How do you travel to Socotra?

The island of Socotra is high on the bucket list for many adventurous travellers. And rightly so, nature is unprecedented. A third of the flora and fauna is native to Socotra. But how do you get to Socotra? The easiest way to travel to Socotra is by plane. You can also travel by boat, but then you will have to find a cargo ship in the Omani coastal town of Salalah that you can sail on. There is no scheduled sailing route for passengers to Socotra.

The island of Socotra (also known as Soqotra ) is part of the Socotra Archipelago. The archipelago is located about 300 km off the coast of Yemen and Somalia , near the Horn of Africa. The archipelago consists of the main island of Socotra and the smaller islands of Abd Al Kuri, Samha and Darsa. However, the vast majority of people live on Socotra. 

Let’s be clear: the island of Socotra is not easy to reach. Although the island has attracted adventure travelers for years, Socotra’s potential has never been fully exploited. It has had successful years, but due to the civil war in Yemen, tourism has also  collapsed. The remoteness and the small number of tourists is the attraction for many people. Because of the beautiful flora and fauna and the isolation, you really have the feeling being on a unique piece of earth, far away from everything.

Getting to Socotra is possible via two main routes: the most convenient option is the twice-weekly charter flight from Abu Dhabi with Air Arabia, while an alternative route goes via Cairo and Aden. Both options require some planning, especially around layovers. Flights can fill up quickly, so early booking is essential. We’re happy to help you find the best route and assist with flight arrangements or any necessary permits.

Do you want to travel to Socotra? Take a look at our independent tours or group tours to Socotra. Do you need more information? Get in touch with us now.