Cruise port São Tomé
Info for port São Tomé on 8 Apr 2028
Port information & tips for São Tomé
São Tomé is the dreamy capital of the island nation of the same name and welcomes travelers as a tropical jewel in the middle of the Gulf of Guinea. The charming city impresses with its relaxed "Leve Leve" lifestyle and a fascinating blend of lush nature and well-preserved Portuguese colonial architecture. Right on site, cultural treasures such as the historic fortress Fortaleza de São Sebastião with its national museum, the magnificent cathedral Sé de Nossa Senhora da Graça, and the colorful Mercado Municipal invite exploration. Since cruise ships usually anchor in the picturesque Baía de Ana Chaves, guests reach the central pier of the Porto de São Tomé directly by tender boat and can easily reach the city's main attractions within a few minutes' walk.
São Tomé and Príncipe is an island nation that is primarily accessible by plane for guests from the DACH region. The cruise port, often referred to as Porto de Ana Chaves, is centrally located in the capital, São Tomé, and is well-connected for local transfers from the airport.
Airplane
São Tomé International Airport (TMS) is the closest and only international airport on the island of São Tomé, located about 5 to 6 kilometers northwest of the capital. Direct flights to São Tomé are offered from Lisbon (TAP Air Portugal, STP Airways), making this airport an important transit point for travelers from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The flight time from Lisbon is around 8 hours and 15 minutes.
Transfer & Shuttle
From São Tomé International Airport (TMS), you can easily reach the port and the city by taxi. The ride takes about 15 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs around 10 euros. It is advisable to negotiate the fare in advance, as taxis usually do not have meters. Alternatively, many hotels offer shuttle services, and private airport transfers can be booked in advance, allowing for a stress-free arrival.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey and potential flight schedule changes, we recommend staying overnight in a pre-cruise hotel in São Tomé. The city offers a variety of accommodations, from charming guesthouses to hotels with sea views. Many hotels, such as the Omali São Tomé, are located close to the airport and allow for a relaxed start to your cruise.
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 ahead and allow sufficient time to travel to the port, keeping in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
In port on 08 Apr 2028
