The Mythical Boca do Inferno of Sao Tome

The island of Sao Tome, off the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, is home to several amazing natural attractions.

The 'Boca do Inferno' or 'Hell's Mouth" is one such tourist spot in the eastern town of Água Izé, just half hour drive from the capital city of Sao Tome. It is not only one of Sao Tome's tourist hotspots, but also one of its most intriguing and a bit spooky too.

(Photo: Raghu Gururaj)

Água Izé itself is a sleepy hamlet, on São Tomé Island, with a population of over 2000 people. Apart from the Boca do Inferno', the other notable landmark is the Roça Água Izé, a former plantation complex, now converted into a museum.

This beach shore, where the Boca do Inferno is located, has been subject to years of rock erosion by the ocean waves, causing narrow rock channels and sea caves.

When the ocean waves hit the shore lines, it funnels through the vertical shafts or basalt rock channels with such force that it creates fountains of water through the holes in the caves.

When the sea is rough and carries high waves, the rushing waters create eerie howling sounds, spraying gallons of water across the shorelines.

Standing at a safe distance on the adjacent dark black rocks, one can witness the full force and energy of the sea, while enjoying the misty water sprayed all over the area.

(Raghu Gururaj)

The incessant howling sounds created by this geological phenomenon can be heard across the shoreline of that area, day and night.

The dark black rocks, furious rush of water, the mouth shaped caves, the howling sound of the winds and its scary name, have all combined to lend a sense of mystery to this cliff post.

(Raghu Gururaj)

Many are mystified by a strange legend associated with Hell's Mouth. The 19th century legend has it that the notorious Baron of Agua-Ize actually lived in the cave and would appear now and then mounted on a horse from the hole in these rocks.

The residents Água Izé are among the friendliest lot. The sight of children giggling and playing with pure joy, languid women folk with babies slung across doing their chores and vendors selling plantain chips, stands in stark contrast to the unrelenting fury of the Boca do Inferno around them.

Despite its oddity, it is quite a place that dares the tourists. Many return for a second or third visit or at a different time of the day, just to get a new vibe or a new experience of Hell's Mouth.