Travel to Socotra (2024): All You Need to Know
Beautiful Socotra
In 2015, Yemen’s civil war severed this remote Arabian island’s air link to the outside world. However, with the easing of tensions, flights have quietly resumed, opening up this ecological Eden to visitors again.
Socotra is located in the Indian Ocean and closer to Somalia than Mainland Yemen. It broke off from the Arabian Peninsula some 80 million years ago and is often called the "Galápagos of the Indian Ocean." Socotra is a treasure trove of endemic flora and fauna, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth. Visiting Socotra is like stepping into another world, where natural beauty, unique wildlife, and rich culture create an unforgettable travel experience.
The island has a total population of around 70,000 people who speak their Socotri language. Apart from the main town of Hadibo, there exists little infrastructure on the island, and visitors will spend most of their nights camping in the mountains and on desolate beaches. Socotra is a remarkable destination for camping, exploring, hiking, and immersing oneself in the natural world.
Moreover, the limited number of flights to Socotra restricts the number of visitors to around 50 to 150 tourists per week. This makes the island less crowded and even more unique to visit.
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Best Time to Visit Socotra
Timing your visit to Socotra is important, as the island has two distinct monsoons— the windy monsoon from June through early September and the rainy monsoon from November to early January.
The windy monsoon makes visits particularly unpleasant, as high winds cause sand and dust to cloud the air, disrupting the landscape and making hiking unattractive. Additionally, temperatures during the windy monsoon are hot.
The rainy monsoon is unpredictable, as downpours can occur causing Socotra’s fragile roads to become impassable. December sees the bulk of rainfall in Socotra, but October, November, and January can see storms as well.
One benefit to risking travel during the rainy monsoon season is the absolute beauty of the trees, which are flush with green leaves. October and early November are excellent times to visit if you don’t mind taking the risk of a few potentially heavy rainy days, and the weather is excellent for trekking trips in Socotra’s Hajhir Mountains. Oceanic activities like snorkeling and diving are not great in the rainy monsoon period, as the swells are much larger and the water is cloudy.
The best time to visit Socotra is between February and May— the weather is generally pleasant, and temperatures are not too hot, while the water is calm and clear. The only drawback is that the dryness of this season can result in quite a bit of haze and arid conditions, especially as the months proceed towards May. January and February are best if you want to see the majority of flower blooms on the island.
Getting There
By Air
Yemenia’s once-weekly flight 607 / 606 from Cairo to Seiyun to Socotra and back is the only reliable way onto the island. This flight leaves very late Sunday night (02:00), traveling from Cairo to Aden and continuing on to Mukalla and Socotra on Monday morning before flying back to Aden and then continuing back to Cairo on Monday afternoon. This means that one can spend one or two weeks (or more) in Socotra without much difficulty and enjoy a reliable way of getting to and from the island.
A humanitarian charter flight by Emirates Aviation Services that operates as a tourist flight is also available on Tuesdays from mid-September until mid-May. It flies from Abu Dhabi on Tuesday mornings, direct to Socotra, and returns the same day in the afternoon. Tickets sell out fast and are rather complicated to reserve. If you’d like to go this route you should book your travel at least 5 months in advance.
It is also possible, albeit difficult and subject to ever-changing permissions in Mainland Yemen, for foreigners to travel overland to Mukalla from Oman and catch the domestic leg of the flight from Al-Riyan Airport to Socotra. If you are interested in visiting Mainland Yemen, see our Inertia Guide to South Yemen for more detailed information.
Socotra International Airport is a designated Port of Entry to the Republic of Yemen and immigration and customs facilities are available at the airport. Passengers arriving from Cairo clear Yemeni immigration and customs formalities in Aden however. While those flying on the charter from Abu Dhabi clear customs and immigration in Socotra.
By Ship
There is an irregular supply “cement” ship that travels to Socotra from the Port of Salalah, Oman more or less weekly during the peak season (October to May). The journey cannot accurately be arranged in advance and it takes between 3-7 days depending on ocean and docking conditions to reach Socotra from Salalah.
