São Tomé and Principe activities 2020/21
São Tomé
São Tomé City Tour
Visit the capital of São Tomé to discover the wonders of Portuguese colonial architecture and to experience daily life in the city. The tour starts with a visit to the Fortress of Saint Sebastian (Forte De Sao Sebastião) which houses the national museum and where you will have an introduction to the colonial history of São Tomé and Principe. The tour then continues to the Cathedral, an important landmark in the history of Catholicism in Africa; Independence Square where independence was celebrated in 1975; the Municipal Market; important commercial houses in the city centre and other buildings dating from Colonial times. During the tour it is also possible to include some shopping, with assistance from your guide, to purchase local handicraft/products. The tour ends with a traditional Santomean lunch, after which you will be driven back to your hotel.
- Duration: 4½ hours
- When: Daily (all year) at 09:00
- Price: £75.00 per person based on a minimum of 2 participants*
Notes:
- Return transfer (car/minivan) included from/to Omali Hotel. Please meet in reception 10 minutes prior to the excursion time.
- Included: Water and lunch (drinks not included) - please advise of any dietary requirements at time of booking.
- Recommended: Comfortable walking shoes and clothing, sun-screen, insect repellent and hat. Please take local currency with you in case you wish to purchase drinks at lunch or souvenirs (there is no ATM available on the island).
- It is recommended to do the tour during the opening hours of the shops in the city.
- You will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
- This tour can be done on the last day of your holiday on São Tomé and Principe, if arriving from Principe Island on the morning flight (which lands in São Tomé at 10:55) and departing the same day on the evening international flight to Lisbon. Please note that the city tour itinerary will be altered accordingly.
- *Price for 1 participant - £116.00; 3 participants - £62.00pp; 4 participants - £55.00pp; 5 participants - £51.00pp; 6 participants - £48.00pp; 7 participants - £47.00pp and 8 participants - £44.00pp.
The Plantations of the North – Coffee and Cocoa Tour
One hundred years ago the island of São Tomé, along with the island of Principe, were the largest cocoa producers in the world. Numerous plantations were built to harvest the cocoa - the wealth of São Tomé, but were abandoned and reclaimed by nature over time. This tour visits the historical landmark of Fernão Dias, a sub division of the once grand Agostinho Neto plantation, after which you will visit the Boa Entrada plantation where you will see some of the most beautiful colonial architecture on the island. The tour then continues to the Agostinho Neto plantation to visit its botanical garden and to view the colonial architecture of this grand estate, before descending along the west coast to the historical point of Anambô where Portuguese discoverers set foot on Santomean ground for the first time. After a short break (refreshments and a snack) at Anambô, the tour finishes in the Monte Forte plantation, one of the last working plantations on São Tomé where people still work in agriculture, bringing you back to the present day and where a traditional lunch will be served.
- Duration: 8 hours
- When: Daily (all year) at 08:00
- Price: £104.00 per person based on a minimum of 2 participants*
Notes:
- Excursion by car/mini-van. Pick up and drop off at Omali Hotel. Please meet in reception 10 minutes prior to the excursion time.
- Included: Rain cape, water, snack and a traditional lunch (excluding drinks) – please advise of any dietary requirements at time of booking.
- Recommended: Comfortable walking shoes and clothing (paths will be wet and muddy), sun-screen, insect repellent and hat. Please take local currency with you in case you wish to purchase drinks at lunch (there is no ATM available on the island).
- You will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
- *Price for 1 participant - £173.00; 3 participants - £81.00pp; 4 participants - £70.00pp; 5 participants - £65.00pp; 6 participants - £61.00pp; 7 participants - £57.00pp and 8 participants - £55.00pp.
Monte Café Coffee Plantation Tour – High Altitude Coffee
This tour takes you up into the mountains, to an altitude of 800 metres above sea level, where the air is fresh and clean. From here, at Pousada de Boa Vista, you will enjoy a panoramic view (weather permitting) of the city of São Tomé before continuing to São Nicolau (Saint Nicholas) waterfall, where part of the journey to the waterfall will be on foot through the secondary rain forest (c.45 minutes). At the waterfall there will be a refreshment stop (coffee and local sweet), before descending to the coffee plantation of Monte Café. The plantation was the biggest and the most prosperous among all the coffee plantations on São Tomé and produced high quality coffee which was exported worldwide. At the plantation you will learn about the treatment process of the coffee in the traditional and modern way.
