Bom Bom Island, São Tomé e Príncipe - Things to Do in Bom Bom Island

Bom Bom Island

Bom Bom Island, Saotome e Príncipe - Complete Travel Guide

Bom Bom Island is a pristine tropical great destination located off the northern coast of Príncipe Island in Saotome e Príncipe. This small, uninhabited islet is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine white sand beaches, and busy coral reefs that make it one of the most spectacular destinations in the Gulf of Guinea. The island serves as a protected marine sanctuary and is accessible only by boat from Príncipe Island, making it an exclusive and unspoiled retreat for nature lovers and diving enthusiasts. Surrounded by some of the richest marine biodiversity in West Africa, Bom Bom Island offers visitors an authentic Robinson Crusoe experience with luxury eco-resort amenities. The island's untouched natural beauty, combined with its commitment to sustainable tourism, creates a unique destination where guests can disconnect from the modern world while enjoying world-class snorkeling, diving, and pristine beach experiences in one of Africa's last remaining tropical great destinations.

Top Bom Bom Island

Snorkeling and Diving Adventures

Explore the incredible marine life surrounding Bom Bom Island with some of the best diving and snorkeling in West Africa. The crystal-clear waters offer visibility up to 30 meters, revealing busy coral reefs, tropical fish species, sea turtles, and occasionally dolphins and whales.

Booking Tip: Book diving packages through the resort or local operators on Príncipe Island for $40-60 per dive. Best visibility is during dry season (June-September). Look for PADI-certified operators with good safety records.

Sea Turtle Watching

Witness the magical experience of sea turtle nesting and hatching on Bom Bom's pristine beaches. Green turtles, hawksbill turtles, and leatherback turtles visit these shores year-round, with peak nesting season from October to March.

Booking Tip: Arrange guided turtle watching tours through local guides for $25-35 per person. Evening tours during nesting season offer the best chances. Choose operators committed to turtle conservation.

Pristine Beach Relaxation

Enjoy the untouched white sand beaches that encircle Bom Bom Island, perfect for sunbathing, beachcombing, and swimming in warm tropical waters. The beaches offer complete privacy and impressive views of the surrounding archipelago.

Booking Tip: Beach access is included with resort stays or day trips from Príncipe Island costing $80-120 per person including boat transfer and lunch. Best weather is during dry season.

Kayaking and Stand-up Paddleboarding

Explore the calm waters around Bom Bom Island by kayak or SUP, discovering hidden coves, mangrove areas, and enjoying unique perspectives of the island's coastline. The protected waters make it perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.

Booking Tip: Equipment rental available through the resort for $20-30 per day. Guided tours cost $40-50 per person. Early morning sessions offer the calmest conditions and best wildlife spotting opportunities.

Sunset Boat Cruises

Experience impressive sunsets over the Gulf of Guinea aboard traditional fishing boats or modern catamarans. These cruises often include dolphin watching opportunities and impressive views of both Bom Bom Island and Príncipe Island's dramatic coastline.

Booking Tip: Book sunset cruises for $45-65 per person including drinks and snacks. Departures typically 5:30-6:00 PM. Choose operators with good safety equipment and experienced local captains.

Getting There

Reaching Bom Bom Island requires flying into Saotome International Airport, then taking a domestic flight to Príncipe Airport (30-45 minutes). From Príncipe, the island is accessible only by boat, with transfers typically arranged through the Bom Bom Island Resort or local tour operators. Boat transfers take 10-15 minutes from Príncipe's coast and must be coordinated in advance. TAP Air Portugal and STP Airways operate regular flights between the islands, though schedules can be weather-dependent.

Getting Around

Transportation on Bom Bom Island is entirely on foot, as the small islet can be walked around in about 20 minutes. The island features well-maintained walking paths through tropical vegetation and along the coastline. All resort facilities, beaches, and activity centers are within easy walking distance. For exploring the surrounding waters, the resort and local operators provide boats, kayaks, and other watercraft. Golf carts are occasionally used for luggage transport, but the island's compact size makes walking the preferred and most enjoyable way to get around.

Where to Stay

Bom Bom Island Resort
Príncipe Island Hotels
Santo Antonio Guesthouses
Praia Banana Lodges
Eco-lodges on Príncipe
Private Villa Rentals

Food & Dining

Dining on Bom Bom Island centers around the resort's restaurant, which serves a fusion of Portuguese, African, and international cuisine using fresh local ingredients including tropical fruits, locally caught fish, and organic vegetables. The menu emphasizes sustainability with farm-to-table concepts and features specialties like grilled red snapper, tropical fruit salads, and traditional São Toméan dishes. For day visitors, lunch packages are typically included in boat tour arrangements. On nearby Príncipe Island, additional dining options include local restaurants in Santo Antonio serving traditional dishes like calulu (fish stew) and fresh seafood, though most visitors prefer the convenience and quality of resort dining.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Bom Bom Island is during the dry season from June to September, when rainfall is minimal, seas are calmer, and diving visibility is at its peak. This period offers the most reliable weather for water activities and boat transfers. The shoulder months of May and October can also be excellent with fewer crowds and good weather conditions. The wet season (October to May) brings higher humidity and occasional heavy rainfall, but also offers unique experiences like sea turtle nesting (October-March) and lush tropical vegetation. Water temperatures remain warm year-round (26-28°C), making any time suitable for swimming and diving, though dry season offers the most predictable conditions.

Insider Tips

Book accommodations and boat transfers well in advance as Bom Bom Island has limited capacity and fills up quickly during peak season
Pack reef-safe sunscreen and biodegradable toiletries to protect the pristine marine environment - the island has strict environmental protection policies
Bring cash (euros or Saotome dobras) as credit card facilities are limited, and consider bringing extra for tips and local purchases on Príncipe Island

Activities in Bom Bom Island