On Valentine's Day, SwimTogether embarked on an unprecedented and passionate journey: the first Swim Camp held in São Tomé and Príncipe. Over these days, the swimmers experienced an adventure that goes beyond sport, blending the passion for open water swimming with the discovery of an authentic and surprising culture and nature.
Day 1 – A Transformative Arrival
The departure from Lisbon was marked by a foggy morning that only heightened the excitement for the start of the journey. Inside the plane, while waiting for permission to take off, the group got to know each other, sharing experiences, stories, and connections that would accompany them throughout the trip.
Upon stepping into the destination, it became clear that São Tomé and Príncipe is a world apart. Greeted by a traditional dance, this archipelago reveals a cultural and natural wealth that captivates at first sight. The locals, with their warmth and rooted customs, opened doors and hearts, inviting everyone to uncover the secrets of a little-explored land. The waters, with unique purity and temperature, contrasted with landscapes of lush forests and fine sandy beaches, creating a scene that simply hypnotized.
Day 2 – Walk, Swim, and Live the Dream
Known as the land of “leve-leve” here, time slows down, there are no worries, and nature is generous, offering its inhabitants abundance of life and flavor. It was with this feeling that, at dawn, the group of swimmers departed from São Tomé toward the island of Príncipe.
Greeted by Wuilber, our guide, in a safari jeep, the group made their way to the starting point of the hike, where the true adventure began. Amidst the dense forests of the Príncipe Natural Park, each step were accompanied by the songs of tropical birds and the whisper of the wind through ancient trees. The destination? The stunning “Cascata O Qué Pipi.” Upon arrival, they couldn't resist a dive into the cool waterfall waters, a moment of pure connection with nature before continuing the journey.
They then headed towards the paradisiacal Praia Bom Bom, where an unforgettable feast awaited them. Sweet tropical fruits, freshly caught fish, and lush vegetables made up the perfect meal to recharge their energies, celebrating not only the journey but also the island's richness and generosity.
To close this unforgettable day in the best possible way, the group finally plunged into the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic. With a temperature around 30 degrees and the sunset painting the horizon in golden hues, this was the perfect setting for acclimatization swimming before returning to the hotel.
Day 3 – The Oasis of the Atlantic
The third day began with breakfast at the Roça Sundy Hotel. Occupying two carefully restored historic buildings, once used in one of the largest cocoa plantations in the archipelago. In the early 20th century, São Tomé and Príncipe was a world leader in cocoa production, sustained by forced labor. After independence in 1975, production significantly declined, and today, the old plantations are central to local community life.
Currently, visitors to Roça Sundy can dive into the island's rich history, appreciating colonial architecture, learning about the region's agricultural past, and participating in initiatives that promote environmental conservation.
After a breakfast that nourish both soul and mind, the group embarked on a boat trip along the rugged coastline with cliffs in shades of gray, covered by curious palm trees, disembarking at Baía das Agulhas, the location chosen for the day's swim.
The afternoon was reserved for visiting the “Miradouro O Quê Daniel” and relaxing. Treated to another feast, the group enjoyed the last rays of an orange sunset before preparing for another day of adventure.
Day 4 – Explore the Northeast Coast of Príncipe Island
At sunrise, after breakfast, the group headed to the northeast coast of the island to swim at the region's most beautiful beaches: Praia Boi, Praia Macaco, and Praia Banana.
The transparent water that bathes these bays, surrounded by a picture-perfect landscape where giant palm trees lean over the sea, is the habitat of serene turtles who, curious, approached to greet the swimmers with their presence.
To enhance the swimming experience at these paradisiacal beaches, the swimmers always had snacks available on board, including a variety of tropical fruits, roasted peanuts, cakes, fresh water, natural fruit juices, and of course, breadfruit, a typical fruit famous for its bread-like flavor when cooked.
After lunch, with a privileged view of the golden sand washed by the crystal-clear water of Praia Bom Bom, the group boarded a short 30-minute flight back to São Tomé, still in time for a swim in the pool at Hotel Omali.
Day 5 – Departure South: Discovering Praia Inhame
At sunrise, the group began the long journey south. After 3 hours of some bumps along the dirt road and fun comments from the swimmers, they finally arrived at Hotel Praia Inhame.
Along the way, they stopped at the “Boca do Inferno” and “Pico do Cão Grande” viewpoints to absorb the breathtaking landscape São Tomé offers.
This day was marked by the first true contact with the local reality, in Porto Alegre, where they were invited to have lunch with a local resident, Susana, who beautifully exemplified the kindness of this people.
Upon arriving at Praia Inhame, the sea was rough, but nothing could stop this group, eager to relax from the long journey, they dove into the warm waters for a short swim.
At sunset, a transformative moment was lived: the release of 148 baby turtles. Moved by this experience, the group couldn't resist entering the water again to protect these small lives from large hawks waiting for the perfect moment to attack.
Day 6 – Visit to Ilhéu das Rolas
A new day, a new adventure!
After a day full of emotions and with hearts full, the group headed by boat, towards Praia Vanha, on the southwest coast of the island, to face an even more challenging route, where nature decided to show its strength. As a reward, the swimmers were surprised by an iconic and unexpected scene: during the replenishment break, they spotted a tree that from a distance looked black, but upon closer inspection, revealed dozens and dozens of bats hanging upside down, flying in circles - a scene worthy of a BBC Wildlife episode!
