The Ultimate Travel Guide to Socotra Island: What You Need to Know Before You Go
Socotra Island is a true gem of the Middle East, renowned for its alien-like landscapes, unique flora (over one-third of which is endemic to the island), and rich cultural heritage. Tourism is still new to the island, and infrastructure is minimal, so get ready for a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure! Follow this Socotra Travel Guide to make sure you’re properly prepared for your trip to Socotra, and to avoid any unpleasant surprises on your travels.
In this Travel Guide:
Socotra is a dream destination for adventure travelers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers alike. Here you’ll find nature’s unspoiled beauty, camp under the stars, disconnect from the world, and embark on an adventure that few people will ever experience.
I’d dreamt of traveling to Socotra for years, and it ended up being one of my favorite trips I’ve ever taken, with landscapes even more stunning than any photos or videos could portray.
Because of how remote the island is and its lack of tourism infrastructure, it’s not the “easiest” destination to travel, but it was so worth it! With the help of this guide and an amazing tour company to bring you to the island, you’ll be able to sit back and relax, and truly enjoy every moment of this adventure.
Part 1: About Socotra
With only 3000 foreign tourists visiting annually, (most of whom are on a similar 8- or 11-day itinerary) Socotra is a remote paradise. It is located off the coast of Yemen, between the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Aden, and East Africa. Socotra is politically a part of Yemen, but lies only 240 kilometres (130 nautical miles) east of Somalia. It is one of the most isolated landforms on Earth that is of continental, meaning non-volcanic, origin.
Because of its remote location and how new tourism is to the island, traveling to Socotra is not for the feint of heart, and it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. But if you’re willing to face the challenges, I promise you’ll be rewarded. Pristine turquoise oceans, healthy marine life, towering white sand dunes just steps from the sea, and forests of ancient Frankincense, Dragon's Blood, and Bottle Trees await you in this Arabian paradise. Plus, you’ll have the unique privilege of being one of the very few humans to ever set foot on this island and see these landscapes.
Use this guide to plan your trip and make sure you know what to expect when traveling to Socotra!
Climate
Socotra has an arid and semi-arid climate, with hot temperatures throughout much of the year, and cooler evenings during the winter months. In general, daytime temperatures soar, often reaching highs of around 30-40°C (86-104°F) during the hottest periods, making lightweight, breathable clothing essential for travelers. However, evenings are cooler, with temperatures occasionally dipping to around 20-25°C (68-77°F).
When to Visit
The best time to visit is between September and May, with mid-November to March offering the best weather with cooler temperatures and little rain.
After mid-May, the temperatures can become scorching hot. From June-August, extremely strong, hot, dry winds hit the island, making it difficult or impossible for even ships to reach the island. During this time most tour companies do not operate, and locals often head to the mainland for holiday.
Flora & Fauna
Despite its harsh climate, Socotra supports a diverse array of plant species, over one-third of which are endemic and found nowhere else on Earth. Its iconic Dragon's Blood Trees, with their umbrella-like canopy and red resin, are a symbol of the island's biodiversity. Socotra is also home to unique succulent and desert plant species, adapted to the island's arid conditions. You’ll also find forests of Frankinscence and chunky Bottle Trees that bloom pink flowers throuhout the year.
In addition to its distinctive flora, Socotra is home to many bird species, reptiles like the Socotra chameleon, and endemic insects. The surrounding waters teem with marine life, such as sea turtles, dolphins, and octopus, plus 253 species of reef-building corals, 730 species of coastal fish and 300 species of crab, lobster and shrimp. It’s vibrant water make Socotra a prime destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. However, other than goats, camels, cows, and cats (all of which were brought over some centuries or millenia ago), you won’t find any large mammals or predators on the island.
Part 2: Suggested 8-Day Itinerary (What to See & Do)
Socotra Island offers a diverse array of breathtaking natural wonders at every stop. Because of the intermittent flight schedules (see the section below “Getting to Socotra”), you’ll either visit Socotra on 4-, 8-, or 11-day itinerary. Personally, I think 4 days would be way too short. We did an 8-day itinerary (ignoring the extra 5 days we were stuck in Hadiboh), and it was enough time to see all the spots we wanted to.
