Far south0°00′N 6°31′E
Ilhéu das Rolas
The boat from Porto Alegre, the equator monument, the beaches and whether to visit for a day or stay the night.
Ilhéu das Rolas is a small islet off São Tomé’s southern tip, crossed by the equator. You reach it by a short boat ride from Porto Alegre, visit the equator monument and spend the rest of the day on its beaches.
Getting there
Drive (or be driven) to Porto Alegre at the southern end of the east-coast road, then cross by boat from Ponta Baleia. The islet’s resort, Pestana Equador, states that access is only by boat from Porto Alegre and runs crossings for its guests; local boatmen also take day visitors. Day tours from the capital commonly include Rolas but exclude the boat fee, which is paid separately.
One undated diver review says the resort on Rolas has closed, while a visitor report from March 2026 describes landing on the islet and visiting the monument. We confirm the resort’s status and current boat arrangements before including Rolas in any plan.
The equator monument
The monument, inlaid with a map of the world, stands on a hill on the resort grounds. A Portuguese geodesic mission led by Gago Coutinho confirmed in the early twentieth century that the equator crosses the islet. The precise line runs slightly downhill from the monument, which was placed for the view.
Day trip or overnight?
From a base in the south, Rolas is an easy half or full day. From the capital it is a long day: the drive south plus the crossing. If you are staying in the south, combine it with a morning at Pico Cão Grande viewpoints and an afternoon on the southern beaches.
Also asked
Quick answers
How do I get to Ilhéu das Rolas?
By boat from Porto Alegre (Ponta Baleia) on the southern tip of São Tomé. The resort on the islet operates a boat for guests, and local boatmen also take visitors across. Your driver-guide can arrange a crossing; confirm times and sea conditions the day before.
Is the equator monument exactly on the equator?
Not quite. The monument stands on a hill with a good view; the line itself runs a little lower down. It still makes for the famous photo with one foot in each hemisphere.
Should I stay overnight on Rolas?
A day visit is enough for most people. If the resort is operating, staying overnight gives quieter beaches once day visitors leave. Reports about whether it is currently open conflict, so this must be confirmed before booking.
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Sources consulted (things change quickly here; if you have newer information, tell us):