Socotra is one of the most spectacular islands we have ever been to, and if you read our Socotra Travel Guide, then you'll understand why it is crucial to have a tour while visiting. Our Socotra island tour was an incredible experience, and one that we really want to share with everyone in detail.
While our other article focused on the logistics of how to get to Socotra, and tips for traveling there, this one is a step-by-step guide of what to expect during your Socotra island tour.
We're here to outline our day-by-day itinerary, what's included in the tours, and to answer any questions you may have by taking a tour on the island of Socotra. So let's dive right in!
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Socotra Island Tour Companies
There are over a dozen tour companies in Socotra, so how exactly do you choose the right one for your Socotra island tour?
We did a lot of research, and came across Socotra Specialty Tours, who we are now working with and sending groups to! (If you book with us on offthebeatentrips.com we throw in a few extra goodies for the same price!).
The thing is- all companies go to the same places, and a lot of them share the same guides and drivers. But we were SO happy we chose the company we did, and here were a few reasons why:
- They took care of everything! Some companies make you get your flights on your own, but Socotra Specialty Tours took care of our flights and visas, making the booking process as easy as can be.
- It's Socotra & American run. The company has co-owners who work together in perfect harmony. The itinerary and connections of everything are from a Socotra local, while the logistics of booking are through Taylor, who is from the US. Having an American co-run the company makes everything go much smoother, and allows for incredible communication during the entire process for booking, to experiencing the tour day by day.
- They care about the environment. Taylor is on a mission to fix the trash problem on the island, and even provides guests with their own personal water bottle each tour to limit the excessive use of plastic. She also is looking to make the company completely plastic free, and work with locals to promote sustainable tourism on the island.
We loved our tour company so much, and they quickly went from strangers to feeling like family.
Socotra Specialty Tours were an incredible group to explore the island with.
How to Organize Your Trip to Socotra
When planning a trip to Socotra, Yemen it's not as simple as just booking a flight. It's not something you can book through a third party or search engine.
Booking a Flight to Socotra, Yemen
There are very limited flights to Socotra, and the only recommended one is a government-run flight that leaves two times a week from Abu Dhabi (on Tuesdays and Fridays). In order to book a flight you have to go straight through the airline, or through a tour company.
Since we were exploring Socotra on a tour, our tour company Socotra Specialty Tours took care of the flights for us, making it the most seamless process possible. The flight ticket is built into the price of the tour, so you don't have to worry about doing it on your own. Email us, and we'll get you started right away, or answer any questions you may have.
Another plus is that the ticket price does not change, so even if you want a last-minute trip, you won't have to pay anymore than the other people on your tour.
Getting the Visa for Socotra, Yemen
Once your flight is purchased, you'll have to get your visa. This costs $150, and is another thing that is built into the price of the tour.
Visas for Socotra are very tricky on your own, as someone physically on the island needs to do the paperwork for you. This is where booking through a tour company is even more necessary.
The visa paperwork for us was done completely by Socotra Specialty Tours, so it was another thing that we didn't have to worry about at all. The visas are processed within 30 days of the trip, and are emailed to you to present upon arrival.
Our Socotra Island Tour
Now that you have your flights and visa, you are ready for your incredible Socotra island tour! So now we're also going to share how the entire trip goes, from the moment you arrive to Abu Dhabi, to the moment you leave the island.
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The Flight from Abu Dhabi to Socotra
Since there are only two flights a week, it is recommended to show up to the airport 3 hours before departure. Flights leave at 11 am, and are run through Air Arabia.
Check in is in person, whether or not you have luggage, and before going to check in for your flight you'll have to check in at another counter on the right of the check-in desk.
This is where they'll check your passport info, and give you a sticker to put on your passport before being able to go check in.
Luggage Allowance for Socotra Flights
Passengers are allowed 1 20-kg piece of checked luggage, 1 10-kg carry-on (with dimensions under 55 x 40 x 20 cm), and one personal item. Excess baggage charges are 15 AED per KG, and are paid at the same counter you get your passport checked.
The Flight from Abu Dhabi to Socotra
The flight from Abu Dhabi is 1 hour and 45 minutes, landing in Socotra a little before noon (as there is a one hour time difference). A meal is served, and the flight is pretty standard.
Arriving in Socotra
As soon as you land everyone will walk off the plane into the airport, where everyone lines up to go through customs. The inside area is pretty small, so you may have to wait outside. We suggest being prepared with light clothes, as well as a hat to cover your head.