The 11-day itinerary often includes some options for trekking in the mountains which we heard from other travelers was really awesome. In hindsight, it also would have also been nice to have had a couple extra days at certain spots to really relax and enjoy, have more time to take photos, and not feel as rushed.
However, 8 days is typically the sweet spot for most travelers, and will be a great experience with enough time to visit all of these top locations and photo-spots in Socotra!
8-Day Itinerary
Day 1-2: Start your journey at Ahrer Beach, where white sand dunes meet turquoise waters, perfect for camping and catching stunning sunrise views. Nearby, visit Hoq Cave to explore the ancient stalactites and stalagmites.
Day 3: For marine enthusiasts, Dihamri Marine Reserve on Socotra's northern coast boasts vibrant red rock beaches teeming with sea life like sea turtles and colorful fish, for spectacular snorkeling after a seafood lunch. Next, head to Homhil Pool, a natural infinity pool nestled among Desert Rose and Dragon's Blood trees, accessible after a scenic 30-minute hike through mountain streams.
Day 4: Further inland, Kilisan Canyon will take your breath away, with its vibrant blue natural pool weaving through the smooth white canyon walls. Spend the morning swimming and jumping off the rocks before heading driving to Zahek Sand Dunes for a sunset you’ll never forget. Finish the day at Aomok Beach, an idyllic camping spot with white sand shores and crystal-clear waters.
Day 5: Nearby, you can stop at Dagub Cave to see another kind of wet cave in Socotra’s mountains, which is still used as a gathering place for locals who you might find cooking meals, tending to their goats, or resting in the shade.
Next, ascend to Diksam Plateau for panoramic views of Socotra's iconic Dragon’s Blood trees against a limestone backdrop, a surreal setting for nature photography. You’ll then descend to Wadi Dirhur, Socotra's deepest canyon, where freshwater pools and ancient bottle trees provide an oasis for swimming, resting, bathing, and having a delicious lunch. Finally, drive back up into the mountains to arrive at Firmihin Forest, which has the world’s densest concentration of Dragon’s Blood trees. Here you’ll find scenic trails and sunset vistas that look like something out of a fairytale.
Day 6: Wrap up your journey at Qalansiya, home to Detwah Lagoon, renowned for its pristine white sands, vibrant marine ecosystem, and epic sunset views.
Day 7: For a truly unforgettable experience, take a boat to Shoab Beach from the town in Qalansiya, where playful dolphins escort you along towering cliffs and electric blue waters, to a serene beach paradise for swimming, sunbathing, breakfast, and soaking in the stunning Socotran landscape.
Day 8: Return to Hadiboh to catch your flight back to Abu Dhabi!
Part 3: Getting to Socotra (Flights & Visas)
Tourists can fly to Socotra through Abu Dhabi on a humanitarian flight operated by the UAE government. These flights are scheduled only 1 or 2 times per week (depending on the season), and have a number of seats designated for foreign tourists.
Because these flights are government-operated and not run by a commercial airline, you cannot book tickets online by yourself. Instead, you’ll have to go through a registered Socotra tour company which receives the upcoming flight schedules a few months before each season starts.
These humanitarian flights avoid landing in mainland Yemen, which is an ideal route for most tourists, as Socotra is only a 2-hour flight from Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Visas to Socotra are 150 USD and must be purchased through a registered tour company. You can ask the immigration official to stamp your visa (rather than stamping your passport) upon entry to Yemen, as a Yemen stamp can cause some issues on future travels to certain countries.
Note: Because of how remote Socotra is, and the fact that its airport does not have radar and operates by sight alone, the flights to/from Socotra do experience occasional cancelations due to weather. In this case, the flight would usually be delayed for a day or so… but because of the infrequent flight schedule and the fact that it’s not commercially operated, delays can be longer. We ended up getting stuck in Socotra 5 days after we were scheduled to leave. It’s unfortunate and frustrating, but little can be done because, of course, it’s a government decision. So if possible, have some flexibility around your Socotra trip just in case you experience unexpected delays — it’s rare, but it happens sometimes!