- Duration: 4½ hours
- When: Daily (all year) at 08:00
- Price: £83.00 per person based on a minimum of 2 participants*
Notes:
- Excursion by car/mini-van. Pick up and drop off at Omali Hotel. Please meet in reception 10 minutes prior to the excursion time.
- Included: Rain cape, water, coffee and typical local sweet - please advise of any dietary requirements at time of booking.
- Recommended: Comfortable walking shoes and clothing (paths will be wet and muddy), snacks, sun-screen, insect repellent and hat. Please take local currency with you in case you wish to purchase some coffee at Monte Café plantation (there is no ATM available on the island).
- You will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
- To improve your chances of a view of São Tomé city from Pousada de Boa Vista it is recommended you set off as early as possible. If an earlier departure is required this must be requested at time of booking.
- *Price for 1 participant - £127.00; 3 participants - £68.00pp; 4 participants - £61.00pp; 5 participants - £58.00pp; 6 participants - £55.00pp; 7 participants - £52.00pp and 8 participants - £44.00pp.
- *It is possible to extend the coffee plantation tour with a 3-hour trek to the Amélia Lagoon where you will enjoy the views from its volcanic crater and discover the unique fauna and flora of the area. It is recommended that you are normally an active person. The additional price applicable is: 1 participant - £196.00; 2 participants - £170.00pp; 3 participants - £78.00pp; 4 participants - £63.00pp; 5 participants - £56.00pp; 6 participants - £50.00pp; 7 participants - £45.00pp and 8 participants - £42.00pp. Must be requested at time of booking.
The East Coast Tour – Down to the Angolares
Discover some of the most beautiful landscapes of São Tomé on this excursion. Travelling along the east coast you will pass by Santana, where you will be able to see the islet of Santana, before continuing to the highest point of Água Izé. After a short stop at the viewpoint you will visit the Água Izé plantation house to witness the treatment process of cocoa. From here the tour takes you to the famous natural blowhole of Boca do Inferno before passing by the village of Ribeira Afonso. A stop at 7 Ondas beach for a swim, before lunch, is included (weather permitting). A tropical fusion lunch will be served at São João plantation. After lunch there will be time to discover the installations which are in place at São João such as its art gallery and the equipment used for the treatment of different products found at the plantation such as jam and liquors (products may vary depending on the season and harvest).
- Duration: 8 hours
- When: Daily (all year) at 08:00
- Price: £132.00 per person based on a minimum of 2 participants*
Notes:
- Return transfer included from/to Omali Hotel. Please meet in reception 10 minutes prior to the excursion time.
- Included: Water, snack and a traditional Fusion lunch (drinks not included) - please advise of any dietary requirements at time of booking.
- Recommended: Comfortable walking shoes and clothing, swimming costume, sun-screen, insect repellent, hat and towel (please ask at Omali Hotel reception for use of a beach towel). Please take local currency with you in case you wish to purchase any drinks at lunch and/or small change in €/USD if you wish to purchase products from the plantation house of São João (there is no ATM available on the island).
- You will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
- *Price for 1 participant - £193.00; 3 participants - £107.00pp; 4 participants - £97.00pp; 5 participants - £93.00pp; 6 participants - £88.00pp; 7 participants - £85.00pp and 8 participants - £83.00pp.
Bombaim Plantation Tour
This tour takes you in to the heart of the island, heading uphill away from the capital of São Tomé, to the village of Trindade. On arrival you will visit the church of Santissima Trindade and take a stroll around the village. Afterwards, passing by the plantation of Santa Adelaide, along a winding and muddy road, the tour continues to the plantation estate of Bombaim which is situated in the valley of Rio Abade, surrounded by mountains. The journey to the estate takes you partly through secondary forest, along the Manuel Jorge river, to the famous waterfall of Bombain from where, along with your guide, you will walk the rest of the way to the plantation house. Once at the plantation house you will visit its installations and enjoy a traditional Santomean meal in the administration building. After lunch there will be time for a walk around the estate before returning back to your hotel by car (4WD).
