São Tomé and Principe

Country/State Data

Regions

1

Breaks

14

Coastline

209 KM

Cost of living

Capital

São Tomé

Current Time

Security

Health

Positives
  • Quality, empty pointbreaks
  • Consistent summer swells
  • No rain during surf season
  • Untouched equatorial island
  • Beautiful scenery and wildlife
Negatives
  • Mostly small waves
  • No access to west coast
  • Expensive trip
  • Malaria

Where to surf in São Tomé and Principe

Approximately 270km from the western shores of Africa, São Tomé and Príncipe Archipelago are composed of three islands: São Tomé is the largest, followed by Príncipe which is 30min away by plane, and finally the tiny islet of Rolas (3km²). São Tomé and Príncipe is a developing country, with an economy based on coffee, cocoa, small-scale agriculture and fishing. Príncipe was the first island where cocoa trees were planted in 1822 by the Portuguese, hence the nickname of the “Chocolate Islands”. Many plantations were abandoned after independence in 1975, which wreaked havoc with the economy of the country for decades. The islands are still in reconstruction, but war is history and oil and tourism have taken over as the new way to give a better future for this secluded paradise.

Sao Tome

Australian and American surfers visited São Tomé as early as the ‘70s, and the odd French surfer from Gabon or the Ivory Coast, but travelling surfers remain rare. The first media surf trip to this area was in August 2000, when Callahan, Rarick, George, et al found many promising set-ups along the east coast plus the equator straddling Point Zero Left.

Principe

Principe is a bit shadowed by São Tomé, but if there is a due S swell then south coast beaches like Praia Infante will hold some headhigh waves, albeit onshore.

Surf spots in São Tomé and Principe

Research the 14 surf breaks in São Tomé and Principe and discover what spots suit the current conditions.

Break lowdown

We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 14 breaks in São Tomé and Principe.

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When to go

Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to São Tomé and Principe

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Travel Information

General
Current Time
Tourists
33,400
Population
219,159
Tourist Info
Tourist Info

Security

Health

Money
Currency
STN
Exchange rate
$1 = 13,533 STD STN

Cost of living

Communication
Dialing in
+239
Dialing out
00
Language
Portuguese
Electricity
Plug Type
c
f
Visas

Most nationalities can visit visa free for stays of up to 15 days

Getting There

30 day visa necessary ($65) before you go. Vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory. São Tomé (TMS) flights can be very expensive, although it’s cheaper for flights from Lisbon. Weekly direct connections via TAP, STP Airways, Air Angola and Africas Connection from $767. Connections to Angola (Luanda), Ghana (Accra), Cape Verde (Sal) and Gabon (Libreville). Departure tax: $20USD in cash.

Getting Around

Rental cars are very expensive. A basic car such as a Suzuki Jimny costs $70/d, or hire a private yellow taxi (no meter), close the deal first and be prepared to pay for 5 persons plus the journey back. Roads are getting better but remain slow and winding. Locals use motorbikes. Rolas is 20 minutes by boat. Island Tours are available: from $1050 with Club Maxel boat.

Accommodation

On Rolas, Pestana Equador Resort is a diving & fishing resort that costs $145/n/dbl: Jalé Beach Ecolodge bungalow for 2 from $45/day and the much newer Praia Inhame Ecolodge ($58/n/dbl/b&b). Allow $15 per meal. Roça are ex-plantation houses. Roça de São João dos Angolares: $55 for dble. Santomean cuisine is very rich! Eat Calulu, Blabla, Cachupa and Feijoada.

Activities
cultureoutdoorurbanwatersports

A paradise for bird watchers, hikers and biodiversity lovers. São Tomé Pico is a volcanic cone at 2024m. Don’t miss Obo National Park. Visit coffee or cocoa plantations. Sea turtles can be seen at Mikolo Beach.

Hazards & hassles

Protect against yellow fever and chloroquine-resistant malaria. Friendly locals on local wooden boards are becoming more common.

Handy Hints

Bring a longboard for the smaller days. Take USD$ and Euros - no cash machines. Dobras are used for local markets, taxis etc. Refuse to eat dishes made of sea turtles (meat or egg), or other protected species (shark, earth snails, forest pigeons etc).

Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.

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