Part 4: Transportation Around Socotra
The only way to get around the island is in an SUV or jeep driven by a licensed driver from a registered local tour company. There is no public transportation or road signage, and maps won't work without internet. Many roads are surprisingly good, but of course you also encounter lots of very rocky bumpy areas with pathways that can hardly be described as a “road.” Make sure you have a great driver through your local tour company, as drives are long, roads can be challenging especially when it rains, and car issues absolutely can arise.
Part 5: Accomodations (We're Going Camping!)
The best way to explore Socotra is by camping! Camping is amazing to be in nature, and you’ll get to sleep amongst some of the most beautiful locations on earth. Can you imagine falling asleep to the sound of the waves on Ahrer Beach, or waking up to sunlight peaking through the Dragon’s Blood trees in Firmihin Forest? Thankfully, the tour companies make it easy — they will supply you with necessary camping gear, and your guide/driver/new best friends will kindly help you set up camp each night and break it all down in the morning.
There are only a few very basic hotels in Socotra, mostly located near the airport and the capital town of Hadiboh. But all of the locations you'll want to visit around Socotra are hours away, so I do not recommend staying at these hotels except perhaps on your last night before flying out. The best times to visit many of these locations is sunrise and sunset, and this would be near impossible (and not very fun) if you have to drive hours just to get to & from the hotel. Plus, I personally feel like half of the magic of traveling in Socotra is being unplugged in nature, so ditch the hotels and get out in the wilderness for the week!
Part 6: Food
You’ll be impressed to see what your local cook (who will accompany you on your adventure) can whip up for you out of makeshift kitchen in the wilderness! Our cook Araf (who was also our beloved driver) made us delicious meals that I still dream about to this day. Generally, meals consist of beans or potato-vegetable stew, rice or Yemeni flatbread, fresh fruit, pasta, freshly caught fish and seafood when near coastal areas, or perhaps goat when in the mountains. Coffee doesn’t really exist in Socotra, so you might want to stick with tea unless instant powdered coffee will suffice (or bring your own coffee fixings with you!).
Although the diet is basic, at least in our case, the meals were absolutely delicious!
Part 7: Internet & Cell Connectivity
There is no internet or WiFi on most of Socotra Island. There are a few campsites that have access to some cellular data connection (and one site we went to, at Dihamri Marine Reserve, where there was actually Starlink wireless internet!), and the hotels in Hadiboh should have some wifi (but expect it to be very intermittent, slow, and often more frustrating than it’s worth).
I recommend getting a physical Etislat SIM card from the UAE before you fly to Socotra, which is your best chance at getting some connectivity at these sporadic spots around the island. But for most of your time in Socotra, plan to be completely disconnected, and enjoy it!
Part 8: What About the Basics? Water, Toilets, Electricity, etc?
You will be completely in the wilderness camping for your weeklong (or more) adventure in Socotra.
There is almost no running water except for some campsites where water is delivered through a pipe from the mountains, and you can "shower" with the water from these pipes. Otherwise, showers are typically limited to biodegradable wet wipes (please only use biodegradable ones as there is no waste management infrastructure in Socotra), and the freshwater wadis where you can bathe or wash your dirty clothes.
Plastic pollution is a huge problem so I highly recommend getting a self-filtering water bottle. The water in the mountains and wadis is already quite clean and fresh, and locals use this water for drinking. Using a self-filtering water bottle is an easy and safe way to drink from these water sources, and it will enable you to avoid wasting dozens of plastic water bottles.
Hopefully your tour company will provide a large water dispenser, so please try using this as much as possible rather than individual plastic bottles.
There is no electricity or charging capabilities except through the cigarette lighter in your car, so I recommend bringing a car power adapter with plugs and USB ports, especially if you have a lot of camera gear to charge each day.
There are generally no toilets except at certain campsites. Find a spot in the wilderness, dig a hole, and dispose of your toilet paper or biodegradable wet wipes in the trash at your campsite.
Part 9: Packing List
What to pack for a trip to Socotra is a common question I’ve received. Here’s a suggested packing list for your trip which, of course, you can modify based on your personal packing preferences:
Clothing:
Lightweight, breathable shirts (long-sleeve and short-sleeve)
Lightweight pants and shorts (quick-dry material is preferable)
Modest clothing for village visits (long skirts or dresses, loose trousers, long-sleeve shirts)
Any nice clothing you want to wear for aesthetic photos!
