Enjoy Fernando de Noronha, the marine paradise of the Northeast coast

One of the most magnificent archipelago of Brazil

Listed as World Heritage since 2000, Fernando de Noronha is one of Mother Nature’s finest jewels.

The Portuguese called it “Esmeralda do Atlantico”, literally the emerald of the Atlantic referring to the luxuriant green forest covering the isles when they were discovered in 1502. Its magnificent landscapes alternate between long beaches of fine sand, turquoise waters, volcanic reefs and cliffs covered with rainforest. It’s an ideal place for hikers and wildlife enthusiasts.

With about 20 different beaches, you can spend hours walking barefoot along the shore. The famous Praia do Sancho, is regularly cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! If you enjoy cliff walking or exotic landscapes, you can reach the Morro do Picco to enjoy the splendid view across the immense Atlantic ocean. From this view point you may be lucky enough and see whales swimming off the coast and on the surrounding cliffs you will find one of the largest tropical bird colonies on the West Atlantic.

You can also explore the headland of the island with a little motivation and the agility to cross the rocks. Running and mountain biking are entirely different experiences in these amazing surroundings.

Among other curiosities, the archipelago is home to one of the rare groups of sedentary dolphins. Rendezvous at dawn at “Baia dos Golfinhos” to see the spectacular arrival of lots of “long nosed” dolphins coming back from hunting. These mischievous dolphins are renowned for their amazing ability to leap from the water, sometime displaying as many as seven consecutive pirouettes. A breathtaking and moving show!

Discover a rare diving spot on your Fernando de Noronha tour

The beauty of Fernando de Noronha is in its landscapes and beaches, but even more so, in the sea. Look underwater if you truly want to discover another world.

To enjoy the treasures of its depths, there are 3 scuba diving schools on the main island. They offer beginner courses as well as equipment rental for qualified divers. Along with an instructor (obligatory), courses or autonomous dives allow you to explore one of the most famous spots of South America.

In a relaxing silence, you will move along the sandy seabed, scattered with rocks and small caves that the multitude of fish, algae and corals decorate in shimmering colours. During these unforgettable dives, you will swim as close as possible to turtles, stingrays or majestic mantas, slender barracudas and impressive (but harmless) sharks. It is a fabulous show right before your eyes which you will remember for a long time.

Rules of the “Rainbow Island”

In order to preserve the ecosystem on Fernando de Noronha, the number of tourists allowed at one time on the island is limited.

The 3,000 inhabitants must not welcome more than 500 visitors at any one time. To stay on the island travelers must pay a tax at the airport towards the upkeep of the islands. For divers and hikers, there is an additional tax to enter the marine park that covers the beaches and the ocean (the tax lasts for 10 days and is payable at the port or the kiosk at the Vila dos Remedios).

As the island is isolated and produces little food other than by fishing, everything is imported from the mainland and the main economic activity is tourism. Add to that the limitation of the number of travelers and you will understand why the prices for accommodation, services and restaurants are generally 2 to 3 times higher than on the continent. The same goes for a plane ticket, there are only 2 airlines that provide a regular connection, GOL and Azul, a point to take into account when planning your stay.