Diving in São Tomé
Why dive here
São Tomé offers some of São Tomé & Príncipe's richest diving, with 61+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, humpback whales, frogfish and pufferfish.
São Tomé feels like diving on the edge of the world, and that’s precisely what we love about it. The volcanic reef walls drop dramatically into the deep, often revealing schools of African forktail snapper and horse-eye jacks swirling off the current-swept corners. We’ve found the best encounters here come from simply hanging back and watching the ocean’s rhythm - you’ll see plenty of Molly Miller blennies darting in and out of the cracks, and keep an eye out for curious cleaver wrasse. Our favourite dives often involve the old colonial shipwrecks, where barracuda and silent silky sharks occasionally cruise past. If you’re here between July and October, definitely keep an eye out for whale sharks; they are reliably present, drifting along the coastline.
São Tomé Dive Site Map
Dive sites and dive centres in São Tomé
São Tomé Dive Sites
6 dive sites in São Tomé
Ilhéu das Cabras
Mangrove Point is classic Lembongan drift diving, pure and simple. We love dropping in on the north side, letting the current carry us gently along that sloping reef. It’s not about huge pelagics here, though a passing barracuda isn’t unheard of. This site is all about the coral, which is just fantastic, particularly the huge fields of staghorn and branching corals that seem to go on forever. You’ll spot a ton of reef fish darting amongst them, and we always keep an eye out for pink anemonefish in their homes. It’s a shallower dive, usually topping out around 18 metres, making it a relaxed, colourful drift that’s perfect for a second dive of the day, or if you just want to take it easy and watch the world slide by. If you like a mellow cruise over beautiful reef, this is your spot.
Lagoa Azul
The MV Produce sits at a comfortable 29 metres on the sand, a proper dive into history off Aliwal Shoal. It’s a big wreck, 168 metres originally, and still feels substantial down there, a hulking shape against the blue. What we love about the Produce isn't just its size, but how it's become a thriving reef in its own right. Schools of big-eye trevally often hang off the bow, a shimmering curtain you can swim through. Inside, the molasses cargo has long gone, but the holds are still fascinating to explore, dark caverns with shafts of light filtering in. Look closely on the deck for frogfish, they’re masters of disguise here, blending perfectly with the encrusting growth. We've seen grey nurse sharks cruising over the wreckage, a slow, powerful presence that always feels special. Keep an eye out for the rare Harlequin Goldie too, it’s a local celebrity and pops with colour against the muted tones of the wreck. The Produce is a truly engaging dive for those who appreciate wrecks with a bit of a story and plenty of life.
MICAU
Micau is one of those easy-going wreck dives we always appreciate, especially when you’re looking for a relaxed second dive. The wreck itself is a small tugboat, sitting upright in just seven metres of water. We’ve found the hull is fairly intact, providing some nice swim-throughs and plenty of nooks for small fish. Batfish often hang out around the stern, and we’ve spotted moray eels peeking from the darker recesses. It’s a gentle dive, perfect for photographers wanting to take their time or newer divers getting comfortable with wreck exploration.
PICO DOURO
Pico Douro sits in a relatively shallow 20 metres, making it an inviting dive for many. It's an old fishing trawler, not one of those imposing warships, but it’s got real character. We love the way the light filters through the superstructure, catching the schools of glasseyes that swarm inside the hull. You can duck into the wheelhouse, imagining the last moments of the crew. The wreck itself is remarkably intact, considering its age and the currents that sometimes sweep through here. The metalwork is encrusted with sponges and tunicates, a real explosion of colour against the rust. Keep an eye out for resident moray eels peeking from crevices, and we’ve often spotted eagle rays cruising past the bow. Our favourite time to dive it is early morning, before the thermocline pushes up, when the visibility often hits its peak and the light is just right. Be mindful of occasional strong surge, particularly on an outgoing tide.
PICO DOURO
Pico Douro sits in just six metres of water, a shallow wreck dive that’s full of character. We love a wreck that tells a story, and this one, a cargo ship that hit the rocks back in the 1960s, is slowly being reclaimed by the ocean. It’s a broken skeleton of a vessel, with ribs and plates scattered across the sandy bottom. You can poke around the remains of the hold, imagining the cargo it once carried. The real stars here are the fish. Schools of tiny glassfish shimmer in the shadows, and we’ve spotted plenty of moray eels peering out from gaps in the metalwork. Parrotfish graze on the algae, their colours popping against the rusted steel. It’s a great spot for photographers, especially with good light, as the clarity can be superb. Our tip: go at high tide; it gives you a little more room to move over the scattered debris without stirring up the sand. Suitable for almost any diver, it’s a relaxed exploration of history and the marine life that now calls it home.
ZAIRE
The ZAIRE wreck, resting in just four metres of water, is a delightful shallow dive right off São Tomé. This isn't some deep, dark mystery; it's an accessible wreck, perfect for a long bottom time or even snorkelling. The hull is well broken up, forming a series of nooks and crannies that are home to schools of snapper and curious damselfish. You'll spend your time peering into shadowed corners, spotting juvenile puffers and the occasional moray eel peeking out. It's a great spot for newer divers, or anyone who enjoys a relaxed exploration of history now claimed by the reef.
São Tomé Dive Centres
2 dive shops and operators in São Tomé
Ocean Wildlife in São Tomé
61 species recorded in São Tomé
São Tomé Daylight & Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise and sunset times for São Tomé, calculated from coordinates
Today - Monday 24 August
Sunrise
05:33
Sunset
17:40
Daylight
12h 7m
Golden Hour
17:12
First light (dawn) at 05:12 · Last light (dusk) at 18:01
Monthly Averages
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 05:40 | 17:46 | 12h 6m |
| Feb | 05:45 | 17:51 | 12h 6m |
| Mar | 05:40 | 17:47 | 12h 7m |
| Apr | 05:30 | 17:38 | 12h 7m |
| May | 05:26 | 17:34 | 12h 8m |
| JunLongest | 05:30 | 17:38 | 12h 9m |
| Jul | 05:35 | 17:44 | 12h 8m |
| AugNow | 05:35 | 17:43 | 12h 8m |
| Sep | 05:26 | 17:33 | 12h 7m |
| Oct | 05:17 | 17:23 | 12h 6m |
| Nov | 05:15 | 17:21 | 12h 6m |
| DecShortest | 05:26 | 17:32 | 12h 6m |
Times are approximate local times based on longitude. Actual times may vary slightly depending on the exact timezone observed in São Tomé.
Where to Stay near São Tomé
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Marine Protected Areas near São Tomé
2 protected areas near São Tomé - please respect local regulations when diving
Parque Natural Obô do Príncipe
Ilots Tinhosas
Getting to São Tomé
São Tomé
Port Gentil
Corisco Island
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