There is no food available on the boat, and after meeting a Japanese traveler who took the boat in 2019, it was described as “roach-infested”. Locals take occasional Qat and produce boats to the Yemeni port city of Al Mukalla, but these are also irregular and unreliable.
Getting Around
Since Socotra is an island with a relatively small population, there are limited ways to get around the island. The easiest and most effective is to hire a 4-wheel drive truck with a driver in Hadibo. There are several paved roads on the island, including a decent road that hugs the entire north coast and 3 roads that cross through the center of the island. Additionally, there are gravel, dirt, and sand roads and trails throughout the island linking up some of the smaller Bedouin communities.
Occasional public buses run in Socotra, especially between Hadibo and Qalansiah on the north coast of the island, as well as to Hadibo Airport. Besides that, public transportation is non-existent.
Hiking and camel trekking are popular activities on the island for travelers too.
Visas and Permits
A Yemeni visa is required for nearly all nationalities wishing to visit Socotra. Given the turmoil in Mainland Yemen, the Yemeni government is currently not issuing any tourist visas directly at their embassies. Do not fret, there’s a workaround.
Since Socotra has a somewhat special situation within Yemen, the Yemeni government, backed by the coalition (Saudi Arabia and the UAE), has allowed tourism to continue on Socotra in the form of allowing Socotri travel companies to obtain visas from the Governor’s Office in Socotra.
To obtain a visa for a tourist trip to Socotra, one must book a trip on the island via a local operator (Inertia members can benefit through our partners on the island), send a passport photocopy to their host in Socotra, and wait about one week to obtain their visa through the Yemeni Ministry of the Interior’s Immigration Department in Socotra.
Once issued, the visa is on a separate piece of paper and is not a sticker placed in your passport. You have to print out two copies of your visa— one will be collected by the airline, and the other is to be presented when you arrive in Yemen. For those flying from Cairo, a proper Yemeni visa will be stamped into your passport at Aden airport. For those arriving from Abu Dhabi, you will not receive a visa in your passport, but you may ask for an arrival and departure stamp.
Boycott of Israel
Yemen is one of several Arab League countries that takes part in the boycott of travel to Israel. If there is any evidence of travel to Israel— including Israeli visas, passport stamps, arrival/departure cards, or Egyptian or Jordanian stamps issued on a border with Israel, you may be deported from Yemen. There is a security check in Seiyun, and a Yemeni official may look through your passport for evidence of your travel to Israel.
If you have travelled to Israel and there is any proof of that visit, you will either need to obtain a new passport or ask your government to issue you a duplicate passport (available by application only for Canadians and Americans, as well as many EU citizens).
Regions
Hadibo
With around 7,000-10,000 inhabitants, Hadibo is the largest “city” on Socotra and is one of the only places on the island that enjoys such conveniences like hot running water, flushable toilets, stable electricity, cell phone signal, and the occasional slow wifi. The Hajhir (Haggier) Mountains form the backdrop to the town, but the amount of plastic litter and garbage on the streets is off-putting.
Many items from the mainland and neighboring countries can be found in the city’s bustling souq, making Hadibo an interesting stop to see a bit of local life as well as purchase any last-minute items needed for your trip. Traditional Yemeni clothing is also widely available in the market. Hadibo is also a place where you can change US Dollars into Yemeni Rials and sit down for a meal at a restaurant. The local fish market is a colorful place to visit as well in the early morning.
Otherwise, Hadibo is an unattractive city full of garbage, plastic waste, and goats roaming wild on the streets.
Northeast Socotra
The northeast of Socotra is stunning. There are soft white sand beaches, coral reefs, rocky shorelines, valleys, and plateaus, as well as one of the island’s most impressive cave systems. Highlights of the northeast part of Socotra include:
Archer Beach— a stunning white sand beach where massive sand dunes have formed against the granite cliffs above the shoreline, a good place to spot bioluminescence in the evenings, and a freshwater creek meets the sea here.
Homhil Protected Area— home to probably the second densest population of Dragon’s Blood Trees in Socotra, this valley is stunning and full of a diversity of plant life, not to mention an incredible natural infinity pool for swimming.
