If you are browsing this site, it is because you are thinking of organizing a trip to the island of Socotra.

We will try to give you all the useful information to leave prepared and we will do our best to provide you with the best services but our advice is not to "study" the perfect itinerary, do not read too many travel diaries and do not look at all the possible photographs that the internet offers you..

Let the trip to Socotra become the exploration of an unknown place, where there is also room for the unexpected and for adventure. The tour through time uncontaminated nature, deserted beaches, white sand dunes that dive into the crystalline sea, the joyfully moved by the acrobatics of dolphins, mountains defended by thousands of sentinels in the shape of umbrellas turned upside down by the wind, deep canyons stained by the pink flowers of the bottle trees, caves that enter the heart of Mother Earth.

Services:

Travelers who decide to travel to Socotra should know that international tourism, recently arrived on the island, follows an eco-friendly program aimed at preserving the natural beauty. For this reason, the services offered, by the hotels and campsites may not be of the same international level that a traveler expects. We at Socotra Guide believe that this adds charm to the magical tour, unspoiled Island of Socotra.

How to get to Socotra:

The airlines operating the flights are Air Arabia. The reservation for the tourists can be arranged only by certified/licensed local agencies

The flight connection is available only twice a week through Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). Since the options for air connections to Socotra are limited, a charter flight is the only way to visit the island of Socotra.

A very early reservation for these flights is necessary; some dates are booked several months in advance.

Air Arabia offers twice flight per week, currently every Tuesday and Friday.

This approximately 2-hour flight cost is 930USD/person, it is more affordable, faster and safer than a flight with Yemenia Airlines from Cairo to Socotra with a stopover in Aden on the Yemeni mainland.

When to go:

The climate is an important factor in deciding when to visit the island and depends on personal interests. Nature lovers can organize the trip between October and April. June, July, August and September is the monsoon period, recommended only for surfers and kite surfers. In general, the best period is from January to May.

Visa and Passport:

The visa for Socotra can be obtained by our agency before you come by sending copy of your passport. As soon as we have it ready, we will send you a copy of the visa to show it at your arrival at the airport on Socotra island with cost of (150$) to be paid in advance. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months and must not contain visas for Israel.

Currency:

As soon as you complete the customs formalities, you can change currency into Yemeni Riyal (YR) at the airport. We recommend changing most of the currency at the Money Exchange or at the banks in Hadibu. The exchange rate is about 2200 Riyal for one USD. Only dollars accepted on the island. Credit cards are not accepted.

What to pack:

-Comfortable and light clothing that protects from the sun’s rays.

-Women also advised to bring long trousers and long-sleeved shirts.

-Light sleeping bag or sheet bag only in case of trekking program.

-A sweater for the evening or for trekking in the mountains.

-Comfortable shoes for hiking in the mountains and caves.

-Hat, sunglasses, high protection sunscreen.

-Pocket raincoat in case of rain.

-Travel medicines you are used to.

-Hygiene products possibly eco-friendly and non-polluting. They can be found in the best herbalist shops.

-Pocket lamp or head torch essential for camping.

Health:

Socotra is not a malaria area, in some areas there are mosquitoes but anti-malarial prophylaxis is not necessary. Drink only bottled water. Cholera is not present on the island. The hospitals on the island are very well equipped and free for all. In Hadibu, there is a pharmacy.

Time zone:

GMT + 3 hours

Electricity:

220v AC; sockets are usually flat two-pronged. It is best to bring a universal travel adapter.

Language:

Socotri is the local language, Arabic is the official and most used language, English is spoken by people who work in tourism.

Religion:

The religion is Islamic.

Telephone:

International telephone offices are located in Hadibu. The prefix for calling the island is +967. The cheapest way to call abroad is by international phone calls. The GSM line is working; mobile telephone covered by GSM and CDMA, which only covers some areas of the island.

Internet:

Internet access is perfect as we use star link almost everywhere.