If you’re planning a trip to Socotra Island in Yemen, prepare for an adventure like no other. This stunning, remote island feels almost untouched by modern tourism, offering a unique experience that requires some careful planning. Due to the island’s political context and geographical isolation, there are specific travel requirements, including limited options for getting there and navigating the island. In fact, the only way to book flights and obtain a visa is through a tour agency based in Socotra. The island has around 20 tour operators, all offering similar itineraries, just arranged in different orders. I booked with Travel Socotra, a reputable but more affordable agency, and my week on the island was one of the most remarkable travel experiences I’ve ever had. Here’s everything you need to know: costs, accommodations, food, and what to expect from your time on this breathtaking island.
Costs: Budget Breakdown for Socotra
I spent a total of $2,430 for my 8-day trip to Socotra. Although it might sound expensive, it was worth every dollar, considering the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
1. Flights and Visa: First, you’ll need to get to Abu Dhabi, as that’s where the only flights to Socotra depart. These flights, operated by Air Arabia and Yemenia Airlines, run twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays. Your tour agency will handle the booking for both your flight and visa, costing approximately $950 for the round trip and $150 for the visa.
2. Tour Package: Beyond flights, the remaining $1,330 (rates may vary by agency) covers everything on the island: meals, transportation, camping gear, drinking water, experiences, and your local guides. Additional expenses, like souvenirs or activities such as camel rides, require cash, ideally in US dollars, as the Yemeni rial isn’t widely accepted on the island.
Accommodations: Camping in Nature
Expect a fully immersive, back-to-nature camping experience. Socotra doesn’t have hotels or even traditional restaurants. Instead, you’ll camp under the stars each night, with your tour guides setting up individual tents for every traveler (unless you’re traveling as a couple). Each tent includes a mattress, blanket, sleeping bag, and pillow, ensuring comfortable rest after a day of exploration.
Every night, you’ll camp at a new location, each offering unique natural surroundings, from beaches to forests. Most campsites are in warm regions, so you likely won’t need extra blankets, but a few spots can be cooler. Your guides will also create a small dining area, complete with tables and chairs, so you can enjoy meals together. Some campsites have basic facilities, such as toilets and showers, while others are more rustic. I highly recommend bringing personal toiletries and body wipes for added comfort.
Food: Fresh, Hearty Meals with a Local Touch
Despite its isolation, Socotra offers surprisingly delicious food, especially for seafood lovers. I’m a pescatarian, and my dietary preferences were easily accommodated. Each meal was more than ample, and at times, I had to ask the guides to prepare less food as I couldn’t finish it all.
Breakfast often included pita bread, beans, eggs, cheese, and coffee or tea. Lunch and dinner were typically a satisfying mix of rice, fish, stews, soups, vegetables, pasta, and more. The island’s fish is incredibly fresh, often purchased at local markets along the journey. Snacks and fruit were also plentiful—think pineapple, melon, oranges, apples, and dates. We even had treats like fried eggplant, fried potatoes, and cookies. Water is provided throughout the trip, so staying hydrated is easy.
Connectivity: A Digital Detox Awaits
Socotra has limited internet connectivity, so don’t expect reliable access. Some tours provide Starlink internet access at certain campsites, but I chose to go offline and soak in the experience. Even though my guide offered me his hotspot, I kept my phone off to fully disconnect and enjoy a tech-free week.
The Landscape: A Natural Wonderland
Often called the “Galapagos of the Indian Ocean,” Socotra boasts diverse landscapes that are as surreal as they are beautiful. The island lies south of Yemen and east of Somalia, at the meeting point of the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. It’s home to over 300 endemic species of trees, a dozen unique bird species, and an indigenous language, Socotri, spoken alongside Arabic. The Socotri people are some of the warmest and friendliest locals I’ve ever met, happy to share their traditions, games, and dances with travelers.
