01 ·
North Coast Sao Tome
Blue Marlin + Yellowfin Tunanear coast
Africa · Fishing World Guide
São Tomé and Príncipe.
Fishing in São Tomé and Príncipe 2026: Permits, Best Spots, Charters & Costs
7
target species
Yes
license needed
Jun–Sep
best season
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Do you need a license?
License
Yes.
Included in the charter price.
›All license details
- Where to apply?
- Through charter boat providers or local authorities.
- Cost
- Included in the charter price.
- Validity
- For the duration of the tour
- Available online?
- No
São Tomé and Príncipe are two volcanic islands in the Gulf of Guinea right on the Equator! World-class Blue Marlin. Rarely fished. Portuguese-speaking. One of the smallest countries in Africa with enormous fishing potential.
When to go?
The season at a glance.
Best season
Marlin: September-March. Wahoo: All year. Dry season: June-September.
Where to fish?
The top waters.
02 ·
Ilheu das Rolas
Sailfish + Wahooright on the equator
03 ·
Boca do Inferno
Barracuda + Snapperfirst-class cliff fishing
04 ·
Bom Bom Island
Blue Marlin + UNESCO protected areaworld class waters
05 ·
Pantufo/Neves
Tuna + Doradostarting point for local pirogues
What's biting?
Your target species.
›+1 more species
Flying Fish
The rules.
Four things you need to know.
Closed seasons
Closed seasons
No general closed seasons.
Catch limits
Catch limits
Billfish: C&R recommended. Moderate limits for food fish.
Prohibited methods
Prohibited methods
Dynamite prohibited.
Catch & release
Catch & release
Increasingly for marlin.
What does it cost?
—
License
Included in the charter price.
100-200 USD
Guide per day
Coast: 100-200 USD. Big Game: 400-800 USD/day.
60-120 USD
Daily budget
Budget: 60-120 USD. Big Game: 250-500 USD/person.
Bite times
The best fishing times — free.
Best fishing times
·São Tomé and Príncipe0.19°, 6.61°
Plan your trip.
Everything in one place.
Fishing trips in São Tomé and Príncipe
Curated tours & charters with price and click data from our partner dashboards.
View all trips (1)All the details
The fine print.
License in detail
Through charter boat providers or local authorities. — São Tomé and Príncipe are two volcanic islands in the Gulf of Guinea right on the Equator! World-class Blue Marlin. Rarely fished. Portuguese-speaking. One of the smallest countries in Africa with enormous fishing potential.
Rules in detail
São Tomé lies right on the Equator — warm water all year round. The drop-off is very close to the coast. Large marlin regularly pass by!
Freshwater
Small rivers with tropical species. Not the main reason for a trip.
Saltwater
Volcanic islands on the Equator in the Gulf of Guinea. Deep water nearby. Rarely fished!
Equipment
Charter boats provide equipment. Hardly available locally.
Guides
Big Game Charter: 400-800 USD/day. Coastal fishing: 100-200 USD.
Getting there
Flights to Sao Tome (via Lisbon). Small plane to Principe. Boat transfer.
Safety
Safe country! One of the safest in Africa. Be aware of malaria. Sun protection on the Equator!
Customs & fish export
Visa-free for EU citizens (15 days). Portuguese as the official language.
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All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: April 13, 2026
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