Socotra has become an increasingly popular destination in recent years. Despite that, the island still feels like one of the last truly untouched places on Earth. So what exactly makes it so famous, and how do you actually get there?
At Rocky Road Travel, we’ve been running guided tours to Socotra Island for years, and the answer isn’t straightforward. Socotra isn’t just one thing: it’s breathtaking landscapes, an island still startlingly isolated from the rest of the world, and a culture that you won’t find anywhere else. It needs to be seen to be believed.
Why is Socotra so unique?
Socotra is often described as the ‘most alien-looking place on Earth’, and that’s not an exaggeration! Around one-third of its plant life exists nowhere else, making it a true biodiversity hotspot.
The island is best known for the dragon blood trees, with their umbrella shape and deep red sap. You’re also likely to spot bottle trees, frankincense trees and vast limestone plateaus that look like something from another planet.
But it’s not just about plants; Socotra offers:
- White sand dunes meeting turquoise waters
- Remote mountain ranges and deep canyons
- Crystal-clear natural pools and beaches
- Unique wildlife and bird species
This is why searches for terms like ‘Socotra wildlife’, ‘landscapes in Socotra’, and ‘dragon blood trees’ continue to grow.
What can you do on the island?
Socotra isn’t a typical holiday destination; it’s not a palace with large resorts or crowds of tourists. Instead, it’s all about raw experience.
On our group tours, you get to go:
- Camping in some of the most remote parts of the island
- Hiking through protected nature reserves
- Swimming in untouched lagoons and beaches
- Meeting local communities and experiencing Socotri culture
- Exploring iconic spots like the Dixam Plateau and Arher sand dunes
Most travellers join us for an 8-day Socotra itinerary, which gives enough time to see the highlights without rushing.
How do you travel to Socotra?
One of the biggest questions around Socotra travel is logistics. Getting there isn’t straightforward, and that’s part of what keeps it so unspoilt.
Currently, the main route is via flights from Jeddah to Socotra. Independent travel is extremely difficult due to permits, visas, and limited infrastructure.
That’s why most visitors join guided tours to Socotra like ours.
At Rocky Road Travel, we arrange:
- Flights (Jeddah – Socotra – Jeddah)
- Socotra visa process and permits
- All accommodation and camping equipment
- Local guides, drivers, and transport
Flights are limited and often sell out months in advance, so we always recommend booking early, especially for peak months like October, November, and April.
When is the best time to visit Socotra?
The best time to travel to Socotra is between September and May. During this period, the weather is ideal for camping, hiking and exploring.
We run scheduled group tours across:
- February, March, and April
- October, November, and December
Each group is capped at 10 people, so it’s easy to get to know people and enjoy plenty of support from our guides.
Do you need a tour to visit Socotra?
In short, yes. Due to the logistics involved, Socotra is not a destination you can easily visit independently.
Joining an organised tour ensures:
- Smooth entry into the island
- Safe and efficient travel between remote locations
- Access to experienced local guides
- A well-planned itinerary covering the best highlights
We also offer private tours in Socotra if you prefer to travel on your own dates.
Is Socotra worth visiting?
Absolutely, yes- but only if you’re a particular type of traveller. If you’re after luxury hotels and nightlife, Socotra isn’t the place for you. But if you’re after something genuinely different, it’s hard to beat.
Socotra is ideal for nature lovers with a taste for adventure. It’s for travellers who want to see a part of the world that is genuinely still wild and unspoilt.
At Rocky Road Travel, we’ve designed our tours in Socotra to make this remote island accessible without losing what makes it special. From the moment you leave Jeddah with us, everything is taken care of.
For more information on our tours, simply contact our team today.
