The Surf Window

Socotra

Socotra, Yemen

Beach breakAdvanced

The remote, biologically unique island of Socotra in the Arabian Sea receives powerful Indian Ocean swells and is one of the most extraordinary adventure surf destinations on earth, home to dragon blood trees, deserted white sand beaches, and world-class uncrowded waves.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)

Wind

N

Offshore

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

October–May

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand and reef

Shape

Powerful beach break and reef setups, raw, uncrowded and completely unexplored

Length

50–200m+

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced
  • •Why: Complete self-sufficiency required, remote location, no surf infrastructure, powerful waves

Hazards

  • •Island is cut off during the SW monsoon, no evacuation possible
  • •Very limited medical care
  • •Strong currents and unexplored reef sections

Local Tips

  • •Access is by flight from Aden, Sana'a or Abu Dhabi, check current flight availability
  • •The island's 700 endemic species make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bring a naturalist guide alongside your surfboard

Location

Map showing the location of Socotra in Socotra, Yemen

12.6219, 53.9036