- Duration: 4½ hours
- When: Daily (all year) at 09:00
- Price: £120.00 per person based on a minimum of 2 participants*
Notes:
- Excursion by car (4WD). Pick up and drop off at Omali Hotel. Please meet in reception 10 minutes prior to the excursion time.
- Included: Rain cape, water, snack and a traditional lunch (excluding drinks) – please advise of any dietary requirements at time of booking.
- Recommended: Comfortable walking shoes and clothing (paths will be wet and muddy), sun-screen, insect repellent and hat. Please take local currency with you in case you wish to purchase drinks at lunch (there is no ATM available on the island).
- You will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
- *Price for 1 participant - £195.00; 3 participants - £95.00pp; 4 participants - £82.00pp; 5 participants - £77.00pp; 6 participants - £72.00pp; 7 participants - £68.00pp and 8 participants - £65.00pp.
The Southern Beaches Tour
Discover the desert beaches of São Tomé on a tour that will take you to two of the most beautiful and unique beaches of the island. Early in the morning you will be met by your guide and travel along the east coast to the village of Portalegre. The drive is approximately 3 hours and includes stops to take in the views of the river lô Grande, the peak of Cão Grande as well as the waterfall and plantation of Ribeira Peixe. On arrival in Portalegre you will visit the old mansion of Lama Porco before descending to Jalé beach, a beautiful beach with a long stretch of golden sand. From here it is possible to go by canoe to São Tomé’s largest mangrove. The tour continues to Praia Piscina, with a walk included (weather permitting). At Praia Piscina you will have the opportunity to swim at the beach before a picnic lunch is served. After lunch there will be time to relax before returning to the city.
- Duration: 10 hours
- When: Daily (all year) at 07:00
- Price: £123.00 per person based on a minimum of 2 participants*
Notes:
- Excursion by car/mini-van. Pick up and drop off at Omali Hotel. Please meet in reception 10 minutes prior to the excursion time.
- Included: Rain cape, water, snack and a traditional picnic lunch (excluding drinks) – please advise of any dietary requirements at time of booking.
- Recommended: Comfortable walking shoes and clothing, change of clothing, sun-screen, swimming costume, towel (please ask at Omali Hotel reception for use of a beach towel), insect repellent and hat.
- You will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
- Important: Swimming at Jalé beach is not recommended due to strong currents. The south of the island is the humid zone where it rains frequently.
- *Price for 1 participant - £192.00; 3 participants - £97.00pp; 4 participants - £85.00pp; 5 participants - £79.00pp; 6 participants - £74.00pp; 7 participants - £71.00pp and 8 participants - £66.00pp.
Mountains and Beaches Tour – Leisure and Culture
Visit the main tourist attractions of the north of the island of São Tomé on this tour. First, you will visit the Monte Café plantation where you will learn about the treatment process of the coffee in the traditional and modern way. After, you will continue to São Nicolau (Saint Nicholas) waterfall, where part of the journey to the waterfall will be on foot through the secondary rain forest (c.45 minutes). At the waterfall there will be a refreshment stop (coffee), before descending the mountain to the Agostinho Neto plantation to visit its botanical garden and view the colonial architecture of this grand estate. Before lunch you will visit the beach of Conchas where there will be time to relax and enjoy a swim. En route to the Monteforte plantation, for lunch, you will pass by the Blue Lagoon of São Tomé. There will be time, after lunch, to have a look around the plantation before heading back to your hotel.
- Duration: 8 hours
- When: Daily (all year) at 08:00
- Price: £111.00 per person based on a minimum of 2 participants*
Notes:
- Excursion by car/mini-van. Pick up and drop off at Omali Hotel. Please meet in reception 10 minutes prior to the excursion time.
- Included: Water, snack and a traditional lunch (excluding drinks) – please advise of any dietary requirements at time of booking.
- Recommended: Comfortable walking shoes and clothing (paths will be wet and muddy), sun-screen, swimming costume, towel (please ask at Omali Hotel reception for use of a beach towel), insect repellent and hat. Please take local currency with you in case you wish to purchase drinks at lunch (there is no ATM available on the island).
