The characteristic of the Socotri-waters is abundance of fish, many species are endemic, this means they live only here and nowhere else.

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 imbedded in sands 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  be better for diving than the southern side, where sand-dunes form the land-scape.

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 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.

Diving in Socotra can be time-consuming and is connected with extra-costs, because the distances are far and bakshish is in demand. 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. The re-entrance to such a vessel needs sportive people.

Since most of the roads are difficult (4 wheel) the travelling to divespots is time-consuming.