Quiet reefs, volcanic rock formations, and warm, clear water.
Diving in São Tomé and Príncipe is as off-the-radar as it gets. With few other divers around and an abundance of marine life, this is one of West Africa’s best-kept underwater secrets.
Explore untouched dive sites, spot turtles and rays, and glide through coral gardens that feel worlds away from the usual circuit. Whether you're just starting out or already certified, this is raw, rewarding diving in a truly wild setting.
With warm, clear waters and a rich marine ecosystem, São Tomé and Príncipe offer some of the best and least-explored scuba diving opportunities in West Africa. These volcanic islands sit in the Gulf of Guinea, where nutrient-rich upwellings attract an incredible array of marine life, from vibrant reef fish to rays, turtles, and occasional encounters with larger pelagics like barracuda and tuna.
Diving here is still relatively undeveloped, which means no crowds, pristine sites, and a real sense of discovery beneath the surface. On São Tomé, the dive sites are known for dramatic underwater rock formations and coral gardens. Meanwhile, Príncipe, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers even more secluded dive spots – often only accessible by boat – where black coral fans and sponge-covered walls provide habitat for schooling fish and curious moray eels.
The waters stay warm year-round, hovering between 26–29°C, and visibility is often excellent, especially during the drier season from June to September. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, local operators offer guided dives and PADI instruction.
This is underwater exploration at its most authentic – wild, vivid, and far from the beaten path. If you’re looking for dive sites few others have seen, São Tomé and Príncipe are calling.
São Tomé and Príncipe is one of my favourite destinations - call me today to discuss your trip
São Tomé and Príncipe Island Escape
- Sao Tome
- Principe
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São Tomé and Príncipe Trip Inspiration
Our São Tomé and Príncipe expert, Otti, says:
"Diving in São Tomé and Príncipe feels like discovering a secret world. The underwater landscapes are shaped by volcanic rock, teeming with life yet almost entirely untouched. You might see turtles, rays, and shoals of tropical fish, but what really sets it apart is the sense of solitude. There’s rarely another diver in sight - it’s just you, the reef, and the open ocean. It’s wild, raw, and completely unforgettable."
Best places to stay in São Tomé and Príncipe
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