São Tomé and Príncipe is a true hidden gem in the Gulf of Guinea, where lush nature and untouched beauty come together in perfect harmony, revealing stories of a vibrant past. Known as the land of "leve-leve", it’s home to basalt peaks that leave no visitor indifferent, some of the most biodiverse tropical rainforests on the planet, golden sand beaches, and lively communities deeply connected to nature. With coordinates at 1ºN, 7ºE, São Tomé and Príncipe is as close to the center of the world as you can get.
Picture yourself swimming in crystal-clear waters, almost 30°C (86°F), for 8 unforgettable days, where time seems to slow down. We’ll explore paradise-like spots such as Praia Banana and Praia Boi, hike to the famous Marco do Equador, marvel at the striking view of Pico do Cão Grande, and swim in the pristine Baía das Agulhas - just a few of the highlights of this extraordinary journey.
Our adventure doesn’t end with the water! We’ll immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture, explore local markets filled with exotic aromas and taste fresh tropical fruits that seem to have been picked straight from paradise. As the day winds down, let yourself be swept away by the sounds of traditional African music, filling the air with a unique energy.
The experience will be even more magical as we witness the release of sea turtles, an incredible opportunity to see nature in action and contribute to the preservation of these majestic creatures.
We couldn’t end our adventure without a great challenge. We’ll finish with the iconic Equator crossing! So… what are you wating for? Pack your bags and dive into this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
We’ll meet at Lisbon International Airport Humberto Delgado (LIS), where one of your swim guides will be waiting by the boarding gate. When we arrive to the destination, a transfer will take us to Omali, an HBD group hotel, in the city center.
The welcome dinner will be served at the hotel, where we'll outline the itinerary for the week. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted with a traditional dance performance, setting the tone for an immersive and culturally rich experience throughout the trip.
On the second day, we set off on an exciting journey south, where adventure and natural beauty await! Our route will take us through picturesque views, with stops at fascinating landmarks like Boca do Inferno and the iconic Pico Cão Grande, a towering volcanic spire that defines the São Tomé skyline and leaves you in awe of its majestic presence.
As the day unfolds, we will make our way to the Praia Inhame. Upon arrival, we’ll check in and settle into our surroundings before heading out for our acclimatization swim. The golden hues of the evening sky reflecting on the ocean create a magical backdrop, making this a perfect way to relax and witness a truly special moment — the release of baby turtles into the sea, a gentle reminder of nature’s wonder and resilience.
Waking to the gentle sounds of the ocean, we’ll start the day with a peaceful swim along the island’s southwestern shores, where beaches are fringed with palm trees and dense forest.
After our swim, we’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch, savoring the rich flavors of local cuisine as we take in the mesmerizing ocean views. Later, we’ll set sail to Ilhéu das Rolas to visit the iconic “Marco do Equador,” where you can stand on both sides of the equator for a truly unforgettable experience. It is from here that we will do the briefing for the tomorrow’s iconic crossing.
As we enter the fourth day of our adventure, we’re set for an exciting swim across the equator, an iconic crossing linking the enchanting Ilhéu das Rolas to the beautiful Praia Inhame! This isn’t just a swim! It’s a celebration of achievement, a moment to conquer something extraordinary as you cross between the Earth’s two hemispheres! Embrace the thrill and the spirit of true adventure!
The afternoon is yours to unwind and soak in the beauty of this tropical paradise!
On the fifth day, we set off on an exciting journey back to the north, with a stop at Cascata da Praia Pesqueira, a serene waterfall nestled between lush vegetation and volcanic rock formations. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a memorable lunch with our feet in the sand, where gastronomy meets culture, offering an authentic culinary experience brimming with rich flavors.
