Arher Beach

At Arher on Socotra's eastern coast the wind has piled white sand into a dune that runs several hundred metres up the face of a limestone cliff, and at the foot of it a freshwater stream comes out of the rock and runs across the beach into the sea, so that swimming in cold fresh water and warm salt water happens within a few metres. Camping on the beach is how most people see it.

What you actually see

• The climbing dune - white sand piled hundreds of metres up the cliff face.
• The freshwater stream - cold water coming out of the rock onto the beach.
• The contrast - fresh and salt water swimming within a few metres.
• The camping ground - the beach where visitors stay overnight.

When to go

October to April is the cool season and the practical window. The summer monsoon from June closes the island's transport. The stream runs year round.

Honest expectations

Facilities are camping and nothing else. Climbing the dune is hard work in soft sand. Access to Socotra requires arrangements made well in advance.

Nearby

Hoq Cave is north, and Homhil is west.