Socotra Island: Step Into A Place Beyond Imagination

Earlier this year, I embarked on a journey that would become one of the most incredible adventures of my life—a trip to the remote Socotra Island, Yemen. It all started last January when I stumbled upon an incredible video on social media. The landscapes were so surreal that I genuinely believed it was AI-generated. Yet, to my amazement, this place was real. I dove deep into researching Socotra, mesmerized by the idea of seeing the legendary bottle trees in full bloom. Little did I know, getting there would be as challenging as it was rewarding.

Planning this trip wasn't straightforward. Socotra Island is one of the most remote places on Earth, with no easy access to flights, hotels, or rental cars. After endless online searches, I turned to Instagram, where I found specialized travel agencies posting about their tours. I quickly realized that most spots for the blooming season (early March) were already filled. However, in a stroke of luck, I saw Roza's (@offtrackroza) Instagram story one day, offering a few last-minute openings. I jumped on the opportunity, and after some back-and-forth, I was booked in for what would become the most magical trip I’ve ever taken.

Socotra Island

The Garden of Eden

My Socotra Itinerary: A Journey Into the Wild

Though the order of the itinerary will vary depending on the agency you book with, here's a glimpse into what my experience looked like on this remote island paradise.

Day 1: Arrival in Hadiboh & Shoab Beach

I was greeted at Hadiboh airport by my guides and fellow travellers. We drove to Qalansiyah, a small town with striking coastal views and a lot of happy kiddos, before taking a boat ride to Shoab Beach. This pristine paradise became our home for the night. We went for a late afternoon swim and met with the local community of golden ghost crabs. That night, we were fed fresh fish and lobster and we camped under the stars, surrounded by the sound of the waves. I may or may not have pinched myself and cried [of happiness]; I just couldn’t believe where I was!

Day 2: Dolphins & Detwah Lagoon

On our boat ride back to Qalansiyah, we were treated to the sight of hundreds of dolphins swimming around us—an unforgettable moment. Later, we spent the afternoon lounging and swimming at Detwah Lagoon, a serene place where the water glowed in shades of blue. That night, we camped at an official site with basic amenities, including toilets and showers.

Day 3: Dragon Blood Trees at Firmhin Forest

After an early and challenging hike to Detwah Viewpoint where I saw my first bottle tree, we began a long journey across the rugged Dixam Plateau. Our ultimate destination was Firmhin Forest, where we were greeted by the otherworldly sight of Socotra's famous dragon-blood trees. Surrounded by thousands of these ancient, alien-looking trees, I felt like I had stepped into a parallel universe.

Day 4: Aomak Beach & Zahek Sand Dunes

We woke up in the mystical Firmhin Forest, soaked in the sunrise before we headed to Aomak Beach for a lazy afternoon by the water. As sunset approached, our group arrived at the majestic Zahek Sand Dunes, where we camped for the night after watching the sun set behind the vast desert.

Day 5: Canyon Swims & Stargazing

Our day began with a visit to the nearby Dagub Cave, followed by a lunch stop in Wadi Faro. But the highlight came at Kalysan Canyon, where we hiked down a mountain and swam in the canyon's crystal-clear waters for a couple of hours. That night, we stayed at Homhill Camp for another experience under the stars.

Day 6: Infinity Pools & Arher Beach

That morning, our group went for a relaxing dip in Homhill’s infinity pool, which is naturally set against a million-dollar panorama. We then made our way to Arher Beach, a breathtaking location where white dunes meet turquoise waters. It was easily one of the most surreal places I’ve ever seen, and we camped here overnight with nothing but the vast sky overhead. I saw some shooting stars and had yet another pinch-me moment.

Day 7: Arher Sand Dunes & Night in Town

The final day was bittersweet. After an early morning hike up the 400-meter dune at Arher, we spent the day soaking in the beauty of the beach, we even spotted dolphins swimming close by. We ended our adventure with a visit to the Cape of Erissel, the easternmost point of Socotra, before spending our last evening in Hadiboh. However, we did not sleep there, but instead we camped on Delisha Beach. By that point, I had embraced the wildness of the island completely.

Day 8: Last Morning

I’ll always remember waking up that morning before heading to the airport. Tiger, one of our favourite guides, came to my tent with a thermos and asked his typical question: “Morning Gen! Want some crack?!”—What he meant to offer me was in fact, not crack but Karak, a local chai tea. Tiger was the biggest jokester and one of the most caring person I’ve ever met. Sadly, Tiger passed away in an accident shortly after our trip. I’m so lucky that I get to cherish all those memories of him! Rest in peace, Tiger, we all miss you!

Frequently asked questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about visiting Socotra Island, Yemen. Most of them were questions I asked myself when I was planning my trip, so I hope they help you :)

 

  • Absolutely! However, Socotra is so remote and undeveloped that you’ll need to book through a specialized tour agency. Don’t expect to find flights or accommodations online. It’s a place where time stands still, and that’s part of its charm.

  • Socotra is famous for its unparalleled biodiversity and untouched beauty. Home to unique flora like the dragon-blood and bottle trees, and a wealth of endemic species, the island feels like stepping onto an alien planet. Some even believe Socotra could be the original Garden of Eden.

  • The Socotra Archipelago lies in the Arabian Sea, just south of Yemen and east of Somalia, far from the busy touristic destinations and the modern world.

  • Reaching Socotra involves some coordination. Flights only depart from Abu Dhabi a few times a week, and you’ll need to work with a tour company to obtain a visa and navigate the complex travel logistics. I recommend Tour Socotra, who made my trip seamless and unforgettable.

  • There are a few very basic hotels in Hadiboh, but camping is the primary way to explore the island. If you’re not comfortable with rustic conditions, this might not be the destination for you—but trust me, it’s worth stepping out of your comfort zone.

  • Socotra is part of Yemen, so it’s technically under a travel advisory from many Western governments. The decision to go there is yours and will depend on your level of risk aversion. That said, the island itself is isolated and peaceful. I felt incredibly safe during my entire trip, surrounded by warm-hearted locals. Just be sure to respect local customs and stay informed.

  • The stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and surreal trees make Socotra special, but what really sets it apart is its sense of isolation and untouched nature. It’s also impossible for me to write an article without mentioning the kindness of the Soqotri people. Our local guides were amazing and made my experience one I’ll never forget!

  • The best time to visit is between October and May, with the dry season running from January to April. If you’re eager to see the trees in full bloom, aim for early March, like I did.

  • Mobile phone reception is extremely limited on the island. It's one of the main things that drew me to this destination too; being forced to be off the grid. If you buy a SIM card from Etisalat in the UAE, you might get a bit of coverage in certain areas (closer to villages and cities). Very few restaurants offer wi-fi in the capital city of Habidoh, other than that, you'll need a satellite mobile provider or just accept that you'll be offline for a while. Some companies like Tour Socotra might offer limited access to Starlink.

  • Credits to everyone who helped make this trip so unique and special:

 

Final Thoughts

If reading this article made you want to book a trip, congrats, it will undoubtedly be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. From the iconic dragon-blood trees to the mega dunes of Arher Beach, Socotra will offer you a unique glimpse into a world few have ever seen—one that you won’t soon forget.

Middle EastGeneviève C.Socotra Islandsocotra, socotra island, yemen, dragonblood trees, bottle trees, socotra archipelagoComment