Swimsuits (at least two, so you can always have a dry option)
Hat or cap for sun protection
Sunglasses
Scarf for sun protection or to cover your shoulders/head in villages
Lightweight rain jacket or poncho (just in case)
Socks (moisture-wicking material is recommended)
Undergarments
Lightweigh long sleeping clothes (I slept outside my tent a few nights because it was super hot inside the tent, but the air outside was cool… for this you will want to have some lightweight sleeping clothes to keep flies or mosquitos off you
Footwear:
Hiking shoes or sneakers with good grip
Comfortable sandals or water shoes for swimming and walking in water
Flip flops for campsite and casual wear
Accessories:
Self-filtering water bottle (avoid individual plastic bottes as much as possible!)
Daypack or backpack for hikes
Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
Multi-tool or pocket knife
First aid kit (including any personal medications)
Ziplock bags or dry sacks for keeping belongings dry
Travel towel, quick-dry towel, or sarong for swims or bathing
Deck of cards or other small games for entertainment in the evenings
Book or e-reader
Snacks or energy bars in case you get a bit bored of the local food
Powdered electrolytes (dehydration was a serious problem for us no matter how much water we drank!)
Good coffee & coffee maker if this is a must for you (otherwise, just settle for the instant Nescafe coffee powder, or tea, for a week)
Journal and pen for keeping memories
Original & printed photocopy of your passport
Comfy pillow for car rides (the tour company will provide you a pillow for sleeping, but it might not be that comfortable so it’s up to you if you’d like to bring your own)
Portable fan (sounds silly, and we opted not to get one of these — and lived to regret it… the tents can get hot and stuffy at night making it hard to sleep, and a small fan would’ve probably helped a lot)
Toiletries & Hygeine:
Sunscreen (high SPF — the sun is especially strong here, and you don’t want a bad sunburn on day 1 to ruin your trip!)
Biodegradable wet wipes (be careful for clear labeling of this on packaging! Non-biodegradable wet wipes leave waste behind for centuries… the biodegradable ones still stick around for a while but are a much better option)
Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, etc.)
Dry shampoo if you use it!
Soap, shampoo, and conditioner (eco-friendly) for the occasional pipe or wadi shower
Mosquito repellent
Travel-size eco-friendly laundry detergent for washing clothes during the trip
Hand sanitizer
Electronics & Camera Gear:
Camera or smartphone for capturing memories
Extra SD cards
Drone (this island is amazing for drone content! Drones are allowed in Socotra but not in UAE, so if you notify customs on a layover it might make things difficult… We were recommended to pack our drone in separate pieces with the batteries in our carry-on, and just not drawing attention to it…)
Extra batteries for your cameras & drones
Extra propellers & toolkit for your drone just in case… you won’t be able to get any of this in Socotra
Tripod (if you want to shoot selfies or astro-photography which is spectacular on Socotra especially near the New Moon)
Portable power bank for electronic devices
Car power adapter with plugs & USB ports for charging cameras and other electronics
Etislat SIM card from UAE
Optional: laptop and external hard drive to safely back up photos
Pre-download music playlists for long road trips! You won’t have internet in Socotra so plan accordinly ;)
This packing list should ensure you're prepared for a variety of activities and environments during your trip to Socotra Island.
Part 10: Choosing a Tour Company
The only way to travel to Socotra is with a registered eco-tourism company. We traveled with Socotra Specialty Tours and I highly recommend booking with them! The company is co-owned by a wonderful American woman who lives part-time in Socotra with her daughter, and a local Socotri man named Mohammed who is something of a celebrity on the island (and was our guide during our tour).
Because they will arrange literally every detail of your trp for you, you’ll spend most of your time hanging out with your driver and guide, and you will be entrusting them to handle any problems that arise, it’s very important that you choose a great company when booking your Socotra trip.
Our driver/cook, Araf (in white), who is the sweetest man & one of the best cooks on the island (second only perhaps to his wife Fatima)!
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Responsiveness. How quick & clear are they with communication in advance of the trip? This is a good sign that they’ll be on top of things during your trip as well.
