Socotra’s sea life explored
The sea surrounding Socotra teems with life - turtles, leaping dolphins and whales. Located at the crossroads of several biogeographic provinces, the islands and surrounding marine region include species from the western Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, East Africa and the greater Indo-Pacific.
By arrangement a regionally based marine biologist can accompany us and be on hand to take you on an exciting survey of the marine life of Socotra to try to locate dolphin species (including Spinner, Spotted and Common), migrating whales species (including Blue, Sperm, Brydes, False Killer and Pilot Whales) and the four different species of turtle (Hawksbill, Olive Ridley, Loggerhead and Green turtles).
Diving unspoiled coral reefs & ancient shipwrecks
Socotra is an ideal scuba diving location, boasting coral reefs rich with marine life, old wrecks perfect for exploring and visibility generally ranging from 10-40 metres. The marine life of Socotra is very diverse, with 253 species of reef-building corals, 730 species of coastal fish and 300 species of crab, lobster and shrimp. Scientists have found that fish species that might not encounter each other anywhere else in our oceans are meeting on the Socotra reefs to interbreed and are creating hybrids.
The island has a wealth of interesting diving spots and our options for privately diving the best dive sites in the area are unlimited. A highly experienced PADI scuba dive master and instructor will lead the dives, using well-maintained diving equipment.
Socotra fishing
Fishing off Socotra is a unique experience for wild fishing anglers, with excellent popping, vertical jigging, light spinning and fly-fishing. Socotra may be considered one of the best wild destinations for GT (Giant Trevally) anywhere, with an average weight of more than 40 kg and often up to 60 kg. This is due to several factors: primarily the abundance of forage fish such as rainbow runners and fusiliers, combined with strong currents that transport large quantities of nutrients and very importantly, the extreme lack of fishing pressure.
In addition to GT, there are many other species that can be caught: huge red snapper, coral trout, emperor, Spanish mackerel, barracuda, golden trevally, kingfish, yellow spotted and black tip trevally, sailfish, dorado, wahoo and marlin. The best month for sailfish and Spanish mackerel are October and November, the other fish are present all year through. They have amberjack, grouper of all types, sharks, green and rusty job fish. Also fishing from the shore offers interesting possibilities and bonefish, striped threadfin, Indian Permit, Leer fish, Bream and Bluefin Trevally are all caught from the shore.
Fishing with local fishermen is both fascinating and hugely enjoyable. However, speciality fishing can also be arranged on advanced request.