Praia Jalé
A wild, undeveloped beach at the southernmost tip of the island, where a turtle conservation project runs simple eco-cabins and visitors can watch turtles come ashore to nest at night during the nesting season.
Praia Jalé lies near Porto Alegre at the southern tip of São Tomé. Its golden sand backs onto rainforest and it remains almost undeveloped. It is an important nesting site for green, leatherback and hawksbill turtles. A local turtle conservation project has set up simple eco-cabins on the beach, and the proceeds fund its conservation work. From November to February, the nesting season, visitors can watch turtles come ashore to lay eggs at night, accompanied by conservation staff. From January to March, you may even see hatchlings emerge and head for the sea. There is a fee, and visitors must stay quiet and avoid flash photography. The surf can be strong, so swim with caution. It is about 2 to 2.5 hours by car from the capital, with the last stretch on dirt road. It works well as a one-night stay in the south, combined with Ilhéu das Rolas and Praia Piscina.
Opening hours
Open all day; turtle watching requires a night reservation
Nearby sights
- Praia Piscina
- Ilhéu das Rolas
- Pico Cão Grande
- Roça São João dos Angolares
- Pico de São Tomé
- Obô Natural Park
- Cascata de São Nicolau
- Boca do Inferno