Unsurprisingly, most people who travel almost exclusively to resorts or hotel beaches won’t see it, as trash is being cleaned every day by the staff.

Socotra isn’t alone in the trash problem. All over the world, including popular islands of Bali , Easter Island, Boracay (I actually received death threats for addressing this issue there, but the government finally closed the island a few years later) – all have this problem, Tulum , Maldives even has a dedicated trash islands that finally got more attention thanks to my friend Allison.

The truth is, many people don’t want to see it. When I asked some fellow Polish tourists leaving Socotra how they felt about it, their response was ‘what trash?’ . Another person told me that “people travel to have fun, not to care about the problems locals should fix, so they just ignore it when they see it.”

I sincerely hope not all tourists think that. In many places including Socotra, Syria (where a similar trash problem is an issue), or anywhere in Africa, locals aren’t in a position to do much on a bigger scale, or even a small scale. But we – those more privileged, do . We all share the same planet together and should take care of it together.

While our group did a beach cleanup that resulted in a full truck of waste within an hour, it changed nothing in the long run. It just made everyone feel a bit better and we got local boys to come help as well, but in a week things will look the same. If every group of tourists did it could be the start of a bigger initiative. 

Plastic is a problem everywhere, I’m not discovering something new with what I just told you. But, what baffled me was the amount of trash we – visitors, produced ourselves. Every meal resulted in a giant bag of trash if not two of them. 

When you ask a Socotri what do they eat every day the answer will be simple: rice, local bread, fish and occasionally a goat or cow. They’re used to it. For foreigners, they made spaghetti, brought vegetables, instant noodles, spicy sauce, and small water bottles.

As you can imagine, everything has to be imported to Socotra and with imported things, single-use plastic is coming as well.  Villages have no form of trash collection, so as a result the trash can get stuck there.

The Impact of Tourists on Socotra

If you look at TripAdvisor you can see that people loved the fact that there weren’t many other tourists on the island. Even back in 2019 there were about 15-30 foreigners on the island every week.

When I went – in March 2020, it was a completely different story. Our flight brought over 100-120 tourists, the flight before also had a high number and film crews, and the ones after (before the cancellations due to coronavirus) were sold out as well. 

Socotra got a break during covid as it wasn’t reachable, but now the interest and amount of tours available tripled.

One could think that even 200 people per week on the island would be great for the local economy, especially if you compare it to another natural spot – Galapagos, which welcomes over 2500 tourists per week. 

However, Socotra is just one island and all tourists go to the same spots, just on different dates. Once you’ve been to Socotra you realize that everyone goes to the same exact spots. If the number of tourists keeps increasing these spots won’t be the same anymore.

In places where tourists are a known source of income, such as Cuba , you can see children begging for candies, pens and basically anything. It’s a difficult subject of whether you should bring donations or not , as it gets children used to it. 

But, giving away a ton of candies and chocolates to locals and kids isn’t something tourists should be doing. In Socotra, locals have no access to dental care, why would we contribute to the damage of their teeth with all that sugar?

There are plenty of villages around Africa where at the first sight of a tourist, they yell for “bonbons” or “give me a pen” and it’s not a good thing for anyone. You could rather buy some dragon blood from the locals.

If you read anything about Socotra you must have heard of Abdullah the Caveman from Detwah Lagoon . Abdullah is a guy who was raised in a cave his mother was born in. But, based on some blogs you could think he’s an actual caveman. Which is not true.

He has a smartphone, speaks great English and these days lives in a nearby town with his wife and 7 kids. He comes to the cave to stay during rainy seasons, but mostly when he’s requested by the tourists.

A boulder next to the cave says ‘welcome’ on it, it’s not as remote as it may be presented. When we reached his cave another group of tourists was just leaving.

We got served some mussels Abdullah just caught and cooked for us and then requested to go fishing with him. It was supposed to be the best experience in Socotra – but frankly, it was the only one I decided to leave early and walk back to camp on my own. 

It wasn’t because of Abdullah. He was a very nice man who simply realized he could be a tourist attraction. He showed us how he fishes with bare hands to feed himself and his family in the lagoon. Whether it’s mussels, crab, fish, octopus he’ll catch it and eat it. There’s nothing wrong with that. 

