Step 1: São Tomé city to Ponta Baleia
Drive the east-coast road south for about 75 km to Ponta Baleia, the small jetty just before Porto Alegre. Allow 2–2½ hours without stops. See getting to the south for the route.
Step 2: the boat
Open motorboats cross to the islet in about 20 minutes. There is no fixed public timetable: boats are chartered, either by your tour, your lodge or directly with the boatmen.
| Option | How it works | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Organised excursion | Boat and guide included | See tours |
| Through a southern lodge | Lodge books the boat | Easiest if you are staying nearby |
| Direct with boatmen | Negotiate at Ponta Baleia | Agree the price per boat and return time; pay in cash |
Day trip from the capital?
It is possible — leave by 7 am, be on the islet by late morning and start back by 3 pm to avoid driving in the dark — but it means five hours in the car. Staying one or two nights in the south is much better.
Getting around the islet
Entirely on foot. The monument is 15–20 minutes from the landing and the blowholes about half an hour.