Women go through customs in a separate room on the right side, and men stay in the main area (there were many more men than women when we went).
After putting your hand luggage through security you'll have the luggage right in front of you, and someone from the tour company waiting for you with your name. Everything went super smooth, and took about an hour.
There is only one flight and luggage belt when arriving to Socotra.
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Starting the Socotra Island Tour
Now it's time for a breakdown of our incredible Socotra Island Tour! It's important to note that all tour operators are in contact, and organize themselves to be spread out around the island for the best experience. Because of this, the days of the tour may look a little different, but all of the same places will be included. Now let's dive right into the fun stuff!
Day 1 of the Socotra Island Tour
Today is an introduction to the culture of the island! You'll go straight from the airport to Hadiboh, which is the capital of the island.
Local Lunch in Hadiboh
You'll start off having lunch at a local's home. This was an incredible cultural experience, and allowed us to have an understanding of the daily lives of the people from Socotra. Men and women actually separate and eat in different rooms, and everyone gathers around on the floor to eat a family-style meal of fresh fish, bread, rice, and a few other local specialties.
After lunch the girls actually took me into their room to choose an outfit for me to wear, and even did my makeup! This isn't really part of the tour, but it was a special moment of connecting with the local women for me.
Stop at Gare Lagoon
This was our first stop on our Socotra island tour, and is the biggest lake on the island.
After the lagoon we did a quick stop in one of the local shops, where we were able to pick up some snacks.
Camping in Dihmri
The first day is a pretty relaxed one, and about an hour before sunset you'll arrive to the campsite. Dihmri is beautiful because it is on the water, and has gorgeous shades of red and pink. We decided to climb the top of the rocks to enjoy the views of the area.
Dihmri is known for its various shades of red and pink.
After sunset we had tea, relaxed, and then had an incredible seafood dinner with fresh octopus and pasta. As there is barely an electricity on the island, everything you eat is freshly caught, and your diet will be full of delicious seafood cooked on site.
After a day of travel, we decided to go to bed early, and enjoyed a sky full of stars (something you'll get to experience nightly due to the lack of light pollution).
Camping in Socotra allows you to enjoy sleeping under a sky full of stars each night.
Day 2 of the Socotra Island Tour
With the sun starting to rise at 5, and it already shining bright at 5:30, you can expect to be starting your days pretty early in Socotra! We started our day taking some sunrise photos and videos, before having our first island breakfast, which is typically beans, homemade bread, and a variety of jams or spread.
Make sure to take advantage of the beautiful sunrises during your Socotra island tour.
Snorkeling in Dihmri
Now it's time to explore the incredibly blue waters of the island of Socotra, as well as its abundant sea life!
We got our snorkel gear and headed out to see the different coral, fish, and marine life that the area has to offer. After we got back to the campsite, we showered, and head out for our next set of adventures on our Socotra island tour.
Trees of Homhil
Our next stop was Homhil, an area known for its incredible dragon blood and bottle trees. These are endemic to the island, and one of the things that Socotra is most famous for.
You'll do a drive through Homhil to experience the trees, before heading to the natural pool nearby.
Natural Pool of Homhil
The next stop is a natural pool that is tucked away in the mountains, and overlooks the sea. It's a scenic 20-minute walk, and isn't too demanding. We stopped for a dip, and to take some pictures, before heading back to where we parked and were going to have lunch.
Camping at Arhar Beach
After lunch it was time to head to Arhar - one of the most stunning places on the island!
We fell asleep during the drive, and were woken up by our drivers for quite the view. We got out and enjoyed the stunning beach area that meets the dunes, and then just down the road headed to our camp site for the next two days.
We finished the day with some astrophotography, a fish dinner, and a truly beautiful night on this spectacular beach.
Day 3 of the Socotra Island Tour
After an incredible night at the beach, we were in for one of the best days of our lives. The Socotra island tour started off relaxing, but day 3 was full of adventure!
We started off the day hiking up a sand dune to experience a beautiful sunrise, and then had a hearty breakfast waiting for us. After breakfast we were ready to continue to the next few spots of exploration.
Hoq Cave
Hoq Cave is one of the most popular tourist spots on the island, and was the first time we really ran into other people. The hike was an hour, and it was definitely a hot & sweaty one.
We had seen pictures of the cave previously, but the experience was even better than we thought! The giant window overlooks an incredible landscape with the sea in the back. But then there's more!
