Bioko
Go to Bioko for volcanic peaks, rainforest wildlife and beaches, with Malabo, the capital, as the base.
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Bioko is Equatorial Guinea's largest island, in the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of Cameroon. It is volcanic, and its interior rises to Pico Basilé, the country's highest point at about 3,000 meters. Malabo, the capital, sits on the north coast and has the international airport. The island is home to the Bioko drill, a monkey found nowhere else.
Bioko suits travelers who want forest hikes, wildlife and a few beach days, with Malabo as the base. The drier months, roughly December to February, have less rain, which makes trails easier to walk. Heavy rain falls for much of the rest of the year, which slows roads and walking. Malabo is the practical base, with the airport and the taxis used around town. Coverage and services thin out beyond Malabo, so set up connectivity and cash before you go.
Bioko in five
- Apply for the visa before you flyMost passports need a visa for Equatorial Guinea. Arrange it before departure and check current rules with the embassy.Visas and entry
- Carry CFA francs in cashCards work at only some hotels and businesses in Malabo, so take enough Central African CFA francs for taxis, food and small shops.Money and costs
- Agree the taxi fare before you get inTaxis are the usual way around Malabo. Settle the fare with the driver first and keep small notes for it.Getting around
- Set up an eSIM before you landCoverage thins outside Malabo, so set up an eSIM or data plan before you arrive and save offline maps.Phones and eSIM
- Confirm medical evacuation cover before you flyMalaria is present on Bioko. Ask a travel clinic about prevention and confirm your policy covers evacuation to the mainland or abroad.Travel insurance
Need to know
- Currency
- Central African CFA franc (XAF)
- Entry
- Visa needed for most passports; apply before you travel
- Emergency
- Not verified here; confirm numbers with your embassy or hotel
- Tipping
- Check the bill for a service charge
- Time
- UTC+1, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry season
- FebruaryDry, hot
- MarchRains begin
- AprilRainy season
- MayRainy season
- JuneHeavy rain
- JulyRainy season
- AugustRainy season
- SeptemberRainy season
- OctoberHeavy rain
- NovemberRains easing
- DecemberDry season starts
Right now in Bioko
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
27
- Feels like
- 31°
- Humidity
- 83%
- Wind
- 20 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 10%
Bioko
10:14 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today27°16°10%Monday: Drizzle. High 27°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 10%.
- Tue24°17°90%Tuesday: Rain. High 24°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 90%.
- Wed23°17°97%Wednesday: Thunderstorms. High 23°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 97%.
- Thu23°17°100%Thursday: Rain. High 23°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Fri23°18°99%Friday: Rain. High 23°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 99%.
- Sat24°17°100%Saturday: Drizzle. High 24°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Sun24°17°100%Sunday: Drizzle. High 24°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 100%.
Updated 06:23 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 587.8 XAF
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Before you go to Bioko
Rules for Bioko, checked
- Most nationalities need a visa for Equatorial Guinea. Check entry rules with the embassy or consulate before you book flights.
- Ask permission before photographing police, officials, military sites or government buildings.
- Check whether a yellow fever certificate is required for your route on the CDC travel site before you fly.
Plan around Bioko
Mainland, entry rules and the wider country
Read the guideMalaboThe capital and the usual base on Bioko
Read the guideVisas and entryVisa steps to complete before you fly to Bioko
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards and typical daily costs
Read the guideGetting aroundTaxis and moving around the island
Read the guideWhere to stayHotels and guesthouses to compare
Read the guideBioko FAQ
Is Bioko part of Equatorial Guinea?
Yes. Bioko is an island in Equatorial Guinea, and Malabo, the country's capital, is on the island. Flights to Bioko arrive at Malabo.
Is Bioko worth visiting?
Yes if you want volcanic scenery, rainforest wildlife and a few beach days. Pico Basilé is the island's highest peak. Services are limited outside Malabo.
What currency is used in Equatorial Guinea?
The Central African CFA franc (XAF). Cards are accepted at only some hotels and businesses, so bring enough cash for daily spending.
How do you get from the airport to Malabo?
By taxi. Agree the fare with the driver before you get in, and keep small notes for it.
When is the best time to visit Bioko?
December to February fall in the dry season and are the best months to visit. April to October are wetter, and heavy rain makes roads and walking harder.