SOCOTRA PACKING LIST: WHAT TO BRING
Socotra Packing List: What to Bring for an Unforgettable Island Escape
Located in the Arabian Sea, Socotra Island is a destination that only gets visited by around 3000+ people per year. There isn’t much information about it online, and I’ll be covering everything from how to visit the island to which spots I’d recommend in my blog. For this specific article, I wanted to create a Socotra packing list to make sure you bring the right essentials with you so that you can enjoy this island to the fullest.
Clothing Essentials
1. Lightweight and Breathable Clothing: The tropical climate of Socotra means warm temperatures year-round. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing such as cotton or linen to stay cool and comfortable. Loose-fitting garments are also advisable for better airflow. Yes, you can wear shorts on the island!
2. Shawl or Scarf: While Socotra is relatively relaxed, some areas are more conservative. A shawl or scarf can be handy for covering your shoulders when visiting villages or religious sites, showing respect for local customs.
You might see other groups wearing more revealing clothes. You can watch my rants on my Socotra Instagram highlights complaining about actual nudity! I went for work as the team leader/logistics manager of a group and I was happy to see that the company I freelance for keeps locals in mind. Go get nude in France or Germany. This is their home, not ours. We’re just being welcomed to it. Let’s be respectful!
3. Light Jacket: The Dragon Blood Tree Forest or Fermhin Forest, located in the Hagghier Mountains, can be surprisingly cool, especially in the evenings. A light jacket will keep you warm as you explore this unique forest.
Extra tip: make sure your tent’s zipper is closed when you sleep here. Condensation is a real issue here and you’ll be soaked when you wake up if you don’t!
4. Swimwear: Women should consider packing a one-piece bathing suit. While bikinis are acceptable, avoid wearing thong bikinis to respect the local culture. Men can pack regular swim trunks. Don’t forget a cover-up for the beach!
Footwear
1. Comfortable Walking Shoes: Socotra’s rugged terrain calls for sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. Whether you’re trekking through the Dragon Blood Tree Forest or exploring the island’s caves, good footwear is essential.
2. Sandals: For beach days and casual strolls, pack a pair of sandals. Choose ones that are easy to slip on and off.
3. Water shoes: I always travel with these and I’m always surprised by how little people think of them. The pair that I use is good for hiking, too! These are essential when you visit the caveman’s home and when you’re at Wadi Kalisan.
Health and Hygiene
1. Aloe Vera Gel: The sun on Socotra can be intense. Aloe vera gel is a great natural remedy for soothing sunburns and keeping your skin hydrated after a day under the sun. We got extremely sunburned at the Wadi and this would have come in handy.
2. Coral Reef Safe Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the strong UV rays by packing a coral reef safe sunscreen. This will not only protect your skin but also help preserve Socotra’s marine life. Reapply regularly, especially after swimming or sweating. Don’t make the same mistake we did!
3. Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes and other insects can be a nuisance, particularly at dawn and dusk. An effective insect repellent will keep the bugs at bay.
4. Microfiber Towel: Since there are no laundry facilities on the island, bringing a quick-drying microfiber towel is a smart move. It’s lightweight, compact, and useful for beach days or freshening up.
5. Biodegradable Wet Wipes: Help keep Socotra clean and reduce your environmental impact by bringing biodegradable wet wipes. These are handy for freshening up when showers are unavailable. You can find these online, at any big supermarket, or if not, you can find them before your flight at Carrefour in Abu Dhabi like I did.
6. Eco Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Conditioner: Pack eco-friendly toiletries to minimize your impact on Socotra’s delicate ecosystems. Choose biodegradable options to ensure they don’t harm the environment.
7. A Shewee or portable urinary device: they come in a hygienic pouch that can be easily washed. I also use this for festivals and whenever I’m out hiking. Extremely useful and highly recommended!
8.Anti-motion sickness pills: there are long drives in the country, and if you do get motion sickness, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so bring some with you if you can.
Gear and Accessories
1. Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial. Bring a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste and ensure you have water handy during your excursions.
Unfortunately, you will be given water bottles regularly during your trip, this is just the way things are run here. However, I would recommend the reusable one for hikes.
