The Best Tropical Islands: Fernando de Noronha
Fernando de Noronha is an archipelago in Brazil and a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. Its pristine beaches, landscapes and wildlife attract tourists worldwide. Here, you can escape the crowds of Brazil and lounge in paradise. It is off the beaten path so you can be assured you will have privacy once you get there. Services are basic but life is simple here and you’ll find you won’t miss anything.
Quick Facts
Capital: —–
Population: 2,100
Size: 18.4 km
Power Outlets: 127/220V 60Hz
Official Languages: Portuguese
Currency: Brazilian Real
Time Zone: GMT -2
Religion: —-
Calling Code: +55
When to go: In Fernando de Noronha, there are only two seasons: a dry season (from September up to March) and a rainy season (from April up to August).
Cost and Budgeting
Prices here are high due to the cost of transporting goods from the mainland. Expect to pay twice what you would on the mainland for similar food/accommodations. Hotels start at US$75 per night, while activities start about US$30- Horseback riding, snorkeling and hiking tours begin at US$30, scuba diving costs about US$140 for the day, and fishing costs about US$350 per expedition. Moreover, to help preserve the environment, tourism is restricted to 420 visitors at a time. Upon arrival, each visitor is charged an Environment Preservation Tax that increases with the length of visit. The seven day park fee is about US$65.
Take also cash with you, as most of the shops do not accept credit cards. The only bank that has an agency in the Archipelago is the Banco Real and there are no exchange offices.
Things to Do and See in Fernando de Noronha
Beaches- Fernando de Noronha is home to the top two beaches in Brazil - Praia do Le?o and Ba?a do Sancho. Both beaches offer crystal clear blue water with areas for swimming and snorkeling.
Dolphin Watching- There are many dolphins here to watch and take pictures of, but this is not an area where you can swim with them.
Diving- With 50 meters in visibility, Fernando de Noronha is a mecca for divers. It has more than two hundred species of fish, five shark species, sea turtles and dolphins.
Snorkeling - If diving is not your thing, there is great snorkeling around, especially at the tidal pool. The tide pool is about 18-24 inches deep but contains a remarkable diversity of animals. Visitors are restricted to 100 per day.
Trekking - The islands have great hiking and amazing tropical jungle to explore. Trails in the National Marine Reserve can only be visited with authorization and with accredited guides. Trails inside the Environment Preservation Area have free access.
Beautiful Sunsets - There are two main spots for observation of the wonderful sunset on the island. One is the fortress called Forte dos Remédios , near the vilage with the same name, and the other is from the fortress Forte S. Pedro do Boldró in the beach of Boldró. It is a must to make time for the beautiful sunsets.
Hike to a hilltop fortress - At the edge of the village of Vila dos Remedios a pathway leads up a hill to the ruins of a fortress built in the early 1700’s. The views you can take in from this hilltop, are some of the most beautiful views of the island.
Baia dos Porcos - Baía dos Porcos means “‘Pig´s Bay”. The bay is small, secluded, between two hills, with a close view of the Morro Dois Irmãos. Among the rocks you will find many natural pools,fish, and areas where you can snorkel.

Looking for more detailed information? Click on the topics below:
| Fernando de Noronha History | Fernando de Noronha Politics | Fernando de Noronha Culture | Fernando de Noronha Economy | Fernando de Noronha Geography |