The equator
A marker on the ground.
Ji-Elle — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ji-Elle — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ji-Elle — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ji-Elle — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ji-Elle — CC BY-SA 4.0
Ilhéu das Rolas is a small island off the southern tip of São Tomé Island, crossed by the equator. A narrow channel separates it from the main island, it rises to 96 metres at its highest, and about 76 people live there. Visitors come to stand on the equator and enjoy its quiet beaches and nature. The island appears on a map from 1665. The Portuguese naval officer Gago Coutinho led a survey mission to São Tomé from 1915 to 1918 that placed markers on the equator here, which gave the island its other name. It has a lighthouse built in 1929 and a small resort. You see a low green island in a blue sea, with white sand beaches scattered with black basalt rocks. Palm trees and big tropical trees with spreading roots cover it. From the São Tomé shore the island looks like a green line on the horizon. It is about 20 km from São João dos Angolares in a straight line. Access is only by boat from Ponta Baleia on the main island. Arrange your return in advance, and bring sun protection.
A marker on the ground.
White sand, black rock.
Spreading roots.
Off the southern tip of São Tomé Island
By boat from Ponta Baleia in southern São Tomé.
Yes, with a marker where visitors stand.