Beaches, diving and fishing

Swimming in Socotra

Socotra's Beaches

If you love beautiful, wild, and untouched beaches, Socotra has something truly special for you – the most beautiful beaches in the world! No exaggeration – you must see it for yourself. Each day you can enjoy the uniqueness of pristine nature on a different beach.

All the beaches you can visit on Socotra are stunning and offer absolute peace and privacy, as the island has virtually no tourist infrastructure.

Although Socotrans uphold Islamic cultural values, the local people are very tolerant toward tourists on the beaches. You can comfortably wear swimwear, both men and women, and enjoy swimming or sunbathing without worry.

Socotra is home to numerous breathtaking beaches covered in snow-white coral sand. On one side, the sand stretches up to mountain peaks, forming massive dunes up to 100 meters high, while on the other side, it creates shallow shores that extend as far as 100 meters into the sea. Socotra is surrounded by the Arabian Sea, part of the vast Indian Ocean. The beaches are home to countless crabs digging deep burrows in the sand. The sea astonishes with its crystal clarity and fresh azure to turquoise shades.

Beaches on the island’s northern coast are especially known for the presence of Caretta turtles, which come here to lay their eggs.

The famous snow-white beach on the southern coast, Aomak Beach, lies near the sand dune area of Nuged. It is the most remote and longest beach on Socotra’s southern coast with views of the Indian Ocean. A peaceful place inviting you to relax or explore nearby villages. Enjoy unforgettable moments near an oasis of palms, where the desert stretches alongside the ocean coast.

For photography enthusiasts, the scenery of sand dunes is truly astonishing. The beach has shelters and excellent facilities for camping, including electricity, basic showers, and toilets.

The western area of Qalansiyah boasts a sky-blue spot – the Detwah Lagoon. It is one of the most impressive places on the island, unforgettable for every visitor thanks to its magical beauty and atmosphere.

From Qalansiyah, you can take a fishing boat to the remote Shoab Beach – one of the most beautiful on the island. The one-hour boat ride alone, with views of dolphins, rare bird species, and dramatic cliffs, is an experience you’ll never forget. A functional campsite is available for overnight stays here too.

Deserted white coral beaches, fishing villages, and crystal-clear waters are also found in the northeastern area of the island, around Ras Ersel and Arher.

You can watch or even swim with dolphins, see turtles, rays, and many beautiful, colorful fish living among coral reefs.

Diving and Snorkeling

Socotra is one of Yemen’s premier destinations for diving and snorkeling. For water lovers, an incredible underwater world awaits, with exceptional biodiversity offering a truly extraordinary experience.

It’s up to you whether to stick to simple snorkeling or take on a more demanding dive to explore the depths of marine life.

You can choose from many sites with remarkable dive spots:

The marine reserve of Dihamri, home to more than 80 coral species and 150 fish species. The seabed here is shaped by an underwater mountain, allowing deep dives of up to 50 meters. Night dives are also possible.

The Rosh marine reserve features a coral wall about a kilometer offshore, providing a spectacular diving experience.

Seven dive sites lie within the protected area of Ras Irsil, known for its many shipwrecks. Some wrecks are up to 50 years old and can be explored from the inside.

At the western edge of Shoab Beach is the only dive site in the area, featuring the largest iron shipwreck in Socotran waters.

A diving center is open at the Dihamri campsite, operated by a professional instructor trained through the UNDP Socotra project. You can rent diving equipment here for all diving locations.

Fishing in Socotra

Fishing is one of the primary sources of livelihood for most of Socotra’s inhabitants. The surrounding sea is rich in diverse species. The most commonly caught fish include sharks, tuna, groupers, barracudas, and many more. There’s even a local legend claiming Socotrans were the world’s first shark hunters. They usually set out in the late afternoon and sail for about four hours to reach the best shark fishing spots. They use baited hooks attached to steel lines and secured with ropes. The fishing lasts all night, and they return at dawn with their catch. You have a unique opportunity to join these skilled fishermen and witness shark hunting firsthand.

For passionate anglers, fishing can become the highlight of the entire trip. Schools of barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) are a particularly prized catch.

Fishing trips for small groups or individuals are available anytime as part of an afternoon program. After returning to shore, you can have your catch prepared for dinner at one of the eco-camps.

Swimming, Diving & Fishing