About Socotra
The beautiful
island of Socotra
The uniqueness and beauty of Socotra is unmatched. Discover all the island has to offer, what to do and how to travel there.
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The island
An ancient world unlike any other
Socotra Island, nestled in the Arabian Sea 400 km off the coast of Yemen, is a destination like no other. Often referred to as the “Galápagos of the Indian Ocean,” Socotra boasts a stunning array of endemic fauna and flora, with nearly 700 species found nowhere else on Earth.
Imagine strolling through alien-like landscapes dotted with the iconic Dragon’s Blood Trees, exploring pristine white sand beaches, and encountering diverse marine life in crystal-clear waters. Unlike conventional tourist spots, Socotra is a still an unspoiled paradise that promises a truly unique and unforgettable adventure.
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The fauna
Endemic species everywhere
Socotra’s centuries of isolation has allowed its wildlife to evolve independently, resulting in a high level of endemic species.
Reptiles are extremely diverse on the island, with several native types such as the Socotra rock lizard and the Socotran chameleon. You’ll find 200+ species of birds, of which the Egyptian vulture is probably the most iconic.
The island’s marine life is just as impressive, with vibrant coral reefs featuring fish species like the Socotran parrotfish, growing up to 1,5m in size. Loggerhead sea turtles nest in the North of the island from May to September.
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The flora
Famous for its Dragon Blood Trees
The island is home to some of the most unique and diverse flora in the world. What Socotra is most known for are its iconic Dragon Blood Trees, with umbrella-shaped canopy, and the Bottle Tree that is known for its bulbous trunk and pink flowers in spring.
Over a third of Socotra’s plant species are endemic, including the rare Socotran pomegranate and the succulent Desert Rose. This extraordinary plant life, adapted to the island’s conditions that can be quite harsh, underlines Socotra’s status as a botanical treasury.
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The culture
Socotra and its cultural heritage
Socotra has a rich and distinct cultural heritage shaped by its isolation and diverse influences. The inhabitants of the island speak their own language, Socotri, which is part of the South Arabian group of Semitic languages.
Many Socotri people continue traditional ways of living, such as fishing, raising animals and growing dates. The island’s folklore, music and dance reflect a blend of African, Arabian and South Asian influences, creating a unique cultural tapestry that is both resilient and vibrant.
Activities
Discover our activities
Ride camels across otherworldly landscapes, snorkel in vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, and witness playful dolphins in their natural habitat. Hike through arid valleys and climb rugged mountains for breathtaking views, or stroll along the majestic white sand dunes that stretch endlessly under the sun.
Each activity offers a unique way to experience the unparalleled natural sceneries that Socotra has to offer. Whether you seek thrill or tranquility, you will find it on Socotra.
How to travel to Socotra
With different information still being scattered around the internet, it can be quite confusing to find a place to get all answers to your questions.
Let us be that place for you.
Flights
The easiest way to get from and to Socotra is via a humanitarian flight from Abu Dhabi, that leaves twice a week in high season (October-April).
As this is not a commercial flight, it can’t be booked online. We will help you get a seat through our direct connection with the airline.
Visa
You’ll need to have a valid visa in order to travel to Socotra, which costs USD 150. This will also be arranged by us and issued 3 weeks before your departure date.
Should you wish to not get a stamp in your passport, just mention it to us in advance and we can assist you.
Booking a tour
As there is no public transport or any rental cars on Socotra, your best option to explore the island is to book a tour with a local agency like Traveling Socotra.
Our local, English speaking guides make sure to show you the best places of their home.
Secure payments
Socotra is still up and coming and other tour agencies usually handle bookings in cash.
We are changing that with the option to pay directly through a secure booking system on our website – with the safety of credit card payments!
When to visit
Best time to travel to Socotra
The ideal time to visit Socotra is between October and April, with pleasantly warm weather perfect for exploring. However, Socotra can be enjoyed year-round.
During the off-season, it’s still sunny but wind is picking up. This offers unique opportunities for different activities and a more serene experience of the island’s natural beauty.
