A Blue Treasure of the Gulf of Guinea

São Tomé and Príncipe emerges from the Atlantic like a rare gem, where the deep blue of the sea meets the vibrant green of the tropical forests. Though small in size, the country is immense in its natural beauty: pristine beaches, exuberant biodiversity, welcoming people, and a culture shaped by African roots, Portuguese influences, and a unique rhythm that enchants every visitor. In the heart of the Gulf of Guinea, it is a true treasure—serene, authentic, and unforgettable.

The archipelago consists of small islets teeming with seabirds, volcanic cliffs and formations, and waterfalls plunging into the sea… Exploring the coast by sea is a true spectacle of nature! Local agencies organize customized boat trips to various destinations around the island; most excursions are designed for private groups of varying sizes.

The Island Tour: Early morning departure from the city of São Tomé, returning around 4 p.m. It’s possible to arrange a picnic halfway through the tour on Ilhéu das Rolas, in São Miguel, or on other beaches. Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and a raincoat.

Ilhéu das Cabras (Goat Islet) Despite its name, there are no goats on this islet, but it does offer a magnificent view of Ana Chaves Bay and a small beach much loved by São Toméans for private picnics. It’s easy to reach from the port or any of the northern fishing villages.

Ilhéu Santana Can be visited by boat from Club Santana or the city of São Tomé. A half-submerged cave runs through the islet and is worth exploring, whether by boat or while snorkeling. At this time, it is not possible to disembark on this islet.

COMPANIES TO CONTACT

For more information, contact:

Dive Tribe São Tomé
Cidade de São Tomé: Hotel Pestana São Tomé
Ilhéu das Rolas: Hotel Pestana Equador
Mobile: +239 987 25 60
Email: saotome@dive-tribe.com
Website: www.dive-tribe.com

Navetur
Rua Viriato da Cruz, São Tomé
Phone: +239 222 21 22 / +239 222 17 48

Whale and Dolphin Watching

The cetacean family is well represented in São Tomé and Príncipe. Humpback whales (Megaptera novaenglaea) visit our waters between June and December, often accompanied by their calves. Groups of dolphins can also be spotted, though less frequently.

Best time of year: June through December

Turtle Watching

Turtles are now a highly protected species in São Tomé. Intensive hunting over the years—whether for their meat or for their shells, which are used to make various objects—has brought this species to the brink of extinction. The Tatô program is dedicated to the protection, conservation, and study of sea turtles in São Tomé and Príncipe, which now makes it possible to observe their nesting process from September through April, accompanied by specialized technicians and guides who do not disturb the animals. Praia de Inhame and Praia de Jalé, in southern São Tomé, are among the best spots to witness this extraordinary event. And in the northern region, specifically in Morro Peixe, you’ll find the Tatô Museum, where you can also visit and observe the turtles.

Between November and March, hawksbill and leatherback turtles arrive by the hundreds to lay their eggs on the beaches of Príncipe Island. Since the nests are protected, book a guided tour at Praia Grande, in the south of the island. Here, park rangers passionate about turtle conservation monitor each nest, protect the eggs from wild dogs and numerous crabs, and take visitors on torchlit beach walks where, if you’re lucky, you can watch female turtles lay their eggs or see the hatchlings emerge. Amazing!
 

In São Tomé and Príncipe, there’s just as much to see at sea as there is on land! After all, we’re in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, right on the equator, where the waters are the clearest in the entire Gulf of Guinea. Characterized by a fairly rugged topography, the seabed offers a wide variety of features at depths ranging from 10 to 50 meters, including reefs, walls, and caves, as well as other underwater wonders. While easily accessible for beginners, advanced divers will not be disappointed by the waters off São Tomé. Local operators have discovered fantastic dive sites of increasing difficulty, including options for night dives. Naturally, each agency offers different dive sites, all carefully identified and mapped. Even for those who have never dived before, there are opportunities to take a try-dive or a diving course taught by certified instructors.

In the meantime, we’d like to highlight the following sites:

• Lagoa Azul: Ideal for both beginners and experienced divers, this is an excellent site for observing certain corals, seahorses, schools of sardines, and other bottom-dwelling species. It can be explored both from the inside (from the beach and the bay) and from the outside (a short distance from the bay, with depths ranging from 20 to 30 meters).

• Ilhéu Santana: The main attraction is the cave that runs through the islet from north to south, where you can see both reef fish and pelagic species. You’ll also find beautiful gorgonians and other corals there.

• Diogo Vaz: A deep dive for certified divers. Opportunities to see gorgonian gardens and much more on this wall approximately 40 meters high.

• São Miguel: An extreme dive site on the wildest side of the island of São Tomé.

• Sete Pedras: In reality, there are far more than seven stones! A fantastic spot with rock formations home to corals, rays, turtles, and more.

• Nanook: At a depth of about 15 meters, you can see corals, moray eels, as well as rays and croakers.

For those who prefer a more athletic way to explore the sea, canoeing and kayaking are the ideal options, and some operators already offer sea kayaks suitable for this activity.

Dive Tribe São Tomé
, São Tomé City: Hotel Pestana São Tomé
; Ilhéu das Rolas: Hotel Pestana Equador
; Cell: +239 987 25 60
Email: saotome@dive-tribe.com
Website: www.dive-tribe.com

Club Santana
Tel.: +239 224 24 00 / 01–09
clubsantana@cstome.com
www.facebook.com/gogosaotome
 

The waters off São Tomé, and particularly those off Príncipe, are recognized worldwide for their enormous potential for sport fishing, with world records having been set at certain times for sailfish. Some agencies and hotels specialize in this activity and offer high-quality services and professional equipment.

Some species:

• Atlantic blue marlin (Agulha Sombra / Estromba - Atlantic Blue Marlin, Makaira nigricans)

• Sailfish (Peixe Andala, Istiophorus albicans)

• Yellowfin Tuna (Atum, Thunnus albacares)

• Black Wahoo (Peixe Fumo - Wahoo, Acanthocybium solandri)

• Dorado (Columbeta - Dourado, Coryphaena equiselis)

COMPANIES TO CONTACT

Dive Tribe São Tomé City of São Tomé: Hotel Pestana São Tomé Ilhéu das Rolas: Hotel Pestana Equador Cell: +239 987 25 60 Email: saotome@dive-tribe.com Website: www.dive-tribe.com

Navetur Rua Viriato da Cruz, São Tomé Tel.: +239 222 21 22 / +239 222 17 48 Email: navetur@cstome.net Website: www.navetur-equatour.st

Surfing in São Tomé and Príncipe is starting to gain popularity. There is already a surf school in São Tomé, located on Sete Ondas (Seven Waves) Beach. Although the waves aren’t very powerful, it’s best to bring boards with good volume. Generally speaking, in addition to the regular spots we’ll describe below, anyone traveling south along the road should keep their eyes open, as good waves can appear at any stretch of beach or reef, depending on the tide and the microclimatic conditions around the island.

• Santana: Enter the water across from the church and follow the coast south behind the cliff. Team up for a session with Marlin, an experienced local surfer who knows this wave like no one else. Watch out for sea urchins!

• Sete Ondas: Ideal for beginners and children. However, watch out for currents at this beach—it’s not as calm as it seems.

• Ribeira Afonso: A peaceful spot with a great fishing village atmosphere. The wave is a right-hander and breaks at the river mouth.

• Iô Grande: Another fishing village in the Caué district. The wave is a long right-hander at the mouth of the country’s largest river. Watch out for sharks. Do not surf on rainy days.