St. Thomas Island Snake Island
A rocky outcrop near Sozopol, Bulgaria, famed for its water snakes and blooming wild cacti within the Ropotamo Nature Reserve.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cacti in bloom, fewer crowds
St. Thomas Island Snake Island
Best Time
Cacti in bloom, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rocky outcrop near Sozopol, Bulgaria, famed for its water snakes and blooming wild cacti within the Ropotamo Nature Reserve.
"The island is beautiful and at least at night it is really beautiful."
wasp Allergy Warning
Be aware of wasps; if you have allergies, this island may not be suitable.
Boat Tour Essential
Access is via boat tour from Sozopol. Book in advance, especially in peak season.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Abundant Water Snakes
Observe the island's namesake inhabitants in their natural habitat. A unique wildlife encounter!
Wild Cacti Blooms
See the striking yellow and red flowers of the Opuntia cacti, a historical introduction to the island.
Rocky Coastal Scenery
Enjoy the rugged beauty of this small, protected island and its surrounding waters.
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Planning Your Visit
Island Name & Location
Wildlife & Flora
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
wasp Allergy Warning
Be aware of wasps; if you have allergies, this island may not be suitable.
Boat Tour Essential
Access is via boat tour from Sozopol. Book in advance, especially in peak season.
Respect Nature Reserve
As part of Ropotamo Nature Reserve, tread lightly and respect the protected wildlife.
Morning Cacti Viewing
For the best chance to see the wild cacti in bloom, visit in early summer.
Tips
from all over the internet
wasp Allergy Warning
Be aware of wasps; if you have allergies, this island may not be suitable.
Boat Tour Essential
Access is via boat tour from Sozopol. Book in advance, especially in peak season.
Respect Nature Reserve
As part of Ropotamo Nature Reserve, tread lightly and respect the protected wildlife.
Morning Cacti Viewing
For the best chance to see the wild cacti in bloom, visit in early summer.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews for St. Thomas Island are mixed, with some visitors praising its natural beauty and unique wildlife, particularly the cacti blooms. However, others have reported issues with cleanliness, staff unfriendliness, and maintenance problems in accommodations near the island, as well as concerns about wasps. The island itself is noted for its beauty, especially at night, but accessibility and potential wildlife encounters (like wasps) are points of caution.
"Eh, it was okay but our room there was spiders in every corner and ants on the floor. Also there is a lot of wasp around there so if you are allergic to wasp then I wouldn't recommend. On our first night of our stay we got visited by a killer wasp or bee, we luckily survived but one of our t-shirt did not. Also our AC was broken, it is beautiful and at least at night it is really beautiful, but on the weekends there is usually a wedding so it is a litte bit hard to sleep. It also takes about 9-10 minutes to get to the city. (sorry for my bad english)"
Oline Vatn
"Beautiful"
Martin Staikov
"Very unkind and unpleasant staff, especially at breakfast. The room was dirty and worn.
I would not recommend it."
Yordanka Kirilova
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Thomas Island is a small rocky island located near Sozopol, Bulgaria. The only way to reach it is by boat tour from Sozopol. Many local tour operators offer trips that include stops at the island.
Yes, St. Thomas Island is included within the boundaries of the Ropotamo Nature Reserve. This designation is in place to protect the rare plant and animal species that inhabit the island.
The shortest distance from the Bulgarian coast to St. Thomas Island (Snake Island) is approximately 230 meters.
Yes, boat tours from Sozopol are the primary way to visit St. Thomas Island. These tours often highlight the island's unique features and wildlife.
Sozopol is accessible by bus from major Bulgarian cities like Burgas and Sofia. Burgas also has an airport for those flying into the region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While there isn't a specific entry ticket for the island itself, you will need to book a boat tour to get there. Tour prices vary depending on the operator and duration.
Entry to the Ropotamo Nature Reserve itself might have associated fees or require specific permits for certain activities, though boat tours typically cover access to the island. It's best to confirm with your tour operator.
Boat tours generally operate during daylight hours, with departures typically in the morning and afternoon. It's advisable to check with local tour providers for specific schedules.
Independent visits are not feasible as the island is only accessible by sea. Booking a guided boat tour is the standard and recommended method of access.
There is no direct entrance fee for St. Thomas Island. The cost is incorporated into the boat tour package.
🎫 🐍 Wildlife & Nature
The island is named 'Snake Island' due to the large number of water snakes found inhabiting it.
You can see wild cacti, specifically from the genus Opuntia, which were introduced to the island in 1933. They bloom with beautiful yellow and red flowers in early summer.
The snakes are primarily water snakes. While it's always wise to maintain a safe distance from wildlife, they are not typically aggressive towards humans.
The wild cacti on St. Thomas Island typically bloom with beautiful yellow and red flowers in early summer.
The island is a protected nature reserve, so it may host various bird species and other small wildlife, in addition to the water snakes.
🎫 🏨 Accommodation & Nearby
The closest and most convenient place to stay is the town of Sozopol, which offers a range of hotels, guesthouses, and apartments.
St. Thomas Island is a short boat ride from Sozopol, typically taking around 9-10 minutes to reach the city from the island.
No, St. Thomas Island is a small, rocky, and protected nature reserve. There are no hotels or accommodations on the island itself.
Sozopol offers various accommodation types, from budget-friendly guesthouses to more upscale hotels, catering to different traveler needs.
Yes, you can take a bus or drive from Burgas to Sozopol and then embark on a boat tour to St. Thomas Island for a day trip.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Nature Enthusiasts & Wildlife Spotters
Day-Trippers from Sozopol
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Snake Island
When booking your boat tour, it's wise to inquire about the itinerary to ensure Snake Island is a featured stop. Some tours might focus more on the broader Ropotamo Reserve, while others specifically highlight the island's natural features. Early summer is particularly recommended for visits, as this is when the wild cacti on the island are in bloom, adding a splash of color to the rugged landscape.
The Unique Ecology of St. Thomas Island
The island's status within the Ropotamo Nature Reserve underscores its ecological importance. This protected status ensures that efforts are made to conserve the rare plant and animal species found here. Visitors are reminded to be mindful of the environment and to avoid disturbing the wildlife. Additionally, some visitors have noted the presence of wasps, so those with allergies should exercise caution.
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