Top 5 Beaches In Socotra You Must Visit At Least Once!

Clear azure water, shining sand, and a lot of opportunities for curbing your inner aquaphile—who wouldn’t love that! Are you planning to visit Socotra and still have some empty spaces on the itinerary? Know that the best places you can visit are the beaches in Socotra!

Take a look at our top five picks, ones you have to add to your itinerary to get your fill of refreshing swimming. Not to mention magical marine life and unreal photographs!

Fun Under The Yemeni Sun: The Amazing Beaches In Socotra Island

The natural beauty of Socotra Island is the primary reason the archipelago deemed a UNESCO world heritage site draws travel-lovers and nature photographers from all around the world. The charm of Socotra’s beaches is not a secret—though we can point you towards the Socotra you never knew existed, the more unique spots!

Simply put, the place still remains an underrated gem. This is why now is the best time to have a nice vacation and enjoy the serenity of the shores. Socotra’s rising fame is bringing more crowds every day. Here are the best beaches in Socotra you should know about.

Qalansiyah Beach

Qalansiyah’s fame as one of the best beaches in Socotra in Socotra is well-earned. It has been gifted with the best of Socotra's ethereal charm. In fact, it is known as one of the most gorgeous beaches in the world.

Take a trip to the northwestern side of Socotra Island to access this beautiful place. You'll experience a vast expanse of white sand and blue waters. The hills that make up the backdrop aren't just perfect for photography! These also offer an incredible panoramic view if you’re feeling adventurous enough to scale their heights.

It's the perfect place for an invigorating swim, or simply to unwind by soaking up the sun on the soft sand. You can freely stroll into the water barefoot, as there are no corals or seaweed to worry about. Plus, the shallow waters make Qalansiyah Beach ideal if you're traveling with children.

Shoab Beach

With sand that looks and feels like white velvety powder and clear waters, Shoab Beach will capture your heart! This is one of the best beaches in Socotra that looks like something out of a dream because of its out-of-this-world feel.

Know that reaching Shoab Beach is an adventure in itself. The best way to reach here is by renting a boat at Qalansiya, with dolphin sightings on the way! Shoab Beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and even hiking on the surrounding hilly trails.

Best of all, near Shoab Beach's shoreline, is a sunken ship, which you can reach by scuba diving. And, you should consider camping out overnight at this beach because the sandy beach with its hilly surrounding mangroves makes for a spectacular not-to-miss view at sunset and sunrise!

Detwah Lagoon

Another one of the stunning beaches on Socotra Island near Qalansiyah is none other than Detwah Lagoon. It's one of the beautiful beaches in Socotra, present at the western side of the island. Here you’ll explore sand dunes, turquoise water, an open lay of sand, and a kind of strong current.

Though not the best spot for swimming unless you’re a pro, Detwah is a must-visit because it's perfect for camping. The beach has the perfect atmosphere, with a cool breeze that's comforting when you're visiting Socotra during hotter weather. The campsite is also quite vast and well-equipped, complete with toilets and showers.

Added bonus: the clear waters of Detwah Lagoon are unlike that of any other beaches in Socotra. You’ll have a nice view of the wonders below—and may even be lucky enough to spot a few stingrays!

Dihamri Marine Reserve

Does your love for a waterside vacation include a wish to see rich marine life? Then Dihamri is one of the beaches in Socotra for you! Despite the absence of a sandy beach, the rocky shore of Dihamri offers a unique swimming experience in its calm and safe bay.

But the best part of this place is that it’s a natural marine reserve, and offers one-of-a-kind diving opportunity into an underwater paradise. You'll explore and experience a wide range of fish species and stunning coral reefs.

Of course, that means you need to pack your snorkeling gear (read The Ultimate Packing Guide For Socotra Island). If you don’t have any, you can rent a pair of goggles and snorkeling gear from the reserves management.

Arher (& Ras Ersel) Beach

Lastly, one of the best beaches in Socotra is where you'll feel like you're on a mountain meadow in the Alps! Welcome to Arher Beach, where the massive, photogenic sand dunes serve as a breathtaking backdrop to a freshwater creek surrounded by green grass.

The sand dunes that run along the beach are almost as tall as the cliffs along this beach. The beach is also a fantastic spot for camping, and the crystal-clear water is ideal for a dip or two. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a dolphin or two. Swimming in the shining waters is a one-of-a-kind experience, so don’t miss out!

The beach’s impressive sand dunes and pristine water make it a lovely stop. If you want something more secluded, you can head towards the Ras Ersel beach nearby—a haven for nature lovers. It’s a serene area that also offers great opportunities for fishing.

Despite the charm, Ras Ersel Beach has still gained fame matching that of other top beaches in the world as Socotra is still not a hyped tourist destination. But that works in your favor, as you can enjoy time alone or with your travel party without too much noise or foot traffic.

Travel To The Beaches In Socotra With Socotra Specialty Tours

If you want a comfortable, stress-free trip with no worries of transport—the help of local guides who know the most unique beaches in Socotra island—then reach out to us today! In addition to making travel plans, we help you get swimming and snorkeling gear to ensure you have a great time at every beach!