Socotra Island Tourism (2025-2026): The Complete Guide to Visiting Responsibly
Socotra Island tourism has always sounded a little mythical to me. An island off Yemen that people call the “Galápagos of the Indian Ocean,” with species you can’t find anywhere else? Dragon’s blood trees that actually bleed red, bottle trees shaped like they came from another planet, and miles of pristine empty beaches (be still, my heart!)? It all feels a little unreal. But, it also feels like exactly the kind of places I love to travel to. That is to say, Socotra isn’t your typical island vacation.
When I finally had the chance to visit, I didn’t hesitate. Tourism is starting to creep in. There are a few more flights through Abu Dhabi, more tour operators advertising group trips, and I wanted to see it before it became another “bucket list” spot known to the masses. The island still has limited infrastructure, and Yemen’s political situation makes tourists think twice about going, but that mix of fragile and extraordinary was exactly what drew me in.
There aren’t many Socotra Island tourism guides out there, and the ones that exist don’t always tell the whole story. The archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which means its ecology is rare and globally recognized. But, it’s also under threat. Friends of Soqotra has been raising alarms about cyclones, overgrazing goats, and how fragile the balance really is.
That’s why I wrote this. Not just to say “yes, you can go to Socotra”, but to share what I saw, what it costs, how you actually get there, and how to travel responsibly so that it doesn’t lose the very things that make it worth visiting.
Can you visit Socotra in 2025-2026?
The short answer: yes, you can visit Socotra, but only with an organized tour. Currently, independent travel isn’t permitted.
You might have noticed that Yemen has a lot of travel warnings. The official US travel advisory for Yemen isn’t shy about its “Do not travel warning”. It says there’s terrorism, civil unrest, crime, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict, and even landmines. Reading that, you’d think anyone traveling to Yemen is out of their goddamn minds, right? The truth is, the travel warning doesn’t reflect reality in Socotra. Yemen’s civil war never touched Socotra and the island feels super peaceful. In fact, this is why tourists continue to visit.
That said, visiting isn’t straightforward because….logistics. To enter legally, you need a valid visa arranged by a licensed tour operator. Flights and visas are bundled together — you can’t just book a ticket (the flights aren’t even commercial) and show up. That’s why almost every traveler books through a Socotra-based or international operator who manages the paperwork and logistics for tourists.
👉 If you want the full story of what it’s like to navigate this process, read what I wish I knew before visiting Socotra. That post has all the Socotra tips I learned after going that would have been helpful to know beforehand.
How to get to Socotra (Flights & Access)?
Getting to Socotra isn’t like booking a weekend flight to Paris. For starters, there are no commercial tickets online! The majority of tourists take one of the 2-3 weekly government charter flights to Socotra from Abu Dhabi on Air Arabia. These flights aren’t even mentioned on Air Arabia’s website.
The other airline that services Socotra is Yemenia Airways, Yemen’s national airline. If you’re flying from Cairo, Yemenia Airways can eventually get you to Socotra, too — there are just a couple of stops in between and it takes a LOT longer (case in point: I had an overnight in Aden, Yemen, and then another stop in Al-Mukulla before landing in Socotra) than flying from Abu Dhabi. So, really, most tour operators book tourists on Air Arabia.
Socotra Island tourism infrastructure is barebones which is something I actually enjoy about a place but is generally problematic for mass tourists. 😅 Hadibo airport is tiny, schedules can shift with little notice, and flight schedules are seasonal. Socotra Island tourism is greatly impacted by weather patterns, politics, and logistics. That’s part of what makes access limited and part of what’s kept the island from being overrun (so far).
👉 I talk about all the ways you can get to Socotra in my full 2025-2026 guide to flights and access. Check that out for way more detail on getting to Socotra.
Is Socotra safe for tourists?
I’m sure you’ve seen the headlines and the “Do Not Travel” warning for Yemen. It’s not a secret the country is often in the media due to conflict, instability, terrorism – the list goes on and on. So, is Socotra safe for tourists?