He pulled a giant octopus from the water to show us and explained that they were friends. No one else dared to touch the little guy, but then it came to the pufferfish…

Most of the people in my group have never seen pufferfish, myself included. They’re cute and when they inflate they look even more adorable. Guess what became the biggest tourist attraction over a few days we stayed at Detwah Lagoon? Pulling these poor pufferfish out of the water to make them inflate and take photos. 

Locals might do it for tourists, but they don’t know any better. I’m not a sealife specialist, but even I knew this was horrible and it harms the pufferfish . Similar to pulling starfish out of the water, they can die because of it.

Ironically, all our foreign guides were prime persuaders of this behavior along with someone who runs a local travel agency back home. I left when I noticed how someone in my group was kicking the pufferfish because ‘it wasn’t coming out to the surface for him’. 

Our group wasn’t the only one that did it – every other group in Socotra was showing off their holding pufferfish photos claiming it was ‘the best experience ever’. Can you imagine what will happen when even more tourists come to the island?

EDIT February 2024: As Socotra is becoming more and more popular since my visit with almost every travel agency offering tours, I found out that currently even the crabs are tied down in the water so they are ready for tourists. Honestly, if you think Seaworld was bad this is next level bad.

I’m not telling you not to go to Socotra. I highly recommend you consider these issues, especially if you care for the environment.

While no one is perfect and even the biggest sustainability supporters made mistakes in the past, but if we all care for the future of Socotra we need to consider making things right.

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Anna Karsten is a travel blogger, journalist and psoriasis advocate. She has been traveling the world for the last 15 years - visiting over 100 countries and living on 5 continents. Anna has been featured in The New York Times, The Daily Mail, Forbes and more.

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32 Comments

Appreciate this very informative post which covers most of what’s not being told about visiting Socotra. As a Yemeni I would like to add that visas to Socotra aren’t being granted by the Yemeni government no matter what tourism companies tell you. To put it in plain terms Socotra is unlawfully being occupied by UAE who runs all the flights in and out of the island without permission from the Yemeni government. Visiting Socotra might be “cool” but anyone doing it is helping UAE cover their crimes against the people of Yemen who are suffering until today. Over 5000 children killed and at least 400,000 Yemeni children under 5 could die of starvation this year. Over 233,000 people died because of the war on Yemen. Socotra welcomes everyone but not under these circumstances, please stop helping those who are killing us and occupying our land.

@Rashed, thank you for sharing this info

@Rashed, i also want to thank you for sharing this info, as well as Anna. It’s so important to have this information widely available. I recently learned abt Socotra after my interest was sparked by a visit to a Yemeni cafe here in the US and Socotra was immediately a place I wanted to prioritize visiting. I like to be as ethical & sustainable as I can, however, and it is clear that this is a case where I would be unable to visit in good conscience. I will do what I can to spread this information. Thank you again, and I hope the situation with Socotra improves, and that the ceasefire talks go well <3

Spot on on the trash problems of islands. I live in Malaysia and we have a similar issue in a top diving destination. Most tourists go straight to private islands and don’t see the trash. I stayed on the mainland and the living conditions was a different reality. Thank you for this post.

I was going to write a promotional post about Socotra, but after reading your post, decided not to do it. Thank you for this informative post.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. It was so informative. I’ve always wanted to travel to the Island of Socotra. I truly care about its natural habitat. I’ve known about the dragon blood trees and the goats for quite some time. The photos of the garbage saddened me. I’ve been told that tourists aren’t wanted by Yemeni people.

Hi Anna I used to visit Socotra quite frequently, but haven’t been there for more than 10 years. I expected this would happen once the Emiratis took the island. It is so sad

THANK YOU so much for your refreshing honesty! These are definitely things everyone should consider, and OMG poor pufferfish 🙈 I will also do my best to minimize my trash when I go, and I’ll try to raise further awareness as well.

We are flying to Socotra in 4 days. I am so happy that I found your post, I will be much more prepared to say no to certain things – hoping that my group shares similar values.

The problems you raised are similar to many places we travelled before, such as remote areas in Africa that now totally depend on the money they make from tourists. The sustainable travel can be achieved, but this means cutting profits for many, and I don’t tend to see many companies or individuals willing to scarify their earnings in order to protect the land or culture.

