SÃO TOMÉ GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Seven Days of Open‑Water Swims, Turtle Releases and an Equator Crossing on São Tomé
A focused, 7-day guided swim camp that pairs daily open-water swims with rainforest hikes, wildlife encounters and a symbolic crossing of the equator.
Seven Days of Open‑Water Swims, Turtle Releases and an Equator Crossing on São Tomé.
Swim Camp São Tomé and Príncipe is a seven-day guided journey through some of the Gulf of Guinea’s most secluded shores and interior stands of rainforest, combining daily open-water swims in warm, clear seas with hikes to waterfalls, cultural visits and a chance to witness turtle releases and an equator crossing.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Daily open-water swims in warm, tropical seas
Expect consistent, guided swims each day—averaging about 3.5 km per day—in water that sits around 28–29°C, with open-water sessions accompanied by boat support and experienced swim guides.
Turtle conservation and coastal nature
The itinerary includes an opportunity to witness and assist with the evening release of baby sea turtles on the beach, a conservation moment woven into the trip’s coastal program.
Hikes, volcanic spires and the equator
Beyond the water, the route visits rainforest waterfalls, panoramic viewpoints including sights of Pico do Cão Grande, and culminates with a celebrated equator crossing at Ilhéu das Rolas and Praia Inhame.
What the day feels like
What the week feels like
The week flows from gentle acclimatization swims and boat-supported open-water sessions to inland excursions—short flights link islands and transfers move the group by jeep or minibus—so days alternate between buoyant, marine-focused mornings and slower afternoons of hiking, beachside meals and cultural visits.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Personal swim equipment is not included—bring your own goggles, wetsuit if desired, and swim kit; water temperatures run around 28–29°C so heavy thermal protection is generally unnecessary.
The program includes experienced swim guides, boat accompaniment for open-water sessions, meals (breakfasts, lunches and dinners), water/tea/snacks during swims, transfers during the trip and photos; accommodation is provided across Roça Sundy, Omali Lodge and Praia Inhame Eco Lodge with double or triple rooms as standard.
Participants must cover flights, personal travel insurance, tourist tax at accommodations, personal extras, gratuities for local guides and any extra activities; equipment is also not included.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Swim Camp?
The program runs for seven days.
How much swimming is there per day?
The itinerary averages approximately 3.5 km of swimming per day.
What is the water temperature like?
Sea temperatures during the trip are typically around 28–29°C (82–84°F).
What safety measures are provided during swims?
Open-water sessions are guided by experienced swim guides and accompanied by a boat for safety.
What is included in the trip price?
The price covers guides and safety, meals (breakfasts, lunches and dinners), water/tea/snacks during swims, accommodations across the listed lodges, transfers by jeep or minibus during the trip and photos.
What is not included?
Not included are equipment, flights, personal extras, gratuities for local guides, drinks other than water during meals, personal travel insurance, tourist tax at accommodation and any extra activities.
How can I avoid paying booking fees?
The operator requests that travelers contact them directly to avoid booking fees.