Socotra is away from the mainland and the Yemen civil war never reached it. So, the security situation there is remarkably calm. In fact, I felt safer in Socotra than at home and I traveled as a solo (American) female there!
👉 If you want a deeper dive into how it felt to actually be there, check out my personal safety experience on Socotra. That post breaks down the warnings versus reality, and the little things I wish I’d known before arriving.
What to see & do on Socotra Island
A visit to Socotra is not about checking off museums and monuments. The main attraction is the natural and otherworldly beauty — and boy, do they have it in abundance! Here’s a quick list of the top places you’ll want to check out. They are what make Socotra tourism so unforgettable.
Dragon’s Blood Trees at Diksam Plateau & Firhmin Forest
If there’s one symbol of Socotra, it’s the Dragon’s Blood Tree. It’s so iconic, it’s even printed on their currency! You can see these ancient trees at Diksam Plateau and the Firhmin Forest. The plateau has sweeping canyon views below with the dragon’s blood trees perched above and along its edges. It’s dramatic and the perfect Socotra postcard! Firhmin Forest has the largest concentration of these trees anywhere. It’s also where you realize just how fragile the island’s ecology really is — Friends of Soqotra publishes guidelines on visiting responsibly.
Detwah Lagoon & Qalansiyah
A turquoise lagoon, sand dunes, and the home to Socotra’s resident caveman. It’s a popular camping spot and a great base for swimming, hiking up dunes, or hiking to the famous bottle tree that overlooks the lagoon.
💡Bonus tip: If you want to hike to the bottle tree overlooking Detwah, make sure your guide knows! This isn’t usually included in the tours.
Shoab Beach
This is perhaps the prettiest beach in Socotra and one of the most beautiful I’ve seen in the world (and I’m a beach snob!). You can only reach it by boat from Qalansiyah, even passing by dolphin pods enroute!
💡Bonus tip: In the winter, the waters to get to/from Shoab are choppy. I went to Socotra in December during the choppy tides so I was only able to stay at Shoab an hour before I had to leave. If you visit in January or after, you can stay at Shoab much longer (and trust me, it’s worth it once you see how pristine and gorgeous this beach is).
Arher Beach
This is where the desert meets ocean. In fact, you may have seen videos on Instagram of people running on top of the giant dunes with the ocean in the background. Those were all filmed from Arher. It’s also a popular overnight camping spot.
Hoq Cave
A steep uphill hike (60-120 minutes depending on pace) gets you to a viewpoint and into this huge cave, complete with stalagmites, stalactites, and inscriptions left by ancient tribes that lived here.
Homhil Infinity Pool
A campsite with trails that lead to a natural infinity pool looking out over the sea. The short hike here feels like walking on another planet: towering craggy walls on either side dotted by dragon’s blood trees
Wadi Kalesan & Wadi Dirhur Canyon
Both wadis offer pools to swim in with dramatic canyon views around you. They’re perfect for cooling off — though you may be sharing the water with algae (this was especially so at Wadi Dirhur).
Dihamri Marine Reserve
Don’t come here for the beach, come for the best snorkeling in Socotra. Coral and fish are abundant, and it’s a nice way to balance the desert landscapes with marine life.
Socotra’s Southern Coast (Aomak, Degub, Zahek)
If you’re on a week-long itinerary, you’ll likely make it down to the island’s south coast for more empty beaches, caves, and dunes.
👉 The above gives you an idea of what you can see in Socotra. For the full breakdown, check out my full list of 16 incredible things to do in Socotra.
Sample 8-Day Socotra Itinerary
With all those places to visit, how does it all fit into a week-long Socotra itinerary? Below I’m sharing an example of an 8-day Socotra itinerary so you have an idea of what to expect. Please note that different tour operators may switch things around but they all tend to visit the same places.