Read more
Safety
Is Socotra safe?
Yes, it is safe to travel to Socotra. The island has always remained untouched by the conflict in western Yemen and has never been part of the civil war. Socotra offers a peaceful and secure environment, allowing visitors to explore its stunning landscapes and unique biodiversity without concern.
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Discover the mystery of Socotra
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Information
FAQs
What makes Socotra unique compared to other travel destinations?
Socotra’s unique biodiversity and its unspoiled landscapes make it a truly extraordinary destination. Additionally, it is not yet on the radar for most tourists. That makes it THE best time to visit Socotra and have the island all to yourself.
Is Socotra a UNESCO World Heritage site?
Yes! Socotra has been listed as a UNESCO site since 2008.
The island was added to the list because of its incredible biodiversity. 37% of Socotra’s plant species, 90% of its reptile species and 95% of its land snail species do not occur anywhere else in the world. The marine life of Socotra is also very diverse, with a huge amount of reef-building corals, coastal fish and crabs.
Potential threats include unsustainable tourism. That is why we at Traveling Socotra put such a big emphasis on the sustainability of our tours.
Read more on the UNESCO page.
How many people live on Socotra?
About 100.000 people live on Socotra. Most live in the capital Hadibo and Qalansiyah, the 2nd biggest town. As Socotra is a part of Yemen since 1967, the people in Socotra officially have the Yemeni nationality.
Most of the inhabitants are indigenous Socotri people from the Al-Mahrah tribe, who are of Southern Arabian descent. A small group are black African, descending from former slaves who settled on the island.
What religion does Socotra have?
Most Socotri are Muslim.
Historically, Socotri were Nestorian Christians, converted by the Christianization wave around the 4-6th century. In the 15th century however, the island became occupied by the Mahri Sultanate, which led to the slow Islamisation of the Socotri people.
Are there any cultural norms or etiquette I should be aware of?
Dress modestly, respect local customs, and always ask permission before photographing people. Women should wear a long dress when walking around in the capital. Socotra is conservative, and respect for local traditions is important.
Do I need a tourist visa to visit?
Yes. Most people* need to get a visa. We will take care of this for you. You can add the visa during your booking process. The government fixed the price at $150 for this season. We will request your tourist visa 3 weeks before your departure.
*GCC nationals do not need a visa
What kind of accommodation is available on the island?
Being a truly remote location, there are no hotels. As part of the adventure, we set up camp at the most incredible spots. Enjoy gazing at the million stars from your tent, in the middle of nowhere.
For private tours, overnight stays in the only hotel in the capital can be arranged upon request.
Is there mobile internet on Socotra?
You can buy an Etisalat tourist SIM in the Abu Dhabi airport. It only works in a few areas of the island. And even then, mobile internet is very very slow. This is part of what makes traveling to Socotra so unique and helps you be in the moment instead of scrolling through your phone.
If you absolutely do need internet, we can provide a StarLink for your trip, which will allow 4G speeds all across the island.
Can I use credit cards and ATMs on Socotra?
Socotra has limited banking facilities and the few ATMs usually don’t work. Our trips are all inclusive, so you don’t need any money on the island. However if you want to buy some souvenirs, it’s best to bring some cash in US dollars. Attention, the dollar banknotes must be issued in years of 2009, 2013 or 2017.
How can I access medical services on Socotra?
We always have a first aid kit with us. It is recommended to bring any necessary medications you might need. Like for every trip abroad, a good travel health insurance is recommended.
In case of emergencies, there is a hospital in the capital Hadiboh.
Who is behind Traveling Socotra?
Traveling Socotra as an agency is a partnership between Socotran born Ali Yahya and the Belgian & German travel photographers Johan & Tim. For more than a decade, Ali has already been running a family travel business on the island and as a local knows all the best spots and the best guides to make your trip unforgettable. Combined with Tim’s and Johan’s international experience and network, Traveling Socotra aims to let you experience the magic of Socotra as well.
Find out more on our About us page.
