Port information & tips for Ilhéu Bom Bom
Ilhéu Bom Bom is a paradisiacal natural jewel off the northern coast of the island of Príncipe and is part of the protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of São Tomé and Príncipe. The exclusive island atmosphere impresses with dense rainforests as well as golden sandy beaches and offers a dreamlike backdrop for those seeking relaxation thanks to the crystal-clear water. Highlights include the picturesque Praia Bom Bom, the iconic wooden bridge to the main island, and excursions to the historic cocoa plantation Roça Sundy. Cruise ships lie at anchor here, with shore leave taking place by tender boat directly at the private pier of the Bom Bom Island Resort. The charming island center of Santo António is also easily accessible in about twenty minutes thanks to organized transfers.
Ilhéu Bom Bom is an exclusive island destination off the coast of Príncipe and is primarily visited by expedition and luxury cruises as a tender port. A traditional port infrastructure with multiple terminals, highway connections, or train stations is not available here, as arrival is primarily by aircraft followed by a transfer.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region first involves international flights to São Tomé at São Tomé International Airport (TMS), usually via Lisbon with TAP Portugal or STP Airways. Direct flights from Germany to São Tomé do not exist. From São Tomé (TMS), you will then take an approximately 30- to 35-minute domestic flight to Príncipe Airport (PCP), operated by STP Airways or Afrijet. Please note the baggage limit of usually 15 kg per person on domestic flights.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Príncipe Airport (PCP), the Bom Bom Resort is only a short, scenic 10- to 15-minute drive away. Luxury resorts of the Príncipe Collection, which include Bom Bom, typically organize free airport transfers for their guests so that you can reach your accommodation in a relaxed manner immediately after arrival.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long international flights and the necessary connecting flights to Príncipe Airport (PCP), we strongly recommend staying overnight in São Tomé or on Príncipe itself before starting your cruise or reaching the Bom Bom Resort. This allows for a stress-free arrival and minimizes the risk of travel delays, ensuring a relaxed start to your island adventure.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
Ilhéu Bom Bom is an exclusive island destination off the coast of Príncipe and is primarily visited by expedition and luxury cruises as a tender port. A traditional port infrastructure with multiple terminals, highway connections, or train stations is not available here, as arrival is primarily by aircraft followed by a transfer.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region first involves international flights to São Tomé at São Tomé International Airport (TMS), usually via Lisbon with TAP Portugal or STP Airways. Direct flights from Germany to São Tomé do not exist. From São Tomé (TMS), you will then take an approximately 30- to 35-minute domestic flight to Príncipe Airport (PCP), operated by STP Airways or Afrijet. Please note the baggage limit of usually 15 kg per person on domestic flights.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Príncipe Airport (PCP), the Bom Bom Resort is only a short, scenic 10- to 15-minute drive away. Luxury resorts of the Príncipe Collection, which include Bom Bom, typically organize free airport transfers for their guests so that you can reach your accommodation in a relaxed manner immediately after arrival.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long international flights and the necessary connecting flights to Príncipe Airport (PCP), we strongly recommend staying overnight in São Tomé or on Príncipe itself before starting your cruise or reaching the Bom Bom Resort. This allows for a stress-free arrival and minimizes the risk of travel delays, ensuring a relaxed start to your island adventure.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
Arrival at the picturesque Ilhéu Bom Bom usually takes place by tender boat directly at the hotel's own pier, from where you can easily reach the paradisiacal surroundings and the main island of Príncipe.
On Foot
You can explore the charming island of Ilhéu Bom Bom effortlessly on foot and reach the main island of Príncipe directly via a characteristic long wooden bridge. Along the coastal paths, you can reach the idyllic sandy beaches of Praia Bom Bom and Praia Giro in just a few minutes.
Taxi & Organized Transfers
At the end of the wooden bridge on the main island, taxis or organized minibuses are often available when ships arrive. The drive to the charming island capital of Santo António takes about 20 to 25 minutes and leads through an impressive, jungle-like tropical landscape.
Moto-Taxis (Motocass)
For short distances and an authentic way to get around, the motorcycle taxis that are widespread on Príncipe are an excellent option. These are ideal for solo travelers and, thanks to their flexibility, take you directly to hidden viewpoints or smaller plantations in the area.
To make the most of your stay on Ilhéu Bom Bom, it is recommended to combine the untouched nature right at the pier with an excursion to the historical treasures and the charming island capital of Príncipe.
Praia Bom Bom & Santa Rita
The idyllic private island welcomes guests with its two dreamlike sandy beaches and crystal-clear water; additionally, the surrounding rainforest invites you to take short hikes and offers perfect conditions for a relaxing break right at the cruise pier.
Roça Sundy
This history-steeped estate is an outstanding example of colonial plantation culture and, thanks to its location, is an ideal place to experience the combination of astronomical history and regional chocolate production in an authentic atmosphere.
Santo António
The smallest capital in the world impresses with its nostalgic charm and the colorful houses on the banks of the Palpue River; moreover, a stroll through the quiet alleys provides a wonderful insight into the relaxed lifestyle of the local population.
Ilhéu Bom Bom & Praia de Santa Rita
Directly at the tender boat landing point, the paradisiacal Praia de Santa Rita welcomes you. It is connected to the forested Ilhéu Bom Bom via an iconic 140-meter-long wooden bridge and can be explored on foot in just a few minutes. Located in the heart of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this spot offers crystal-clear waters for snorkeling as well as fine sandy beaches for an exclusive relaxation experience far from mass tourism. Thanks to its connection to the first-class Bom Bom Resort, you also enjoy excellent infrastructure with a bar and restaurant directly on the small island, where you can savor panoramic views of the Atlantic with cool drinks. Ideally, visit the island with the very first tender boat in the morning to experience the fascinating birdlife and untouched nature in total tranquility, and plan your return to the ship for a relaxed ninety minutes before departure.
The way back to the pier on Ilhéu Bom Bom is very straightforward and safe thanks to the resort's exclusive location. Due to the winding roads, plan a buffer of about thirty minutes for the return journey from the island's capital, Santo António.
Taxi and Private Transfers
Taxis and private drivers can be found at the central market square in Santo António as well as directly in front of the entrances to the larger plantations, such as Roça Sundy. The trip to the northern end of the island can also be easily coordinated through local guides or the receptions of the Roças and will take you directly to the secure parking lot of the Bom Bom Island Resort.
Shuttle and Tender Boats
Organized excursion buses will bring you directly back to the meeting point at the resort entrance after your explorations. From there, you can reach the tender boat pier via the prominent wooden walkway; these boats run at regular intervals and will transport you safely back to the cruise ship.
On Foot and Orientation
Within the resort grounds and from adjacent beaches such as Praia Santa Rita, the way to the pier is easy to find thanks to clear signage. The long wooden bridge connecting the island to the mainland serves as an ideal landmark and leads you directly to the meeting point for the return journey.