Day 1: Arrival + Dihamri Marine Reserve
Pick up at the airport, lunch in Hadibo, then off to Dihamri for afternoon snorkeling.
⛺ Campers: Dinner on the beach prepared by your guide or cook, overnight at the reserve.
🚽 Toilets: Public toilets and showers available.
🛜 Wifi: None
🛏️ Hotel option: Stay in Hadibo (this is what I did).
Day 2: Wadi Kalesan + Homhil + Arher
Hike to Wadi Kalesan, take a mid-morning swim in the canyon, and have a fresh-cooked lunch at the trailhead. Then, drive to Homhil to hike to the infinity pool. Either camp at Homhil or Arher tonight.
⛺ Campers: Dinner at your campsite. My guide took me to Arher so I camped there this night.
🚽 Toilets: Public toilets (I only saw a squat) and showers available at Homhil and Arher, however, depending on where you’re staying on Arher, they might not be easily accessible.
🛜 Wifi: There was a local selling wifi access at Arher.
🛏️ Hotel option: All hotels are in Hadibo so you’d have to head back to Hadibo for dinner and then to overnight. Given the driving distances, your guide might skip Wadi Kalesan or Homhil in order to get back to the hotel.
Day 3: Arher + Hoq Cave + Ras Erissel
Wake up before sunrise so you can hike to the top of the sand dunes at Arher and watch the sunrise from there. Head back to camp for breakfast by the beach. Then hike to Hoq Cave. Enjoy lunch back at camp after the strenuous hike. Enjoy the beach and head to Ras Erissel to see the most eastern tip of Socotra. This is where the Indian and Arabian Oceans meet.
⛺ Campers: Dinner at your campsite.
🚽 Toilets: Public toilets and showers available at Arher, however, depending on where you stay, it might not be within walking distance.
🛜 Wifi: There was a local selling wifi access at Arher.
🛏️ Hotel option: All hotels are in Hadibo so you’d have to head back to Hadibo for dinner and then to overnight. Given the driving distances, your guide might skip Wadi Kalesan or Homhil in order to get back to the hotel.
Day 4: Wadi Dirhur + Diksam Plateau + Firhmin Forest
After breakfast, make the scenic drive to Socotra’s interior. Stop at Wadi Dirhur to explore the wadi, swim, and enjoy lunch. Then, head to Diksam Plateau for canyon views. Make it to Firhmin Forest by the afternoon for incredible sunset views over the alien landscape.
⛺ Campers: Dinner at your campsite.
🚽 Toilets: I heard there are toilets here (not sure about showers) but they were closed when I was here so never got to see them.
🛜 Wifi: None
🛏️ Hotel option: You’ll head back to Hadibo, missing the sunset in the Firhmin Forest or your guide might rearrange the itinerary so you see parts of these destinations on separate days.
Day 5: Aomak Beach + Zahek Dunes + Degub Cave
After breakfast, hike in the Firhmin Forest. Then drive to the southern part of Socotra, arriving at Aomak Beach for lunch. After lunch, check out Degub Cave and then wander up Zahek Dunes for epic photos at sunset.
⛺ Campers: Dinner at your campsite (either Aomak or Zahek).
🚽 Toilets: There are toilets and showers at Aomak (they were very clean). I assume there are some at Zahek as well but I didn’t use them.
🛜 Wifi: None
🛏️ Hotel option: You’ll have dinner back in Hadibo and overnight at the hotel.
Day 6 & 7: Detwah Lagoon + Qalansiyah Beach + Shoab Beach
After breakfast, head to the beautiful Detwah Lagoon area. This is the place to relax, enjoy the beach, climb the dunes by the beach, see dolphins by Qalansiyah, ride a boat to Shoab Beach, and see the Caveman. Your tour guide will decide what order to do these activities in.
Here’s a glimpse of Socotra you just can’t get from photos: meeting Socotra’s Caveman in his natural element. It’s a reminder that this island is less about objects and more about encounters.
