Pernambuco, Atlantic Ocean archipelago · Brazil
A protected volcanic archipelago far out in the Atlantic, with some of Brazil's best beaches, spinner dolphins, sea turtles and diving, and strictly limited visitor numbers.
Fernando de Noronha is an archipelago of 21 islands and islets about 350 km off the coast of north-east Brazil, the tips of an underwater volcanic chain. Only the main island is inhabited, with about 3,000 residents, and about 70% of it is a national marine park. UNESCO inscribed the islands in 2001 as part of the Brazilian Atlantic Islands.
The archipelago's beaches, bays and cliffs are widely considered the best in Brazil, and Baía do Sancho has been ranked among the best beaches in the world. The waters are warm and clear, with visibility often more than 30 metres, and full of marine life, including green turtles, spinner dolphins, rays and sharks. Diving and snorkelling are outstanding.
Because of its protected status, visits are tightly controlled. There are daily visitor limits, a mandatory environmental preservation fee that rises with length of stay, and separate park entry tickets. The island is expensive, but it is also unspoilt, quiet and beautiful, with pousadas, small restaurants and buggies, and a relaxed pace. The dry season from August to January is best.
Why visit
Noronha is one of the best places in Brazil for beaches and marine wildlife, in a carefully protected environment.
Baía do Sancho, Baía dos Porcos and Praia do Leão, among the best in Brazil.
Clear water, wrecks and abundant marine life.
Spinner dolphins gather in the Baía dos Golfinhos, and turtles nest on beaches.
Visitor limits and strict rules keep it unspoilt.
A slow pace, sunsets and stars.
Main attractions
The beaches and viewpoints are close together, and easily reached by buggy or on foot.
A hidden bay with white sand and turquoise water below cliffs, reached by a steep path and a ladder in the rock. Widely ranked among the world's best beaches.
Tip Go early, and do not touch the reef.
A bay with natural tidal pools and calm snorkelling, and a beach where turtles nest at night in season.
Tip Check the tides.
The island's iconic twin peaks, which rise from the water at Sancho and Porcos bays.
Tip Admire them from the beach and the boat.
A bay where spinner dolphins gather in the morning, seen from a lookout. Boat approaches are prohibited to protect them.
Tip Go at sunrise.
Green turtles are often seen snorkelling, and the Tamar Project protects nesting beaches.
Tip Keep your distance.
A historic fort and the village, the island's small centre with a church, restaurants and sunset views.
Tip Visit at sunset.
Things to do
Water activities dominate, with a few land experiences.
Baía do Sancho and Baía dos Porcos have clear water and marine life.
Tip Use reef-safe sunscreen.
Excellent diving for beginners and experts.
Tip Book with a licensed operator.
Spinner dolphins gather in the morning.
Tip Go early.
Sail around the island, with stops for snorkelling.
Tip Book a sunset trip.
Explore beaches and viewpoints by rented buggy.
Tip Drive slowly.
A traditional way to end the day.
Tip Bring a jacket.
Local food
Food on the island is seafood, and prices are high because of transport costs.
Tuna, wahoo and other pelagic fish, grilled or in stews.
Where to try it Restaurants in Vila dos Remédios.
Locally caught lobster and shrimp.
Where to try it Pousada restaurants.
Cassava pancakes, and fresh coconut water.
Where to try it Beach kiosks.
Cashew, mango and passionfruit.
Where to try it Cafés.
The national cocktail, with local flavours.
Where to try it Sunset bars.
Accommodation
Accommodation is mainly small pousadas, and prices are high. Book well ahead.
Transport
The island is reached only by air, from Recife or Natal.
The island is small, and buggies are the main way to move.
When to go
Noronha is warm year-round, with a dry season from August to January and a rainy season from February to July.
Clear skies, calm seas and the best visibility.
Hot and dry, with good conditions.
Warm and showery, with rougher seas and low prices.
Showers, with big surf on the north.
Worth planning around: The wettest months, from March to June.
Itinerary
Beaches, dolphins and the sea.
Settle in.
Sancho and Porcos.
Sea life.
Around the island.
Travel tips
The island has strict rules and high prices.
FAQ
Four to five days is ideal.
Yes. Accommodation, food and fees are high, partly because of the island's isolation and protected status.
August to January.
No. Contact with spinner dolphins is prohibited. You can watch them from the lookout.
By flight from Recife or Natal.
Yes, an environmental preservation fee and a national park entry ticket. Check current prices.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Fernando de Noronha, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
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Don't miss Night falling over the Pelourinho, with drums echoing off the pastel facades and baianas selling acarajé.
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