Momi Plateau— located just above Homhil, this stunning plateau is home to Frankincense trees, cucumber trees, bottle trees, and sweeping views.
Hoq Cave— easily one of the most impressive features on Socotra, Hoq Cave can rival many in terms of size and sheer amount of unique rock formations. The cave is at least 3 km deep and the first 2 km can be explored on foot with a strong torch flashlight or headlamp.
Rosh Marine Protected Area— great spot for diving or snorkeling amongst Socotra’s reefs and marine life. Also a nice white sand beach for camping and picnics.
Dihamri Marine Protected Area— a great spot for diving or snorkeling amongst Socotra’s reefs and marine life, with a small dive shop with gear rentals set up nearby.
Ras Irisseyl— the easternmost point of Socotra, where the Indian Ocean meets the Arabian Sea and is home to a quaint fishing village.
Crab City— near Ras Irisseyl, this beach is home to thousands of sand crabs who build small castle-like structures above their holes during low tide. A fascinating place to visit and observe.
Northwest Socotra
Socotra’s northwest features stunning beaches and lagoons, loads of marine life, and the island’s “second city” of Qalansiah. Highlights of the northwest include:
Detwah Lagoon— a stunning bright white sandy tongue stretches out from behind Qalansiah into the turquoise Arabian Sea, while a blue lagoon forms behind it, making Detwah one of the most beautiful parts of Socotra. Excellent for swimming as well as exploring marine life in the lagoon.
Qalansiah— Socotra’s “second city” is home to narrow streets and a popular fishing port with colorful boats and friendly locals.
Shu’ab— this remote part of Socotra’s west coast is only accessible by boat or by hiking. Shu’ab Beach is a beautiful white sand beach, and nearby there are plenty of amazing reefs to explore the marine life— large pods of spinner dolphins may be found here as well.
Central Socotra
Home to the Haggier Mountains, central Socotra boasts deep wadis, rocky peaks, stunning plateaus, and a plethora of unique plants and wildlife. Some of the highlights include:
Diksam— this stunning plateau is located near the geographic center of Socotra and is home to Dragon’s Blood Trees, local bedouins, a Dragon’s Blood Tree nursery, and stunning views into the Durhur Canyon.
Firhmin— this forest just on the opposite side of the canyon from Diksam has the highest concentration of Dragon’s Blood Trees on the entire island (and thus in the entire world). It’s a spectacular place for exploring.
Hajhir (Haggier) Mountains— these rocky mountains lie just to the south of Hadibo and rise some 1,500 meters from the sea, creating their own weather patterns and providing much of the moisture needed for Socotra’s unique flora to survive. Camel hikes and treks through the mountains are a great way to experience this unique region populated mainly by Socotri Bedouins. The best hikes take 6 days and reach Skand Valley.
Durhur— this canyon near Diksam is surrounded by walls 700 meters high and boasts a unique ecosystem.
Outlying Islands
To the southwest of Socotra’s main island, there are several smaller islands, of which one is in fact inhabited. To reach these far-off islands, you’ll have to plan way in advance and charter a large fishing vessel capable of making the 105km trip over there. It’s possible to do, and we’ve organized this trip before.
Abd al Kuri— described by a German rescue officer in 2006 as “A hellish place, where time stands still, and one can feel completely alone in the world.” This remote off-shore desert island is part of the Socotra Archipelago and is almost never visited by anyone. However, it is populated and has a main village called Kilmia, where people are dependent on fishing, as the island is not suitable for agriculture or much animal husbandry. Abd al Kuri also has its own endemic species of plants, reptiles, and birds, as well as mountain peaks reaching 700 meters in height.
Samha and Darsa Islands— not much is known about these small uninhabited islands to the south of Socotra, but with a private charter, it is possible to visit them and see what’s there.
Socotra Sustainable and Resposible Tours
Embracing sustainable and responsible tourism in Socotra involves several key principles and actions:
Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodation— opt for lodging options that prioritize sustainability, such as eco-lodges or guesthouses with green practices like recycling, energy conservation, and locally sourced materials.
Support Local Businesses— patronize locally owned restaurants, shops, and tour operators to contribute directly to the Socotra economy and empower local communities.