- You will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
- Please note that the tour itinerary and departure time is subject to change due to weather and/or road conditions.
- *Price for 1 participant - £198.00; 3 participants - £85.00pp; 4 participants - £70.00pp; 5 participants - £63.00pp; 6 participants - £60.00pp; 7 participants - £56.00pp and 8 participants - £53.00pp.
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Principe
Cooking Workshop at Sundy Praia Hotel
Try out your skills in the kitchen for a day, letting your imagination flow and learning how to cook like a 5-star chef. Using local ingredients, you will learn to cook dishes which are featured on the Sundy Praia’s own menu, after which you will have the opportunity to sample.
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- When: Daily (all year) at 11:30/12:00
- Price: £54.00 per adult / £27.00 per child (age 6 to 12 years)
Notes
- The cooking workshop, with English speaking chef, is located at the Sundy Praia Hotel.
- Transfers are included to/from Roça Sundy and Bom Bom Resort (transfer time is approximately 20-30 minutes each way). Please meet in reception 10 minutes prior to the excursion time.
- Refreshment (water) is included during the workshop.
- Cooked meal included – please advise of any dietary requirements at time of booking.
- Minimum number of participants is 2 and the maximum is 6.
- Free for children 5 years and under when accompanied by an adult.
Hiking
The raw and wild hiking trails on Príncipe are ideal for those who wish to scratch under the surface of the destination. Please note that due to uneven surfaces, muddy and wet terrain, a good level of fitness and suitable clothing is required (good walking/hiking shoes are essential). Due to the tropical climate of the islands, hiking is recommended during the dry season.
Santa Joaquina Trail
This hike takes you on a marked trail to the old lookout point for ships where you will enjoy the best view over the town of Santo António. En route you will visit the largest Roça (Plantation House) on Príncipe Island, with its Cape Verdean traces.
- Duration: 4 hours
- When: Daily (all year) at 08:30 or 13:30
- Price: £82.00 per adult / £41.00 per child (age 6 to 12 years)
Notes
- Pick up and drop off at Bom Bom Resort, Roça Sundy and Sundy Praia. Please meet in reception 10 minutes prior to the excursion time.
- Distance covered during the hike will be 8.69km.
- You will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
- Recommended: Comfortable walking shoes and clothing, water, snacks, sun-screen, insect repellent and hat.
- Included: Water and towel.
- Level of difficulty: Medium – a good level of fitness is required.
- Minimum number of participants is 2 and the maximum is 6.
- Not recommended for children under 6 years.
Ribeira Izé Trail
This marked hiking trail takes you to the first capital of Principe, Ribeira Izé, where you will be able to see the ruins of its church and the house of Maria Correia, a famous historical figure of São Tomé and Príncipe.
- Duration: 4 hours
- When: Daily (all year) at 09:00
- Price: £32.00 per adult / £16.00 per child (age 6 to 12 years)
Notes
- The hike will start from either Bom Bom Resort or Praia Sundy, on foot.
- Transfers included for guests staying at Roça Sundy (transfer time is approximately 20 minutes). Please meet in reception 10 minutes prior to the excursion time.
- Distance covered during the hike will be 2.24km.
- You will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
- Recommended: comfortable walking shoes and clothing, snacks, sun-screen, insect repellent and hat.
- Water and towel included.
- Level of difficulty: Easy – it is recommended that you are normally an active person.
- A bottle of water will be provided by your hotel.
- Minimum number of participants is 2 and the maximum is 8.
- Free for children 5 years and under when accompanied by an adult.
Roça Infante (Infante Plantation House) Trail
Roça Infante D. Henrique is an old plantation house abandoned by the colonials after the island’s independence in 1975. Today it is covered in vegetation and is situated about 18km from the capital, Santo António. On the way to the Roça Infante, you will also pass the plantation house Roça da Ribeira Fria where occasionally it is possible to visit Sr. Romão, a farmer in this part of the island, and try his fresh produce. Along the marked trail that leads to the Infante Estate there is the possibility to see monkeys, native birds, orchids, a variety of medicinal plants and rock formations typical of volcanic islands. The hike continues on to General Correia beach (praia), an old harbour used by the Roça to dispatch its produce, and from where a boat ride is included on your return journey.
