The beautiful islands of São Tomé and Príncipe were uninhabited when first discovered by Portuguese sailors in the 1470s. Tropical and volcanic, these twin islands sit right on the equator and lie directly east from Gabon in Central Africa. Given back to Africa in 1975, the islands of Sao Tome and Principe have some of the most incredible virtually-untouched beaches and there are several exquisite lodges that offer snorkelling, boat excursions, plantation tours, and day walks from your doorstep. You can even stand on the equator at Rolas islet! Tourism is in its infancy, so every experience feels truly authentic and it’s common to find yourself completely alone on the beaches, or out the many forest trails.
If you’re planning to visit the islands of Sao Tome and Principe, here are our top five things to do:
- Visit Cacao Plantations and sample the delicious chocolate
- Watch turtles lay their eggs at night
- Treat yourself to a stay at Bom Bom Eco Lodge
- Go deep water snorkelling at Santana Islet
- Stand on the equator at Rolas Islet
Swim in turquoise waters, walk along empty beaches and enjoy a warm Sao Tomean welcome.
1. Visit Cacao Plantations and sample delicious chocolate
Santomean chocolate is the best in the world. Visit Cacao plantations to see how co-operatives farm and harvest the plants and prepare the raw beans for chocolate production. Beans are dried and fermented on-site before the cocoa solids and butter can be extracted and eventually made into delicious chocolate.
2. Watch turtles laying their eggs at night
Turtle watching experiences on Sao Tome and Principe are particularly special because its a country with low visitor numbers, and November right through to February is the time to see them. There are four species of turtle that come to lay their eggs on both islands: the olive ridley, green, hawkesbill, and leatherback turtle. Under the cover of darkness, you can witness turtles coming to shore and laying their eggs. Because the incubation period is about 2 months, late January to the end of March is the time to see those little hatchlings make their bid for the ocean.
3. Treat yourself to a stay at Bom Bom Eco Lodge
Principe is the most popular island for those looking for a bit of luxury in paradise and the Bom Bom Eco Lodge has always been our favourite place to stay on Principe. There are a range of activities on offer here, from boat excursions to snorkel on nearby islets, to bird watching walks, and cacao plantation visits. Nestled amongst dense tropical undergrowth are a range of comfortable bungalows, with a gorgeous outdoor pool and a private beach. You can choose to be right on the beach, up in the gardens, or by the pool.
4. Go deep water snorkelling at Santana Islet
The equatorial waters around Sao Tome and Principe are warm and clear, teeming with tropical fish. If staying at Club Santana you can take the hotel boat to Santana islet to swim and snorkel at this idyllic location. All accommodation at the coast offers snorkel equipment for your free use, so you can swim and snorkel from Santana, Praia Inhame, Mucumbli, Sundy Praia, Belo Monte and of course famous Bom Bom resort on Principe.
5. Stand on the equator at Rolas Islet
Rolas islet is accessed by boat transfer from Praia Inhame and transfers are in a traditional pirogue style boat. If travelling to the islet be sure to take packed lunch as there are no facilities available – and don’t forget to pre-arrange for your return home! On the islet you can walk and explore several amazing tropical beaches. Take your snorkelling equipment if you are keen to snorkel. Walk up to the equator mark for selfies at this unique location!