Thank you for your honesty and responsible approach.

@Kasia Pearce, Any thoughts you could share after going? I’m so torn

Thank you for your informations. I am going to visit the island in a few days with a small group of 9 persons fron Greece. You say everything that I would like to know and you are very helpful. I want to hope that our group will be friendly to the people and the enviroment. Thank you Zetta

@Zetta Kousouri, Hello zetta. I am greek too and I am thinking of travelling to sokotra but the issues mentioned above have discouraged me a bit. I would like to have your view on the subject after your trip there and may be get some more recent info. Please contact me! [email protected]

@Katerina Anagnostopoulou, did you have an answer? I want to know as well, because I share your feeling. Feel free to reach out to me: [email protected]

Thanks for this. It is very true indeed, and little is done on Socotra to change this, unfortunately. The more people know about this, the better, and the better – one would hope – are the chances for a change in mentality – both, among the tourists and the Socotri people themselves. Perhaps just one other point: The tourists come during the winter months. During the summer months live is much harder for the Socotri people and there is no income from tourism. This just makes it more likely that during the tourism season these beautiful places will experience all sorts of environmental and other kinds of stress.

After reading your post, I have to conclude A LOT of the tourists coming to Socotra are idiots. Frankly, it is a bit strange to paint a picture where innocent rich first worlders are seduced by misguided organizers to doing harmful and disgusting things…c’mon as if visitors themselves shouldn’t know better. So in my view, the biggest problem at hand is the attitude and values of those visitors.

@R, completely agree. The ignorance of the person Anna encountered who said “people travel for fun and those are problems for the locals to solve” just…wow. Highlights that individualism and capitalism have reached toxic levels especially where the travel sector is concerned, due to the lack of empathy they breed. Absolutely disgusting. Considering the social and environmental impact that travel has, one should need a license to do so.

Thank you for this! I agree

Hi Anna,thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed and informative article.Ever since I can remember discovering about Socotra I have dreamed about visiting one day.I have begun reaching out to various companies to investigate the possibilities and also begun to reflect on how it all works out on such a relatively small and desirable island.Sadly most of what you wrote (some of which I priorly suspected )is less than palatable and as such I will probably make the decision not to visit Socotra. It seems that such a special place is being made less special by organisations not putting the island and the islanders front and centre of considerations. A great shame.

Thanks for your honesty and such an informative post. I’ve been dreaming to visit Socotra for years but have some contradictions about doing so. Do you know of any local guide/socotri agency which organize trips? If I ever go to Socotra I’d like the money spent goes to the Socotri community. Thanks

I saw Socotra from a distance, that was enough. Who would want to visit such a desolate moslem joint?

Thanks for this, it’s a really well thought out, informative piece. I’m fascinated with this place and really want to go, but coming from a city that’s suffering from too many tourists, it’s of utmost importance to me that my holidays aren’t having a negative impact on the communities I’m visiting. Thanks again, I hope I can visit and avoid making these mistakes.

Thanks so much for the frankness and reality check. If only a fraction of tourists had a fraction of your awareness.

Hello Your testimony is really interesting. Do you have a name of a real local guide without any middleman? Thanks

Is there a way we can hire local guides (who are actually locals and what we pay them will reach their families and communities and not middle men), or is it impossible from out of country?

Yes it is! You can contact local Socotri companies directly.

This was a very insightful and helpful summary – thank you!

Couldn’t help noticing a sort of condescending tone in your overall article on Socotra. You seemed bothered by the presence of other tourists, yet you were a tourist yourself (why did you feel the need to write that you saw other tourists leaving Abdulah’s cave?). You seem bothered by the possibility of other tourists traveling to Socotra and possibly spoiling its natural beauty, yet you were one of those people who actually bought a ticket, packed the bags and went there for a week. If you worry so much about a place and wish to keep it tourist-free how about… em… NOT WRITING about it? Not 1, but 2 freaking articles. Yeah, you seem to care about the trash and the ecosystem there and brag about your trash picking but then you whine about tourists coming there when you are just a tourist yourself and write a very public blog about “hidden gems”. This seems hypocritical.