- Duration: 6-8 hours
- When: Daily (all year) at 08:30
- Price: £258.00 per person
Notes
- Pick up and drop off at Bom Bom Resort, Roça Sundy and Sundy Praia. Please meet in reception 10 minutes prior to the excursion time.
- Distance covered during the hike will be 19.08km.
- You will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
- Recommended: Comfortable walking shoes and clothing, sun-screen, insect repellent and hat.
- Included: Water, towel and a pack lunch (provided by your hotel) – please advise of any dietary requirements at time of booking.
- Level of difficulty: Hard/Difficult.
- The boat journey from General Correia beach will take approximately 45 minutes. Guests will be dropped off at Bom Bom Resort and/or Sundy Praia depending on where they are staying. Guests staying at Roça Sundy will be dropped off at Sundy Praia before continuing by car to their accommodation.
- Minimum number of participants is 2 and the maximum is 6.
- Not recommended for children under 15 years.
Pico Papagaio (Parrot Mountain) Trail
Pico Papagaio, formed from volcanic basalt, is one of Príncipe Island’s most famous mountains, and at approximately 700m high it is visible from the town of Santo António, the capital of the island. The mountain, which lies within the boundaries of the National Park, is surrounded by secondary and primary rainforest. During this marked trail hike, which takes you to the top of Pico Papagaio, as well as a spectacular view of the island, you might see monkeys, native birds, orchids and medicinal plants.
- Duration: 5 hours
- When: Daily (all year) at 08:30
- Price: £98.00 per person
Notes
- Pick up and drop off at Bom Bom Resort, Roça Sundy and Sundy Praia. Please meet in reception 10 minutes prior to the excursion time.
- Distance covered during the hike will be 7.18km.
- You will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
- Recommended: Comfortable walking shoes and clothing, snacks, sun-screen, insect repellent and hat.
- Included: Water and towel.
- Level of difficulty: Hard/Difficult.
- Minimum number of participants is 2 and the maximum is 6.
- Not recommended for children under 15 years.
Hike Cascata O Qué Pipi (O Qué Pipi Waterfall) Trail
Following a trail through the Natural Park of Principe, this hike takes you to one of the island’s most beautiful waterfalls - the O Qué Pipi. In the dense vegetation you will experience peace and quiet, only disturbed by the rustling of leaves and birdsong. Following a natural path, you will climb uphill over fallen trees, roots and rocks to the waterfall. Along the way your guide will share knowledge and information with you about the fruit and plants you will encounter and even cut down some fruit to sample and show you how to get water from a tree – a good survival skill. Time is allowed for a refreshing dip in the waterfall pool before you start your trek back along the same path.
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours
- When: Daily (all year) at 08:30 or 13:30
- Price: £72.00 per adult / £36.00 per child (age 6 to 12 years)
Notes
- Pick up and drop off at Bom Bom Resort, Roça Sundy and Sundy Praia. Please meet in reception 10 minutes prior to the excursion time.
- Distance covered during the hike will be 2.27km.
- Walk Grading: Easy to Medium – it is recommended that you are normally an active person.
- You will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
- Recommended: Comfortable walking shoes and clothing, swimming costume, towel, snacks, sun-screen, insect repellent and hat.
- Included: Water and towel.
- Due to the natural surroundings of the waterfall you will be required to clamber over rocks to access the natural pool.
- Minimum number of participants is 2 and the maximum is 6.
- Not recommended for children under 6 years.
Turtle Watching
In the early evening, you will be transferred to a nearby turtle conservation area where you will get to learn about the three species of turtle who nest on the island - green turtle, hawksbill and leatherback. You will learn about the work being undertaken locally to preserve their habitats for generations to come and to educate residents as to their role in the protection of the species. If you are lucky enough to watch a female laying her eggs or her young being hatched, it is certainly an unforgettable experience.
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- When: Daily (between September and April) from 16:30 to 19:00 and 20:30 to 23:30
- Price: £78.00 per adult / £39.00 per child (age 6 to 12 years)
Notes
- Pick up and drop off at Bom Bom Resort, Roça Sundy and Sundy Praia. Please meet in reception 10 minutes prior to the excursion time.
