Under Water

Nature Socotra
Indian Ocean, Yemen

The characteristic of the Socotri-waters is abundance of fish, many species are endemic, this means they live only here and nowhere else. The common reefshark is the Whitetip Shark.Dolphins are plentyful, Whalesharks and even whales com frequently close to the cost. There are in fact more species of corals than in the Red Sea, but rather than fringing reefs they form only patches at certain locations. At most places solid rock defines the underwater-scenery. There are deep spots of course, but most of the diving takes places in 15 meters average depth. One can expect abundant fishlife, but no spectacular coral-formations. Currents are mostly moderate, water temperature is in winter (season) 26 degrees. The North-side is in general to be better for diving than the southern side. The eastern tip of Socotra is Ras(Cape)Erysel, the island´s ship-graveyard. The remains of 28 vessels can be dived there, originating from 15th century to modern times. Two only, however, are preserved, the other ones , smashed by the waves into pieces, form a layer of wood, steel and iron covering the whole area.The ocean swell makes diving in the shallow waters (5-15m)at times difficult, fishlife is excellent. The best preserved wreck is on the opposite side, on the west end of the island, the wreck of Shoab. Resting in the perfect depth of 20m on the sands, the vessel is home of a incredible ammounts of fish. There is much space for discovering new spots. Diving in Socotra can be time-consuming and is connected with extra-costs, because the distances are far. The traditional setup is to drive by 4-wheel to a certain area and hire one of the local "hoories", long, slim boats powered with outboard engine. Since most of the roads are difficult (4 wheel) the travel to divespots is time-consuming. Not a paradise for permanent-divers, but adventure and romantic as it used to be in the early times of Sinai. The only reef easily accessable from shore without boat is Dihamri.

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