This was a very insightful and helpful– thank you!

We are a small group of ethically concerned tourists travelling to Socotra in a few days. We did our best to scout for a local Socotri company, I truly hope we made the right choice as they were one of the best reviewed local companies we found. However they did organise the flights and visas.

This was an important read and while I consider myself quite an aware and ethically conscious traveller, some of the things you wrote about punched me in the gut (eg the pufferfish..). I will not stay silent if I witness anything like this and will be sure to demand nature, animals and communities to be treated with the respect they deserve. I feel a bit torn now about going but naively hopeful that in the long run the tourism sector in Socotra can learn and transform to the benefit of the island and its communities and its fragile ecosystem.

Hi there, I’m so so glad to have read your article about Socotra Island. Just to know about the pain and suffering. (Actually all over the world) I would like to buy Dragons blood from the local people and was wondering if you can connect me with someone reliable to buy. It will be sample of 3 kg and ongoing trade. Sincerely Lita South Africa

Thanks for this post.

I’ve been living in Oman for 7 years and had considered travelling to Socotra a few years back, just to see the amazing endemic fauna.

The idea that this is being trashed by Dubai influencers is one of the most depressing things I’ve heard this year (and that’s saying a lot, given the state of the planet and geopolitics in the ME ATM).

I wish there was school of tourists (not of tourism) , where tourists would learn how to behave “eco-tourist”.

Your description is so important that if I was UN I could design you an ambassador of Tourism, as concern eco-tourism … You are really a lover of nature and people… and you are honest, even if you are avoiding some realities around the hidden making of the island … However, politic realities should not refrain individuals to visit areas.

I am designing a website for a New Tour agency for visiting Socotra, own by a Native of Qalansiyah village (Socotra Island), and your description will help me, not only to be honest but to address the issues of Eco-Tourism and others … Tks much!

I can only wish you the best in your adventures …

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My Free Range Family

Destinations , Yemen, Socotra Island · Last Updated: August 6, 2024

A Socotra Tour Review & Guide to Tourism on the Island

🐲 The unique island of Socotra, Yemen – land of the Dragon Blood tree – an ideal tour destination for an intrepid travel lover and nature enthusiast ! And chances are, you didn’t land here by accident. I’m going to take a punt and say you’ve heard of the hidden island of Socotra and may be curious about the possibility of tourism to this strange land. 

I’ve been where you are, interest piqued by Nat Geo photos of an exotic island , an alien like tree, sandy white beaches and the bluest water you’ve ever laid eyes on . What’s more, the country to which this island belongs is seldom visited by tourists. Curiosity has probably got the better of you, just like it did me.  

And at a quick glance, you’ll quickly see that Socotra island offers the perfect balance of adventure travel tourism AND awe-inspiring nature. From beach time, to hiking, cave exploration, snorkelling or diving, this little island packs one heck of a punch! It’s no wonder photographers and adventure travel junkies flock to Socotra for a glimpse of its unique landscape and compelling beauty.

So now it’s your turn and we’ve made this next step easy for you. Just read this post to narrow down the best tour operator and then book your Socotra expedition of a lifetime .  

Sounds cliché but trust me… I exaggerate not.  Socotra in just two words is  Next Level !

Below I tell you all about what to expect on a guided tour of Socotra, including tour prices along with a discount code . As well as some essential travel tips you should know. So read on for all the juicy details.

Table of Contents

How Tourism in Socotra Works

* 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!

We travelled to Socotra, post covid, from Abu Dhabi with Air Arabia. But note: you won’t find flights to Socotra through booking platforms online.

On arrival we quickly gathered a better understanding of how tourism in Socotra functions.  External travel agents are connected with internal locally certified tourism companies.  The external operator arranges everything via the internal local Yemeni operator, including visas, flights, accommodation… the whole nine yards.  

At this point there are only a few local providers and you can only enter and travel within Socotra with their sponsorship and guidance.   Essentially, they invite you, arrange your tourist visa and are then responsible for you on the island.  

This is why tourism in Socotra is only possible with a guided tour. Which when you consider the unique landscape and thus fragile ecosystem, this guided system is a necessity in protecting the island’s unique and rare biodiversity.