In the afternoon, our adventure will brings us to the historic Roça do Monte Café, where we step back in time to explore the coffee museum. Discover the rich history of this cherished bean that helped shape the region, and enjoy a delightful coffee tasting that highlights its distinct flavors. Next, we’ll head to the city for a relaxed shopping break, making a stop at the Diogo Vaz chocolate shop, known for its artisanal bean-to-bar process and the intense, complex chocolates that celebrate the island’s cacao heritage.
After breakfast, our journey begins with a short connecting flight to the stunning Ilha do Príncipe. Upon arrival, a transfer will take us to Roça Sundy, a beautifully restored plantation steeped in Príncipe's colonial history. It was here, in 1919, that Sir Arthur Eddington confirmed Einstein’s Theory of Relativity during a solar eclipse!
While the luggage is being taken to the hotel Roça Sundy, the group will be transported to Praia Bombom, where you can relax and enjoy the serene surroundings with a lunch with a wonderful sea view. As the evening approaches, we’ll head out for another swim around the islet that gives the location its name, offering a perfect end to the day.
In the morning, we’ll set off by boat from the hotel for an amazing swim in the pristine waters of Baía das Agulhas. After our swim, we’ll return to Praia Bombom for a peaceful lunch with a sea view, where we’ll spend the afternoon unwinding.
As the day draws to a close, we’ll gather for a relaxed gathering at the O Que Daniel viewpoint, where we can enjoy local food and drinks while watching the sunset. From here, we’ll have a beautiful view of the morning swim route and reflect on the day's experiences.
A breathtaking morning of swimming along the idyllic waters between Praia Boi and Praia Banana. These beaches, renowned for their turquoise waters and stunning landscapes, provide an unparalleled setting for our last open water swim. You’ll experience the tranquility and beauty of these tropical havens, making it a swim to remember.
After our invigorating swim, we’ll savor a delicious lunch before checking out. Our adventure continues with a short flight back to São Tomé, lasting just 40 minutes. After arrival at the airport, we’ll await our return flight to Lisbon, carrying with us cherished memories from an unforgettable week.
Payment is made in two instalments. A 30% deposit (non-refundable if the traveller cancels) to secure the booking, and a second payment of 70% up to 60 days before the start of the trip. You may also choose to pay the full amount of the trip in a single payment. If the booking is made less than 60 days before the trip date, payment must be made in full.
Most of our trips can accommodate guests who cannot swim; however, please note that this is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
This trip is for those who love adventure, making new friends and feeling life pulsing in every moment! If you come with an open mind, a relaxed attitude and a desire to experience the world in a different way, get ready for an unforgettable experience.
It’s important to bear in mind that, as this is an adventure trip, the unexpected can happen. You might come across animals you don’t usually see in your daily life, the internet might be patchy, the air conditioning might break down, or the shower might not have the pressure and temperature you’re used to. The food might not be quite like your mum’s, and that’s absolutely fine! It’s these little details that make the trip special and authentic. And thank goodness it’s like that – if everything were the same, it wouldn’t be worth leaving home.
If you invite a friend to come along, it’s essential that you let them know about this. At SwimTogether, we don’t want grumpy travellers. Here, a good attitude and a willingness to make the most of every moment are essential!
We usually stay in twin rooms, which may have a double bed or two single beds. Whenever possible, we book double beds for couples travelling together. Those travelling alone usually stay in rooms with single beds. In some situations, it may be necessary to stay in a triple room.
On some occasions, you may choose to stay in a single room. If available, we can accommodate you in a room of your own, subject to an additional charge, the amount of which may vary depending on the travel dates. For further information, please contact us.
The trip is confirmed when all the conditions for it to take place have been met, namely reaching the minimum number of travellers, as well as the completion of all organisational aspects (bookings, transfers, activities, among others). As a rule, confirmation takes place several months before the scheduled date, although it may be delayed until a maximum of 20 days before departure. It is possible that, at the time you make your booking, the trip may already be confirmed.
You should only book your flights after you have paid for the trip and confirmed with SwimTogether that your booking is finalised.
