10 Family-Friendly Activities to Enjoy in Socotra

Socotra Island is home to sightseeing, cultural, and educational experiences. A trip here is not just another family vacation, but an opportunity for some amazing family-friendly activities to enjoy in Socotra. In this guide, you’ll know why customizing family Socotra adventure tours is ideal—as we dive into the ways to explore the best of Socotra.

A Complete Guide to Family-Friendly Activities to Enjoy In Socotra

You'll find numerous activities that offer enriching experiences for children and adults alike in Socotra. The trip will be one that needs more planning and you may have to be ready for unexpected changes. However, traveling with kids or teens is worth the effort, as the island is a natural wonder. Here are the best activities for families in Socotra:

1. Bird Spotting

Whether we’re are talking about Socotra for families or Socotra for solo travelers, the island’s endemic species of birds make it fun for budding ornithologists For an ultimate tourist activity on Socotra and to learn more about nature as a family, go for bird-watching.

Wadi Ayhaft National Park and Diksam Plateau make the top of the list, especially if you have a few days on the island. Then, Wadi Hazafaq and Wadi Shoq are also where you can watch unique birds. Look out for the Socotra Starling, Socotra Sunbird, and Socotra Sparrow—all species native to this island.

2. Beach Fun

Socotra Island is a dream come true for beach lovers. Making sand castles, cool water dips, strolling around, windsurfing, and more—there are a lot of kid-friendly experiences in Socotra. All beaches at Socotra Island are simply gorgeous, the following offering truly mesmerizing views:

• Delisha Beach

• Arher Beach

• Errisel Beach

• Detwah Lagoon

• Omak Beach

• Shoab Beach

• Qalansiyah Beach

You’ll even find sand dunes along a beach or two that both adults and kids can climb. Don’t forget your sunscreen and beach accessories!

3. Camping Overnight

One of the best things to do on Socotra Island for couples and families is a camp-out. And while there are many camping spots on Socotra, a beach is ideal as a place easily reachable with family. Additionally, a gradual rise in tourism has resulted in great camping facilities (bathrooms, shower rooms, dining places) near popular campsites such as Arher Beach, Omak Beach, and Detwah Lagoon.

You’ll spend plenty of time in the one-of-a-kind outdoors with gorgeous sunset views—and bond as a family. And there’s nothing quite like camping to reenergize yourself away from a humdrum academic and work life!

4. Boat Rides

Whether you’re looking for a romantic boat ride as a couple or delightful boating family adventures in Socotra, embark on an excursion to the stunning Shoab beach. The best part is that you will be transported by a local, as you need a fishing boat from Qalansiyah village to reach Shoab.

Wake everyone up early in the morning, as the trip takes quite some time, and the water is calm during the early hours of the day. And, you don't want to miss boating to Shoab Beach at this time—as you will be gliding along with dolphins!

5. Fishing Trip

Why not make the most of an enjoyable boat ride and turn it into a fishing trip? Socotra Island is a serene place, so any young newbie anglers can try their hand at the skill peacefully—and at the best possible place for some big-game fish!

Ask your local guide to Socotra Island to prearrange a fishing trip with the local fishermen. Additionally, the weather in Socotra is perfect for fishing from February to April. Moreover, you’ll discover an impressive range of fish species which the island is home to, including Giant Trevally, Barracudas, Tuna, Groupers, and Snapper.

6. Light Hiking

Socotra is known for its abundance of hiking sites, but this feat can be challenging when you're visiting with kids who can't cover the trying trails. Lucky for you, a few places offer an easy terrain—perfect for young hikers.

One of the best things to do with kids in Socotra is a hike through the Diksam Plateau. Not only are the climbs here fairly smooth, but the views you’re trying to reach are particularly unique. We’re talking about the renowned Dragon’s Blood trees, the fascinating sights both adults and children will love!

7. Camel Trekking

Make your visit to Socotra even more exciting by adding a camel trek to your itinerary! If you're worried about the younger members of your travel party tiring out, then trekking adventures with camel rides are a nice solution.

Ride through the peaks on camels and walk the route alongside knowledgeable guides. The unmatched charm of a trek that offers breathtaking views will be a truly immersive experience.

8. Nature-Rich Snorkeling

The underwater realm surrounding Socotra is wonderful when it comes to marine life—an invitation for all family members to snorkel into the depths! The water at Dihamri Marine Reserve is crystal clear, so you can see the unique species of sea life and coral species.

Don’t miss out on the chance to encounter remarkable creatures like sea turtles, dolphins, sting rays, and manta rays. Make sure you take into account safety precautions for younger snorkelers and go with a guide for directions to safe and picturesque spots.

9. Scuba Diving

If you’re visiting Socotra with teens, then scuba diving is the perfect group activity. Dive down to the depths adorned with coral heads, surrounded by marine life such as sharks, rays, and eels.

Plus, for a truly cool family activity, dive into a shipwreck! The secluded Ras Erissel beach features numerous shipwrecks, some of which are up to 50 years old. Another place you can go scuba diving is at Shoab Beach, which has a preserved steel vessel shipwreck—the largest found in Socotran waters.

10. Cave Exploration

Looking to explore thousand-year-old stalagmites and stalactites? If you're a family of cave exploration enthusiasts, then Hoq Caves offers the overwhelming beauty of limestone formations. However, while the cave system offers stunning views, the climb up there is accessible by hike only—a challenging one.

If you are traveling with children who may find the Hoq Cave hike too tiring, then head to Dogub Caves along the southern shore of the island. These caves are reachable by car and are home to beautiful limestone formations and pure water streams.

Ready to plan family-friendly activities to enjoy in Socotra? At Socotra Specialty Tours, we cater to all kinds of visitors to Socotra, including solo tourists, couples, and families. Let us know how we can make your experience here more convenient and enjoyable for both kids and adults in your group. Call us now at +971 50 850 4432 to book a tour or message us for more information.