São Tomé South: Ilhéu das Rolas, Pico Cão Grande & 4x4 Day Trip

Summary

Ilhéu das Rolas crossing Pico Cão Grande and southern villages by 4x4

You’ll cross rivers where locals sing as they work, taste fresh coconut straight from roadside stands, swim at wild beaches, stand beneath Pico Cão Grande’s spire, and finally straddle two hemispheres at Ilhéu das Rolas—all with pickup and a local guide who knows every shortcut.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget the sound of our tires crunching over red earth as we left São Tomé city that morning—our guide Sipson was already laughing about something I’d mispronounced (honestly, Portuguese here is a whole different beast). We stopped by the Abade River first, where women were washing clothes and singing together, voices carrying over the water. It felt like time slowed down for a bit, just watching them work and joke with each other. I tried to take a photo but ended up just standing there, taking it in.

The drive south is full of these small surprises. Colonial houses in Santana with faded paint, cocoa drying on wooden racks at Roça Água Izé (the smell—kind of sweet and earthy, hard to describe). There’s an art gallery there too, made from recycled plastics. Sipson knew everyone; he waved to a guy selling coconuts who tossed us one through the window. I spilled half of it on myself but it was cold and perfect. At Boca do Inferno, volcanic rocks crashed against the sea—loud enough that you had to shout if you wanted to be heard.

We got to Seven Waves Beach just as the sun broke through heavy clouds. Some locals were surfing; I tried wading in but chickened out when a wave nearly knocked me over (they laughed, I laughed). Lunch was flexible—if you want more stops you skip it, but honestly sitting by the beach with grilled fish sounded right so we did that instead. Later we saw Pico Cão Grande rising out of nowhere—so sharp and sudden it almost looked fake. Porto Alegre was sleepy and green; monkeys chattered somewhere behind the mangroves but we didn’t see them this time.

The last bit was a short boat ride to Ilhéu das Rolas for that classic “one foot in each hemisphere” moment at the equator line. Cheesy maybe, but I grinned anyway. The air smelled salty and warm and I remember thinking how far from home I felt—in a good way. If you’re looking for a São Tomé day trip that feels real (and don’t mind getting your shoes muddy), this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day 4x4 tour and sightseeing

• Depart São Tomé city
• Visit Abade River and photograph locals
• Stop at Santana city
• Explore colonial houses and cocoa plantation
• Visit art gallery with recycled plastic works
• Observe volcanic rocks at Boca do Inferno
• Swim and surf at Micondó beach
• Visit rock formation site
• See Pico Cão Grande rock formation
• Tour colonial coconut plantation at Porto Alegre
• Optional mangrove visit for monkeys and birds
• Walk to equator landmark at Ilhéu das Rolas
• Return to São Tomé city

Top questions

How long does this São Tomé day trip last?

The tour runs from around 8:30 am until about 6 pm.

Is hotel pickup included in this 4x4 day trip?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included.

What are the main stops on this São Tomé south tour?

The itinerary includes Abade River, Santana, Roça Água Izé, Boca do Inferno, Seven Waves Beach, Pico Cão Grande, Porto Alegre, and Ilhéu das Rolas.

Can solo travelers join this tour?

Yes, solo travelers are welcome on this tour.

Is lunch included in the price?

No set lunch is included; if you want lunch during the tour some stops may be shortened to fit it in.

Are infants or children allowed on this trip?

Yes; infants can ride in strollers or prams and specialized infant seats are available.

Is there an option to visit other parts of São Tomé after?

Yes; additional tours to other regions can be arranged separately via WhatsApp or email.

Will we visit both beaches and plantations?

Yes; you’ll stop at beaches like Seven Waves Beach as well as colonial cocoa plantations such as Roça Água Izé.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with pickup from your location in São Tomé city. Water bottles are provided throughout the excursion. Stops include riverside villages, cocoa plantations (with an art gallery), volcanic rock formations like Boca do Inferno, beaches for swimming or surfing (bring your suit), views of Pico Cão Grande’s spire, Porto Alegre’s coconut groves—with an optional mangrove walk—and finally a boat crossing to Ilhéu das Rolas for the equator landmark before returning around sunset.