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Scuba Diving, São Tomé, Atlantic Ocean

Scuba Diving in São Tomé and Príncipe

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.

Beach On Principe Bom Bom Resort

São Tomé and Príncipe Island Escape

Discover the hidden island gems of São Tomé and Príncipe with us
£3,915 pp. Learn more
Trips in São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe Trip Inspiration

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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."

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Our São Tomé and Príncipe Experts
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Alistair

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Ottilie

Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails.

August, 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

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