- Minimum number of participants is 2 and the maximum is 15 (5 guests per hotel).
- Recommended: Long-sleeve shirt, long trousers and insect repellent.
- Included: Water, towel and red light.
- Not recommended for children under 6 years.
Birdwatching
Birdlife on São Tomé and Príncipe is exceptional, boasting no less than 21 endemic species of birds, more per km2 than the Galapagos archipelago. The abundance of forest and lack of development ensure a pristine environment in which these birds can thrive, separate from their human neighbours. With a local guide, and armed with a pair of binoculars you will venture out to discover a variety of birds including the kingfisher, the Principe drongo, the African grey parrot and the black kite which can often be seen soaring above.
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- When: Daily (all year) at 08:30
- Price: £52.00 per adult / £26.00 per child (age 6 to 12 years)
Notes
- Guests staying at Sundy Praia will walk to ‘Oque Daniel’ which is a 2-hour walk. The length of the walk and the difficulty level can be adapted according to guest ability.
- Guests staying at Bom Bom Resort and Roça Sundy will explore in the area or at ‘Oque Daniel’.
- Please meet in reception 10 minutes prior to the excursion time.
- Recommended: Binoculars, comfortable walking shoes and clothing, snacks, sun-screen, insect repellent and hat.
- Included: Water, binoculars (subject to availability) and an ID book. Note: It is recommended to bring your own binoculars.
- January to mid-February (the short dry season) is a good time for birdwatching due to it being mating season when the birds display their breeding plumage, mostly colourful and bright.
- It is possible to depart earlier than 08:30 if preferred – this must be requested at time of booking.
- Terrain Jeeps (hotel vehicles) are used during the activity.
- Minimum number of participants is 1 and the maximum is 6.
- Not recommended for children under 6 years.
Explore the South Island Tour (Half Day)
This excursion will take you around the south of Príncipe Island, beginning with the traditional fishing village of Praia Abade. From here you continue your journey, stopping at the Nova Estrela (New Star) view point where you will enjoy a panoramic view of the island of Boné do Jóquei (Jockey’s Cap). You will also visit the Terreiro Velho view point where you will appreciate further spectacular views of the national park to the east, and São Joaquim, to the west.
- Duration: 4 hours
- When: Daily (all year) at 08:30 or 13:30 from Sundy Praia and 09:00 or 14:00 from Bom Bom Resort and Roça Sundy
- Price: £62.00 per adult / £31.00 per child (age 6 to 12 years)
Notes
- Pick up and drop off at Bom Bom Resort, Roça Sundy and Sundy Praia. Please meet in reception 10 minutes prior to the excursion time.
- You will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
- Recommended: Comfortable walking shoes and clothing, snacks, sun-screen and insect repellent.
- Included: Water and towel.
- Minimum number of participants is 2 and the maximum is 6.
- Free for children 5 years and under when accompanied by an adult.
Plantation Tour (Half Day)
Learn all about the secrets of organic farming at the plantation house, Roça Paciência. Savour the different aromas and tastes of Príncipe Island’s aromatic herbs and medicinal plants, visit the gardens and see how the products are transformed into delicious jams, tropical muesli, toiletries and beauty products.
- Duration: 3 hours
- When: Daily (all year) at 08:30 or 13:30 from Sundy Praia and 09:00 or 14:00 from Bom Bom Resort and Roça Sundy
- Price: £62.00 per adult / £31.00 per child (age 6 to 12 years)
Notes
- Pick up and drop off at Bom Bom Resort, Roça Sundy and Sundy Praia. Please meet in reception 10 minutes prior to the excursion time.
- You will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
- Recommended: Comfortable walking shoes and clothing, water, snacks, sun-screen and insect repellent.
- Included: Water and towel.
- Minimum number of participants is 2 and the maximum is 6.
- Free for children 5 years and under when accompanied by an adult.
