Ilhéu das Rolas Tour - Southern São Tomé & Equator Experience
Experience a Southern Sao Tome Tour with The Chocolate Islands
Explore the stunning southern region of São Tomé on this comprehensive full-day Southern São Tomé tour. This immersive 8-hour journey takes you from São Tomé city deep into the island’s most dramatic landscapes, where volcanic peaks pierce jungle canopy and pristine beaches remain untouched by mass tourism.
Visit the dramatic Boca do Inferno coastal blowhole, witness the iconic Pico Cão Grande volcanic plug rising from the jungle, and discover pristine beaches and cascading waterfalls. Experience historic roças (plantations), local fishing villages, and the natural beauty that makes São Tomé unforgettable. Cross the Equator at Ilhéu das Rolas, glide through ancient mangroves by traditional canoe, and see how this biosphere is preserved. With a professional local guide and comfortable 4×4 transport, this southern São Tomé tour covers the essential highlights of the south in one unforgettable day.
Ready to Cross the Equator?
Tour highlights
Experience São Tomé’s southern treasures on this comprehensive southern São Tomé tour. Glide through Roça Malanza’s pristine mangroves by traditional canoe, observing exotic birds in their natural habitat. Swim in the crystal-clear pools of Praia Piscina before visiting Praia Jalé, where sea turtles nest and whales pass offshore.
At Ilhéu das Rolas, stand at the Equator marker with one foot in each hemisphere. Witness panaromic Atlantic views, while standing at the equator, then relax at Praia Bateria’s golden sands and dramatic coastline. Complete your journey with authentic São Toméan cuisine at Praia Café, where fresh local flavors meet stunning coastal scenery.
Visit The equator
On our Southern São Tomé tour. Stand at the center of the world where the Northern and Southern Hemispheres meet. The Equator marker on Ilhéu das Rolas marks 0° latitude – one of the few places on Earth where you can physically straddle both hemispheres. This iconic landmark features a commemorative plaque and dedicated photo area, making it the perfect spot to capture your equator crossing moment. The surrounding viewpoint offers sweeping panoramas of the Atlantic Ocean and São Tomé island in the distance.Retry
Praia Bateria (Battery Beach)
Golden sands meet dramatic coastal rock formations at Praia Bateria, one of southern São Tomé’s most striking beaches. This secluded stretch of coastline offers calm waters perfect for a refreshing swim after exploring Ilhéu das Rolas. The beach’s natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere provide the ideal setting to unwind before your return journey. Praia Bateria captures the untouched character that makes São Tomé’s southern shores a paradise for beach lovers seeking authentic island experiences away from crowds.
Pico Cão Grande
One of São Tomé’s most iconic landmarks, Pico Cão Grande is a dramatic 663-meter volcanic plug rising vertically from the jungle. This ancient basalt monolith creates an otherworldly silhouette visible from viewpoints along the southern route. Your guide stops at the best vantage point for photographs of this striking geological formation surrounded by dense rainforest. While climbing requires technical expertise, viewing Pico Cão Grande from your southern São Tomé tour provides an unforgettable perspective of the island’s volcanic heritage.
Plan Your Visit
This full-day southern São Tomé tour departs from São Tomé city at 8:00 AM and returns approximately 8 hours later. The €100 per person rate includes round-trip transportation, professional local guide, traditional canoe experience at Roça Malanza, access to all beaches and landmarks on Ilhéu das Rolas, and lunch at Praia Café. Beverages are not included in the tour price.
The tour operates year-round, though September through November offers the added opportunity to spot humpback whales passing offshore at Praia Jalé. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the short walk to the lighthouse, and swimwear is essential for enjoying Praia Piscina’s natural pools. Bring sun protection, insect repellent for the mangrove experience, and your camera for the Equator crossing photo opportunity.
Booking in advance is strongly recommended, particularly during peak travel season. Small group sizes ensure a personalized experience throughout your southern São Tomé adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the southern São Tomé tour?
The tour lasts 8 hours, departing São Tomé city at 8:00 AM and returning approximately 4:00 PM. This includes transportation time, the mangrove canoe experience, beach visits, Equator crossing, and lunch at Praia Café.
Can you visit the Equator in São Tomé?
Yes, the Equator crosses through Ilhéu das Rolas, a small island off São Tomé’s southern coast. The Marco do Equador marks 0° latitude where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere – one of the few accessible equator crossings in the world.
What is included in the tour price?
The €100 per person rate includes round-trip transportation from São Tomé city, professional local guide, traditional canoe ride through Roça Malanza mangroves, access to all beaches and landmarks, and lunch at Praia Café. Beverages are not included.This southern São Tomé tour provides exceptional value for a full-day island experience.
When is the best time to visit southern São Tomé?
The tour operates year-round. September through November is particularly special as humpback whales migrate past Praia Jalé’s coastline. The dry season from June to September offers calmer seas for swimming at Praia Piscina.
What should I bring on the tour
Bring swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, reef friendly sun protection, insect repellent for the mangroves, and your camera. A light rain jacket is recommended as tropical showers can occur unexpectedly.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, advance booking is strongly recommended. Small group sizes ensure a quality experience, and availability fills quickly during peak travel months.
Are group discounts available?
Yes, group discounts are available for larger parties. Groups of 3 or more people receive a 10% discount, while groups of 7 or more receive a 15% discount on the standard tour price. This makes the southern São Tomé tour ideal for families, friend groups, or small travel parties looking to explore the Equator and coastal highlights together.
Book Your Southern São Tomé Tour
Why Choose Our Southern São Tomé Tour?
Many operators offer southern São Tomé tours, but our philosophy sets us apart. We believe in preserving São Tomé exactly as it is – not changing it, not “improving” it, but celebrating its authentic character. Every element of this tour keeps money flowing directly into local communities rather than international operators. We live here, we breathe the air, we take the tours ourselves. This means that all profits from the site are fed back into the local communities, not exported to Lisbon or become a tiny line on a multi-national’s spreadsheet.
Your lunch at Praia Café supports a family-owned business. The Roça Malanza canoe experience employs local guides who’ve lived on these waters for generations. Our drivers and guides are São Toméan islanders who share their home with you, not imported expertise. This southern São Tomé tour doesn’t extract value from communities – it sustains them.