We will then provide you with recommended flights.
Of course you can, but you’ll be on your own until you meet your tour guides and the group at the hotel on the day the adventure begins. If you wish, you can also extend your stay and stay on for a few more days after the SwimTogether trip has finished. In either case, you can arrange to extend your stay directly with us, so you won’t have to worry about changing hotels and/or rooms.
Transfers vary depending on the trip. Normally, there is just one transfer for the whole group on the outward journey and another on the return. Transfer times are set taking into account the recommended flights. On arrival at the destination airport, there will always be a driver holding a SwimTogether sign waiting for travellers. If you choose flights other than those suggested and arrive at the airport earlier, you may wait until the transfer time. The same applies on the return journey: if your flight is later but you wish to use the transfer to the airport, you may do so. If you choose flights whose dates or times do not coincide with those of the transfers, we can organise your transfer at an additional cost.
Throughout the trip, travellers will be accompanied by SwimTogether’s tour guides. You will also be travelling with other participants of various ages and swimming abilities, who may include young students, retired couples, solo travellers, groups of friends, experienced open-water swimmers or people who are not used to swimming outside a pool. Whatever the group’s composition, you can be sure you’ll meet a mix of fascinating personalities from all over the world, united by a shared love of swimming and nature.
Travellers’ dietary restrictions – including vegetarianism and severe allergies – are always taken into account, provided they are communicated in writing and well in advance. However, it is important to bear in mind that it is not always possible to accommodate all dietary requirements. Situations may arise where it is not possible to guarantee a fully suitable meal, and in such cases, it is the traveller’s responsibility to be mindful of their diet and take additional precautions, such as bringing suitable snacks or finding out in advance about the options available at the destination.
All guests must be aged 18 or over on the start date of our trips, or be accompanied by an adult swimmer if aged between 16 and 18. The trip price is the same as for an adult.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our adventures, and you must provide your policy details before departure so that, in the event of any health issues during the trip, we can make a claim on the traveller’s behalf. Your insurance must provide adequate cover for medical treatment abroad, medical evacuation/repatriation, luggage and equipment, as well as for the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend that your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, in case you are unable to take part in the trip due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness.
Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it is essential to carefully review the policy details. SwimTogether can arrange your travel insurance at an additional cost - our proposal can be requested free of charge and with no obligation (request travel insurance).
Alternatively, there are providers specialized in adventure travel, such as IATI, offering a 5% discount to SwimTogether clients and coverage for a wide range of adventure activities.
Please ensure that the policy you choose meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.
We recommend that all travellers attend a pre-travel consultation or speak to their doctor between 4 and 8 weeks before departure. There are generally no compulsory vaccinations, but it is important to confirm this with your doctor and to check whether any specific medication is recommended for the trip. We also advise you to check the specific recommendations for your destination.
We can reserve all the seats for you and your friends. This is always subject to availability.
On our trips, we have a wide range of swimming speeds, with participants covering 1 km in open water in between 15 and 30 minutes. As a guideline, guests should be able to swim at least 1 km in 30 minutes. The average pace on SwimTogether trips is 15 to 20 minutes per kilometre, or around 24 to 32 minutes per mile.
One of the advantages of SwimTogether trips is that we accommodate this range of speeds on every trip. At the start of the trip, the guides lead an acclimatisation swim with all participants to group swimmers of similar speeds together. Usually, two speed groups are formed per trip, although this may vary depending on the group.
By dividing swimmers into smaller groups, we ensure that everyone swims at a comfortable pace. On most of our trips, we ask that swimmers be able to swim 1 km (0.6 miles) in 30 minutes to take part.
No. After all, you’re on holiday! If you need to take a break whilst swimming, you can always hop onto the support boat at any time. On trips where we use kayaks instead of boats, the guides will be able to advise you on the various options for getting out of the water and walking parts of the route, wherever possible.
