São Tomé 4x4 Day Trip: Pico Cão Grande, Equator & Beach Lunch

Summary

South São Tomé’s wild peaks, equator crossing and quiet beaches

You’ll ride south across São Tomé by 4x4 with a local guide, stop for photos at Pico Cão Grande, then cross by boat to Ilheu das Rolas for an easy walk to the Equator sign before relaxing over lunch on Praia Café beach. Expect real conversations, fresh food, and moments you’ll want to remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“That’s Pico Cão Grande,” Luis Miguel said, pointing through the misted window as we bounced along in his old 4x4. I’d seen photos, but when you actually stop and look up at that needle of rock stabbing into the clouds—it feels almost unreal. We pulled over so everyone could take a photo (I probably took too many), and there was this earthy smell from the wet leaves after last night’s rain. Luis joked about how locals say it’s like a dog standing guard over the island. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m back home in traffic.

The road south gets quieter—just us, some goats, and the occasional wave from someone on a scooter. At Porto Alegre we switched to a little boat to cross over to Ilheu das Rolas. The water was choppy enough that my seat got splashed (bring something dry if you’re unlucky like me). Walking up to the Equator line was surprisingly short—maybe fifteen minutes? There’s this faded sign where everyone takes their “one foot in each hemisphere” photo. I tried to ask Luis how to say ‘equator’ in Portuguese; he laughed at my accent and taught me again anyway.

Lunch at Praia Café was simple: grilled fish, rice, some spicy sauce I couldn’t name. Eating with my toes in the sand while watching kids play football nearby—honestly, it felt like time just slowed down for a bit. We talked about island life and how people here always seem to know what matters (maybe it’s just less noise?). On the drive back north, windows down, salt still on my skin—I realized I hadn’t checked my phone all day. That might’ve been my favorite part.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — South island tour with beach lunch

• Pickup at hotel at 8:30am
• Stop to photograph Pico Cão Grande
• Boat trip to Ilheu das Rolas
• Walk 15 minutes to Equator sign
• Lunch on the beach at Praia Café
• Return to hotel by 5pm

Top questions

How long is this São Tomé day trip?

The tour starts with hotel pickup around 8:30am and returns by about 5pm.

Is lunch included during the tour?

Yes, lunch is served on Praia Café beach after visiting the Equator sign.

Can solo travelers join this São Tomé 4x4 tour?

Yes, solo travelers are welcome; other guests may join depending on bookings.

Are infants or small children allowed?

Infants can join; prams or strollers are fine and infant seats are available if needed.

What are some highlights of this day trip from São Tomé?

Pico Cão Grande viewpoint, boat ride to Ilheu das Rolas, Equator sign walk, and lunch at Praia Café beach.

Is pickup included for this São Tomé tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included in your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup around 8:30am in an air-conditioned vehicle with your local guide Luis Miguel (or another friendly face), all transport including the boat ride to Ilheu das Rolas, a relaxed beachside lunch at Praia Café with fresh fish and sides before heading back north by late afternoon.