Socotra's Beaches, Lagoons and Dunes
White dunes poured against cliffs, a Ramsar listed lagoon, and beaches reached only by boat. {n} ways to see the coast.
Socotra's coast does something unusual: the dunes climb. Wind drives sand up against the cliffs at Arher and Zahek to build slopes hundreds of metres high that you can walk up, with freshwater streams running out at the base of them.
Detwah Lagoon in the west is a Ramsar listed wetland of shallow turquoise water and white sand, and one of the few places on the island where the landscape is genuinely gentle. Shuab, further round the western cape, is reached only by boat from Qalansiyah, usually past spinner dolphins. Delisha, Aomak and Hayf give the same water with far fewer people.
The sea is not always benign. Swimming conditions vary with the season and with which coast you are on, and the same monsoon that closes the island in summer builds a serious swell before and after it. Take local advice on the day.
Top-rated across Socotra
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim on Socotra?
Yes, at many beaches and in the lagoons, though conditions vary by season and coast. Take local advice, since there are no lifeguards.
How do you get to Shuab beach?
By boat from Qalansiyah. There is no road. The crossing commonly passes dolphins and takes roughly an hour each way.
What makes Detwah Lagoon special?
It is a Ramsar listed wetland, a shallow expanse of turquoise water and white sand. It is also one of the most photographed places on the island.
Are the dunes climbable?
Yes. The dunes at Arher and Zahek are walked up regularly, usually early or late in the day when the sand is cooler.