Santana Islet Private Tour: Swim & Fishing History

Swim in crystalline water at a turtle-shaped islet, then explore a colonial plantation and its cave at low tide.

A private half-day tour of Santana Islet near São Tomé includes boat transport, time to swim in the shallow waters, a visit to the fishing community's history, and lunch at Miradouro restaurant with views back toward the island. You'll also explore the Roça Água Izé plantation, its colonial buildings, and the coastal landmark Boca do Inferno before eating.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Santana Islet and Local History

• Learn about Santana fishing community
• Travel to Ilhéu da Santana islet
• Explore Santana islet cave at low tide
• Discover history of Roça Água Izé
• Visit architectural monument of old Hospital
• See Boca do Inferno coastal site
• Have lunch at Miradouro restaurant

The experience

On your first afternoon in São Tomé, a boat takes you from the fishing community to Santana Islet, a small rocky formation that rises like a turtle shell from the sea. The water here turns a deep marine blue where sunlight meets the crystalline shallows. You swim and wade in the bay. At low tide, the cave inside the islet opens up to explore. Your guide, speaking English, Portuguese or French, walks you through the history of the fishermen who work these waters and the boats they use.

After the islet, the tour moves to the Roça Água Izé, a colonial-era plantation inland. You see the old plantation houses, the former administrator's residence, and the architectural remains of the old hospital. Then the route turns coastal to Boca do Inferno, a dramatic rock formation at the water's edge. Lunch follows at Miradouro restaurant, positioned on a cliff with views across the bay toward São Tomé.

The tour runs between two and four hours depending on the tide and how long you spend in the water. Pickup from your hotel is included, as is the boat ticket. Children from age four can join. A local guide's additional commentary at the plantation costs five euros per person if you choose it. Lunch is separate.

What’s included

• Boat ride to and from Santana Islet.
• hotel pickup and transfer.
• access to the islet and its cave at low tide.
• visit to the Roça Água Izé plantation and Boca do Inferno.
• a live guide in English, Portuguese or French.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 13 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 8 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 5.68

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Ban Be Non Tours

Is this one for you?This is a private tour, so you set the pace and the guide focuses only on your group. It suits a first afternoon in São Tomé when you want to swim and see colonial history without joining other travelers, though the physical demands (boat travel, wading, walking the plantation) mean it works best for travelers in moderate fitness with no spinal injuries or cardiovascular concerns.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years); Child (4 to 13 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Santana Islet actually like when you get there?

Santana Islet is a small rocky formation shaped like a turtle shell, surrounded by shallow water that turns a deep marine blue. At low tide, a cave inside the islet becomes accessible to explore. The water is calm and clear enough to swim in comfortably.

Can you really swim during this tour, or is it just a boat ride past the islet?

You do swim and wade in the bay around Santana Islet as part of the tour. The shallow water and calm conditions make it safe for swimmers of moderate fitness.

What happens at the Roça Água Izé plantation?

Roça Água Izé is a colonial-era plantation where you walk through old plantation houses, the former administrator's residence, and the remains of the old hospital. A local guide can provide detailed commentary on the site for an additional five euros per person.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch at Miradouro restaurant is not included in the tour price, but the restaurant is part of the itinerary and you eat there with views of São Tomé across the water. You pay separately for your meal.

How long does the whole tour take?

The tour runs between two and four hours, depending on tide conditions and how much time you spend swimming and exploring the islet.