Explore São Tomé
Diving in São Tomé Province is a captivating experience, offering a unique blend of vibrant marine life and stunning underwater landscapes. Located on the western coast of Africa, between Cape Town and the Cabo Verde Archipelago, São Tomé is a premier dive location. The island's equatorial setting ensures ideal diving conditions for most of the year, with waters maintaining a pleasant 27°C–30°C/81°F–86°F. From December to March, visibility is at its peak, making it the prime season for diving enthusiasts.
São Tomé's underwater world is a treasure trove for divers of all levels. Crystal-clear waters reveal a breathtaking panorama of yellow, red, and orange hard corals. The nutrient-rich currents of the Atlantic Ocean bring a wealth of marine life, including majestic manta rays, massive barracuda, and graceful hawksbill turtles. For macro lovers, the vibrant ecosystem hosts intriguing species like octopuses, moray eels, sea horses, and giant sea slugs. Whether exploring colorful coral reefs, dramatic walls, or the occasional wreck, each dive is a chance to encounter the rich biodiversity that makes São Tomé a standout diving destination.
Dive Activity
Diving in São Tomé
São Tomé Province is home to captivating dive sites celebrated for their diverse marine life and intriguing underwater experiences. One of the standout locations is the Ilheu das Rolas, known for its vibrant coral gardens and the chance to spot unique marine species like the elusive frogfish. Divers often enjoy the blend of shore and liveaboard diving, allowing exploration of both accessible coastal spots and remote, untouched reefs.
Among the most sought-after experiences are the wreck dives, with the "Bom Bom" being a highlight. This wreck is a magnet for underwater photographers due to its rich history and the colorful marine life it attracts. Night diving is also a thrilling option here, offering the chance to witness nocturnal marine behaviors. São Tomé's dive sites provide a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, catering to all levels of diving enthusiasts.
Top Wildlife Sightings in São Tomé
São Tomé Province, a part of the island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe, is known for its vibrant marine ecosystem. This region is a paradise for divers, who can frequently encounter a variety of common reef fish such as angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish. These colorful species thrive around the coral reefs, offering a spectacular underwater experience.
Diving in São Tomé Province during specific seasons offers unique opportunities to witness majestic sea turtles, especially during their nesting season from October to February. While encounters with sharks such as reef and nurse sharks are possible, they are less common. Manta rays are occasional visitors, particularly near offshore dive sites, providing rare yet thrilling experiences for divers depending on the location and time of year.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
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Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
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Total number of species: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
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Alamy-WaterFrame
Common Seahorse
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 130
AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
Pufferfish
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 90
Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 100
iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 130
Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 3
Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo
Trumpetfish
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The best Months to Dive in São Tomé
São Tomé Province provides year-round diving opportunities, with warm waters averaging 26°C–29°C/79°F–84°F. Visibility generally ranges from 15 to 30 meters/49 to 98 feet, offering excellent conditions for exploring vibrant marine life and underwater landscapes.
The dry season from June to September is particularly favorable, as calmer seas and reduced rainfall result in clearer waters. However, during the rainy season from October to May, divers may encounter stronger currents and slightly diminished visibility. Despite these variations, diving remains enjoyable throughout the year, with the less favorable conditions seldom deterring enthusiasts.
