Local business man and “yachtie helper”, Denis Romanov, told Noonsite that it is still very dangerous to approach mainland Yemen and any of the Yemeni islands in the Red Sea, especially the Hanish Islands.

“However, Socotra is still providing a warm welcome for any sailors heading on passage to or from the Red Sea,” said Denis.

“We have about 20 to 30 boats visiting us each year, mostly stopping for fuel and I would like to confirm that Socotra is an absolutely calm and safe place. Socotra is also a good place for provisions.  We have very unusual and delicious bananas, which can be stored for a very long time, the most delicious tomatoes in the world (according to the season) as well as papaya, dates and good bread.

“We also recommend buying unique resins from Socotra such as frankincense, myrrh and dragon’s blood. Myrrh and dragon’s blood should be kept on the boat as an urgent means of salvation from toothache and internal bleeding and ulcers.”

Denis has provided the following information to assist sailors that need to go to Socotra for fuel and provisions.

Information for sailors

The best anchorage at Socotra (sea port) is at 12°40.50 N – 54°04.44 E.   (Best in the summer, mid-May to mid-September).  It is recommended to arrive during daylight hours and drop anchor east of the seaport.

You will find a few cargo ships with long anchorage ropes. Take care.

Visiting yachts must wait until seсurity comes to the boat for customs and immigration control (no one should go ashore). The seaport officials don’t have VHF (or they don’t use it).

The appointed agent for the Seaport Authorities is Ghanem Ali. He will organize everything you need on Socotra and is a very nice and open person.
His phone  00967770272222 (WhatsApp) and email is [email protected]

If possible, it is better to call Ghanem on VHF Channel 72 as you approach Socotra and he will meet you at the sea port.

To go ashore – or if you want to stay more then 48 hours – you need a visa (150$ per person). Visas can be obtained with a copy of your passports. It is better to arrange a visa before coming to Socotra, but it can be arranged in one to two days after arrival.

It is also helpful if you send to the agent in advance of your arrival the name of the boat (registration), crew info and ETA. This will be shared with the Immigration office and security services at the port.

Fees and charges

All fees for clearance, including agent’s service, is US$260.

For refueling (just a short stop on Socotra without going ashore) the fees + agent services including transport will be US$190 plus US$10 for the  local fishermen who will bring passport and customs control aboard, plus US$4 per person for seaport fees.

Fuel and water

Fuel now is US$1.50 per litre if you buy less than 100 litres.  The price can change (depending on the exchange rate YR-USD).  However, for bigger amounts you have to get special permission from the governor.  This is not a problem, but it takes one day to get and the price will be 1800 YR per liter.

Water costs US$50 for 2000 litres, but in this case you have to pay US$30 to come inside the port. Same for a big amount of fuel.

Pets

Please, dogs are not allowed on the island.  If you have a dog on board, you cannot let it go ashore!

Local information

Food purchases – prices vary but the average bill for a food shop for 3-4 people is around US$200-300.

Taxi transfers from the seaport to Hadibo and return is about US$30.  A day trip costs US$100 for a Toyota Landcruiser with local English-speaking driver/guide (the car can take four people).

There is no internet cafe in Hadibo, but you can use Internet at Ghanem’s office or get a SIM card (from ETISALAT – UAE) with which you can get Internet.

There is an ATM in Hadibo, but the official rate is very bad compared to the black market. So, it is better to use cash. The exchange rate was US1$ = 250 Yemeni Rial (YR) (05.2023)

Denis Romanov
www.socotra.info

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Related Links:

• Yemen – Socotra (Noonsite)
• The Red Sea – (Nooonsite Cruiser Report)

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