Each group of swimmers is accompanied by its own support boat during each session. On most trips, these boats usually consist of a main semi-rigid boat and a kayak; however, when it is not possible to use motorised boats, the guides accompany the swimmers in support kayaks. The boats and guides are there to ensure safety, provide drinks and snacks, and help with anything you may need throughout the trip.
One of the great joys of open-water swimming is the opportunity to appreciate the incredible variety of wildlife, natural topography and underwater landscapes that most people never get the chance to see. The type of marine life you might encounter varies greatly from place to place. We’ve swum with everything from laid-back sea turtles to unique fish.
This trip takes place in environments where wild animals exist in their natural habitat, with limited or no protection or control over their movements. Some species may be dangerous, poisonous or unpredictable. Observing these animals is a privilege, but safety must always be a priority. You must strictly follow the guide’s instructions and any signage.
We recommend that you consider your comfort level with wildlife and discuss any concerns with your host before the trip, especially if you have allergies, phobias or other related health conditions.
Tap water in São Tomé and Príncipe is not safe to drink. Therefore, it is recommended that you drink only bottled water.
The trip begins and ends in São Tomé, so any extra luggage that you cannot take with you to Príncipe can be left in the care of the Hotel Omali, which will store it safely. Please note that the baggage allowance for the domestic flight is a maximum of 15 kg per person for checked-in luggage, and you may use your small rucksack as hand luggage to take with you on the flight. With this in mind, and although the international flight LIS – TMS allows checked-in luggage of up to 23 kg, we recommend that you bring a maximum of 15 kg for the entire trip.
This trip includes visits to locations that may be considered remote, where the journey time to the nearest medical facility may exceed 12 hours, even with external assistance. In some areas, communications may be limited. An evacuation may require a change to the originally planned route and the use of a support vehicle – private or public transport, by land, air or water – to reach a point of medical care.
Special attention should be given to travellers with pre-existing medical conditions and specific care needs, which must be communicated to the host before the trip. People with pre-existing conditions should also seek advice from a healthcare professional before travelling. If health problems arise during the trip, you must inform the guide immediately so that appropriate care can be provided.
All travellers must have adequate and sufficient travel insurance covering any additional costs.
This trip takes place in areas where daytime temperatures can reach extreme levels, with limited shade and, at times, high humidity which adds to the challenge. These conditions can affect physical performance and increase the risk of dehydration or heat-related illnesses. The guide will adjust the pace and keep a close eye on the group, but it is essential to stay well hydrated, wear suitable clothing and use sun protection.
Before travelling, you should consider your ability to remain active in high temperatures and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns, especially if you suffer from cardiovascular conditions or are sensitive to heat. Arriving one or two days before the start of the trip may help you gradually acclimatise to the heat.
The cost of flights can vary depending on the season, number of stopovers, airline promotions, extras, and other factors. On average, the approximate prices are:
International flight:
- Lisbon (LIS) – São Tomé and Príncipe (TMS) – Lisbon (LIS): +/- €850
Domestic flight:
- São Tomé and Príncipe (TMS) – Príncipe Island (PCP) – São Tomé and Príncipe (TMS): approx. €250
Recommended flights may vary depending on your travel dates, but these are usually the flights and timings chosen:
International flight: Lisbon (LIS) – São Tomé and Príncipe (TMS) – Lisbon (LIS)
- Outbound flight: TP1527 [departing Lisbon (LIS) at 09:35]
- Return flight: TP1528 [departing São Tomé and Príncipe (TMS) at 20:00]
Domestic flight: São Tomé and Príncipe (TMS) – Príncipe Island (PCP) – São Tomé and Príncipe (TMS): approx. €250
- Outbound flight: 8F211 [departing from São Tomé and Príncipe (TMS) at 09:00]
- Return flight: 8F214 [departing from Príncipe Island (PCP) at 20:00]
Please feel free to email us and we will be happy to assist you: info@swim-together.com
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