Ministério do Turismo
Idiomas disponíveis
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, both from Brazil and from all over the world. The archipelago's good environmental conditions have caught 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.
Americo Vespuccio visited the Archipelago for the first time around the year 1503. It was invaded by the French and the Dutch people before the Portuguese finally took possession of it. Several historical sites show traces of these last colonizers: Vila dos Remedios, Vila da Quixaba, Parque de Sant'Ana and the ruins of the Sao Pedro do Boldro, Santo Antonio, and Nossa Senhora da Conceiçao Fortresses.
With 21 islands, Fernando de Noronha stands over an area of 26 sq km. The main island, with that same name, is the only inhabited one, and the largest of one of all - it has 17 sq km. Part of it is occupied by the Fernando de Noronha National Marine Park, considered an Environmental Protection Area (APA), since 1988, with some 8 sq km.
The purpose of that park is to protect the local fauna, flora and remaining natural resources. The park includes all secondary islands, also. Its total area extends over 112,7 sq km, including its perimeter of 60 km. It offers five predefined trails, which may be visited after obtaining prior authorization from the 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 of a balanced encounter between men and nature in one of the most important ecological sanctuaries in the world.
Noronha offers good infrastructure to service tourists: a bank branch, police station, post office, tourism information office, hospital, Internet access, military police force, a port, weather information, hotels and inns. In some inns, visitors have the chance to share the space with local inhabitants, who have opened their humble houses to paying guests or have turned them into charming inns.
Flora
The predominant vegetation in Fernando de Noronha is composed of species of the typical arid vegetation of the Brazilian Northeast, which loose their foliage during the dry season. In general, 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 are a number of natural pools, which 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 belvedere at the Baia dos Golfinhos (the “Dolphins Bay”), “rotator” dolphins can be observed in their natural environment. One of the most beautiful scenes on the island can be observed every day at sunrise, when hundreds of dolphins seek refuge in the calm and protected waters of the bay.
Sea turtles may also be seen from November onwards, as they group on the water surface, when adult males compete for female partners, thus initiating that specie's period of reproduction in the archipelago. The National Centre for the Conservation and Care of Sea Turtles - better known as the TAMAR/IBAMA Project – has, since 1984 been employing every effort to protect female turtles, their eggs and reproduction sites and is constantly evaluating their population. These animals are protected by 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 in by man and, also, some migratory species.
Pictures
- Basic information
- Noronha’s weather is tropical with heat and sun all through the year. The average temperature is 28º C. There are only two well defined seasons: the dry one (from September thru March) and the rainy one (from April thru August). Rains, which in general do not last long, give way to the shining Sun.
Visitors should be reminded that a fee is due and mandatory, payable in advance to the local administration, and is related to the number of days they will be spending on the island. Children younger than five years of age do not pay. - City facts
- Fernando de Noronha
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 the homes of the local inhabitants, which have been adapted to receive paying guests. They offer rooms equipped with refrigerators, TV and air-conditioning.
Fish and other seafood are the main ingredients of dishes served in the simple and cosy restaurants of Fernando de Noronha. A local specialty is the so-called "tubalhau" - a famous cake made from 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 to 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
Guararapes Airport (Recife)
Tel: +55 (81) 464-4370
Bank branches
The town has only one bank branch, with ATM’s connected 24x7 to the national banking network.
Telephone communication
The island’s telephone 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. - Related links
- Fernando de Noronha Official Websit
www.noronha.pe.gov.br
Empetur – The Tourism Agency of the State of Pernambuco
http://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 crystal clear waters, with a visibility of up to 50 metres, 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 not have any experience in diving can experiment the thrilling sensation of observing the local sea fauna in their natural habitat. Along the 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 coloured fish.
Diving fees vary according to the time of the year. Divers must also pay a special fee established by the government protection agency, IBAMA. Diving operators installed on the island supply transportation and all the necessary equipment. For accredited divers, local operators offer a wide range of courses, but booking in advance is recommended.