Explore Principe Tour (Full Day)
The cultural history of Príncipe is fascinating and this excursion is a great way of getting to know about the island’s culture and its outstanding scenery in one day. This guided tour will lead you on an exploration of the island, its former plantations, its charming capital (the smallest capital in the world) and its rural communities. It is a tour that will excite your senses - savour the aromas of herbs and medicinal plants, taste the local food products (jams, tropical muesli, chocolate, grilled fish, breadfruit and bananas for example), and take in the breath-taking views of mountain peaks and colourful harbours. During the tour you will also visit the waste recycling co-operative in Roça Porto Real, which was set up in 2016 with the aim of transforming glass into jewellery. Here you will meet Bela and her team and learn about the process, gaining an understanding of this social project.
- Duration: 6 hours
- When: Daily (all year) at 08:30 from Sundy Praia and 09:00 from Bom Bom Resort and Roça Sundy
- Price: £98.00 per adult / £49.00 per child (age 6 to 12 years)
Notes
- Pick up and drop off at Bom Bom Resort, Roça Sundy and Sundy Praia. Please meet in reception 10 minutes prior to the excursion time.
- You will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
- Recommended: Comfortable walking shoes and clothing, snacks, sun-screen and insect repellent.
- Included: Water, towel and a traditional local meal – please advise of any dietary requirements at time of booking.
- Minimum number of participants is 2 and the maximum is 6.
- Free for children 5 years and under when accompanied by an adult.
Cocoa Route Tour (Half Day)
One hundred years ago the island of São Tomé, along with the island of Principe, were the largest cocoa producers in the world. This excursion is perfect for all chocolate lovers and is a great experience for anyone who wants to learn about the cocoa transformation process, from tree to table. Embrace a journey that will take you through the plantations and old dryers, ending with a tasting of the cocoa product.
- Duration: 3-4 hours (half day)
- When: Daily (all year) at 09:00 or 14:00
- Price: £78.00 per adult / £39.00 per child (age 6 to 12 years)
Notes
- Pick up and drop off at Bom Bom Resort, Roça Sundy and Sundy Praia. Please meet in reception 10 minutes prior to the excursion time.
- You will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
- Recommended: Comfortable walking shoes and clothing, snacks, sun-screen and insect repellent.
- Included: Water, towel and cocoa product tasting.
- Maximum number of participants is 6-8.
- Free for children 5 years and under when accompanied by an adult.
Boat Trip to the Bay of Needles (Baia das Agulhas)
To truly appreciate the beauty and drama of Príncipe island you need to observe the land from the sea. During this 3-hour trip you will enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the west side of the National Park. The Bay of Needles, so called because of the phonolite towers rising up out of the skyline, will give you an experience of nature in its purest state. With local guides onboard you can gain an authentic insight into the destination.
- Duration: 3 hours
- When: Daily (all year) at 08:30 or 13:30 from Sundy Praia and 09:00 or 14:00 from Bom Bom Resort and Roça Sundy
- Price: £128.00 per adult / £64.00 per child (age 6 to 12 years)
Notes
- Departure from either Sundy Praia or Bom Bom Resort for guests staying at those properties. Guests staying at Roça Sundy can choose to depart from either Sundy Praia or Bom Bom Resort.
- Transfers are included for guests staying at Roça Sundy (c.20 minutes transfer each way to Sundy Praia or c.40 minutes transfer each way to Bom Bom Resort).
- Recommended: Shorts or loose trousers (rather than a skirt), flat shoes/trainers or sandals, cap or hair-band, water, sun-screen, insect repellent and swimming costume.
- Sundy Praia will provide water, snacks (sandwich, fruit and juice – please advise of any dietary requirements at time of booking), towel and snorkelling gear (on request at time of booking).
- Bom Bom Resort will provide water, towel and snorkelling gear (on request at time of booking).
- Rigid, double hull or single hull boats seating a maximum of 8 or 16 people are used. There are no facilities onboard.
- Lifejackets will be provided.
- You will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
- Minimum number of participants is 2 and the maximum is 16.
- Free for children 5 years and under when accompanied by an adult.
- Important: Pregnant women or any person suffering from back problems are not allowed on the boats. The boat trip will operate subject to weather and sea conditions. In the event that the excursion is cancelled, if it is not possible to re-book locally, a full refund will be given on your return to the UK.
- If you would like to arrange a fish picnic on the beach, an additional supplement of £52.00 per person will be applicable.
