São Tomé and Príncipe, is an island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western equatorial coast of Africa. It consists of two islands: São Tomé and Príncipe, located about 140 kilometres apart and about 250 and 225 kilometres, respectively, off the northwestern coast of Gabon. Both islands are part of an extinct volcanic mountain range. São Tomé, the sizable southern island, is situated just north of the equator.

The dive sites are almost completely unexplored. And it is the prospect of encountering new and different sites that makes it a very exciting dive destination.

The wild coastline invites exploration. The clarity of the sea displays a whole spectrum of tropical marine life, enriched by the merging hot and cold currents. The sea bed offers a vast array of coral gardens and volcanic formations which make for fascinating diving.

The reefs consist of particularly interesting volcanic rock formations including gorgonians, and various types of stony corals. The limited exploration of these reefs ensure the coral has not been damaged by divers.  A brilliant combination of fish, seaweed, and corals awaits the diver who explores the seabed. You will be greeted with large schools of reef fish including: snapper, angel fish, surgeons, goat fish, box fish, turtles, barracuda, octopus, many eels, huge parrot fish, rays, white nurse sharks.

WHAT TO SEE:

* The Arch - an 8 metre dive through a huge rock formation
* Monstrous - a 12 to 15 metre dive through huge rock boulders
* Jockey's Cap - 12 to 18 metres with an abundance of fish and turtles.
* Pedro de Galle forms a wall with a 33 metre plateau and drops to infinity.

NEED TO KNOW:

Language:                Portuguese
Currency:                Dobra
Time:                      +0
Climate:                  Tropical
Diving Season:         Year round
Water temperature:  26C
Air temperature:       27 -30C

SEE ALSO:

http://www.saotome.st