⛺ Campers: All meals will be at your campsite on Detwah Lagoon.
🚽 Toilets: There are (squat and western) toilets and showers. Please note, the showers are not private.
🛜 Wifi: You might be able to purchase wifi (if so, count it as a bonus)
🛏️ Hotel option: You’ll have dinner back in Hadibo and overnight at the hotel. Your guide might also switch up the itinerary to accommodate the hotel stay since campers usually overnight here so they can enjoy 2 full days.
Day 8: Hadibo
It’s time to say farewell to Socotra. After breakfast, you might have time to wander around town (check out the local fish market if you do!) before your guide takes you to the airport.
👉 If you’re looking for more info on each of these attractions in Socotra, see my deeper breakdown of Socotra’s highlights.
When to Visit Socotra (Tourism Seasons)
Socotra’s tourism season runs from October to May. Outside those months, it’s monsoon season — and you won’t want to be here then. The absolute best time to visit is January and February, when you’ve got the highest chances of calm weather and calm seas. Before that, it can be windy, cloudy, and rainy; after March, it gets very hot. And since shade isn’t really a thing here, that heat makes hiking even harder.
Costs & Budget for Socotra Island Tourism
So what does Socotra Island tourism actually cost? Given most tours are camping, the packaged tours appear more expensive than they should be. But, that’s because most tour packages include the quote for the round trip from Abu Dhabi to Socotra. That flight alone is $930! If a tour package quote seems suspiciously low, find out if the RT flight is included.
Most companies also include another $150 per person for the visa to Socotra.
Lastly, remember that tours include a driver, guide, and cook (if you have more than 2-3 people in the group).
So, basically, before you’ve even set foot on Socotra, you’re already out almost $1,100.
Now, for prices.
Packaged tour costs
For an 8-day group camping tour to Socotra, expect roughly $2,300-$2,700 if you’re part of a small group. That usually includes round-trip Abu Dhabi-Socotra flights, the visa, and everything on island (transport, food, camping). Large groups (15-20 people) can be cheaper (I’ve seen as low as $1,700), but double-check what’s included.
For 5-day tours, expect to save $400-$500 from a 8-day group camping tour. Again, the prices will vary depending on the number of people attending and the quality of the services. Use my numbers as ballparks only!
If you’re going private, expect to pay more.
If you’re staying in hotels, expect at least another $125/night added to the tour cost.
⛺️ How do you choose a Socotra tour company?
Social media might make it seem like there are just a handful of operators, but there are a lot of them. When I visited, I was told there were around 25 registered tour agencies in Socotra, plus individual guides trying to start their own companies (it’s the best way to make a living on Socotra!).
So how do you know who to book with? Aside from the itineraries themselves, here are a few key differences between agencies to pay attention to:
In short: all Socotra tours cover the essentials, but comfort levels, guide experience, and little details vary a lot. That’s where doing your research can really make a difference.
P.S. I really liked my guide. He was attentive, spoke great English, and went out of his way to be such a great host! Send me an email if you want his contact info.
Tipping your driver, guide, and cook
Lastly, don’t forget to factor in tips for the driver, guide, and cook. When I went, I was told a tip of $50 per person was good. I ended up tipping more because I felt my driver and guide deserved it (plus I had a private tour), but I wanted to throw out the $50 figure so you have another ballpark.
Souvenirs & Extras
Socotra souvenirs include old coins, dragon’s blood tree powder or resin, and Socotra honey. You can also pick up magnets and t-shirts at the airport (fair warning, I collect magnets and the Socotra magnet was $16!). If you plan to pick up souvenirs, bring another $50-$150.
Of the souvenirs, Socotra honey was the most pricey. I brought back a kg of honey and it cost $50-$75! But, Yemeni honey is supposed to be some of the best in the world and Socotra’s rivals the honey on the mainland so I had to get some.
Lastly, travel insurance: Given how remote Socotra is, you’ll want to make sure you have insurance! Don’t forget to budget for that separately.
