Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Socotra Island

The main drawback when you travel: the expenses. The constant doubt about whether that sightseeing tour or signing up for that watersport activity will have you go over the budget. Lucky for you, when you travel to Socotra, you don't have to choose between having a good time and keeping your travel expenses low, because the island offers a plethora of fun and budget-friendly things to do!

A Guide to Traveling to Socotra on a Budget

The shores, flora, and peaks of Socotra have earned a much-deserved reputation as some of the most gorgeous in the world. With plenty of natural beauty no matter what direction you head into, traveling to Socotra on a budget is simple and fun. We’ve listed the top things to do in Socotra Island when you are touring the place on a limited budget.

Hike up a hill and explore the stunning Hoq Caves.

A stunning natural formation Socotra has to offer, an affordable adventure, and an opportunity for you to test your endurance—Hoq Caves offers all this and more. The climb up to the caves is an hour to an hour and a half long. This depends on how great your stamina is and can be rigorous—so pack your comfiest hiking shoes.

When victorious for one the best things to do in Socotra Island—climbing rocky hills—enter the eerie, beautiful caves. These feature endless arrays of stalagmites and stalactites which date back millions of years!

Climb the sand dunes of Arher Beach and camp overnight.

If you have little time on the island and can add just one beach to the itinerary, Arher Beach is the way to go. It is home to massive sand dunes, cliffs in the backdrop, and azure water that’s welcoming at any time!

And if you want to capture the perfect photos on Socotra, you can do a couple of low-cost activities. First, climb the tallest sand dune for panoramic shots, while the other is camping for views of a gorgeous sunset and an equally impressive sunrise!

Trek through the Diksam Plateau to view Dragon’s Blood Trees.

You’ll find the famous umbrella-shaped Dragon’s Blood Trees everywhere on the island. However, for a truly enriching experience, a hike around the Diksam Plateau is just what you need. Even with a local guide, this expedition is a cost-effective one that every member of your party will enjoy.

The other-worldly trees make up excellent scenery as you walk around the plateau. You can freeze the rare views in your camera. If you have the time and resources, one of the exciting things to do in Socotra Island is camping at the Diksam Plateau for a mesmerizing night under the stars!

Take a short walk through the wild Firhmin Forest.

Across from the Diksam Plateau is the enchanting Firhmin Forest, which houses not only the most Dragon’s Blood trees in Socotra but also various types of unique, must-see Socotran plants.

Getting to the Firhmin Forest is fairly easy, and you can opt for a walk to view only the most popular plants or surround yourself with unmatched beauty for a long time by camping through the night in the Forest. There’s a rustic campsite in the forest clearing, but it does lack facilities for campers.

Take a dip in the beautiful infinity pool at Homhil.

You won’t miss the swanky pool at over-priced hotels at any urban vacation location you’ve been to when you take your first swim in the infinity pool at Homhil Protected Area!

The infinity pool is a great example of nature's finest works. Moreover, taking a dip in it is one of the essential things to do in Socotra Island. Immerse yourself in refreshing water as you take in the endemic flora around—including Dragon’s Blood trees and bottle trees.

Go fishing at the secluded Ras Erissel Beach.

If you love fishing or would like to try your hand at it charmed by the beauty of the island, you'll find that it is one of the fairly budget-friendly things to do in Socotra Island. The Ras Errisel beach is a less explored place, which makes it perfect for those who prefer serenity while fishing.

Put aside a budget for a customized Socotra Island guided tour. That way, you get access to the transport and fishing gear for an enjoyable time at Ras Errisel Beach. Join the local fishermen or the boat arranged by your guide for a daytime fishing excursion. You may even get lucky and reel in a fish or two which you can have for dinner!

Stop at Kilisan Wadi for some sunbathing and cliff-diving.

In dry seasons, the Kilisan Wadi (Valley) is not as exciting, but at other times there is a gorgeous stream. As the valley is a picture-perfect place: a stream surrounded by towering white cliffs and strikingly clear blue water below. Needless to say, an escapade here is one of the absolutely must things to do in Socotra Island.

While the water can be quite cold on a breezy day, it’s truly a fantastic spot for you to swim. If you prefer staying dry, the vast area is perfect for soaking up the sun. And if you’re feeling adventurous, go for base jumping from the cliffs into the deep waters below!

Visit the Dihamri Marine Reserve and go snorkeling.

A stunning national park and a marine reserve, Dihamri is a necessary addition to your itinerary for a Socotra adventure. Entrance to Dihamri Marine Reserve requires a fee—which is nothing compared to the joyous activities and incredible sights that await you!

Look forward to seeing a large variety of rare fish as well as sea turtles. You can choose to scuba dive or for a more affordable alternative by renting snorkeling gear. Since the water here is clear like it is in most parts of the island, snorkeling alone is perfect to view the magnificent coral reef and exquisite marine life.

Tackle the peaks at the Hajhir Mountain range for a challenge.

If you already own hiking gear for a challenging mountainous range, don’t let the opportunity to scale the peaks of Hajhir Mountain pass you by. It’s one of the best hiking trails on Socotra Island. It’s best to begin in the morning, since the long hike may take up all your daylight hours. However, it is well worth it!

For hikers who are less experienced, there are shorter trails present in the mountain range. Additionally, you'll find local guides eager to assist you, no matter which path you decide to take.

Experience Socotran culture in the capital city, Hadibo.

When on Socotra Island, taking a break from beaches and hills and heading to the nearby community is not a problem when you are traveling on a budget. Hadibo, the capital, is home to almost half of Socotra’s population.

It is a vibrant cultural center and a fantastic way to experience the everyday life of the locals. Additionally, there are delightful local shops where you can find souvenirs and fresh local produce at great rates.

Ready For an Adventure? Create A Custom Socotra Island Tour With Us!

Traveling to Socotra on a budget? As local guides in Socotra, we have the expertise to craft a personalized, budget-friendly tour for you. Call us at +971 50 850 4432 or leave a message on the website to plan a fun-filled and satisfying journey!