A hiking group among dragon’s blood trees in the mountains of Socotra

Activities on Socotra

Dive, hike, surf, fish, or simply look up at the clearest starry sky of your life. There’s more to do on Socotra than you’d think.

In brief

Socotra is one big natural adventure. You can dive on untouched reefs, hike through the mountains to the highest peak, kitesurf on the west coast, head out with local fishermen or sit at night under a starry sky you’ll hardly see anywhere else. How much of it you experience, we put together together with you.

The colourful underwater world in the Di Hamri marine park on Socotra
In the water

Diving & snorkelling

Discover Socotra’s astonishingly varied underwater world. The reefs are still completely untouched and natural, and you’ll often see colourful corals and fish right off the beach. It’s especially good in the sheltered Di Hamri marine park on the north coast.

Swimming in a natural rock pool on the Homhil plateau
A refreshing dip

Swimming

Jump in where it’s most beautiful. On Socotra you swim in turquoise lagoons, in natural rock pools in the highlands and in crystal-clear water that’s often all yours.

A local fisherman with freshly caught fish on Socotra
Experiencing culture

Fishing with local fishermen

Head out with a local fisherman and see how people have fished here for generations. It’s not just a lovely day on the water but a genuine piece of Socotra’s culture, close and personal.

A kitesurfer off the west coast of Socotra
Wind & waves

Kitesurfing & surfing

Bring your own kitesurf or surf gear. At the right time of year, Socotra’s west coast offers the best conditions, plenty of wind, plenty of space, and usually the spot all to yourself.

A hiking group among dragon’s blood trees in the mountains of Socotra
On foot

Hiking & mountain trips

Hike with an experienced guide through Socotra’s mountains to the island’s most striking places. If you’re after something more athletic, climb to the island’s highest point, Skand. We’re glad to plan this demanding trip for you on private tours.

Camels in the dunes of Socotra
On camelback

Camel riding & camel trekking

Ride camels through the landscape or take a multi-day camel trek up into the mountains. An age-old way to travel that takes you deep into nature and the island’s gentle pace.

The Milky Way over the dragon’s blood forest on Socotra
After sunset

Stargazing

On Socotra there’s practically no light pollution. Once the sun is gone, a starry sky spreads out above you unlike almost anywhere else on Earth. The Milky Way close enough to touch, just tip your head back and marvel.

A boat with a travel group on turquoise water below the cliffs of Socotra
On the sea

Boat trips

Glide by boat along the coast, out to the remote Shoab Beach for instance. Steep cliffs accompany you, sea birds circle over the vivid blue-green water and the air tastes of salt and adventure.

Spinner dolphins playing beside a boat off Socotra
Wildlife

Dolphin watching

With a little luck, playful spinner dolphins join you on your boat trip. They circle the boat, leap and show you that these waters are still largely untouched nature. A moment you won’t forget.

Photography at sunset in the dunes of Socotra
For photographers

Photography

Socotra is a paradise for nature photographers and for anyone who loves capturing landscape and culture. Dragon’s blood trees, dunes, lagoons and warm-hearted people, you won’t run out of subjects here in a hurry. If you want to go deeper, take a look at our photography tour.

A cave with stalactites and stalagmites on Socotra
Underground

Exploring caves

Socotra has some of the most impressive dripstone caves in the region. A hike leads up to Hoq Cave, but the walk is worth it: giant stalactites and stalagmites await. Sturdy footwear and a good head torch are a must.

Local Yemeni cuisine on Socotra
Food

Eating local

Eat the way the locals do. Traditional Yemeni cuisine with fresh fish straight off the boat, rice and simple, honest ingredients. We often sit together at the table, from morning until late at night, enjoying not just the food but also the company and stories of the island’s people.

More about the island

Dive deeper

We put your programme together

Which adventures will it be?

Tell us what appeals to you. On our tours we build in as many of these activities as time and conditions allow, and on private tours entirely to your wishes.