Socotra - General Info
Description:
Socotra is officially part of Yemen and is a small archipelago of four islands located between the Guardafui Channel and the Arabian Sea.
It is a useful place to stop and re-provision on the way to the Red Sea. Approximately 20 to 30 yachts stop here every year, most of them to just re-fuel.
The largest island, Socotra, is where the capital Hadibo is located, just 15 km from the port. There is however no public transport, but a trip to the city and back can be organised by an agent.
Socotra is renowned for its biodiversity with over 700 species found nowhere else in the world. Until recently, the island was very isolated from the outside world.
Cruiser Highlights:
Fuel and water; easy provisioning; very friendly locals; incredible flora and fauna.
A report on a visit to Socotra in 2017 offers an insight into the attractions and safety of the island and can be found here.
Entrance notes or cautions:
Approaching the island from the East, it is advisable to keep at least 10 miles offshore. The eastern extremity of Socotra is dangerous for its sandbanks reaching far out into the ocean and strong currents.
The guiding landmark to the harbor entrance is a tall sand dune with an oil storage facility under it. Entry at night is possible, but not recommended due to local trade ships anchored with no lights.
The entrance to the harbor, where the pier and anchorage are located, is safe.
Daytime arrival is recommended – anchor east of the seaport and watch for cargo ships with long anchor ropes.
Position:
12° 40.80’N, 54° 04.67E (anchorage)
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Socotra report March 2024 from Renaissance III:
Sailing from Maldives 1200 nm to Socotra took 7 days and we contacted Yasser at I am Socotra ship agency, WhatsApp +967777655566. Check in was simple and hassle free, anchorage was 400m west of the port jetty in 5 meters with a good holding sand bottom position N12 40.780 E54 4.649. Cost of visa 150USD each POB going ashore. We also took a 2 day camping trip to the Dragon Blood Tree forest and the lagoon. Worth every cent. Getting fuel was possible but expensive, food was cheaper as there are small grocery stores and a fresh market 20 mins from the Port. This is not Yemen, the locals were friendly and the island is super safe. Worth a stop and a tour. Yasser arraigned a local guy to watch the boat and run the genset daily for our fridges and batteries.
Report from Denis Romanov of Socotra Tamam Agency – December 2018:
Last year, some yachtsmen who stopped at Socotra faced certain difficulties. Some of them were not allowed to go ashore. This was due to the presence on the island of soldiers from the Emirates and the tightening of the security regime.
This year, with the advent of the new governor and the withdrawal of the military from the Emirates from the island, the situation has changed for the better. All papers are issued to yachtsmen and tourist visas are issued for those who want to see the island.
However, some confusion remains with different authorities. The bad news is that clearance in Socotra has become more expensive. Now we have to pay extra money to two authorities – the coast guard and the security service.
Additional payment is about $115. Thus, the total amount of clearance on Socotra (including agency fees) is $345 now. A tourist visa costs $100 per person, which allows you to travel around Socotra without any problems accompanied by a local guide.
The boat Formidable 3, which made a short stop at Socotra in early December for fueling, watering and buying food, was the first to be faced with new requisitions from the security service and the coast guard.
We hope that the new government of Socotra soon sorted out with unauthorized extortion by security forces in the future the cost of registration of yachts will be as before.
It is possible that in this case it was the payment for urgency (yacht wanted to stay on Socotra only one day), and in the future we can avoid these costs, but the sailors, who plan to stay on Socotra, should be ready for such unplanned spending.
In any case, we will try to minimize your expenses on Socotra.
Hi
Interested in visiting Socotra for a few days in August, on the way from Seychelles to Maldives, what is the current security situation at the moment, thank you