What to Pack for Socotra — Complete Packing List 2026

Packing for Socotra is different from packing for a regular beach holiday. You will be camping on remote beaches, hiking through rocky plateaus, snorkelling in marine reserves, and sitting by fires in the evening — sometimes all in one day. This list is based on the practical experience of our local team guiding expeditions on the island.

Clothing

• Lightweight t-shirts (4–5) — breathable fabric recommended
• Lightweight long-sleeve shirt (1–2) — for sun protection and cooler evenings
• Trekking trousers (2) — quick-dry, not jeans
• Lightweight trousers (1–2) — light and breathable, for hot days and travel
• Shorts (2) — suitable at camps and remote beaches. In villages and around local families, wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
• Swimwear (2) — you will swim almost every day. Choose modest swimwear and cover up when leaving the beach or swimming area.
• Warm fleece or light jacket — evenings in the mountains can be cold, especially on the Diksam Plateau
• Underwear (5–6) — quick-dry fabric recommended
• Socks (4–5 pairs)

Footwear

• Hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes — the most important item. Rocky terrain, uneven paths. Don't bring brand-new shoes — break them in beforehand to avoid blisters and chafing.
• Flip flops or sandals — for beach camps and casual walking
• Water shoes (optional) — useful for rocky sea entries

Sun and Heat Protection

• Sunscreen SPF 50+ — bring more than you think you need
• Wide-brim hat or cap
• Sunglasses — polarised recommended for the water
• Lip balm with SPF

Gear and Equipment

• Daypack (20–30L) — for daily hikes and excursions
• Headlamp + spare batteries — essential for camp nights
• Earplugs and a sleep mask — useful at camps and during overnight transit
• Quick-dry towel
• Dry bag or waterproof pouch — for phone and valuables on boat trips
• Snorkel mask (optional) — we have basic equipment, but your own is more comfortable
• Water bottle — we provide drinking water, but a reusable bottle is useful
• Power bank — charging opportunities are limited
• Universal travel adapter

Health and Documents

• Travel insurance documents — strongly recommended, including medical evacuation coverage
• Passport (valid at least 6 months beyond your travel dates)
• Cash in USD — there are no ATMs on Socotra. Important: only new, clean banknotes from the 2013 series or newer are accepted. Bills with tears, folds, markings, or from older series may be refused.
• Basic first aid kit : blister plasters, pain relief, antihistamines, rehydration salts
• Wet wipes and hand sanitiser — useful when washing facilities are basic
• Cotton swabs — useful after swimming or snorkelling
• Personal stomach medication or probiotics — bring products you already know and tolerate
• Any prescription medication — bring enough for the full trip plus extra

Photography

• Camera or phone with plenty of storage — you will take hundreds of photos
• Extra memory cards
• Lens cloth — dust is everywhere
• Underwater camera or case — the snorkelling is exceptional
• Tripod (optional) — remote camps generally have very little artificial light, making them excellent for night-sky photography.

What NOT to Bring

A Note on Connectivity

Internet and phone signal are very limited outside of Hadibu. This is not a problem — it is part of the experience. Let people at home know you will be mostly offline. WhatsApp messages will catch up when you get back to town.