Find out more about tours with Inertia Network !

To Camp or Not to Camp?

You essentially have a couple of options regarding accommodation. When thinking about your tour to Socotra you need to decide if you prefer a bed and shower… or NOT! The alternative is camping.  

And if you ask me, I thoroughly recommend the second option.  Camping is where the adventure is AT. Your guides take care of everything too, they pitch your tent, prepare your mattress and so it’s up to you to simply pick the exact spot to park your tent.  

Most of the camping is on the beach and are in designated camp sites.   The only downside of this is the bathroom situation. But in my opinion, this is a once in a lifetime experience. And if it means you have to crap in the wilderness once or twice, well it’s a small price to pay for getting to sleep on some of the most stunning beaches in the world.  

AND if the thought of camping literally scares the crap out of you, then read our packing list linked below. We share some tips on how to make the experience a little less daunting and little more comfortable.

The last night of your Socotra tour you will be taken to stay in a hotel. We stayed at the Heathrow Hotel which is across the road from the airport. And I’ve got to say it, but the shower and bed were a welcome sight after six nights of camping.

Read: Our post on packing essentials for Socotra !

Hotels in Hadibo

However, if camping still doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, then go for the hotel option of course. When you stay here the driver and guide pick you up and drop you off each day. This means that you stay in the main town of Hadibo (the capital of Socotra) and tour the sights by day . Which means, you need to be okay with a couple of longer days road trippin.

According to our guide there are a few hotels in Hadibo and they range between 2-3 stars and so they are very simple. Actually, I think what makes Socotra a special place to visit is the lack of 5 star hotels. I feel it preserves tourism in Socotra and protects the off the beaten track experience. Tourism in Socotra feels raw, real and as a result way more authentic.  

Note: We met other travellers during our visit who opted for a hotel stay. While I know they did enjoy their bed and shower at the end of the day, I couldn’t help but pick up an element of regret in their conversation, that they had not camped.

How the Guided Tours Work

Your guide and driver are there at the airport to meet you on arrival.  And it’s straight in!  The tour of Socotra island immediately gets underway… so prepare to be wowed.

You are assigned a cook who will serve you three delicious meals a day , consisting mostly of biryani (rice dish), fresh fish, salad and flat bread. And breakfast is usually beans, eggs of some kind and flat breads. The food was simple but very good and at no stage will you go hungry!

You will likely stay in a different campsite each night as Socotra is surprisingly quite large. And given that each corner of the island has something uniquely different to offer, it makes sense that you will travel an hour or two between locations, setting up a new camp each time. I would highly recommend you don’t worry about the itinerary too much, just sit back relax and let the wonder unfold infront of you.

Ofcourse each tour provider operates slightly differently and so my experience of Socotra is based on our tour with Inertia Network . Read – Who to Book Your Tour With below for our tour review.

💁‍♀️ Socotra Travel Tour Tip: If you prefer to avoid crowds let your guide know and they can find ways of making this happen. For example taking you to more remote locations and arriving to the hot spots earlier or later. We asked for a couple of unique requests and our guide was terrific at fitting this into our tour. And in fact, these became some of our favourite experiences on our Socotra tour.

Who to Book Your Tour With ?

I really did my homework before booking as I wanted to ensure that I found the right tour operator.  If we were going to make the trip to Socotra, we wanted to do it right.  I emailed many, asked many questions (as I always do) and finally came across one that ticked all the boxes. I stumbled across a series of itineraries and micro-group tours to Socotra with Inertia Network and knew that I had found the right tour provider for us. 

There were three main things I was looking for… company ethos around sustainability, group tour size and last but not least… cost.  But let’s breakdown how Inertia Network met these prerequisites for me.

Get in touch with the friendly team at Inertia and start planning your tour?

Reason Number One – Ethos 

This is such an important one for our little free range family.  Just to be clear, we don’t take pre-organized tours often, it’s just not how we tend to travel.  But after reading Inertia’s website from top to bottom I had an inkling that they could be the right provider for us.  

After emailing back and forth, I felt that they shared a similar vision around travel that we go in search of.  The kind of travel where you tread gently in off beat destinations, looking for authentic experiences . You know the kind of travel I’m talking about right?  