Your guide will actually take you on a tour through the cave, about 1 km into the cave itself. At the end there is a natural pool, which was definitely a unique thing to experience.
Hoq Cave has a natural pool inside of it.
The hike back took us about 45 minutes, and after we headed to the beach for lunch.
Beach Time
After enjoying our lunch at the beach, we had some time to relax. We took a short nap, and then went down to another nearby beach where we could swim. This typically isn't part of the tour, but we requested some beach time, and Socotra Specialty Tours was super flexible at giving us this time to choose what we wanted to do.
Erissal - The Eastern Most Point of Socotra
After a nice swim at the beach we stopped at some showers to rinse off, and headed to the eastern-most point of the island. Here we got to see where the sea meets the ocean, and a bunch of whale bones and puffer fish washed up on the beach from a previous storm.
Sunset Hike at Arher Beach
The eastern-most point of the island was a quick stop, and then we headed back in the direction of Arher Beach for our final adventure of the day.
We had a half hour hike to make it up to the top of a viewpoint that overlooked the entire eastern corner of the island. The views were beautiful, and after the sun set we made it back down by running down the dunes.
Just a short hike allows you to overlook the whole east of the island of Socotra.
Stream Bathing and Bioluminescence
Right next to the campsite is a natural stream, so we decided to bathe there, rather than the shower at the nearby campsite. It was extremely liberating, and there was even a small set of falls that made our bath feel like a natural jacuzzi.
As our team was cooking dinner our guide also told us that there was bioluminescence in the water! Watching the water sparkle under a sky full of stars was the icing on the cake for a truly incredible day on our Socotra island tour, and one we'll always remember.
Day 4 of the Socotra Island Tour
After a well-needed night of rest, we were ready for a new exciting day, and new landscapes to look forward to.
We watched the sunrise at the same beach we swam at the day before, and then had breakfast before leaving Arher and heading to the next area of the island.
Socotra has incredible sunrises.
Kilisan Canyon
If you've ever been to the wadis of Jordan or Oman, then Kilisan Canyon is definitely a place you're going to love.
After a 20-30 minute hike we made it down to the canyon where we spent a few hours exploring the small waterfalls, jumping of the cliffs, and swimming in the refreshing waters. We met another tour group, as well as a group of guys from the mainland on Socotra for vacation.
Kilisan Canyon is one of the top tourist spots in Socotra.
Lunch at the Beach
After hiking back up to the parking lot our group made the decision to have lunch at the beach, rather than at the canyon itself.
We drove for about 30-45 minutes, and found a spot where we could enjoy stunning views while having our delicious meal.
Sunset at the Sand Dunes of Zahak
After a very filling lunch we spent some time just hanging out at the rocks above the beach, and then headed to the sand dunes of Zahak.
The sand dunes will make you feel like you teleported to Morocco, and you'll find that it's quite a popular place for other Socotra island tour groups to enjoy for the sunset. The good thing though is that the dunes are massive, allowing for plenty of space to enjoy your own space.
Zahak sand dunes are one of the best spots to watch the sunset in Socotra.
Camping at Zahak
After the sand dunes we headed to the nearby beach area, where we had our tents pitched, showered, and had dinner before having an early night.
Day 5 of the Socotra Island Tour
You're now officially more than half way through your Socotra island tour, but there are still so many cool places that you are going to experience! We started our day with enjoying sunrise and breakfast on the beach, before getting back on the road for our next adventure.
Dejob Cave
Dejob Cave is another really awesome cave that we were able to experience on our Socotra Island tour, and unlike Hoq Cave, this one doesn't require a long hike. After just a couple of minutes you'll arrive at the impressive cave, where you can appreciate the natural window facing the blue waters of Socotra behind it.
After a quick stop at the cave, it's back on the road to experience another beautiful canyon of Socotra, Yemen.
Wadi Duhur
We arrived at the canyon, and parked right next to the water. There was free time to go explore the different natural pools and cascades contrasting the colorful rocks around it. We walked about 20 minutes down into the canyon, swimming in a few different areas before heading back to enjoy our lunch right next to the water.
Diksam Forest
If you're looking for that epic "Socotra Island post card" shot", then Diksam forest is just the place.
You may have see some dragon blood trees here and there throughout the Socotra island tour, but here's where you'll actually see hundreds of them!
You'll drive straight up to the forest and take a short trail through the incredible dragon blood trees, learning all about them, and even get to see one or two that are just starting to grow.