Communication. Is there a point-person who will be available to answer your questions, who speaks fluent English?
Trust. Problems do arise in Socotra. For example, our flight out of Socotra was repeatedly canceled by the UAE government, and we were stuck on the island for an unexpected 5 extra days. This was stressful. But wow, we were taken care of like family by Araf and Mohammed (and literally welcomed into their homes by their families to share meals), and Taylor (the American owner of Socotra Specialty Tours) was constantly checking in on us and working to get updates from the government. In fact, other tour companies were calling her to get updates and advice…. There were other tourists also stuck in Socotra with us during that time, and they did not all have such positive experiences with their tour companies.
Sustainability. Waste is a huge problem in Socotra. Does your tour company prioritize sustainability and implement measures to help the local environment? Does the company have an ethos of supporting the local community as well?
Flexibility. Of course this depends somewhat on whether you are traveling as part of a larger group on a set itinerary, or privately, We lucked out with only two of us traveling, which meant our guide Mohammed could suggest changes to the itinerary along the way to help us avoid the other groups of tourists.
Friendliness. We had the best time with our hosts Mohammed and Araf! We all kept each other laughing the entire time, had interesting conversations about culture and life, and felt comfortable asking any questions that came up (even on some sensitive subjects). You’ll spend a LOT of time in the car and at campsites with your hosts, so make sure they’re fun to be around.
Cook quality. Your stomachs are in the hands of whomever is your designated cook for the trip. We were super lucky to have Araf, who any locals we encountered agreed was one of the best cooks on the island. Without a good cook I can imagine the food becoming really tiring and dull; with a cook like Araf, you’ll never get sick of what’s served!
Driver experience. Roads are challenging in Socotra, and can get even more precarious in rainy weather, at night, or in some cases where giant rocks fell onto the road blocking our path. Make sure your driver has a lot of experience, not only navigating the terrain of Socotra, but also with fixing the car if there's an engine issue or flat tire which does happen.
Guide fluency. I recommend ensuring your guide is fluent in English. You’ll want to ask a lot of questions and there is so much to learn about the plants, landscapes, history, and culture of Socotra. Our guide Mohammed was young but very experienced, educated, and insightful. He also had great sense of sarcasm to match our own, which made our trip to Socotra even better!.
Our guide Mohammed who, despite how serious he looks here, has the best sense of humor and was constantly cracking jokes with us on our trip.
Part 11: Safety Concerns
One of the most common questions about traveling to Socotra is whether it is safe for tourists. Although the island technically belongs to Yemen — a country where many areas are not safe for foreign tourists — Socotra has remained separate from the conflicts on the mainland as well as those in the seas of this region.
The island is under the de facto control of the United Arab Emirates. The humanitarian flights the transport tourists to Socotra are also operated by the UAE which indicates its confidence that the region is safe for foreigners.
While in Socotra, you are in the company of some of the kindest, most warm and welcoming people you’ll ever meet. Crime rates are extremely low even amongst locals.
Of course, there are always risks when traveling, especially to conflict-prone parts of the world, however Socotra has a history of peacefulness. Check with your travel health insurance about coverage, as some policies do not cover travel to Yemen. It is also a good idea to inform you embassy of your travel plans so they are aware of citizens abroad in Yemen.
As always, do you research and make decisions for yourself about what you are comfortable with when you travel.
Part 12: Cultural Etiquette
When visiting Socotra, it's important to respect the local customs and etiquette to ensure you & the locals have the most positive experience possible. Here are some tips to help you navigate social interactions on the island:
Dress modestly: Socotra is a conservative society, so it's respectful to dress modestly, especially when visiting towns and villages. For both men and women, clothing that covers shoulders and knees is appropriate, and women might also want to wear a scarf to cover their heads. When in more touristic areas in nature, it’s fine to dress more casually, and you can wear normal clothes like shorts and swimsuits.
Greet respectfully: When meeting locals, greet them with a warm "Assalamu Alaikum" (Peace be upon you) and respond to their greeting with "Wa Alaikum Assalam" (And upon you be peace). This traditional greeting shows respect and goodwill.
