Swim with humpback whales in Moʻorea, September 2027 · from CHF 4,500See the trip →
Ocean Calling

Ocean Atlas · Africa

Africa

São Tomé and Príncipe

Two volcanic islands where five sea turtle species nest and humpback whales pass from July to September, and possibly into October.

Green turtle
Green turtle, found in the waters of the wider region · Photo: James Thornton on Unsplash
Exploring

Ethics pass, with care. We found a way to visit this country that meets our animal-welfare standard, as long as we work with the right local operator. Checked by Ocean Calling on 5 Oct 2026. Sources: Sao Tome and Principe Travel Advisory, US State Department, April 2026; Turtle watching, Programa Tato; Turtle Season on Principe, Principe Collection.

WhalesTurtlesWildlife watching

Why São Tomé and Príncipe

The archipelago is an important nesting and feeding place for five of the seven sea turtle species, and Principe is a key site for hawksbill turtles. Turtles nest on certain beaches from about November, and hatchlings come to the sea from late January to March. Humpback whales use the channel between the two islands from about July to September, and possibly into October. Guided walks with trained turtle monitors and whale watching from the boat fit our ethics. The US advised reconsidering travel in April 2026 and is reported to have lowered its advice in September 2026, so we are still researching.

Conservation-led. Ocean Calling guests never chase, touch or bait animals.

TanzaniaDem. Rep. CongoSomaliaKenyaSudanChadFranceSenegalMaliMauritaniaBeninNigerNigeriaCameroonTogoGhanaCôte d'IvoireGuineaGuinea-BissauLiberiaSierra LeoneBurkina FasoCentral African Rep.CongoGabonEq. GuineaZambiaMalawiMozambiqueAngolaBurundiMadagascarGambiaEritreaYemenSaudi ArabiaEthiopiaDjiboutiSomalilandUgandaRwandaS. SudanPrincipe island, São Tomé and PríncipeSao Tome island, São Tomé and Príncipe

When to go

Jul-Oct. Timing changes by place and by animal, so check each place below.

We have researched this place and keep learning about it. There is no trip here yet.

Our ethics check

Can we travel here ethically?

Ethics pass, with care

Good with the right operator. Here is how we choose.

Turtle walks led by trained monitors and whale watching from the boat exist, so a careful visit could work. We would avoid touching turtles or hatchlings and any chasing or swimming with whales. The US advised reconsidering travel in April 2026 and is reported to have lowered its advice in September, so we are still learning and we do not go yet.

Evidence is still thin here. We are checking again with official sources.

Checked 5 Oct 2026. Places change, so we look again every year.

Sources for this check
Places we are exploring

Where in São Tomé and Príncipe

Short notes from our research. Wildlife is never guaranteed.

Principe island

Exploring

A small, quiet island where hawksbill, green and leatherback turtles nest and humpbacks pass in July and August.

⛵ From the boat or shore, never in the water: Turtles nesting and hatchlings (guided, from the beach, never touched), Humpback whales (from the boat, at a distance)

When: Jul-Aug and Jan-Mar. Humpbacks are seen off Principe mostly in July and August, and hatchlings reach the sea from late January to March.

Sao Tome island

Exploring

The main island, where olive ridley and loggerhead turtles nest as well.

⛵ From the boat or shore, never in the water: Sea turtles (nesting, guided, from the beach, never touched)

When: Nov-Mar. Turtles come to certain beaches from about November, and hatchlings reach the sea from late January to March.

Animals

Animals recorded in São Tomé and Príncipe

Tap an animal to learn how it lives, where it travels and how to meet it respectfully.

Green turtle resting on the reef, shell and head pattern in sharp detailGreen turtleChelonia mydasSeen in 103 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernHawksbill turtle swimming, pointed beak in profileHawksbill turtleEretmochelys imbricataSeen in 88 countries in the AtlasCritically EndangeredLeatherback hatchling crossing the sand toward the seaLeatherback turtleDermochelys coriaceaSeen in 76 countries in the AtlasVulnerableOlive ridley turtles nesting on Playa Ostional, Costa RicaOlive ridley turtleLepidochelys olivaceaSeen in 40 countries in the AtlasVulnerableLoggerhead turtle at the surface feeding on Portuguese man o' warLoggerhead turtleCaretta carettaSeen in 89 countries in the AtlasVulnerableHumpback whale swimming close with long pectoral finHumpback whaleMegaptera novaeangliaeSeen in 87 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernBlack noddy perched in a shrub on Tern Island, French Frigate ShoalsBlack noddyAnous minutusSeen in 37 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernAdult brown booby standing on a rock with its bill open against blue sky, PrincipeBrown boobySula leucogasterSeen in 104 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernClose view of a red-footed booby head with blue, pink and red bill and throat skin among green leavesRed-footed boobySula sulaSeen in 91 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernReed cormorant perched on a low stump among tall reedsReed cormorant (long-tailed cormorant)Microcarbo africanusSeen in 27 countries in the AtlasLeast Concern
Dreaming of São Tomé and Príncipe?

Tell Rocío what you would love to see

There is no trip here yet. If enough people ask, it helps us decide where to go next.

Message on WhatsAppEmail RocíoGet new dates first

Also in Africa
AngolaBeninCabo VerdeCameroonCôte d'IvoireDemocratic Republic of the CongoEquatorial GuineaGabonGambiaGhanaGuineaGuinea-BissauKenyaLiberiaMauritaniaMozambiqueNamibiaNigeriaRepublic of the CongoSaint HelenaSenegalSierra LeoneSouth AfricaTanzaniaTogoWestern Sahara

← Back to the Ocean Atlas

For partners

Based in São Tomé and Príncipe?

We are always happy to hear from exceptional local operators, accommodation, conservation organisations and destination experts in São Tomé and Príncipe. If your work fits responsible, small-group ocean travel, we would love to learn more.

Partner with Ocean Calling
You might like

New: mobula rays in La Ventana, May 2027

CHF 2,720

Book now →