Respect Nature— minimize your environmental impact by staying on designated trails, avoiding littering, and refraining from disturbing wildlife or fragile ecosystems.
Conserve Resources— practice water and energy conservation during your stay, such as taking shorter showers, turning off lights when not in use, and reducing plastic usage by bringing reusable water bottles and bags.
Participate in Responsible Tours— choose tour operators that prioritize responsible tourism practices, including small group sizes, knowledgeable local guides, and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.
Cultural Respect— respect Socotra's cultural heritage by learning about local customs and traditions, dressing modestly, and seeking permission before taking photos of people or religious sites.
Educate Yourself— learn about the environmental and cultural challenges facing Socotra and support initiatives that promote conservation, sustainable development, and community empowerment.
Socotra Wildlife
The wildlife of Socotra is incredibly diverse and largely endemic, meaning many species are found exclusively on the island. From unique birds to fascinating reptiles and marine life, Socotra's biodiversity is a testament to its isolation and ecological richness. Exploring the island's wildlife offers a glimpse into its evolutionary history and showcases the beauty and complexity of its natural ecosystems.
Here are some endemic species I suggest checking out if you have a chance:
Plants:
Dragon's Blood Tree (Dracaena cinnabari): Perhaps the most iconic plant of Socotra, the Dragon's Blood Tree is known for its umbrella-like canopy and distinctive red resin. It has a mythical appearance and is a symbol of the island's natural heritage.
Socotra Desert Rose (Adenium obesum socotranum): This succulent plant is characterized by its swollen trunk and vibrant flowers. It thrives in the arid conditions of Socotra and adds a splash of color to the island's desert landscapes.
Socotra Cucumber Tree (Dendrosicyos socotranus): This unusual plant resembles a tree but is actually a member of the cucumber family. It has a thick, succulent trunk and sparse foliage, making it well-adapted to the island's harsh environment.
Birds:
Socotra Starling (Onychognathus frater): This striking bird is characterized by its glossy black plumage and bright orange bill. It is commonly found in rocky areas and is known for its melodious song, adding to the island's natural charm.
Socotra Warbler (Incana incana): The Socotra Warbler is a small bird with grayish-brown plumage and a distinctive white eye ring. It is often found in shrubby habitats and is known for its cheerful song, which can be heard throughout the island.
Socotra Sunbird (Chalcomitra balfouri): This beautiful bird is known for its iridescent plumage, with males sporting vibrant blue and green colors. The Socotra Sunbird feeds primarily on nectar from flowering plants and can be seen flitting among the island's blossoms.
Fish:
Socotra Clownfish (Amphiprion socotraensis): This colorful fish species is endemic to Socotra and is often associated with sea anemones in coral reefs and rocky areas. It is characterized by its distinctive orange body with white stripes and black tips on its fins.
Socotra Blenny (Salarias socotranus): Endemic to Socotra, this small reef-dwelling fish is known for its cryptic coloration, which helps it blend in with its surroundings. It is often found in shallow waters among coral rubble and rocky substrates.
Socotra Grouper (Epinephelus socotranus): This large predatory fish is endemic to Socotra and is prized by local fishermen for its delicious flesh. It inhabits coral reefs and rocky areas, where it preys on smaller fish and crustaceans.
Reptiles:
Socotra Chameleon (Chamaeleo monachus): This iconic reptile is found only on Socotra and is known for its distinctive appearance, with a flattened casque on its head and prominent dorsal spines. The Socotra Chameleon is highly adapted to its environment and plays a crucial role in controlling insect populations on the island.
Socotra Rock Gecko (Pristurus rupestris): Endemic to Socotra, this small gecko species is adapted to the island's rocky terrain and can be found hiding among boulders and crevices. It has specialized adhesive toe pads that allow it to climb vertical surfaces with ease.
Socotra Banded Snake (Hemorrhois socotrae): This non-venomous snake species is endemic to Socotra and is characterized by its distinctive banding pattern and slender body. It primarily feeds on small mammals and lizards and can be found in a variety of habitats, including rocky slopes and scrublands.
