Ministério do Turismo

Fernando de Noronha

With many paradisiacal beaches, very rich flora and fauna and incomparable landscapes, Fernando de Noronha is on the top of the list among the most visited and admired locations sought by tourists from Brazil and from all over the world. The archipelago's good environmental conditions have called the attention of environmentalists from the whole planet, so much so that the islands were granted the title of World Heritage of Humanity, granted by Unesco, in 2002. The Archipelago was visited for the first time around the year 1503, by Americo Vespuccio. It was invaded by French and Dutchmen, until the Portuguese, at last, took possession of it. Many historical sites show traces of these last colonizers: Vila dos Remédios, Vila da Quixaba, Parque de Sant'Ana and the ruins of the São Pedro do Boldró, Sto. Antônio, and N.Sª da Conceição Fortresses. With 21 islands, Fernando de Noronha stands over an area of 26 km². The main island, with that same name, is the only inhabited one, and the largest of all - it has 17 km². Part of it is occupied by the Fernando de Noronha National Marine Park, considered since 1988 an Environmental Protection Area (APA), with some 8 km². The purpose of that park is to protect the local fauna, flora and remaining natural resources. The park includes also all secondary islands. Its total area extends over 112,7 km², including its perimeter, with 60 km. It offers five predefined trails that may be visited after previous authorization given by Ibama (the Brazilian Environmental Protection Agency). The Archipelago hosts a population of approximately 2,100 people. Tourism is developed in a sustainable manner, offering the opportunity for a balanced encounter between men and nature in one of the most important ecological sanctuaries in the world. Noronha offer good infrastructure to service tourists: bank agency, police station, post office, tourism information office, hospital, Internet access, military police forces, a port, weather information, hotels and inns. In some inns, visitors have the chance to cohabit with local inhabitants, who have turned their humble houses into familiar or charming inns. Flora
The predominant vegetation in Fernando de Noronha is composed of species typical of the Brazilian Northeastern arid vegetation, which loose their foliage during the dry season. In general, the local vegetation includes higher trees and bushes on the flatter surfaces. Between March and July, the island's vegetation is more exuberant, however during this period the possibility of heavy rains is considerably greater. Fauna
In Fernando de Noronha there is a wide number of natural pools that allow for direct contact with the rich and exotic local sea fauna. The islands' waters are full of fish, sponges, algae, shellfish and coral reefs, among which the most abundant one in the archipelago, Montastrea cavernosa. At the Baía dos Golfinhos (the “Dolphins Bay”) belvedere, “rotator” dolphins can be observed in their natural environment. One of the most beautiful scenes in the island can bee observed every day during sunrise, when groups of dolphins enter the bay, into an area of calm and protected areas. Sea turtles may also be seen from November onwards, as they group on the water surface, when adult males compete for female partners, thus stating that specie's period of reproduction in the archipelago. The National Center for the Conservation and Care of Sea Turtles - better known as the TAMAR/IBAMA Project - since 1984 employs every effort to protect female turtles, eggs and reproduction locations and is constantly evaluating their population. These animals are protected according to the Decree that has established a prohibition on the capture, fishing and molesting of all species of turtles in Brazilian waters. The archipelago also hosts endemic species, animals brought about by man and, also, some migratory species.

Basic information
Weather:
Noronha's weather is tropical with heat and sun all through the year. The average temperature is of 28º C. There is only two well defined seasons: the dry one (from September thru March) and rainy one (from April thru August). Rains, which in general do not last long, give way to the shining Sun.

Visitors should not forget that they must pay for an environmental preservation fee to the local administration - related to the number of days they spend on the island. Children younger than five years of age do not pay.
City facts
State: Pernambuco
Region: Northeast
Population: 2,163 inhabitants
Area Code: (081)

Distances
Recife: 540 km (1h40 by plane)
Natal: 350 km (1h10 by plane)
Accommodation / Restaurants
There are some 70 small inns, ranked according to the level of comfort they offer. Many are inside old local inhabitant's houses, adapted to receive guests. They offer apartments equipped with refrigerators, TV and air-conditioner.

In regard to gastronomy, fish and seafood are the main ingredients of dishes served in the simple and cozy restaurants of Fernando de Noronha. A local specialty is the so-called "tubalhau" - a famous cake made with shark meat.

Visit Fernando de Noronha's official website to get more information on local outlets: www.noronha.pe.gov.br
How to get there
Daily flights connect the capital cities of Natal/RN and Recife/PE with Fernando de Noronha. Travel packages are organized by tourism agencies from all over the Country. Another interesting option is to embark on the many cruises along the Brazilian coast – between October and February – which usually include a visit to the island in their itineraries.
Services
Tourism information
Tel: +55 (81) 3619-1352

Airport in Fernando de Noronha
Tel: +55 (81) 3619-1311

Augusto Severo International Airport (Natal)
Tel: +55 (84) 643-1087

Gurarapes Airport (Recife)
Tel: +55 (81) 464-4370

Bank agencies
The city has only one bank agency, with ATM's connected 24x7 to the national banking network.

Telephony
The island's telephony system is connected to the national network, allowing for domestic and international long distance calls.

Car rental
Buggies, motorcycles and bicycles are available.

Tourism agencies
The island offers diving agencies and local guides.
Tips
Local heat and strong sunrays suggest the use of light clothing, hats and solar protection. Some diving agencies operate in the island, renting all kinds of diving equipment and offering special boats for transportation. The best option is to exchange your foreign currency for Brazilian Reais before going to the island, since the majority of local inns, restaurants and souvenir stores don't take credit cards.
Related links

Fernando de Noronha Official Website
www.noronha.pe.gov.br

Empetur – The Tourism Agency of the State of Pernambuco
www.empetur.com.br
www.noronhahotel-link.com

Attractions
Diving in Fernando de Noronha
The archipelago of Fernando de Noronha is one of the best places in the world for diving. The island's crystalline waters, with visibility of up to 50 meters host many species of fish, skate fish, sharks, turtles, eels, barracudas, dolphins, sponges and algae, including also rocky formations, coral reefs and shipwrecks.