Boat Trip along the Northeast Coast
Enjoy a boat trip along the golden sand beaches of the northeast coast of the island. This trip is designed for sea and beach lovers, to discover the beautiful beaches that can be found on Principe and to enjoy a swim and some snorkelling in the emerald green waters that surround the island.
- Duration: 3 hours
- When: Daily (all year) at 09:00 or 14:00
- Price: £98.00 per adult / £49.00 per child (age 6 to 12 years)
Notes
- Departure from either Sundy Praia or Bom Bom Resort for guests staying at those properties. Guests staying at Roça Sundy will have a transfer included to either Bom Bom Resort (c.40 minutes’ drive) or Praia Sundy (c.20 minutes’ drive).
- Recommended: Swimming costume, towel, snacks, sun-screen, insect repellent, sunglasses and hat.
- Included: Towel, water, snorkelling gear and snack (sandwich, fruit and juice) – please advise of any dietary requirements at time of booking.
- You will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
- Rigid, double hull or single hull boats seating a maximum of 8 or 16 people are used. There are no facilities onboard.
- Minimum number of participants is 2 and the maximum is 16.
- Free for children 5 years and under when accompanied by an adult.
- Important: Pregnant women or any person suffering from back problems are not allowed on the boats. The boat trip will operate subject to weather and sea conditions. In the event that the excursion is cancelled, if it is not possible to re-book locally, a full refund will be given on your return to the UK.
- If you would like to arrange a fish picnic on the beach, an additional supplement of £52.00 per person will be applicable.
Private Boat Tour (Half Day or Full Day)
Take a half day private boat tour to visit the spectacular beaches of Banana, Macaco and Boi on the northeast of the island; or head to the prehistoric Bay of Needles which is only accessible by boat. A full day private boat tour sailing around the whole of Principe Island can also be arranged and includes several stops for swimming and snorkelling.
- Duration: 4 hours (half day) or 8 hours (full day)
- When: Daily all year from Bom Bom Resort or Sundy Praia
- Price: £410.00 per boat for 4 hours (Half Day) / £615.00 per boat for 8 hours (Full Day) / SADA Principe Island Tour (6-8 hours) £615.00 per boat
Notes
- Half Day Tour departs at 09:00 or 14:00 and the Full Day Tour departs at 09:00.
- Departure from either Sundy Praia or Bom Bom Resort for guests staying at those properties. Guests staying at Roça Sundy will have a transfer included to either Bom Bom Resort (c.40 minutes’ drive) or Praia Sundy (c.20 minutes’ drive).
- Recommended: Swimming costume, towel, sun-screen, insect repellent, water, snacks, sunglasses and hat.
- Included: Towel, water and snorkelling gear.
- A traditional boat or rigid, double hull or single hull boats seating a maximum of 6 to 8 people are used. There are no facilities onboard.
- You will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
- The maximum number of participants is 6-8.
- There is no minimum age.
- Please note that for sustainable and conservation reasons, fishing is not an activity that can be offered.
- Important: Pregnant women or any person suffering from back problems are not allowed on the boats. The boat trip will operate subject to weather and sea conditions. In the event that the excursion is cancelled, it will be re-booked locally for the following day.
Diving
With your guide you will dive in some of the best spots around the coast of Principe.
- Duration: between 1½ and 3 hours
- When: Daily (all year) at 09:00 or 14:00
- Price: £77.00 per person for 1 dive / £133.00 per person for 2 dives
- Baptism Dive (DSD – Discover Scuba Diving): £87.00 per person
Notes
- Transfers are included to Bom Bom Resort PADI Dive Centre for guests staying at Roça Sundy and Sundy Praia.
- A dive certificate is required and must be shown to the excursion provider prior to diving.
- Included: Diving equipment, wetsuit, water and towel.
- Clients are recommended to bring their own mask and dive computer.
- You will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
- Minimum number of participants is 2 and the maximum is 5 people per guide.
- The minimum age is 13 years.
- Important: Diving will operate subject to weather and sea conditions. In the event that the diving is cancelled, if it is not possible to re-book locally, a full refund will be given on your return.
- December to March is said to be a good time for diving, offering the best visibility for divers.