Inertia Network take travellers on expeditions, rather than tourists on holiday if you catch my drift.  They seek to protect and preserve the destinations they visit making travel more sustainable in the long run in terms of conservation and impact.  Box one – tick.

Reason Number Two – Group Size  

I reiterate we don’t often book tours!  Booking a large organized group tour gives me anxiety.  So, we weren’t wanting to be lumped in with a group feeling like just another number in the herd.  And we were not, it was the two of us, a driver and a guide. 

I can’t tell you how happy we were that we had this super intimate experience within Socotra .  We saw many large groups travelling in convoys.  Strangers grouped together and limited essentially to locations that could cater for larger groups.  

While we could pick up and move on whenever we were ready, sleep in more remote locations like under the dragon blood trees, see more of the island and go to places that interested us, just us. Box two – tick.

🧭 If you are the kind of traveller that enjoys group travel, I can tell you that Inertia Network plan some awesome micro-group itineraries – check them out here !

Reason Number Three – Cost  

Visiting Socotra is bucketlist stuff, it’s obviously super unique and that makes travel here more expensive than your average holiday destination.  

After rounding in a number of quotes, I discovered that Inertia Network not only would give us what we needed in terms of experience, but also that their rates were very reasonable.  Basically, they provided us with a one week all-inclusive bucketlist expedition at a fair and competitive price .  Box three – tick.

Inertia Network and Expeditions Beyond Socotra

If Inertia Network sounds like they might tick your boxes too, then you should also check out their other expeditions here .

And if you are wondering which trip we took – it was the 8 day Biodiversity Highlights Trip . They have two trips coming up in 2024, one in February and one in April. With micro groups no bigger than 6 people, and a price tag of $1600 USD, you are in for a trip of a lifetime .

The team always have SUPER unique and exciting travel expeditions up their sleeve… their intrepid adventures go way WAY beyond the main tourist trail. Basically, you should expect perspective changing type of travel but also the opportunity to meet really cool people at the same time.

🌱 It wasn’t until we got to Socotra that I was truly grateful for doing the research in finding the right tour operator.  Read on to find out more about our travels, sustainable tourism in Socotra and the benefits of booking with Inertia .

Sustainable Tourism in Socotra

In a nutshell… we had the most amazing time in Socotra on our tour. It is just such a wildly unique destination. In our opinion, Socotra needs to be on your travel radar if you love off beat travel. But at the same time it needs to be protected.

And so I urge anyone planning a trip to Socotra to choose a responsible tour operator who has sustainability and conservation clearly in their sights .

Following many in depth conversations with Mohammed the local tour operator, I was confident that our decision making, was well justified. You see, I love to get down to the nitty gritty and ask all those uncomfortable questions that need to be approached. I always want to ensure that our travel along with the tour providers that we recommend, do not negatively impact, or come at a cost to the local infrastructure, community and environment.

These conversations with Mohammed lead to a deeper understanding of the efforts he has personally taken to protect his homeland of Socotra. His goals for his island are based on several foundations. Cleaning the streets of Hadibo (the capital) and finding more efficient waste management systems, increasing access to education for all, better opportunities around gender equality and exploring new methods around and improving current agricultural practices.

💧 Promoting sustainable travel is at the centre of why I show up here!

When You Support Local

I was very excited to hear that in 2020 Mohammed founded a school in Hadibo in which they accept international volunteers to assist with education and administration.

We also discovered that 20% of the tour profits go to supporting the school and teachers employed . Lessons around computer studies, english and other classes that will ultimately support local quality of life. A tour of the school gave me increased confidence that we were in good hands and that as a result of our booking with Inertia the locals were benefiting.

When asked about his thoughts on the future of tourism in Socotra, Mohammed expressed his hopes that 5 star hotels would not make it to the island. An opinion that we share.

From our perspective tourism in Socotra would benefit from the continued current sustainable approach towards guided tours and camping on beaches. But only time will tell, how tourism will evolve in Socotra and in the meantime supporting local tour guides such as Mohammed, has a positive impact for the Socotri people.

If you have any questions or ponderings about visiting Socotra then absolutely do not hesitate to get in touch!