Even those who do have any experience in diving can experiment the thrilling sensation of observing the local sea fauna in their natural habitat. At seashore on the beaches of Atalaia and Sancho Bay and at the natural aquariums formed by rocks at Porcos Bay, it is possible to see a wide range of colored fish.

Diving fees vary according to the time of the year. Divers must also pay for a special fee established by the government protection agency, IBAMA. Diving operators installed on the island supply transportation and all necessary equipment. For accredited divers, local operators offer a wide range of courses, but anticipated booking is recommended.


Main diving points

Shipwrecks
At 64 meters deep, the Ipiranga war ship is considered the most preserved shipwreck in Brazil. The Greek ship "Eliane Estatatus" is under Sto. Antônio Bay, near the local port, at an 8-meter depth. Since it is quite close to the seashore, visitors can swim to visit it.

The Dois Irmãos Slab
It is close to the Dois Irmãos cliff, in front of Porcos Bay. Diving there goes between 8 and 15 meters deep.

Cabeço do Sapata Cliff
Huge rocky wall that reaches 40 meters deep into the ocean.

Iuais
Slab with 23-meter depth.

Pedras Secas Cliff
Set of rocks that extend from sea surface down to a 15-meter depth. The location offers an excellent visibility.

Frade Island
A depth of 20 meters. It is located in front of Atalaia beach.

Meio Island
Grouts and caverns at a depth of 15 meters.

The Northern Point of Land
Huge cliff where diving reaches a depth of 42 meters.


Surfing
2-meter high waves with peaks up to five meters high, such as at Cacimba, Boldró, Ruro and Abrás Slabs, are sought by surfers from all over the world, especially from November thru April. Some stages of the National Surf Championship are held on Fernando de Noronha.


Beaches
The most sensational thing about Fernando de Noronha is that all the island's beaches are very pretty and very well preserved. Local seawaters are of greenish blue tone and are incredibly transparent. Some of them include also some rocky formations. Below you will find a list with main beaches.

In the outside sea

Leão (“Lion”) Beach
It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. It has a rock in the shape of a sea lions, hence the beach's peculiar name. Right in front of that beach visitors see the Viuvinha rock, a small island covered with birds nests. When waves hit against some of its rocky formations, it produces a jet of water. This beach is also the main egg-laying point used by sea turtles and, therefore, the beach is closed during some months of the year, from late afternoon to the next early morning, between January and June.

Sueste Bay
It offers a peculiar characteristic in terms of oceanic islands: it has a marsh area. The sea there is quite free of larger waves. On the left side of the beach visitors find the ruins of the São Joaquim de Sueste Fortress.

Atalaia
Local coral reefs form natural aquariums with rich sea life. Access to the beach is limited to a small number of people each day. It is necessary that visitors ask for a special permit at the Visitors Center in the National Park.

Buraco da Raquel (Cliffy Cavity)
It offers natural pools along rocky formations. This is a place for pure and deep contemplation. Bathing is not allowed.


In the inside sea

Santo Antônio Bay
The bay forms a natural port, where small ships can anchor, including those used for sightseeing tours. The bay also includes a shipwreck that attracts many divers.

Cachorro Beach
It is located close to the Remédios Fortress. It has coral reefs and waves are low and pleasant.

Conceição Beach
This beach is very popular among surfers during high tide. During low tide, seawaters are calm and proper for bathing. Being a long beach, it is good for those who appreciate long walks along the seashore.

Boldró Beach
It also offers good waves for surfing during high tide. At the sea cliff visitors find the ruins of the São Pedro do Boldró Fortress, which are used as a belvedere.

Padre Cliff
This is one of the largest beaches in the island, being around 1-km long. During summer it offers excellent waves for surfing of up to 5 meters high. It is surrounded by native forest.

Porcos Bay
This beach has quite too many rocks and a narrow stretch of sand. Natural aquariums with colored fish its great attraction. But diving here is not allowed. In front of it, tourists can visit two huge rock slabs called "Dois Irmãos" (Two Brothers). The highest one holds the ruins of the São João Batista Fortress, offering a beautiful view of the turquoise-blue waters marked by dark cliffs. This peculiar scenario has led some to consider Porcos Bay as the most beautiful beach in Brazil. Access to the beach is available through trails.

Sancho Bay
In terms of beauty, it rivals the neighboring beach of Porcos Bay. It is excellent for the practice of free diving, since it offers good visibility and diversity of marine fauna at a shallow depth. From its sea cliffs, visitors face one of the most beautiful views in Fernando de Noronha. This beach is also an egg-laying point for sea turtles, and so there are restrictions to access it from January to June, from late afternoon to the following early morning.

Boat tours
This is the favorite tourists' attraction. Boats sail along the Inside Sea, offering an incredible view of beaches from the main island of Fernando de Noronha and also from the small islands surrounding it. On a lucky day, visitors may see dolphins swimming close to the boat. At Sancho Bay boats halt so visitors can go on a free diving spree.

Buggy tours
Hoodless buggies are the most used vehicles in Fernando de Noronha. They are used as taxis or for tours around the island. Drivers, usually local inhabitants, may act as tour guides and may take visitors to the most beautiful places and to those least known corners as well.

Dolphins observation
“Rotator” dolphins may be seen from the belvedere looking over "Baía do Golfinhos" (Dolphins Bay). There, they feed and reproduce. The best hour for observations is during the first hours of the day.

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