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What to Wear
When traveling to Socotra, it's essential to pack clothing that is comfortable, breathable, and respectful of local customs. Here are some recommendations on what to wear:
Lightweight Clothing— breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen to stay cool in Socotra's hot and humid weather
Long-sleeved Shirts and Pants— although it may be tempting to wear short sleeves and shorts, long-sleeved shirts and pants can provide protection from the sun and help prevent insect bites, especially in rural areas.
Sun Protection— wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with high SPF to protect yourself from the intense sun rays.
Comfortable Footwear— comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain, such as hiking boots or sturdy sandals with good grip. Sandals or water shoes for beach activities.
Swimwear— to swim or snorkel in Socotra's crystal-clear waters.
Modest Clothing for Visiting Villages— when visiting local villages or cultural sites, it's respectful to dress modestly out of consideration for local customs and traditions.
Rain Gear— while Socotra is generally dry, occasional rain showers can occur, especially during the monsoon season. Bring a lightweight rain jacket or poncho, just in case.
Layers— evenings can be cooler, so it's a good idea to pack a lightweight jacket or sweater for layering.
Additional Things to Pack
When preparing for a trip to Socotra, it's important to pack wisely due to the island's remote location and limited facilities. Here's a list of essential items to bring:
Insect Repellent— to protect against mosquitoes and other insects.
Medications and First Aid Kit— any necessary prescription medications. Basic first aid supplies (bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, etc.).
Sufficient local currency— (Yemeni rials) or US dollars for expenses.
Daypack or Backpack— for carrying essentials during day trips and excursions.
Flashlight or Headlamp— for navigating in low-light conditions or during power outages.
Travel Guide or Maps— for reference and navigation.
Binoculars— for bird watching and spotting wildlife.
Dry Bags— to keep your belongings dry during water activities.
Photography in Socotra
Socotra is a paradise for photographers, offering stunning landscapes, unique flora and fauna, and vibrant local culture. A tripod is essential for stable low-light and long-exposure shots, sharp macro photography, and consistent framing. It also reduces fatigue and enables creative techniques and self-portraits, enhancing the quality and variety of your photos.
If you know how to fly a drone, it can significantly elevate your documentation of Socotra's beauty and diversity. You will be able to capture stunning aerial views of its unique landscapes, from dramatic cliffs to pristine beaches. Just don’t forget to check current local regulations and restrictions. Acquire any necessary permits from local authorities or national parks if required. And avoid flying near wildlife to respect conservation efforts.
Safety & Security
Yemen and the War
The reality of the situation is quite straightforward. Socotra is conflict-free. The war never came close to spreading to the island. Socotra is quite autonomous from Mainland Yemen and has been for some time. It has its own culture and language, a small population, and a lot of untamed nature.
This is not to say there have not been repercussions for the island due to the conflict on the mainland; it just means that these repercussions have not affected individual safety on the island. After the war, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia established a coalition force, with the UAE largely in control of Aden and the Island of Socotra through the Southern Transitional Council. There’s a small UAE military base on the island and a Saudi one. At the same time, most day-to-day security operations have been returned to the Yemeni government and military.
The other major issue caused by the war on the mainland relates to transportation. Socotra used to benefit from regularly scheduled commercial flights on Yemenia and Felix Airways from Sana’a, Al Mukalla, and Dubai. These all ceased operations in early 2015 as the war raged on in the mainland, severing Socotra’s connections with the outside world. Local shipping boats continued moving people and goods between Socotra and Al Mukalla on the Yemeni mainland, and an occasional rat-infested cement ship made the four-day trip over to the island from Salalah. The war led to severe price inflation, an unstable Yemeni Rial, and a loss of transportation options for locals, let alone tourists.
General Safety
Safety on the island has more to do with staying hydrated, preventing food-borne illness, and taking care while trekking and hiking, as many of the rocks and mountains on Socotra are sharp and jagged. Carrying a personal first aid kit is highly recommended.
Jellyfish stings are also a problem while swimming, so take care to look out for bright blue, circular jellyfish near beaches and while swimming in the ocean.
