Fernando de Noronha travel guide
Fernando de Noronha is a volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic, off Brazil's Northeast, belonging to the state of Pernambuco. Only the main island is inhabited. Together with the Rocas Atoll it has formed a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001 for its natural value, and a large part of its territory is a marine national park known for diving, dolphins and sea turtles. It is reached by air from Recife or Natal, with regulated access and a very unhurried pace.
Season by month
When to travel- Peak season
- High season
- Shoulder season
- Low season
What to do in Fernando de Noronha
- Baía dos Golfinhos lookout approx. 2 h Dolphin watching from above at dawn, without entering the water.
- Guided snorkelling in Baía do Sueste approx. 3 h A guided route to see sea turtles resting and feeding in calm water.
- Atalaia natural pool approx. 2 h A natural aquarium at low tide; the daily limit calls for planning ahead.
- Diving in protected waters approx. 4 h Scuba dives in the park with authorised local operators, for certified divers.
- Walks and historic sites approx. 3 h Park trails and visits to historic sites covering about 500 years of history.
- Noronha within a Pernambuco programme The island as the close of a route linking Recife and Porto de Galinhas.
Beaches in Fernando de Noronha
- Baía do Sancho approx. 4 h A beach of the island, also a good place for the sunset.
- Praia do Leão approx. 3 h Another beach of the island, inside the marine national park.
Who to offer it to
When to go
The dry season runs roughly from August to January, and the rainy season, from February to July, leaves the landscape greener. From December to February there is surf on the north side, and between May and July the sea is usually calmer. Each day the sea conditions decide which beaches and dives are scheduled, so it is wise to leave flexibility in the itinerary.
How many days
Four nights is the usual stay as an extension from Recife or Natal: it allows beaches, a dive or a snorkel and the park trails without hurry. As the environmental preservation fee is charged per day of stay, the number of nights should be settled from the start.
What not to miss
Baía do Sancho and Praia do Leão, guided snorkelling in Baía do Sueste, the Baía dos Golfinhos lookout at dawn and the Atalaia natural pool at low tide. Diving in protected waters and walks along the park's trails complete a stay devoted to nature.
What to offer and why
Four nights as an upscale nature and beach extension after Recife or Natal, for diving, nature and honeymoon clients. It combines with a Pernambuco programme, for example with Recife and Porto de Galinhas.
When to book
Flights and beds are limited and visitor numbers are regulated to protect the park, above all around New Year. Always check availability as far ahead as possible. The flight and lodging are confirmed first, and the activities afterwards.
Practical and operational
Access is by air only, with daily flights from Recife and Natal of about an hour. Besides the environmental preservation fee, charged per day of stay, a separate ticket is required for the marine national park's beaches and trails. Single-use plastics are banned, and the Atalaia pool has a daily limit.
How we arrange it
We arrange the air connection from Recife or Natal, about an hour, and lodging with contracted local operators and establishments, taking into account the environmental preservation fee and the marine national park ticket. We plan well in advance, because flights and beds are limited.
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Booking & policies
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What is the cancellation policy?
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