Where is Socotra island located?

Discover the Alien-Like Gem of the Arabian Sea

Tucked away in the sparkling turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea lies one of the world’s most otherworldly destinations: Socotra Island. Often dubbed the “Galápagos of the Indian Ocean,” Socotra feels like a planet within a planet—remote, mysterious, and brimming with natural wonders.

So, where exactly is Socotra?

Socotra is part of Yemen, located approximately 240 kilometers (150 miles) east of the Horn of Africa and about 380 kilometers (240 miles) south of mainland Yemen. It sits in the Arabian Sea east of the Gulf of Aden, making it geographically closer to Somalia than to mainland Yemen.

The island is the largest in the Socotra Archipelago, which includes three smaller islands: Abd al Kuri, Samhah, and Darsa.

Despite its strategic location near major shipping lanes, Socotra feels blissfully cut off from the noise of modern life—making it a dream destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

Strange, beautiful, and unforgettable: Fun facts about Socotra

1. The Dragon’s Blood Tree – Nature’s Umbrella
The island’s most iconic resident is the Dragon’s Blood Tree (Dracaena cinnabari), known for its surreal umbrella shape and red sap, which locals call “dragon’s blood.” This sap has been used for centuries in medicine, incense, and dyes.

2. Over a Third of Its Plant Life Exists Nowhere Else
Socotra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Over 30% of its 825+ plant species are endemic, meaning they grow only on Socotra.

3. Alien Landscapes Without the CGI
The landscape has been compared to science fiction movies—think windswept limestone plateaus, sand dunes meeting jagged cliffs, and secret freshwater pools hidden in canyons. Many say Socotra looks more like Mars than Earth.

4. A Living Museum of Ancient Culture
Socotra’s native population speaks Soqotri, a language older than Arabic and still unwritten. Oral storytelling and poetry are major parts of their cultural heritage.

5. A Mostly Arid Island—With Surprising Green Pockets
While most of Socotra is dry and stark, especially along the coasts and plains, the island does receive seasonal rainfall, particularly during the Khareef monsoon (June to September). The Hajhir Mountains catch moisture from the passing clouds, creating occasional lush highland zones with valleys, streams, and greenery—especially compared to the rest of the island.

6. The Island of Caves
There are hundreds of caves on Socotra—some so vast they have yet to be fully explored. Hoq Cave is the most famous, stretching over 3 kilometers, with ancient inscriptions on its walls and crystalline formations deep inside.

7. No Big Hotels—Just Big Adventures
Forget high-rises. Tourism here is all about eco-friendly experiences, local homestays, and camping under star-filled skies. Socotra remains one of the few places on Earth where tourism hasn’t spoiled the environment.