You’ll travel around Socotra in a 4×4 vehicle, complete with camping equipment and supplies. Here’s an outline of my itinerary:
Day 1: The Dragon Blood Trees of Dixam Plateau
Upon arriving, we headed straight to Dixam Plateau, where I had my first encounter with the iconic dragon blood trees, which look almost like they’re from another planet. We camped in the area, enjoyed lunch, and explored Dirhur Canyon’s dramatic landscapes dotted with these rare trees. A sunset walk with views of the canyon’s dramatic cliffs and the distant Milky Way was the perfect start to the trip.
Day 2: Fermhin Forest and Freshwater Pools
After a sunrise breakfast, we visited a nursery for dragon blood trees and met local children selling souvenirs. We then descended into a river canyon for a refreshing swim in crystal-clear pools surrounded by lush vegetation. Our second night was spent in Fermhin Forest, the largest concentration of dragon blood trees on the planet, where we enjoyed a peaceful evening among these ancient giants.
Day 3: Aomak Beach and Zahek Dunes
Our journey took us south through small villages to Aomak Beach, a secluded, pristine shoreline. We had lunch here, explored the sandy coast, and then visited Digub Cave, a mysterious cavern with tunnels waiting to be explored. We set up camp at Zahek Dunes, where we watched the sun set over the sand dunes before a night under the stars.
Day 4: White Canyon and Arher Sand Dunes
After a quiet morning at the dunes, we hiked into the White Canyon, where we swam in a stunning pool nestled among towering white rocks. Following lunch, we drove to Arher, known for its massive sand dunes and crystal-clear waters. The view from atop the dunes at sunset is unforgettable, although reaching the summit is quite a workout!
Day 5: Hoq Cave and Marine Life at Diharmi
We began with a sunrise view over the ocean before hiking to Hoq Cave, a 2-kilometer-deep wonder full of ancient formations. Afterward, we enjoyed a riverside lunch among palm trees before reaching Diharmi, a marine-protected area where we snorkeled among vibrant coral reefs and colorful fish. At night, we shared dinner and games with local workers, a perfect blend of adventure and cultural exchange.
Day 6: Detwah Lagoon
After a quick stop in Hadibo, Socotra’s capital, we drove to Detwah Lagoon, a mesmerizing turquoise inlet surrounded by dramatic cliffs. We took a short hike to a viewpoint and were awestruck by the panoramic views of the lagoon’s colors shifting in the sunlight. The lagoon was by far the most stunning location of the trip and one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.
Day 7: Shouab Beach – The Jewel of Socotra’s Coastline
On the seventh day, we made our way to Shouab Beach, often considered the most beautiful beach on the island. Accessible only by boat, this pristine white-sand beach is framed by turquoise waters and untouched coastal scenery. The boat ride itself was a highlight, as dolphins frequently swam alongside, making the journey feel magical. Once on the beach, we spent the day snorkeling in the vibrant coral reefs, lounging on the soft sand, and enjoying a picnic lunch with nothing but the sound of the waves. After a day immersed in such stunning surroundings, we returned to camp for one final night by the ocean. Ending the journey at Shouab Beach felt like a fitting farewell, as it encapsulated all the natural beauty and tranquility that make Socotra so special.
Day 8: Farewell and Departure
Our last morning was a chance to soak in the final moments on Socotra. After a relaxed breakfast and some time for last-minute dancing and farewells, we packed up and headed back to the airport in Hadibo for our flight back to Abu Dhabi. Every day on the island revealed new wonders, and leaving was bittersweet—knowing I’d experienced something so rare and unforgettable. Though it was hard to say goodbye, I left Socotra with a deep appreciation for its beauty, biodiversity, and the warm hospitality of its people.
Spending a week on Socotra was a transformative experience unlike anything I’d done before. This isolated, ecologically unique island offers some of the world’s most otherworldly landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural traditions. Prepare for minimal amenities but maximum beauty, with Socotra’s rare flora and fauna making every hike, beach, and night under the stars unforgettable. With a tour guide, basic essentials, and an open mind, you’ll find yourself truly off the beaten path, discovering natural wonders that few have seen and forging unforgettable connections with the Socotri people.
For more of my adventures and travel tips, check out my recent blog posts!