Locals are generally friendly and quite reserved. Conservative dress is expected when traveling in cities and towns—women especially should have their legs, torso, shoulders, and hair covered while in Hadibo or any other settlement in Socotra. This is not so important when hiking and camping.
Woman Travellers
For women, it's essential to consider cultural norms and safety concerns, especially in a predominantly Islamic country like Yemen. Respecting these norms fosters positive interactions and enhances personal safety while exploring this remote island. Here are some important factors to keep in mind for a respectful and enjoyable experience:
Modest Clothing— in conservative areas of Socotra, it's important to dress modestly to respect local customs and traditions. Consider packing loose-fitting, lightweight clothing that covers your shoulders, arms, and knees when visiting villages or cultural sites.
Cultural Sensitivity— be mindful of local customs and etiquette, especially when interacting with local residents. Avoid public displays of affection and be cautious when photographing people, particularly women.
Safety Precautions— while Socotra is generally safe for tourists, it's advisable to take common-sense safety precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Solo Travel— if traveling solo, consider joining a guided tour or hiring a local guide for added safety and peace of mind. A knowledgeable guide can also provide insights into local culture and help navigate any language barriers.
Health and Hygiene— pay attention to personal hygiene and carry essential items such as hand sanitizer and feminine hygiene products. It's also a good idea to drink bottled or purified water to avoid stomach issues.
Accommodation— choose the accommodation that prioritizes safety and security, particularly if traveling alone. Opt for reputable hotels or guesthouses with positive reviews from female travelers.
Respect Local Customs— be respectful of local customs and norms, especially regarding gender roles and interactions. Avoid situations that may be considered culturally inappropriate or offensive.
Communication— learn a few basic phrases in Arabic to communicate with locals, which can help facilitate interactions and show respect for their language and culture.
Communications & Money
Phones, Internet, and Post
A slow 3G mobile network is available on Socotra, and many major international phone service providers can connect to the local network. As of writing (April 2019), SIM cards are not available for foreigners to purchase on Socotra— only in Mainland Yemen (with Yemen Mobile only) or in Dubai.
Internet is practically non-existent on the island, but you may check email and use messaging services on the Socotra 3G network when you have a signal (available around most of the major towns). The Summerlands Hotel has wifi. It’s slow, but it works.
Due to the war in Yemen and the lack of transportation options, the postal system is currently not operating in Socotra.
Money, Exchange, and ATMs
For all personal expenses, bring USD cash to the island—you can change it on the black market once in Hadibo or in Mainland Yemen. The official exchange rate is no longer useful or accurate. Due to the ongoing conflict in Mainland Yemen, the rates fluctuate heavily and are not stable.
There are no ATMs on the island, and credit cards aren’t accepted anywhere, so you must carry cash. Western Union and Money Gram are available in Hadibo with a cash withdrawal limit of $2,000 per month.
How to Visit
I don't want to toot my own horn, but we like to experiment and consider ourselves pretty knowledgeable about Socotra, its ecology, and some of the island's hidden gems.
If you’re interested in a guided trip with experts and itineraries that are very different from the norm, as well as glamping options, check out our Socotra page. We are organizing unique trekking programs to unfound places in the Hajhir Mountains, cycling programs, and a boat expedition to Socotra’s outlying islands like Abd al Kuri.
These kinds of trips are highly specialized and unique, so if you want to join one of these expeditions or create one for your group, check out our Socotra page.
FAQs
Here is what people usually ask me about traveling to Socotra.
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Yes! Socotra is very safe and secure, and the island has a significant UAE and Saudi military and humanitarian aid presence.
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Socotra is open to tourists during the season, which runs from the end of September to May.
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The best time to visit Socotra is in February or March. These months are two of the best possible months to visit Socotra
Conclusion
Socotra is a unique and enchanting destination, offering an unparalleled experience for those seeking adventure, natural beauty, and cultural richness. Its isolation has allowed it to preserve a unique ecosystem and way of life, making it a truly special place to visit. Whether you are an ecotourist, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, travel to Socotra promises an unforgettable journey into one of the world's most extraordinary natural wonders.
If you still have doubts, let me know in the comments why; I will be glad to hear from you!