What to bring
- Cash in small notes for the boat, drinks and tips
- Plenty of water and a snack or picnic
- Hat, sunscreen and a long-sleeved shirt — the sun is directly overhead
- Mask and snorkel; a dry bag for the boat
- Shoes for the walk to the monument
Food and drink
Do not rely on finding a meal on the islet. Villagers may sell coconuts, fruit or grilled fish, and organised excursions usually handle lunch. Otherwise eat at your lodge or in Porto Alegre.
Accommodation
The resort that once operated on Rolas has been closed in recent years. Check the current situation if staying on the islet matters to you; otherwise sleep on the mainland near Porto Alegre.
Safety
Check that the boat carries life jackets and do not cross in rough weather. Swim on the sheltered northern side; the southern coast has surge and sharp lava. There is no medical help on the islet.
Half a day on Rolas
- Cross from Ponta Baleia in the morning.
- Walk up to the Equator monument before it gets hot.
- Continue to the blowholes if the sea is up.
- Swim and snorkel at one of the beaches.
- Return by early afternoon.
Ilhéu das Rolas: FAQs
Is the Equator really at the monument?
It marks the line as surveyed in the 1910s. Satellite positioning places latitude 0° slightly away from it, but the Equator does cross the islet.
Can I stay overnight on Rolas?
Not at present, as far as we know — the resort has been closed. Confirm locally if this is important to you.
Is the boat safe?
Crossings are short and routine, in open boats. Ask for a life jacket and avoid days of strong wind and swell.
Is it worth it if I am short of time?
If you are already in the south, yes. As a single day from the capital it is a lot of driving for a few hours on the islet.