Main diving points
Shipwrecks
At a depth of 64 metres, the Ipiranga war ship is considered the most preserved shipwreck in Brazil. The Greek ship "Eliane Estatatus" is at the bottom of Santo Antonio Bay, near the local port, at a depth of 8 metres. Since it is quite close to the seashore, visitors are able to swim there to visit it.
Laje Dois Irmaos (Dois Irmaos Slab)
It is close to the twin rocks known as Dois Irmaos (Twin Brothers), in front of Baia dos Porcos (Bay of Pigs). Is possible, there, to reach diving depths of 8 to 15 metres.
Cabeço do Sapata Cliff
A huge rocky wall reaching down 40 meters into the ocean.
Iuais
Slab which rests at a diving depth of 23 meters.
Pedras Secas Cliff
Set of rocks that extend from the surface of the sea down to a 15-meter diving depth. Visibility there is excellent.
Frade Island
A diving depth of 20 metres. It is located in front of Atalaia beach.
Meio Island
Grottos and caverns at a diving depth of 15 metres.
Pontal do Norte (Northern Point of Land)
A huge cliff, where it is possible to reach a diving depth of 42 metres.
Surfing
2-meter high waves with peaks up to five meters high, such as at Cacimba, Boldro, Ruro and Abras 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 of the island’s beaches are very pretty and very well preserved. Local seawaters are a greenish blue tone and incredibly transparent. Some of them include, also, some rocky formations. Below you will find a listing of the main beaches.
In the outside sea
Leao (“Lion”) Beach
It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. It sports a rock in the shape of a sea lion, hence the beach’s peculiar name. Right in front of that beach visitors sight the Viuvinha rock, a small island covered with birds nests. When waves hit against some of its rocky formations, they 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 feature in terms of oceanic islands: it has an area of marsh at one corner and the waves are relatively small. The ruins of the Sao Joaquim de Sueste Fortress are perched on the left side of the beach.
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. A special permit to visit must be obtained at the Visitors Centre at the National Park Headquarters.
Buraco da Raquel (Cliff Cavity)
It offers natural pools along rocky formations. This is a place for observation only. No bathing not allowed here.
In the inside sea
Santo Antonio Bay
The bay forms a natural port, where small ships can anchor, including those used for sightseeing tours. The bay also includes a shipwreck, which attracts many divers.
Cachorro Beach
It is located close to the Remedios Fortress. It has coral reefs and the waves are light.
Conceiçao Beach
This beach is very popular among surfers during high tide. During low tide, seawaters are calm and proper for bathing. Because it is a long beach, it is much appreciated by those who like to take long walks along the seashore.
Boldro Beach
It also offers good waves for surfing during high tide. The ruins of the São Pedro do Boldro Fortress stand at the top of the sea cliff, and are used by visitors as a viewpoint.
Padre Cliff
This is one of the largest beaches on the island, being around 1 km long. During summer, its waves of up to 5 meters high are excellent for surfing. It is surrounded by native forest.
Porcos Bay
This beach has a good many rocks and a narrow stretch of sand. Natural aquariums harbouring numerous coloured fish are its great attraction. Diving, however, is not allowed here. In front of the beach, two huge rock slabs called "Dois Irmaos" (Two Brothers) can be visited by tourists. The highest one holds the ruins of the São Joao 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. Trails lead down to the beach.
Sancho Bay
In terms of beauty, it rivals the neighbouring beach at Porcos Bay. It is excellent for the practice of free diving, since it offers good visibility and a 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 access to it is restricted from January to June, from the late afternoon to the following early morning.
Boat tours
This is the favourite tourist attraction. Boats sail along the Inside Sea, offering an incredible view of the beaches on the main island of Fernando de Noronha and also 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.
Observing the Dolphins
“Rotator” dolphins may be seen from the top of the cliff overlooking the "Baia dos Golfinhos" (Dolphins Bay). It is here that they seek refuge, feed and reproduce. The best hour for observations is during the first hours of the day.
Choose your destination
Locality