Next was lunch at Hotel Praia Inhame with a sea view, a moment to regain strength before embarking again, this time towards Ilhéu das Rolas, to visit the famous Equator Marker, a monument that marks the point where the Equator line crosses the Earth, symbolizing the division of the planet into two hemispheres: the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere (0° N / 0° S and longitude 0°). Here, a briefing was held to prepare the swimmers for the biggest challenge of the trip: the Equator Crossing.
Already at night, settled in their rooms and about to rest, they were alerted by one of the guides of our group, known as Zuga, about a mother turtle nesting on the beach. Not missing the opportunity to relive this inspiring moment, the group headed to the beach to finish the day in the best possible way.
Day 7 – The Conquest: Equator Crossing
The first rays of sunlight appear, and with them, the desire for personal achievement.
On the seventh morning of the trip, the iconic journey began: the Equator Crossing. Over about 3 km, the group challenged themselves and conquered this crossing.
The spirit of camaraderie helped calm the nervousness that hung in the air, as they were about to do something that few had the opportunity to experience, with emotional applause for the arrival of each swimmer. This time, nature was generous, providing excellent conditions for the completion of this iconic swim. And as if they knew the importance of the moment, the turtles came in full force. Big and small, they all joined in, making this day the true highlight of the experience!
The fastest time was 44 minutes, and the longest, 1h02 – a mark achieved by our 68-year-old swimmer, a true example of determination.
In the afternoon, the group embraced São Tomé and Príncipe's motto, surrendering to the “leve-leve” spirit, in a well-deserved moment of rest and reflection.
During the final dinner together, there was room for laughter, stories, and of course, lots of emotion. Between warm words from our swim guides and the awarding of travel certificates, an unforgettable week was celebrated!
Day 8 – The Return
The last dawn in São Tomé brought with it rain, as if the island were saying goodbye. As they prepared for the final swim, some had the privilege of witnessing a special moment: the release of 100 baby turtles.
With the last swim completed, it was time to head north. The journey was long – 70 km covered in about three hours – but with a refreshing stop at a waterfall.
After arriving at Roça Agostinho Neto, the group made a special delivery: school supplies they had brought from their countries. A gift full of gratitude and meaning.
Lunch marked the final stretch of the journey, but there was still time for a visit to the Diogo Vaz chocolate shop, where the intense flavors of São Tomé's cocoa left their mark on the memory (and luggage) of many.
With their bags a little heavier, it was time to return. The plane landed in Lisbon, bringing with it a group united by days of adventure, challenges overcome, and unforgettable memories. The longing was already beginning to set in – after all, how could you not miss a place where time seems to flow differently?
São Tomé and Príncipe was left behind, but the experience lived will remain forever.
Memories that Stay – Interview with Mónica Brenninkmeijer
As this odyssey comes to an end, it is impossible not to reflect on the memories and bonds created. Every dive, every walk, every smile, and every discovery left a deep mark, a mark that can be felt in the testimony left by swimmer Mónica, native of Cyprus.
Interview:
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what motivated you to join this Swim Camp in São Tomé and Príncipe?
M: I started open water swimming a year ago, and I wanted to have a different experience, challenge myself. When I heard about the trip, it felt right, something completely new and a great adventure.
Q: As this is your first open water swimming trip, how would you describe your overall experience so far?
M: It was an amazing experience, an adventure I won’t forget.
Q: What emotions have you felt during this journey, from the anticipation before the trip to your experiences in the water and during the trip?
M: I was excited and nervous at the same time for this trip, not knowing the team, not knowing the island—but once we got there, it all went very smoothly. The trip was organized so well, and swimming with very, very inspiring people. The SwimTogether team organized everything so well so that we all had the best experience.
Q: Could you share your thoughts on the experience of participating in the turtle release? How did it make you feel?
M: Releasing the turtle was one of the many highlights of this trip. It was so beautiful to be able to experience this moment and be part of it... very unique. I'm so grateful I could see and be part of this awesome moment.
Q: How does swimming in these warm waters compare to your previous experiences?
M: To swim in warm water was an incredible experience; I enjoyed it very much.
Q: What are your impressions of the local culture, and how have you connected with the community during your stay?
M: To be able to experience and learn from other cultures is one of the main reasons I like to travel. It was overwhelming at times, but it also makes you appreciate even more what we already have.
Q: Considering you only knew a few people before joining this group, how has being part of this diverse group of swimmers impacted you?
M: I'm so grateful for the team I had with me in this first experience. They all inspired me in different ways, and their support during the trip means the world to me.
Q: What was the most memorable moment of the Swim Camp?
M: It's hard to point out just one thing because there were so many incredible moments… but the moment we all went into the water to release the baby turtles brought tears to my eyes, very beautiful.
Q: How do you feel this experience is helping you grow both as a swimmer and as an individual?
M: As a swimmer, I feel more confident after being able to swim for several days in a row, to complete each swim, and embrace the challenge. On a personal level, it showed me how strong I can be.
Q: Finally, would you recommend this Swim Camp and SwimTogether to other swimmers, and if so, what would you say are its key benefits?
M: I will 100% recommend this trip with SwimTogether because it is super well-organized. The kindness and the energy of André and his team, their support, and the whole adventure were absolutely amazing. And I will always be grateful I said yes to being part of this adventure.