Practical guide
Activities & add-ons on Socotra
Most of what makes Socotra exceptional is included in the base package. A few optional extras — gyrocopter flights, diving, fishing, cultural performances — are available to book through your operator.
What's already included
A standard all-inclusive package covers everything you need to experience the island properly:
- Daily hiking, swimming, and snorkelling
- Boat trip to Shoab Beach (included, not an add-on)
- Sunset sessions at Zahek Dunes and Detwah Lagoon
- Stargazing at Diksam Plateau
- Cultural evenings around the fire with local guides
Most visitors find the included itinerary is more than full. The add-ons below are for those who want to go deeper on a specific interest.
Gyrocopter scenic flights
The most unusual way to see Socotra. A single-seat gyrocopter gives you low-altitude aerial coverage of landscapes that even drones can't fully capture — you feel the scale of the dune fields and the dragon blood forest from above.
| Duration | Price |
|---|---|
| 30 minutes | $160 |
| 60 minutes | $320 |
| 90 minutes | $480 |
One person per gyrocopter. Discuss availability and preferred location with your operator at booking — not all departure points are suitable.
Diving
Socotra's underwater world is among the least-dived in the Indian Ocean. The reefs are intact, the visibility is good, and there is almost no boat traffic.
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Shore dive (equipment + divemaster) | $125 per person |
| Boat dive (equipment + divemaster) | $175 per person |
Advanced certification recommended for boat dives. Confirm availability with your operator; the dive season aligns with the main travel window (October–April).
Fishing
Half-day fishing from a local boat. You keep what you catch; the camp cook prepares it for dinner. Lobster, grouper, and emperor fish are common depending on the season.
- Half-day boat: $150 per boat (shared between the group)
Cultural experiences
Available to arrange through your operator depending on location and group interest:
- Female dance group: traditional Socotri women's performance — $150
- Fire dancers: evening performance at camp — $150
These experiences require advance notice and depend on availability in the area.
Sand-boarding & camel riding
Available at Zahek Dunes area:
- Sand-boarding: $30 per person
- Camel riding: $30 per person
Drone permit
The drone permit is an official Yemeni government requirement, not an operator fee.
- Cost: $100 USD, paid on arrival at Hadibo Airport (cash, exact change)
- Pre-registration: your operator submits your drone's make, model, and serial number to Yemeni authorities at least 2 weeks before arrival
- What you get: daily guidance from your guide on permitted flight areas (no public no-fly map exists)
If you're bringing a drone, tell your operator at the time of booking.