What to Pack for Socotra
If you’re going to Socotra, you need to bring everything with you. Don’t expect to run to the store to pick up anything you forgot. There’s limited infrastructure on the island so you have to pack smart.
💡Should you bring a backpack or a roller bag to Socotra?
Either works! As long as there’s room in the jeep for your bag, you can bring it. Your drivers will pull up right next to the campsite and the guides help bring the bags into the tent. So, at no point do you ever really need to hike with the bag.
I brought both a backpack (after testing many, this backpack is my favorite) and a carry-on sized luggage which fit perfectly in my tent, and I still had room to maneuver within the tent!
Here’s what I recommend (along with links to the exact items I brought):
- Clothing & Accessories
- Long, loose pants or long skirt that doubles as a coverup on the beach and in Hadibo
- Shorts
- Swimsuit
- T-shirts
- Light long-sleeve shirts & pants if you burn easily
- Underwear
- Sunglasses
- Scarf
- Hat (there’s no shade on the island)
- Shoes
- Close-toed hiking shoes
- Water shoes (this is just for Dihamri Marine Reserve)
- Flip-flops
- Toiletries
- Travel towel
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Eco-friendly shampoo and conditioner
- Disposable soap
- Hairbrush
- Feminine products
- Small trash bags (I bought tiny bags I could use to store my personal trash)
- Disposable urinals (these saved me on the nights I had to wild camp)
- Wet wipes
- Toilet paper
- Photography equipment
- Camera
- Extra memory cards
- Extra batteries
- Tripod, if you want to try astro-photography at Firhmin Forest
- Other
- A light day pack
- Bug repellent
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Headlamp
- Prescriptions / medicine
- Portable personal fan (if you’re going in March onwards, it can get VERY hot)
- Power banks / solar powered banks
- Car charger (in case the car charger in the jeep isn’t good, have your own)
- Travel blanket (if you’re there in winter and this is only for the night in Firhmin Forest)
- Sleep sack and pillow cover (if you don’t want to lie directly on the mattress, pillow, and blankets the tour provides)
- Personal snacks (energy bars, trail mix, or other favorites you’ll miss)
- Reusable water bottle (note: it’s debatable if this is helpful. We definitely want to limit the waste on the island but some tours provide (small) water bottles already so bringing your own reusable water bottle wouldn’t reduce the amount of water bottle waste already on the island… other tours might refill your bottle from a larger jug. If you can find out in advance what yours does, then you can pack the reusable water bottle, if needed.)
Money
I debated adding this to the packing list above, but I think it deserves its own section. Don’t expect access to ATMs. Bring all the cash you need and follow these rules if you’re bringing USD:
- crisp bills
- high denomination is better ($50s, $100s)
- no markings
- no tears
- issued 2013 or later
Responsible Tourism on Socotra
Socotra is as fragile as it is beautiful. The archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its unique ecology and staggering number of endemic species. But that recognition doesn’t mean it’s safe from harm. In fact, it’s, sadly, the opposite. Socotra’s fragile ecosystem faces threats from cyclones, goats, and climate change. Add to that the growth in tourism, and it’s hard to tell how sustainable the island will be.
What does that mean for you as a visitor? It means being as responsible a traveler as possible when you’re there.
- Don’t touch the wildlife!
- Don’t carve into the bottle or dragon’s blood trees (some guides might want to demo this to you – don’t do it!)
- Carry your trash out at every campsite
- Pick up trash that isn’t yours (there’s a lot of trash on the island and it will only get worse if visitors don’t help pick things up)
- Stay on marked paths
- Choose eco-friendly shampoo and conditioner if you’re camping
- Choose reef-safe sunscreen when you’re planning to go into the water
- Think twice about flying drones. They disturb the wildlife.
- Don’t start campfires under trees.
- Support local tour guides and operators (tourism is literally their livelihood)
- Be respectful of the local, conservative culture on the island. While tourists bring in much needed revenue, too many “bad” tourists will irreparably change the Soqotri culture.
