Ilhéu das Cabras

Ilhéu das Cabras sits a few kilometres off São Tomé town, a rocky islet with two humps that is the first thing seen from the waterfront, and it is a protected seabird site: brown boobies and terns nest on it in numbers. Boats run out for diving and snorkelling on the reef around it. Landing is restricted to protect the nesting birds, so most visits stay on the water.

Background

The uninhabited islet sits roughly 2 kilometres from the northeast coast of São Tomé and 8 kilometres north of the centre of São Tomé city. Two hills about 90 metres high make up the islet. A lighthouse built in 1890 stands on the northeastern summit, with a focal height of 97 metres and a range of 12 nautical miles. The islet already appears, as Mooro Caebres, on a 1665 map by Johannes Vingboons.

Source: Wikipedia, "Ilhéu das Cabras"

Highlights

• The twin humps - the islet's profile seen from the São Tomé waterfront.
• The seabird colonies - brown boobies and terns nesting on the rock.
• The surrounding reef - the diving and snorkelling ground around the islet.
• The protected status - the restrictions on landing during nesting.

When to go

June to September is the drier gravana season with calmer water. Seabirds nest through much of the year. Swell cancels boat trips.

Practical notes

Landing is restricted and most trips stay on the water. Boat operations out of São Tomé are limited and must be arranged. Swell cancels crossings.

Nearby

São Tomé town is south, and Praia dos Tamarindos is northwest.

Key facts