Ilhéu das Rolas
A small island off the southern tip of São Tomé that the equator crosses. Stand with one foot in each hemisphere at the equator monument, then swim at the white-sand beaches.
Ilhéu das Rolas lies offshore at the southernmost tip of the main island, and the equator runs right through it. Take a boat about 15 minutes from the Ponta Baleia pier near Porto Alegre at the south end. On the island, a 20-minute walk up the hillside leads to the Equator Monument (Marco do Equador), whose ground is inlaid with a world map marking the equator. It is a must-stop for photos of straddling the northern and southern hemispheres. The island has one resort, and the rest is small fishing villages, coconut palms and a few white-sand coves, where you can snorkel and watch whales (humpback whale season is July-September). From the capital, it takes about 2 hours to drive to the pier. A same-day round trip is tight, so many people stay one night in the south. Ferry tickets must be booked at the pier or through the resort.
Opening hours
Daytime (follows boat schedule)
Nearby sights
- Praia Piscina
- Praia Jalé
- Pico Cão Grande
- Roça São João dos Angolares
- Pico de São Tomé
- Boca do Inferno
- Obô Natural Park
- Cascata de São Nicolau