5 Eco-Friendly Activities to Experience on Socotra Island

The stress on preservation via eco-friendly tourism practices is more crucial than ever, as popular tour sites face extreme side effects of mass tourism. Whether you are waking around in a city or going for water activities on an island, respect the environment. Being on adventure tours in Socotra is no exception!

Contribute to Socotra’s ecosystem. In this guide, we’ll discuss how you can visit the island in a simplified way—and enhance its ecosystem!

Ethical Island Touring: Eco-Friendly Activities on Socotra Island

Socotra’s local office of Environment Protection Authorities (EPA) is keen on promoting eco-friendly tourism with measures such as limiting the annual number of tourists. Plus, you can find rules about what can and cannot be taken out of and into the island.

You can do more to reduce your ecological footprint and give back to the beauty of Socotra at the same time. Since Socotra is home to countless endemic species of plants and wildlife, the safety of its ecosystem is more important. Here are some activities to experience on Socotra Island that minimize disorder and help you be a friendly tourist too!

1. Dolphin Watching At Shoab & Qalansiyah Beach

A diverse marine life is one of the unmatched experiences you'll have on Socotra Island. And that includes dolphin watching.

Shoab and Qalansiyah are beaches in Socotra you must visit, presenting beautiful sandy shores. These beaches not only offer great swimming, camping, photography, and stargazing opportunities but are also home to amazing marine life. Just getting to these beaches, accessible only by fishermen's boats, is delightful. Go for an early morning boat ride to the beach, and you will easily spot dolphins swimming along amidst the calm and quiet.

Watching dolphins and other marine life is one of the activities to experience on Socotra Island that has minimal to no long-term effect on the ecosystem. However, you can try and be more eco-friendly, by:

· Helping clean up the beach and the reef, disposing of waste properly (in the town).

· Finding a responsible local tour guide for dolphin watching to ensure the mammals’ safety.

· The turtle species on Socotra Island are endangered. Enquire about any turtle-tagging programs.

You can snorkel at these beaches—but make sure you don't disturb the any marine life and coral reefs you come across. Also, the lagoon at Qalansiyah Beach is home to sting rays, so be careful about your own safety and that of the marine life.

2. Stargazing At the Diksam Plateau

You'll be delighted to see the night sky of Socotra is something out of a photograph, brimming with countless stars. The minimal sources of aerial pollution on the island mean that the air is fresh and the night sky starry!

Searching for a location for stargazing on the island? Diksam Plateau offers one of the most unique natural sights in Socotra. The site is best known for its plethora of the unique Dragon’s Blood Trees. Hike up and experience a cooler environment compared to lower, arid locations on the island—the atmosphere is even more pleasant during the night. Best of all is the amazing clarity of the stars!

Why stargazing? For starters, you are the perfect location for wonderful sights the night sky, and connect back to nature. Moreover, stargazing is good for your mental health, enabling you to be more mindful of nature on your trip. And finally, the zero-disruption nature of stargazing makes it one of the eco-friendly activities on Socotra Island.

3. Sustainable Fishing at Ras Erissel Beach

The influx of visitors is rising, with fishing tourism one of the popular activities to experience on Socotra Island. Due to the innumerable marine life, wildlife, and must-see Socotran plants, it’s no surprise that the island’s fishing tourism has become one of its known attractions.

The serenity, surrounded by nature, and the possibility of a unique catch are tempting for both amateur and seasoned fishing enthusiasts. Moreover, driven fishing tourism does provide additional income for the local fishermen of Socotra. However, it is crucial that you prioritize sustainable fishing practices and play your part in the preservation of the island's resources.

Ras Errisel is the prime location for sport fishing and is renowned for catching Giant Trevally. Make sure that fishing is one of the eco-friendly activities on Socotra Island you are engaging in by avoiding the sport when not allowed, and adopting sustainable methods of fishing—such as hook-and-line fishing. You can also participate in any beach-cleanup programs to further promote eco-friendly tourism.

4. Scenic Hiking at the Hajhir Massif

The Hajhir Mountain range is an exciting challenge—even if you are an experienced hiker. The descent through Wadi Ayhaft down to the coastal region is one of the standout adventures you can have on the island. That said, it's also essential to be eco-friendly on your hike.

Hiking and ecotourism complement go hand in hand. The exploration of Hajhir peaks is a sustainable way for you to discover local natural wonders and distinct ecosystems.

Opt for a local guide to avoid getting lost and to know eco-friendly habits during your journey. Additionally, take standard eco-friendly hiking measures: bring a reusable water bottle, choose snacks with environmentally-friendly materials packaging (e.g. stainless steel and bioplastics), clean up after yourself, and avoid disturbing any wildlife you come across on your trek.

5. Buying & Eating Local in the Villages & Town

Another way to engage in eco-friendly activities on Socotra Island is to give back to the community. You can do this by supporting local producers and shops. When traveling in Socotra, you can:

· Eat fresh, locally sourced meals, indirectly supporting Socotran farmers and food businesses.

· Choose local over imported at every meal to avoid tourism from negatively affecting the economy.

· Get your souvenirs and trinkets from local suppliers over mass-produced imported goods.

Eating local is a significant part of eco-friendly tourism not only because of community support but also minimizes carbon emissions due to farm-to-table practices. Don't forget, that many small villages in Socotra rely on catches from the ocean as a means of earning a livelihood—so choose eco-friendly consumption habits while on your island adventure.

Ready For an Eco-Friendly Trip through the Ethereal Beauty of Socotra?

There are numerous ways to engage in eco-friendly activities on Socotra Island—and you can do these conveniently with our help. We design our groups and provide activities in a way that is beneficial for our environment and the local community. Call Socotra Specialty Tours at +971 50 850 4432 or send us a message on the website today!