The dragon blood forest is the most iconic area of Socotra, Yemen.
The dragon blood forest is the most iconic area of Socotra, Yemen.
Camping Next to the Dragon Blood Trees
After experiencing all of the incredible dragon blood trees, it was time to make it to our campsite, which was about a half hour away.
One thing we loved about this campsite was that there were a few dragon blood trees around, and after dinner we were able to take some fun astrophotography shots before heading to bed.
Day 6 of the Socotra Island Tour
Waking up next to the dragon blood trees and surrounded by the mountains while the sun started to peak through was simply a magical way to start day 6 of our Socotra island tour.
We had a nice breakfast, and started heading towards the next area of the island- Qalansiya.
Exploring Qalansiya
Qalansiya is the second biggest village in Socotra, and is known for its gorgeous beach that hugs a salt-water lagoon, sand dunes, and a mountain behind it.
We spent an hour and a half enjoying the views from above, and walking along the coast. We met adorable kids that were fishing in the lagoon, and another group of local kids who invited us to play soccer with them. The place was so amazing, and we easily could have spent the whole day there.
Qalansiya is one of the most stunning places in Socotra.
But we had a delicious fish lunch waiting for us, and playing soccer in the Socotra heat definitely built up our appetite.
Cave Man Experience & Detwah Lagoon
After lunch we had another adventure that is a must on any Socotra island tour, a visit to meet a real-life cave man!
Abdullah may be one of the most fascinating people we've ever met. He was born and grew up in a cave in front of Detwah Lagoon. He's had 15 children, 5 of them which are still alive today. Despite being 60 years old, he is in incredible shape, and lives off the abundant sea life in the lagoon.
After having some freshly caught seafood and tea in his cave, he actually brings you into the lagoon and shows you all of the different life found in the lagoon, and how he finds food. We learned how to eat razor clams, saw tons of starfish and pufferfish, and even got to experience massive turtles swimming nearby. We spent the entire afternoon with him until we got to see the sun setting right before us in the lagoon, before our journey back out of the lagoon.
Camping in Qalansiya
After a beautiful sunset in the lagoon we headed back to the campsite to shower, had another great dinner on the beach, and headed to our tent perched right in front of the lagoon.
Day 7 of the Socotra Island Tour
Qalansiya was certainly one of our favorite places on our Socotra island tour, so we were excited to enjoy the sunrise on some nearby dunes, where we overlooked the lagoon as the sun started to come up behind the mountain next to it.
After sunrise we had breakfast on the beach, and got ready for our exciting boat ride to Shoab.
Boat Ride to Shoab
One of our favorite beaches of our Socotra island tour was one that we had to reach by boat. As we arrived the bay was full of locals deciding who would take us to the incredible beach of Shoab.
The boat ride was incredible, and full of dolphins! We sailed around the mountains, and arrived at a completely empty slice of paradise. It had crystal clear waters, white sands, and beautiful mountains in the back. After about an hour and a half we headed back to Qalansiya in time for lunch.
Stop in Hadiboh
After our lunch on the beach it was time to drive back towards the other end of the island. On our way back from Qalansiya we stopped in Hadiboh for a smoothie, before heading to our campsite for the evening.
Camping in Delisha
The final night of the Socotra island tour we spent in Delisha, a beach area not too far from the capital.
What makes Delisha special is the giant abandoned ship that's on it, as well as the nearby dunes overlooking the beach. Enjoy your last fresh fish dinner, and a night under the stars, as you listen to the waves crashing by your tent.
Day 8 of the Socotra Island Tour
It's your final day on the island, and time to enjoy your last moments of your Socotra island tour. We started off the day by asking our guide to bring us to the nearby sand dunes for a fun sunrise photoshoot. Alternatively, you could always enjoy the sunrise right on the beach, or sleep in.
Unlike most mornings, where we typically had breakfast cooked for us, the final day is pretty special because you'll get to experience how locals have breakfast at one of the restaurants in the capital.
Exploring Hadiboh
Hadiboh is just a short drive away, so after packing up you'll be at the restaurant in no time.
Breakfast was one of our favorite meals on the island, as we were served a unique local bread that is the size of the table. You rip off small pieces of bread and pair it with beans and scrambled eggs. We also had Maasoob, which is a delicious mix of banana, bread, cream, and honey.
After breakfast we walked around the capital, visited the fish market, and got a few souvenirs to take home with us such as snacks, spices, and dates.