✈️ Don’t miss our post on Travel to Socotra – Everything You Ought to Know 🐬 Or this one on – Is it Safe to Travel to Socotra 🐲 Or read here for the 10 best locations to visit on Socotra Island

And of course I recommend that you bookmark or pin this post for later, for when your Socotra travel planning begins.

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

April 21, 2022 at 8:14 pm

Amazing post! Loved seeing and hearing about your journey on Instagram, and thank you so much for your kind words, Sharon. Hope we can have the pleasure of taking you to another amazing place sometime in the future 🙂

Best, Isaac from Inertia Network

April 28, 2022 at 6:17 pm

The pleasure was all mine Isaac… we certainly hope to travel with Inertia again in the future. You guys are straight up awesome!!

October 20, 2022 at 7:12 pm

Thank you for a well informed piece, A bit of an unusual question but I will have my laptop with me. Will it be safe to travel with or would you recommend leaving it in a locker in Abu Dhabi airport for the duration?

October 20, 2022 at 7:50 pm

Hi Mick, thanks for your question. Not unusual at all… we took our laptop so that we could offload our photos every day. So from our experience, it was perfectly safe.

July 17, 2023 at 10:57 pm

Love this, I’ve been wanting to visit Socotra since 2011, but have never made it/the internal conflict in Yemen.

Did you feel safe at all times? I’d like to go with my boyfriend, and as a gay man, I worry about how that would go. I’m considering asking other friends to join us in order to offset the vibe, but TBD. Let me know what your thoughts are!

August 10, 2023 at 12:22 am

Hi DJ, oh you must go… it’s one of the best travel experiences you’ll ever have! In terms of safety, we felt safe 100% of the time, but I couldn’t comment on how gay people would be received. In saying this, we have lived in the Middle East for years, and like all Islamic countries, you would just need to be mindful about what information you share openly and how you act in public. The same would go for my husband and I… we wouldn’t be openly affectionate or touch in public, as this is generally frowned upon, particularly in stricter countries. I know this doesn’t answer your question but I hope it helps 🙂

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Socotra: The mysterious 'Alien Island' of the Indian Ocean

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / TRAVEL TRENDS , YEMEN / Created : Sep 4, 2024, 13:49 IST

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Socotra Island in Yemen is known for its unique biodiversity, with a majority of its flora and fauna being endemic. The island's distinctive landscapes, including rugged mountains and pristine beaches, add to its allure. Its isola … Read more

Socotra Island in Yemen is known for its unique biodiversity, with a majority of its flora and fauna being endemic. The island's distinctive landscapes, including rugged mountains and pristine beaches, add to its allure. Its isolation has preserved its natural beauty, making it a fascinating destination for nature enthusiasts. Read less

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Socotra Island in Yemen is known for its unique biodiversity, with a majority of its flora and fauna being endemic. The island's distinctive landscapes, including rugged mountains and pristine beaches...

tour to to Socotra expedition to Yemen trip to the island of the Dragon's blood trees tour to the island in Indian ocean Galapagos of Indian ocean Arher Qalansiya beach Hadibo Hadibu

Socotra is an island of an extraordinary oddity, with its bizarre trees and rare animals, traditional nomadic life of local pastoralists and fishermen, and unearthly mountainous landscapes, merging with sand dunes and sliding right into turquoise ocean waters. socotra is considered to be the galapagos of the indian ocean. located off the coast of yemen in the indian ocean, the island of socotra contains some of the world's most astonishing and unique plant forms. more than a third of some 800 can be found nowhere else on our planet. probably unlike anywhere on earth, socotra has to be seen to be believed..

• 1 UNIQUENESS We find the most astonishing places on Earth and speed up to reach them. Our motto is to go ahead of road roller, touch the unique and unknown, before it disappears.
• 2 ADVENTURISM Wherever we go, we look for challenging activities and adventures, filling the journey with absolutely different spirit and emotions. That is why people join us over and over again.
• 3 SAFETY In our trips we pay special attention to safety. All our travels are based on personal experience, equipped with the best gear, involving proved providers and experienced local guides who perfectly know local features.
• 4 EXPERIENCE We have a unique experience of the most offbeat expeditions and ascents, deep knowledge of countries and peoples, and are ready to share it with you. All the expeditions and climbings are guided by Mzungu himself, guaranteeing exciting traveling and your comfort.
• 5 REASONABLE PRICE All our trips are reach in adventures, with high quality accommodation, transportation and meals included. We do not save on it. Thanks to solid contacts with reliable providers we offer really good prices and high quality.

