Socotra is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, known for its unique biodiversity and otherworldly landscapes. It’s part of Yemen but has a completely different culture and ecosystem. Socotra is famous for its dragon’s blood trees, diverse flora, and endemic species found nowhere else on Earth!

Dragon Blood Trees
Best times to travel
The best time to visit Socotra is between October and May the weather is nicer and the Island is usually inaccessible during the summer months from June-Sept.
This is when the island is prone to cyclones and inclement weather. The seas pick up and shipping and planes in and out are limited due to the dangers approaching the island during this time of year.
Visa
You will most likely need a visa for Socotra, as it is part of Yemen, the only way to get one of these is via a tour agency, your tour company will be able to source this for you.
Arrival Information
You will arrive into the airport and the terminal is quite a small building. It takes a while to get processed.
Hot tip! Get a seat near the front of the plane if you’re at the back, you’ll be still standing on the hot runway waiting to be processed as the line will go outside the doors of the arrival terminal.
Once you get through immigration you will welcomed by your tour guide. No SIM card here, you’ll be going off the grid. I had no phone from the moment I arrived until the moment I landed back in the UAE.
Daily budget
Generally you won’t need money at all here. Nearly all of the tours booked on Socotra include everything, from all meals to all accommodation covered in your tour price. So you will just need to bring the cash to cover your tour and any money for souvenirs (bring USD)
Getting around
You will be taken around in a 4x4, this will be provided by your tour company, you will usually have a guide and driver. The trip is usually customisable to where you want to go. So pick anywhere, otherwise they will have the general Socotra itinerary which will tick of most things you would like to see!

From left to right - Archer sand dunes, Shuab Beach, Sunrise on Socotra
What to pack
When packing for Socotra, consider bringing lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather and humidity!
1. Cash! (USD) - you won't be able to get any cash on the island
2. Powerbank (a big one)- I didn’t have access to electricity the whole time I was on the island. You can charge your phone in the car though.
3. The sun is HOT! So Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses would be a great idea!
4. Light, loose-fitting clothing
5. Swimwear - the beaches are some of the best in the world!
6. Light rain jacket or poncho (for occasional rain showers)
7. Basic medical kit (including any personal medications)
8. Shoes! Bring hiking shoes for the treks and sandals for the beach!
9. Snacks/chocolate bars - you can grab these in downtown Hadiboh.
10. Camera, spare batteries, smart phone
11. Insect repellent - in the mountains the mosquitos are everywhere!

From left to right - Dragonblood tree at sunrise, Downtown Hadiboh, Coastal boat trip
Hotel and Hostel Recommendations:
Not really applicable here. Your tour will have everything organised for you depending what style you book, you’ll mostly be staying in a tent. Some tours stayed one night in a hotel the first night.
How to get there?!
This can be quite complicated, it has to be done through a tour agency otherwise you can’t source a visa for Yemen. You have two options, get on the charter flight out of Abu Dhabi or you can fly Cairo, Aden then into Socotra. I did the Abu Dhabi option.
I used Socotra Eco Tours, they organised my visa, my tour and explained everything so well. They also gave me a contact to get flights out of Abu Dhabi and into Socotra. You can find a link to their website here: https://www.socotra-eco-tours.com You will communicate via WhatsApp prior to your arrival and organise flights via Whataspp too.
Other things to note!
What currency: The currency is Yemeni Rial, however bring USD as you won’t be able to find Yemeni Rial prior to your arrival in the country.
Languages: They speak Soqotri and Arabic here. They will also speak bits of english too. Your tour guide should be well versed in english so you won’t have to worry!
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