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1The islet and the crossing
The trip starts at the jetty of Ponta Baleia, where open boats make the short run across the channel. Dolphins are sometimes seen, and from about July to October there is a chance of humpback whales. You land beside the village on the north shore.
ℹ️ About 20 minutes each way. Life jackets should be provided — ask. Sea can be choppy in the windier months.
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2The Equator monument
On a rise above the village, a stone marker stands on a platform inlaid with a map of the world and a line representing latitude 0°. It commemorates the survey work of Gago Coutinho, who fixed the position of the Equator here. Modern GPS puts the true line a short distance away — a detail that spoils nobody’s photograph.
ℹ️ Free. A 15–20 minute uphill walk from the landing. Go early or late to avoid the midday heat.
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3The path through the forest
The track to the monument climbs gently through coconut palms, breadfruit and cocoa trees gone wild, with birds calling overhead. Village children often appoint themselves guides; a small tip is appreciated.
ℹ️ Easy walking on a clear path. Wear shoes rather than flip-flops.
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4The view to São Tomé
From the monument and from the north shore the whole southern end of São Tomé is laid out across the water: the beaches of Porto Alegre, forested ridges and, on a clear day, the spike of Pico Cão Grande.
ℹ️ Best in the morning before cloud builds over the mainland.
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5Rolas from the mainland
Even if you do not cross, the islet is a constant presence from the southern beaches — a low green dome on the horizon from Praia Inhame and Porto Alegre, especially fine at sunset.
ℹ️ Seen from Porto Alegre and Praia Inhame.
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6The blowholes
On the exposed southern side, swells push through lava tubes and erupt as spouts of spray, locally called <em>furnas</em>. A path of about half an hour leads there from the village.
ℹ️ Keep well back from the holes and the cliff edge. Most active when the sea is rough.
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7The beaches
Several small beaches of pale sand lie within a short walk of the landing, the best known being Praia Café. The water is clear, with rocks and reef fish close in for snorkelling.
ℹ️ Free. Little shade and no reliable services — bring water, snacks and your own snorkel gear.
A note on the village
A small fishing community lives on Rolas. Buy a coconut or a drink if offered, ask before taking photographs, and take all rubbish back with you.