It’s easy to think your single visit won’t have an impact, but in a place this small and fragile, you do. How do I know? Because ever since tourism has increased, there’s been increased reports of tourists who don’t listen to the advice of guides or who damage the ecology. Don’t be that kind of tourist! Practicing sustainable tourism here means Socotra remains otherworldly not just for you, but for the travelers who come after you… and most importantly, for the locals for whom Socotra is above all, their home.
Socotra FAQs (Quick Answers)
Absolutely, Socotra Island tourism is worth it if you’re after something off the beaten path and are intrigued by alien landscapes, breathtaking beaches and dunes, and seeing flora and fauna you can’t find anywhere else, it doesn’t get better than Socotra.
For an 8-day group camping tour to Socotra, expect roughly $2,300–$2,700 if you’re part of a small group. That usually includes round-trip Abu Dhabi–Socotra flights, the visa, and everything on island (transport, food, camping). Large groups (15–20 people) can be cheaper (I’ve seen as low as $1,700), but double-check what’s included.
You can camp or stay in hotels in Socotra. That said, most tours are group camping tours. In addition, hotels are only located in Hadibo. If you want to stay in a hotel, you must arrange a private tour with your tour operator and pay extra for the hotel nights.
I alternated between hotel and camping each night, which worked out well for my tastes (for the record, I am very much NOT a camper): I had AC, internet access, and my own bathroom on hotel nights, and I had beautiful sunrises and sunsets at the spots I camped. It was a nice mix!
A lot of people describe Socotra as “off-grid” with zero internet. The truth? There is connectivity, but it’s patchy. On a remote island with limited infrastructure, you shouldn’t expect fast or reliable service, but you won’t be completely cut off either.
There are basically 5 ways to get some patchy internet:
1. Local SIM card: You can buy one in Abu Dhabi that works on the island, though the connection is inconsistent in Socotra.
2. Guide’s hotspot: Many guides will share their data (when they have it) with tourists. Again, the connection will be patchy.
3. Camp wifi: At some beach campsites, you can even purchase a wifi pass (my guide arranged one for me).
4. Starlink: Some tours now offer Starlink access — either included or at an extra cost (it’s pricey, though, so be prepared to open the wallet). I tried it for a day; it worked well, but you had to stay close to the panel.
5. Stay in a hotel: I stayed at Summerland and they have free wifi, but the strength of the connection will depend on your room location (again, just expect patchy internet access in Socotra).
Or, you can just enjoy your time in Socotra without internet! It’s the perfect excuse to embrace disconnecting and focus on the alien landscapes around you.
If you don’t have worldwide health coverage or your tour is non-refundable and there’s a chance you might have to cancel the trip for an unforeseeable reason, I recommend always traveling with some kind of travel insurance.
It’s safe for everyone! More Europeans travel to Socotra than Americans do today. But, that’s because it’s easier to get there from Europe. If you’re an intrepid American traveler who wants to visit Socotra, do it. The island is away from mainland Yemen’s conflict, the locals are friendly, and it’s a peaceful destination.
Conclusion
Socotra is one of those rare places that still feels untouched by mass tourism. Alien landscapes, pristine beaches, dragon’s blood trees — it’s all there. But what makes the island magical is also what makes it fragile. Tourism here can either help sustain the island or harm it. The choice comes down to how we, as travelers, show up.
If you’re dreaming of Socotra, start here — and then dive into my detailed guides below to plan your trip:
✈️ Can You Visit Socotra? Here’s What I Wish I Knew Before I Went
🛫 How to Get to Socotra (2025–2026 Guide)
🛡️ Is Socotra Safe? My Experience and What You Need to Know
🌴 16 Incredible Things to Do in Socotra Island (and Why You Should Go)
Socotra will change you. The only question is whether you’ll help keep it just as otherworldly for those who come after.