Flight from Socotra Back to Abu Dhabi
Now it's time to say your goodbyes! After an incredible week, you'll make your way back to airport, where you'll see all of the other travelers you have been passing throughout the week, everyone exchanging their incredible moments together, as we all wait to get on the plane back to Abu Dhabi.
Head through security, drop your bags, and now you'll have a couple of hours to check out the gift shop, have a snack, and chat with all of the fellow adventurers.
Amenities on our Socotra Island Tour
So you may be wondering - how exactly does everything work when it comes to rest and hygiene? Well, here are some of the important details to keep in mind during your Socotra Island tour:
- All tours go camping. This is the best way to explore the island, and there are actually only a couple of hotels, located in the capital.
- Tour companies provide tents with mattresses, blankets, and pillows.
- Tour companies are well prepared with plenty of food, and cook right at the campsites. We also stopped at times for snacks and water at small local shops.
- There is not a huge variety of food, but it is super tasty! Expect lots of freshly caught fish, beans, bread, rice, and pasta.
- Camp sites and attractions are never super crowded. There is plenty of space to have your own privacy, and companies actually communicate with each other to spread out around the island.
- Campsites do all have toilets. Some of them have traditional toilets, and others just have pit toilets, which are basically a hole in the ground. It certainly isn't the most glamorous, but it is something you start to get used to.
- Toilets do not have toilet paper, but rather have a hose to wash off. Make sure to grab toilet paper, napkins, or tissues before going (our tour guides always had plenty) and you can throw them in the trash next to the toilet.
- Few campsites have proper sinks, so to wash your hands you may have to use the water from the shower or from the hose.
- Most camp sites have showers- some are in stalls, and some are from a faucet directly above the toilets. There isn't any hot water, but the water is never very cold either (it typically is warmer later in the day from the tank being heated up by the sun).
- There is no soap provided, so make sure to bring your own!
- You'll also have to bring your own towel.
- There is little to no electricity in many areas. This means you'll have to charge you belongings mostly in the car, and that ice is not common to find.
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Socotra Island Tour Prices & Schedules
Tours are typically 7 nights, 8 days. This is the tour we took, and found that it was the perfect amount of time. However, with a second flight added to Socotra from Abu Dhabi, there are tours you can take for 4 nights/ 5 days, or for 10 nights/ 11 days.
Tour Dates for Socotra Specialty Tours/ Off The Beaten Trips
Here are the tour dates available for the 2024 for Socotra Specialty Tours:
- December 26- January 2
- December 29-January 5
- January 2-9
- January 9-16
- January 16-23
- January 23-30
- January 30- February 6
- February 6-13
- February 9-16
- February 13-20
- February 16-23
- February 20-27
- February 23- March 1
- February 27- March 5
- March 1-8
- March 5-12
- March 8-15
- March 12-19
- March 15-22
- March 19-26
- March 22-29
Keep in mind that the company is super flexible, so if you are looking for dates that are not listed, you can always reach out.
Price for Socotra Island Tours
The three options for tour packages are for 5 nights, 7 nights, and 10 nights. All packages include flights round-trip from Abu Dhabi to Socotra, the visa for Socotra, and all meals and activities. In fact, we didn't spend a dime extra on our week in Socotra!
Here are the prices for each of the tours:
- 4 nights/5 days: $2,000/person
- 7 nights/8 days: $2,600/person
- 10 nights/11 days: $3,000/person
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Safety in Socotra, Yemen
Most people think of Yemen, and all they can think of is war. Well, let us tell you that that is far from the truth when it comes to Socotra.
The island of Socotra is actually completely separate from the mainland, and there is no "high threat of kidnapping and terrorism" as some websites may say. Actually, it couldn't be further from the truth!
Everyone who takes a Socotra island tour is in safe hands. Locals all look out for one another, and guides always are there to make sure tourists safely make it around each area of the island. There are no risky hikes, dangerous animals, or any forms of crime in Socotra at all.
How to Prepare for Your Socotra Island Tour
Now you know almost everything you need to know for your Socotra island tour! But don't go yet- here are a few more helpful things to keep in mind.
Weather in Socotra, Yemen
Socotra, Yemen is very close to the equator, meaning it has extreme exposure from the sun. When the sun hits, it feels very hot, but when you're in the shade there is actually a drastic difference. In the tourist season the temperatures are hot during the day, and cool off at night.