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Yemen Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 10, 2024, yemen - level 4: do not travel.

Updated to reflect additional information on terrorism and security.

Do not travel to Yemen due to terrorism, civil unrest, crime, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict, and landmines .

Country Summary:  The U.S. Embassy in Sana’a suspended its operations in February 2015. The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Yemen.

The Department of State has designated Ansarallah, commonly referred to as the Houthis, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group. Other terrorist groups, including Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Islamic State affiliates, continue to plot and conduct attacks in Yemen – most notably in al-Bayda, Abyan, and Shabwah governorates. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting public sites, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Additionally, there is a continuing threat of kidnapping/detention by terrorists, criminal elements, and/or non-government actors. Employees of foreign organizations may be targeted for attack or kidnapping.

A civil war continues in Yemen. While reduced overall levels of violence continue following the April 2022 truce, instability, and ongoing threats of armed conflict, particularly along the frontlines in central Yemen, remain at a severe level. Due to the ongoing civil unrest and weak government institutions, travelers should not rely on significant assistance from local authorities. Foreign nationals are frequently the target of kidnapping and carjacking, particularly when traveling outside of urban areas.

Military conflict has caused destruction of basic infrastructure, housing, medical facilities, schools, and power and water utilities. This destruction limits the availability of electricity, clean water, and medical care in affected areas. It also often hampers the ability of humanitarian organizations to deliver critically needed food, medicine, and water. Landmines exist throughout Yemen.

Widespread violent crime and/or organized crime are present in Yemen. Local law enforcement may have limited or no ability or willingness to respond to serious crimes.

As a result of the deterioration of health services, Yemen is experiencing the re-emergence of infectious diseases, such as cholera, polio, and measles. There is a limited availability of medicine and medical supplies, and adequate medical treatment is unavailable.

There is a very high risk of kidnapping and detention of U.S. citizens in Yemen, particularly dual U.S.-Yemeni citizens. U.S. citizens, particularly young people, are also at risk of kidnapping for purposes of forced marriage, sometimes involving force, fraud, or coercion by family members in the United States and/or Yemen. The Houthis, who control Sana’a, have detained U.S. citizens, including dual U.S.-Yemeni citizens. U.S. citizens, including dual nationals, have faced difficulty – including lengthy delays – when attempting to depart Yemen.

Commercial flights have departed from Aden and Sana’a to multiple destinations in the region. Contact airlines and travel companies directly for the most current information on flights departing Yemen.

Companies outside of Yemen have misrepresented the security situation on the Yemeni island of Socotra. They offer tourist visits, including by facilitating unofficial and invalid "visas." Only the sovereign Republic of Yemen government can issue valid Yemeni visas. Companies that arrange such visits are putting tourists in danger, including legal jeopardy. While security conditions may be less volatile than on the mainland, the U.S. government has no presence and no way to assist U.S. citizens who travel there. U.S. citizens should not travel to Socotra or any other part of Yemen.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Yemen, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

Due to risks to commercial shipping operating within or in the vicinity of Yemen territorial waters, the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has issued a Maritime Advisory. For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Maritime Administration’s Maritime Security Communications with Industry (MSCI) .

Additionally, the Commandant of the Coast Guard has determined that effective anti-terrorism measures are not in place in Yemen’s ports and has imposed conditions of entry on vessels that arrive in U.S. ports having visited ports in Yemen. Mariners and passengers traveling through the ports of Yemen should exercise caution.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Yemen.

If, despite this Travel Advisory, you decide to travel to Yemen:

• Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .
• Make contingency plans to leave the country without U.S. government assistance.
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
• Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
• Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs, if you are unable to return as planned to the United States.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization or consider consulting with a professional security organization.
• Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization so that they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. This plan should specify who you would contact first, and how they should share the information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook   and  Twitter . 
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Yemen.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

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