Ureka Waterfalls Day Trip from Malabo with Swim & Lunch

Summary

Walk rainforest trails to Ureka’s waterfalls then swim and share lunch

You’ll set out from Malabo for Ureka’s wild waterfalls—expect rainforest walks, swimming in fresh pools under crashing falls, and sharing a simple local lunch with your group. Your guide brings stories from Bioko’s past while you soak up nature’s sounds and smells. It’s less about perfect photos than letting yourself get messy and present.

What’s the experience like?

I opened my eyes to the sound of tires crunching over gravel — we’d just left Malabo behind, and the air was already thicker, greener. Our guide, José, grinned in the rearview mirror and said something about how the road gets bumpy after the last village. He wasn’t kidding. I tried to count palm trees but lost track when we hit a patch where sunlight flickered through so fast it felt like being inside a strobe light. The windows were open and you could smell earth, wet leaves, and something salty that must’ve been the sea.

When we finally reached Ureka, it was quieter than I expected — just us, a few locals unloading crates by a wooden shack, and birds making this high-pitched racket in the trees. We followed José down a sandy path that led straight to one of the waterfalls. The water crashed so hard you could feel it in your chest before you even saw it. I dipped my toes in first (cold!) but ended up wading all the way in because everyone else dared me. There was this moment where I just floated on my back looking up at vines dangling overhead — weirdly peaceful, even with all that noise.

Lunch was simple: rice, grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves, bottled water. We sat on rocks while José told us about how his grandmother used to bring him here as a kid — he laughed about getting leeches stuck to his legs (none today, thankfully). I tried asking for “more fish” in Spanish and totally butchered it; one of the other travelers snorted into her bottle of water. After that we wandered along the beach for a bit, shoes off, sand sticking everywhere. I still think about that feeling — sun on wet skin and not caring if my shorts got muddy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ureka Waterfalls and Nature

• Start early morning towards Ureka
• Hike challenging trail to waterfalls
• Walk along the beach
• Observe and photograph waterfalls
• Swim in sea and calm lakes
• Enjoy lunch surrounded by nature
• Visit two or three main waterfalls
• Return to starting point

Top questions

How do you get from Malabo to Ureka Waterfalls?

The tour includes transport by air-conditioned vehicle from Malabo directly to Ureka.

Can you swim at Ureka Waterfalls?

Yes, there are opportunities to swim in both the waterfalls’ pools and nearby calm lakes or sea areas.

Is lunch included on the Ureka waterfalls day trip?

Yes, lunch is included during your visit—typically enjoyed outdoors surrounded by nature.

Are there guides on this tour?

Yes, a local guide accompanies your group throughout the excursion.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and infants can join; strollers are allowed as well.

How many waterfalls do you visit at Ureka?

You’ll visit two or three main waterfalls depending on time and tide conditions.

What should I bring for swimming at Ureka?

Bring swimwear and maybe a towel—there are chances to swim at several spots during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Malabo in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water provided along the way; you’ll be guided by a local who knows Bioko’s stories well. Lunch is included—usually fresh fish or rice eaten outdoors before heading back together late afternoon.