Located in the Arabian Sea, near the Gulf of Aden, the Yemeni archipelago of Socotra is home to some of the most unusual biodiversity on the planet. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it shelters exceptional flora and fauna: 37% of its plants, 90% of its reptiles and 95% of its land snails are endemic. They are found nowhere else on Earth. It is in this unspoilt setting that Socotra Forever operates, an organisation born on the island and run by Abdullah and Eisa, which has become the go-to choice for anyone who wants an off-the-beaten-track experience.
Local expertise at the service of travellers
When you plan a trip to this isolated land, the choice of who travels with you is crucial. Socotra Forever is not just another travel agency in Socotra: it is a team of islanders, storytellers, nature lovers and proud Socotris who have chosen to share the reality of their home. Their vision is clear: to offer authentic and sustainable ecotourism, far from traditional marketing models built on mass consumption.
With more than 500 happy travellers to its name, the team relies on an intimate knowledge of every corner of the island, from the highest mountains to the deepest marine trenches. The local guides in Socotra who make up the team are all certified. They know the nature, culture and history of their land inside out, while ensuring smooth communication and optimal safety for visitors.
"As a woman travelling alone, safety was my priority. The team made me feel completely at ease and took care of everything. The cultural experiences with local families were the highlight of my trip." Emma
"Socotra Forever gave me the trip of a lifetime. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Camping under the stars with the silhouettes of dragon's blood trees against the sky was magical." Sarah
Organised trips to Socotra designed for immersion
Whether for wilderness expeditions, cultural immersion with local communities or camps in remote areas, the agency's organised trips to Socotra cover a wide range of experiences. Their tailor-made itineraries adapt to what each traveller wants: hiking mountain trails, swimming in crystal-clear waters, snorkelling among untouched coral reefs, or boat trips to isolated lagoons and coves full of dolphins.
The agency also stands out for a sharp speciality: organising trips for professional photography. Working with international clubs and photographers, Socotra Forever takes artists to capture the Milky Way, sunrises and sunsets over raw landscapes.
For those who want a ready-made plan, the Classic Socotra Tour offers a 12-day format at $3,000 per person. But the agency's strength lies in its ability to take care of everything: from permits to logistics, from transport to setting up camp, as well as comfortable accommodation options. Nights under the stars are a must, with full set-ups including comfortable tents and traditional meals.
Travellers' feedback speaks for itself. James, an Australian adventurer who has visited more than 50 countries, remembers the team's expertise, which opened doors he could never have opened alone.
The Socotra dragon tree: a symbol under threat
On a trip to Socotra, one species always captures attention: the Socotra dragon tree (Dracaena cinnabari). This umbrella-shaped tree, which grows between 150 and 1,600 metres above sea level, shapes entire ecosystems. Its leaves, pointing skywards, capture moisture from the air, a vital adaptation to increasingly long droughts. Its red resin, used in traditional medicine, earned it the name dragon's blood tree.
Yet the future of this species is under threat. Increasingly violent storms are wiping out mature trees, while overgrazing prevents young plants from growing. This is where the Socotra Dragon Blood Tree Association comes in.
Socotra Dragon Blood Tree Association: protecting and restoring
Founded in 2022 by French and Socotri people, this association protecting Socotra's flora works mainly on the Dixam plateau and in the Firmihin forest, which alone holds more than 50% of the dragon tree population, as well as in Homhil. Socotra faces growing climate and human pressures, and the association has built its work around three pillars: reforesting the dragon tree through community nurseries, sustainable api-forestry, and better access to water.
Between 2022 and early 2025, four nurseries were set up, including one at the Dixam school to involve the younger generations. Awareness workshops combining drawing, storytelling and observation of endemic plants are held regularly. By 2026, the project shows impressive figures: 5 nurseries created, 2,950 dragon trees reintroduced as seedlings, 100 beehives installed in partnership with the Maithan association to boost pollination and generate income from a rare, high-value honey, 100 schools reached, and 3,000 good-practice guides handed out to tourists and agencies.
The association, chaired by Issa, does not stop there. The 2026-2027 period will see more pipelines installed to carry water from the mountains to isolated villages, a vital issue in the face of climate change. Above all, a botanical garden will be created. With bilingual educational signs, it will serve as a training centre for sustainable resource management, while generating its own income from guided tours and sales of honey and crafts. At the same time, preserving local culture remains central, with work to safeguard Soqotri poetry and language, an ancient Semitic language distinct from Arabic.
Responsible ecotourism with a real impact
The link between Socotra Forever and the Socotra Dragon Blood Tree Association is a natural one. By choosing to travel with the agency, visitors indirectly support an approach where tourism is not extractive but a lever for protection. Low-impact itineraries, eco-friendly practices at the camps and direct support for the local economy are in line with the association's values. Travellers also receive the forest code of conduct published by the association, to make sure their visit leaves no negative trace.
Planning your trip: practical information and contact
To organise your expedition and travel with a team born on the island, visit the agency's website: https://socotraforever.com/fr/.
If you would like to learn more about the work on the ground, the creation of the nurseries or the water access projects, you can explore the association's work through these links: https://www.socotradragonbloodtreeassociation.org/ or directly on their detailed about page: https://www.socotradragonbloodtreeassociation.org/fr/a-propos/.
To discuss your next trip directly and ask about itineraries or specific logistics, you can contact the agency right now on WhatsApp at +977 77-542028. The team will reply personally to build the trip that suits you.
Article sponsored by Socotra Forever and the Socotra Dragon Blood Tree Association.
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