Socotra: A Journey to the Alien-Looking Paradise

Travel to Socotra, a remote place located in the Arabian Sea which offers a journey unlike any other. Sometimes the island is referred to as the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean. The destination is still not very much touched by mass tourism thus it is a perfect off-the-beaten-path experience place for all intrepid travelers.

A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with many natural wonders ranging from lush green forests to dramatic plateaus and mystical white sand dunes and beaches. Since July 2008 it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

How to get there

The most common route for many tourists and foreigners is to travel to Socotra island from Cairo. There is one flight on Sunday night that continues on Monday morning. You need a permit from the Yemeni Ministry of Interior – if you book a trip with a local operator, they should acquire it for you.

Air Arabia announced the route Abu Dhabi-Socotra in 2021, but it was shortly after shut down. According to the latest available information, it should be possible to take flight number 476 departing every Tuesday.

The tickets for roundtrip cost above $900 USD and you can not book them online.

For the Yemeni ticket – you can pay with cash or bank wire. Besides security clearance, you will need a copy of your Yemeni Visa and invitation letter. If your passport has a stamp from Israel, or border stamps from Jordan or Egypt, you will be denied entry. The visas are valid for 30 days from the date of issue.

The best way is to book the trip with a local tourist operator in advance since the tickets are more prone to be booked out in advance.

Weather

The island has a monsoon-influence climate with two main seasons. Southwest Monsoon from June to September when temperatures are cooler 20-30 ⁰C. The Northeast Monsson is from October to May when the weather is drier and warmer – you can expect temperatures from 25-35 ⁰C and more strong winds.

Places to visit

Dragon`s blood trees

The most iconic unique natural wonder of the island. You will not find them anywhere else on the Earth. They have thick, stout trunks with more dense clusters of branches that resemble umbrellas. Their name refers to the red sap the trees produce. The sap, rich in antioxidants, is often used for medical and cosmetic purposes. The estimated lifespan of such a tree is over 1000 years.

Dixam Plateau

The plateau is located in the central highlands of Socotra. The place is easily accessible and very popular. It offers many dramatic and picturesque landscapes of deep valleys, terraced fields (often used for agriculture), lush, limestone cliffs, and the Haghier Mountains. The place is a great spot for birdwatching and hiking.

Qalansiyah Beach

The beach is located in the far northwest of the island behind the mountains, overlooking the Gulf of Aden. It has white sands, turquoise waters, and quietness. A sand bar separates it from the nearby Detwah Lagoon. Few fish and crabs are the most common inhabitants.

Enormous, mushroom-shaped limestone pillars and formations are another distinctive feature to find here. Near the beach, you can find the traditional fishing village and meet with locals.

Arher Beach

Beautiful sandy beach with the ocean. Its main charm lies in the series of sand dunes lying right behind it. Some of the dunes can be up to 200 meters high. There are also some water streams which spring from the mountains. People who love sports would enjoy sandboarding or paragliding in the area.

Dunes of Stero

Located in the western part of the island near Qalansiyah. They extend to the shoreline. The place is ideal for adventure seekers as well as photographers. The place is remote and you are not going to find many tourists here. More common are local fishermen living in the area.

Hoq Cave

The cave is located in the Hala spot around 1.5 km from the north-eastern coast. The largest cave on the island is 3 km long/deep. It is a long walk uphill from the main road. This short hike is suitable for beginners and you can expect to see many desert roses along the way. Its interior is a dark and mysterious place, there are no lights.

Some people believe that back in time it was inhabited by ancient civilizations. Some of the archeological findings suggest that it was used as shelter or maybe even a burial place.

Dolphin watching

There are many different species of dolphins inhabiting the island. Spinner dolphins, Risso`s dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins to name some. You can spot them doing acrobatic and playful activities. It is also possible to swim, snorkel, or dive right next to them. Guided excursions offer such experiences and know about all important spots where to find them.

Lakes of Socotra

Detwan Lagoon and Shuab Bay are the most fascinating ones. Detwan Lagoon is a crescent-shaped saltwater lagoon situated in the northern part of Socotra. It has clear, azure waters with white sand banks. On the other hand, Shuba Bay lies down on the southern coast of Socotra. It has emerald-green waters, limestone cliffs, and lush vegetation.

Both lakes are home to a variety of bird species. Herons, sandpipers, egrets, and Socotra cormorants are among them. Also, both places are used by locals for fishing and livelihood.

Hadibu Town

The capital and administrative center of the island with the airport. You can find here many influences from various civilizations, for example, Portuguese people used to inhabit the island in the 16^th century.

When walking down the streets you can adore the architecture of whitewashed buildings and flat-topped houses. You can visit the market where you can purchase fresh spices, textiles, or traditional handmade crafts. Other points of interest are the old mosque and botanic garden, or you can taste Socotri cuisine like fish curry, or have a cup of Yemeni coffee.

Transportation

There are some public buses that operate on the island, but the schedules can be irregular and not very reliable. A better option is to book a taxi, especially when you are in towns like Hadibo.

Traveling across the whole island is best in 4×4 off-road vehicles. You can rent them with drivers or as part of an organized tour. Some remote locations may offer camel rides. Many of the island`s attractions are easily accessible on foot.

Accommodation

The best way to experience the island is by camping. Otherwise, you can find some indoor options or guesthouses, especially in the Hadibu. Many villages offer eco-tourism services like eco-camps.

For example, Amak camp is located on a white sandy beach with tents, shelters, bathrooms, solar panels, and food services. Dihamri camp lies in the protected area and you can rent snorkeling and diving equipment. The place offers food services, bathrooms, tents, and leaf shelters. Ditwah camp is located near the best dolphin spotting place in Shouab. It has a bathroom and food service. Some others include Homhil, Rosh, Skand, Adeeb`s eco-lodge.

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