How to get around Socotra

Thanks to the sustainable way of tourism Socotra goes for the island stays clean from hotel resorts and mass tourism attractions. However, local people are prepared to provide tourist services such as guides, cars, boats, meals and to help you to get easily around.

Hotels with TV, running water and restaurants can be found only in Hadibu. Around the island, you can also sleep in an eco-lodge or in campsites where facilities are simpler. Anyway, you will usually get running water, a shower and toilets. The price includes three meals but you won’t be charged for meals you skip.

You need to bring your own camping gear or you can hire it. The campsites offering their services are now: Dihamri, Homhill, Amak, Rosh and Skund. More campsites are planned to be managed by local communities in the future.

If you get an invitation to stay in a house of a local family you should offer them money for the service. Remember that Socotra is one of the poorest regions in Yemen.
 

A lunch in Rosh campsite with a lobster brought from the fish market in Hadibu.
 
Meals on the island are usually simple, mostly fresh fish or goat meat. Vegetables and fruits are available only occasionally. There are many small shops and restaurants in Hadibu and some in Qalansiya.
 
Tap water is not drinkable so don’t forget to buy enough bottles of drinking water before you leave Hadibu.
 
Accommodation and meals can be arranged through your local tourist guide.
 
For moving around the island, you will need to rent a 4WD with a driver. Local people often hitchhike around the island and there are few regular lines (eg. Qalansyia - Hadibu) but rather don't count on it because minibuses are usually full.
 


For snorkeling and diving, you can hire equipment at the spot for decent prices. Pay attention to a dive instructor since strong currents flow around the island having resulted in deaths of several tourists.

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