Ask for permission before taking photos: Always ask for permission before taking photos of people and religious sites. Most women are not comfortable with photos, but the men typically will allow it if you ask. Respect their privacy and cultural beliefs.
Respect local customs: Be mindful of local customs and traditions, such as avoiding public displays of affection and refraining from consuming alcohol in public areas. Respect any cultural or religious practices you may encounter.
Use your right hand: In Socotra, as in many Middle Eastern cultures, the left hand is considered unclean. Use your right hand for eating, greeting, and giving or receiving items.
Be mindful of religious practices: Socotra is a predominantly Muslim island, so be respectful of Islamic practices. During prayer times, avoid interrupting or entering mosques unless permitted.
Bargain respectfully: If you're shopping in local markets, bargaining is common practice. However, do so respectfully and with a friendly attitude. Avoid haggling too aggressively, as it may be seen as disrespectful.
Respect the environment: Socotra's natural beauty is its greatest asset, so help preserve it by avoiding littering, damaging coral reefs while snorkeling, or disturbing wildlife. Bring a self-filtering water bottle and use the large water dispenser provided by your tour company as much as possible.
Tip your drive and guides. Although not required, if your driver, cook, and guide made your trip extra special, please give them a tip to show appreciation. During tourism season they work extremely hard with very few days off to see their families, so your generosity makes a big difference.
By following these etiquette tips, you'll not only show respect for Socotra's culture and traditions but also the fragile, beautiful natural ecosystem that makes this destination so special. Foreigners are graciously welcomed in Socotra, but tourism is still new, so let’s ensure this budding industry remains an overwhelmingly positive experience for the well-deserving people of Socotra.
And as a general rule, use common sense, be kind and patient (even more patient than you are back home), show appreciation and thanks, don’t expect things to run as smoothly as they do back home or on last year’s trip to Italy, and remember you are a visitor in their home.
Part 13: Sustainability
Socotra is one of the most biodiversity rich islands in the entire world. It’s ecosystem is fragile and under the threat of over-development, overfishing, illegal trade of endemic species, increased waste, and cultural destruction. Unfortunately, Yemen’s official standards for sustainability are not consistently respected by the UAE government in their operations on Socotra (and, to be clear, the UAE does not have legally authorized control over Socotra). That means, as with anywhere in the world, you can’t trust that things are being taken care of properly by authorities or even your tour company.
One of the biggest problems you’ll notice is waste management — the towns of Hadiboh and Qalansiyah and flooded with litter which is sad, but without proper waste management or education, there’s not much that can be done by the locals. As a visitor however, you can take steps to reduce your footprint by bringing a self-filtering water bottle and avoiding using single-use plastic, bringing biodegradable wipes to use (which still take a long time to biodegrade but are better than non-biodegradable options), never touching the coral reefs, and so forth.
Part 14: Expect the Unexpected
Traveling on a remote, isolated island means things can go wrong. This can include cars breaking down, roads being blocked requiring hours-long detours, flights being canceled for weather or apparently no reason at all (without any recourse options), illnesses from the water or food, SIM cards and WiFi don’t work, injuries while hiking or exploring the wilderness, unexpected rain that totally interrupts your travel and camping plans, and so on. This is part of the adventure! Let go of control and expectations as much as possible, and do your best to work with Mother Nature and defer to the relaxed, go-with-the-flow vibes of Socotra.
Do what you can to be prepared for potential issues by bringing anti-diarrhea and other helpful medication, a small first aid kit, planning some days of flexibility around your flights in case of delays, and let the outside world know you won’t be reachable for a week.
Let’s Go.
My trip to Socotra was one of the best adventures of my life, and far surpassed how I imagined it for years prior. The breathtaking landscapes, the warm friendly locals, the shockingly delicious food cooked in the wilderness, the bliss of sleeping in nature and being disconnected from internet/cell service, and the overall freedom we felt exploring this incredible island will be an experience I never forget.
Despite some of the challenges of traveling to such a remote and isolated location, this all actually made the rewards of the adventure even sweeter.
If this kind of adventure seems up your alley, be sure to save/pin this Ultimate Socotra Travel Guide to help you plan your trip to Socotra Island in the future!
