Africa
Fishing in
São Tomé and Príncipe 2026.
Fishing License & Permit · Fishing Times · Waters & Fish Species · Cost Overview
🌙Fishing Times 2026Best fishing times
·São Tomé and Príncipe0.19°, 6.61°
01
Fishing License & Permit
- License required?
- Yes
- 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.
Book fishing tours in São Tomé and Príncipe
Guided tours with local experts — recommended by locals
02
Rules & Regulations
- Closed seasons
- No general closed seasons.
- Catch limits
- Billfish: C&R recommended. Moderate limits for food fish.
- Prohibited methods
- Dynamite prohibited.
- Catch & Release
- Increasingly for marlin.
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!
03
Waters & Fish Species
Top waters
- —North Coast Sao Tome (Blue Marlin + Gelbflossenthunfisch, Coastnnähe)
- —Ilheu das Rolas (Segelfisch + Wahoo, direkt am Äquator)
- —Boca do Inferno (Barrakuda + Snapper, erstklassiges Cliffsangeln)
- —Bom Bom Island (Blue Marlin + UNESCO-Schutzgebiet, World class-Revier)
- —Pantufo/Neves (Thunfisch + Dorado, Startpunkt für lokale Pirogen)
Target fish
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!
Starting from200 USD / day
Best season: Marlin: September-March. Wahoo: All year. Dry season: June-September.
04
Practical Information
- Equipment
- Charter boats provide equipment. Hardly available locally.
- Fishing guides
- Big Game Charter: 400-800 USD/day. Coastal fishing: 100-200 USD.
- Transport
- 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 & taking fish home
- Visa-free for EU citizens (15 days). Portuguese as the official language.
05
Cost Overview
License fees
Included in the charter price.
Guide prices
Coast: 100-200 USD. Big Game: 400-800 USD/day.
Daily budget
Budget: 60-120 USD. Big Game: 250-500 USD/person.
Read blog article →
Detailed guide: Fishing in São Tomé and Príncipe
Equipment
Recommended fishing equipment
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Flights
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Airport Transfer
Pre-booked transfer from the airport to your hotel or fishing charter
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