The Best Time to Go on a Socotra Island Tour
The tourist season in Socotra starts in October, and goes until May. We went on our Socotra island tour in the beginning of the season, and absolutely loved it! One thing we would like to go back for though, is the spring bloom in March. This is when all of the bottle trees are full of pink flowers, making it an extra special time to experience the stunning Socotra island.
How to Pack for Your Socotra Island Tour
When going on a Socotra island tour, the good thing is that there are plenty of things you can leave at home. The tour companies are on top of all of the necessities, such as your tent, pillows, blankets, and all food & drinks.
Here is a list of things that we do suggest bringing though:
- Sunscreen (the sun is extremely strong)
- Aloe (we mean really strong)
- Bug Spray
- Reusable Water Bottle (if you use Socotra Specialty Tours they'll actually provide you with one)
- Flip Flops (we personally always get Havaiana flip flops, as they are comfy and long lasting)
- Water Shoes (for the canyon)
- Sneakers (for the hikes)
- Small Bag or Backpack (to bring on activities) - take a look at these backpacks for travelers!
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are the best in the market and last super long)
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, shampoo, conditioner, soap)
- 2 Towels (one for the beach, one for showering)
- Travel adapter
- Car charger
- Bathing Suits
- Shorts
- T shirts
- Conservative clothing (for the capital)
- Camera
- Drone (We use the Mavic Mini Pro 3 because it's super light and has incredible quality)
- Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 X3 because it's small & waterproof)
- Case Mate waterproof Phone Pouch (we use the Cafago Waterproof Phone Pouch)
- Flashlight (for the caves and camping at night)
- Travel Pillow Case (we'll provide you one you travel with Off the Beaten Trips
- Travel toiletries (our favorites are from Sheer Alternatives because they're all natural and 100ml)
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Other Things to Know About Your Socotra Island Tour
Now you know all of the incredible things you'll experience on your Socotra island tour, as well as how to prepare. But we want to be as transparent as possible, so are sharing a few other things you should be prepared for:
There is a lot of flexibility in plans
One thing we loved about our Socotra island tour was that we had a lot of flexibility for customization. Our guides were incredible, and let us choose if we wanted to spend more or less time in a place, and didn't work on a rigid schedule. Unlike most tours where you feel rushed, with our tour in Socotra we truly felt like we had control, with the comfort of a local guiding us at all times.
Weather can make a big impact
While tour companies are super flexible, it's also important to keep in mind you may need to be flexible too! There was a group the week after us that had a massive storm, and as all activities are outside, they had to skip a few things. Weather plays a huge part in Socotra, so just cross your fingers and hope for the best!
Socotra has a massive trash problem
One of the reasons that Socotra is as beautiful as it is, is because it is still pretty primitive. There isn't a ton of light or air pollution, and little activity happens on the island as a whole. But with lack of resources, also comes lack of education, particularly for the environment.
Children don't grow up learning about their environmental responsibility, and therefore everyone just throws their trash on the ground.
Goats are there to eat a lot of it, but one thing they can't digest is the plastic, which there is a lot of. While most tourist spots are taken care of, the capital and towns definitely have an excess of trash. Hopefully this will change with time, and in the meantime let's do our part to help the situation.
The kids are super friendly
One thing you'll notice is that when you are driving around, children will always scream and wave. If the car stops, they'll run up, and if you're just walking around, you better believe they're going to come up to you.
The children in Socotra are some of the most precious and sweet people in the entire world. They light up when they see tourists, and they will use whatever English they know to speak to you. Interact with them as much as you can, because it's a truly enriching experience.
Locals are very giving
Not only are the kids super sweet, but people in general are so generous.
If you walk by a group of men drinking tea, you'll probably get invited for tea. If you acknowledge locals cooking a meal together, you'll also probably get invited to eat.
The people of Socotra show love and care with food (and tea), and they do not expect anything in return. Everyone knows everyone on the island, and people all take care of one another. It's so refreshing to see such a tight and caring community, and another reason we loved the island of Socotra so much.
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Our Socotra island tour was definitely one of the most incredible trips that we have ever experienced! The island is full of amazing untouched nature, and some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. While it isn't a trip full of luxuries, it truly is a special experience, and we highly recommend it.
Want to learn more about Socotra? Make sure to also check out our other Socotra travel guide, which covers other details about everything you need to expect.
Need help booking your flights to Abu Dhabi? We can help! With over a decade of experience, we know how to help you save, and to make the most of any layover you may have. Simply shoot us an email, and we'll get you started on your dream trip to Socotra, Yemen.
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