2.Hat and Sunglasses: A wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses are essential for shielding yourself from the sun’s rays. They’ll keep you comfortable and reduce the risk of sunburn and heatstroke. The glasses are great to protect your eyesight while hiking the blindingly white dunes. I personally don’t wear hats, but by all means, bring one if you want to. If you have long-sleeved UV-resistant shirts, bring those too!
3. Waterproof Bag: For beach outings and boat trips, a waterproof bag will protect your belongings from water and sand. One of the women in our group fell from one of the boats and damaged all of her camera gear. She just lost her balance and fell backwards into the water while getting off the boat. A tiny fall with no injuries can damage a lot of gear.
4. Swimming Goggles: To fully enjoy Socotra’s crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, bring a pair of swimming goggles. They’ll enhance your underwater experience. Prepare to be surprised, there are turtles AND dolphins here!
5. Headtorch: A head torch is indispensable for nighttime activities and navigating in low-light conditions. It’s particularly useful for camping or exploring caves. A few of the early morning hikes also require these.
6. Powerbank: With limited access to electricity on the island, a power bank will keep your devices charged throughout your trip. This one is the one I use and it has a solar panel included. You can charge your devices during the drives while you’re in the vehicle, but this is just to be on the safe side.
Financial Preparation
1. Cash in Pristine USD: There are no ATMs on Socotra, and you’ll need cash to pay for your visa and any outstanding fees. Bring enough pristine US dollars, as this is the preferred currency and torn or damaged bills will NOT be accepted. Don’t forget to bring money for the tip! I recommend 3-10% of the total price of your tour.
While tipping might not be customary where you come from, please don’t forget that most people who work in the travel industry (myself included), don’t have a regular salary. This goes according to seasons. A small tip can go a long way, especially for Socotri.
Technology and Gadgets
1. Drone: Capturing Socotra’s stunning landscapes from above can be truly spectacular. If you bring a drone, be aware that if it crashes, the local team you’re traveling with will not be responsible for any damages or losses. You also might not get enough time to retrieve the drone if you’re in a rush.
2. Camera and Accessories: Socotra’s landscapes are incredibly photogenic. A good camera will help you capture the island’s breathtaking beauty. Don’t forget extra batteries and memory cards to ensure you don’t miss any shots.
Entertainment
1. E-reader, Books, or Card Games: With limited connectivity, having an e-reader loaded with your favorite books, a couple of paperbacks, or card games can provide great entertainment during downtime. Recommended reads include “Islands of Heritage” by Nathalie Peutz and the “Socotra Bradt Guide” You’ll be offline most of the time – embrace it!
Some people do get some signal from the mainland but this is rare and do not count on it. If absolutely necessary, you can ask your guide or the company you’re traveling with to send a quick message to your family to let them know you’re doing well.
Miscellaneous
1. Lightweight Daypack: A small, lightweight daypack is perfect for carrying your essentials during day trips and hikes.
2. Travel Insurance: Given Socotra’s remote location, travel insurance is something I’d highly recommend, for any trip. Yes, there are plenty of travel insurance companies that cover Socotra. If the one you use doesn’t, look for alternatives.
3. Medication: antihistamines, pain killers, etc. This is not to scare you, but we also had 3 incidents where people had allergic reactions, myself included (I was just sitting and minding my own business and got stung by a few bees). If you are prone to these, bring an EpiPen.
Final Tips
- Respect the Environment: Socotra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with unique ecosystems. Be mindful of your environmental impact. Get rid of waste responsibly. Bring a small plastic bag to keep these and dispose of it in the capital.
- Cultural Sensitivity: While Socotra is welcoming to tourists, respecting local customs and traditions is important. Dress modestly in villages and avoid public displays of affection. We also did see some people bathing nude. While I do respect nudity, there’s a time and space for it. A conservative country like Socotra definitely isn’t it. Don’t be THAT tourist the locals hate.
I hope this packing list was helpful! If you’re going as part of a group, don’t forget that if you happen to leave something behind, others will be there to help you out. There are only a few places in the world like Socotra, make the most of it! And make sure to check out my other articles on how to get to the island. If you have any questions, you know where to find me.
Happy travels!
Hey there, and welcome to Go Global with Sibu! I’m a global citizen that has been living and traveling around the world since 2005 – all through budget travel, scholarships, study/work and living abroad opportunities. I share everything I’ve learned over the years here – to prove to you that you don’t need money or privilege to enjoy everything that this world has to offer.