Swimming Hole On Socotra island

This beautiful oasis like swimming hole, complete with palm trees for shade, gave us a well-earned respite on a long and arduous hike on the island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean. We were in the Homhil Protected Area near Dixam Plateau. The hike took us past Frankincense trees, Dragon Blood Trees and the cute, fat Bottle trees that are found only on Socotra. The water was blue and just cool enough to be refreshing on a hot tropical day. The swimming hole, isolated in a deep, rocky canyon, reminded me of a desert oasis, minus the sand of course. 

Adventure Travel On Socotra Island

Water holes like this one are just part of what makes adventure travel on Socotra island so rewarding. They  have incredible mountain vistas, deep canyons, pristine white-sand beaches, friendly people and warm tropical weather. In my opinion the lack of big fancy hotels, expensive restaurants and throngs of tourists add to the allure. No big tourist buses, just the requisite four wheel drive Toyota land cruisers...which I now have a new respect for.