Shuab Cove

Shuab Bay

Shuab Bay is a picturesque lagoon with the finest white sand, located on the Yemeni island of Socotra, which lies 350 km south of the Arabian Peninsula. The bay is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean and is very popular with fans of beach vacations, sea fishing, surfing, snorkeling and diving. These places are attracted by the silence, desolation, the natural power of the ocean and the bright combination of blue sky, azure waters and pure white sand.

General Information

Shuab Cove is considered one of the best and the sea in it is the calmest on Socotra Island. When there is no wind, the bay forms several beach areas where snorkelers and flippers come to dive. The local underwater world is very beautiful. Shoals of fish can be seen in the crystal clear water. Closer to the shore herring walks, and at depth you can meet barracuda, tuna, hamur and large lobsters.

There are no highways to Shuab Bay, so you can get to this picturesque place only by sea. Tourists usually try to spend the first morning hours in the bay, because closer to the middle of the day, wind waves rise, which makes it difficult to return home.

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Tourists traveling to Shuab Bay are advised not to forget hats and sunscreen. A light jacket may also be required, as the boat is driven by strong winds on the way back, and travelers get splashed by water. The optimal time to visit the island is from December to April.

Features of climate and nature

Socotra is located in the northwest Indian Ocean and lies in a tropical desert and semi-desert climate zone. During the monsoon season, which falls during the summer, the character of the Indian Ocean changes dramatically. Strong winds raise high waves, so it becomes unsafe to swim in Shuab Bay, as well as throughout the island. And getting into the bay at this time of year is problematic, as fishing boats cannot go out to sea during storms.

On Socotra there are many endemic species of plants and animals, so since 2003 the entire island territory has received the status of a biosphere reserve.

How to get there

Shuab Cove is located in the west of Socotra Island. To get to the island, tourists fly to Sana’a, the capital of Yemen, then transfer to local airlines that take passengers to Habidu, the capital of Socotra Island.

Shuab Bay is easiest to reach by boat from the village of Kalansiya. A fishing boat takes travelers to the desired location in 1-1.5 hours.

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