Brazil's North-East Region
The Ultimate Brazil Travel Guide: Fernando de Noronha
A remote Brazilian island paradise off the coast of Pernambuco, with crystal-clear waters, volcanic rock formations, and the best scuba-diving in Brazil
Fernando de Noronha is an archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 350 kilometres off the northeast coast of Brazil. It consists of 21 islands and islets, with only the main island being inhabited. The archipelago is part of the state of Pernambuco and covers about 26 square kilometres. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is known for its ecological significance and high marine biodiversity.
The islands are of volcanic origin, formed around 12 million years ago. The rugged landscape includes cliffs, basaltic rock formations and the prominent Morro do Pico, the highest point on the island at 321 metres. Offshore, the volcanic base supports a fringing reef system that shelters coral, sponges and other marine organisms. The underwater visibility is often excellent, making Fernando de Noronha one of the best places in Brazil for diving and snorkelling. Tide pools, caves and natural rock pools add to the geological diversity.
Fernando de Noronha is home to a variety of wildlife, including spinner dolphins, green and hawksbill sea turtles, reef sharks, and numerous tropical fish species. On land, visitors may encounter iguanas, teju lizards and seabirds such as the frigatebird and masked booby.
The islands are managed jointly by the State Government of Pernambuco and the Brazilian environmental agency ICMBio, which enforces conservation laws, regulates park access and oversees research. Activities within the National Marine Park are strictly controlled to ensure the long-term preservation of the ecosystem. Access to the islands is strictly regulated through environmental fees and visitor limits to protect the natural habitat.
Top 10 Things to See & Do in Fernando de Noronha
Snorkel at Baía do Sancho – Accessed by ladder through a cliff, this beach offers some of the clearest water and abundant marine life including turtles and reef fish.
Hike the Atalaia Trail – A guided trek through the national park that ends at a natural tide pool where snorkelling is permitted with limited daily access.
Dive at Pedras Secas – One of the most popular scuba diving sites in Brazil, featuring underwater rock formations, tunnels and frequent sightings of reef sharks and rays.
Watch spinner dolphins at Baía dos Golfinhos – Visit early in the morning from the Mirante dos Golfinhos viewpoint to see hundreds of dolphins entering the bay.
Take the boat tour around the island – Departing from Porto de Santo Antônio, this tour circles the island with stops for snorkelling and dolphin watching.
Visit the Tamar Project Visitor Centre – Learn about sea turtle conservation efforts on the island and attend free nightly talks or turtle hatchling releases during the season.
Relax on Praia do Leão – A quieter beach known for its turtle nesting sites, with a strong current not suitable for swimming but excellent for scenic walks.
Climb up to Forte dos Remédios – Explore the historic Portuguese fort near Vila dos Remédios with views over the coastline and occasional cultural events.
Take a sunset dip at Praia da Conceição – Popular for its social beach bars, especially at sunset with Morro do Pico in the background.
Surf at Cacimba do Padre – Best between December and March, this beach hosts surf competitions and offers consistent waves for experienced surfers.
How long to spend in Fernando de Noronha
It is recommended to spend at least 5 days in Fernando de Noronha to have the opportunity to explore the island's top beaches.
Where to stay in Fernando de Noronha
Accommodation in Fernando de Noronha is more expensive than on the mainland, and consists mostly of pousadas (guesthouses).
There are several areas to stay in Fernando de Noronha, including Vila dos Remédios, Boldró, and Praia do Cachorro. Vila dos Remédios is the main village with most accommodation, restaurants, and shops, and serves as the transport hub. It's the most convenient place to stay for those who plan to explore various different areas areas of the island and do not have their own transport.
Several of the island's beaches also have accommodation. Boldró and Praia do Cachorro offer closer access to beaches and some attractions but have fewer services and require walking or local transport to reach Vila dos Remédios.
Find accommodation for your stay in Fernando de Noronha, or check out some of my recommendations below:
Luxury Stays
Pousada Maravilha - 5 star luxury accommodation overlooking Praia do Sueste (see prices)
Pousada do Mirante - 5 star luxury pousada by Praia do Boldró (see prices)
Pousada do Vale - a boutique luxury pousada by Praia do Cachorro (see prices)
Pousada Filó - luxury pousada with private pools nearby Praia do Meio and Praia da Conceição (see prices)
Pousada Moana - boutique pousada conveniently located by the main road at the turn off to Praia da Conceição (see prices)
Apartments & Bungalows
Flat do Tubanoronha - two bedroom house by Vila dos Remédios (see prices)
Casa Azure - one bedroom house by Praia da Conceição (see prices)
Casa da Ilha - one bedroom house conveniently located by the main road for those who want to explore the whole island (see prices)
Budget Pousadas (Guesthouse)
Vila Matilde Noronha - basic rooms in Vila dos Remédios (see prices)
Estação Noronha - basic rooms in Vila dos Remédios (see prices)
Casa Pitanga - basic rooms in Vila dos Remédios (see prices)
Where is Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Closest airport
Fernando de Noronha (FEN)
Main bus terminal
Porto (harbour) and Sueste (south)
Santo Antônio Port
Main ports
How to get to Fernando de Noronha
The only way to reach Fernando de Noronha by plane is to fly from the mainland of Brazil. There are no international flights, and there are currently direct flights to the island from just two cities in Brazil: Recife and Sao Paulo. Note: several sites state that you can fly directly from Natal and Fortaleza - this information is not up to date (see flight availability).
It is also possible to reach the island by private or chartered yachts, but this requires booking through agents on the mainland.
Top tours in Recife
How to get around Fernando de Noronha
The island has one main road that connects the main village of Vila dos Remédios to other key locations including beaches and the airport. Aside from the main road, most roads on the island are unpaved.
There are a number of ways to get around Fernando de Noronha, including taking the public bus, bicycle, or renting a car. Car and electric bicycle rental are both available on the island.
Taxis are available 24 hours, and are run by one company called Nortax. You can flag down a taxi on the street, call them, or message the them on Whatsapp - this is the better option for foreigners who don't speak Portuguese as you can use a Translation app to message them. Though some taxis accept card, not all do, so it's best to carry cash. Uber and other ridesharing apps are not available in Fernando de Noronha.
One fun and unique way to get around the island, giving you complete flexibility, is to rent a buggy. The price starts from R$ 300 per day (24 hours), and increases during the peak season.
A public bus service is scheduled to operate every 30 minutes, though actual timing is unreliable. The bus runs from 5am to 10pm between the north and south of the island. The busses in Noronha have two directions: porto (harbour) and sueste (south). The bus fare is R$5, paid in cash to the driver. Bring correct change.
Things to know before you go to Fernando de Noronha
Fees, tickets, and tour guides:
Visitors must pay an Environmental Preservation Fee (TPA). The daily fee starts at around R$100 per day, but the rate increases for longer stays. You can check the current rates and pay in advance on the official government website, or pay at the airport.
A National Marine Park access fee of R$373 for foreigners and R$186 for Brazilians, is required to enter most of the island's popular sites such as Baía do Sancho, Atalaia, and Baía dos Porcos. The ticket is valid for 10 days and can be purchased in person or online.
Access to some trails and beaches requires advance booking through the island’s official visitor website or at the ICMBio visitor centre. These include Capim Açu, Abreu, Atalaia, Pontinha Caieira, Atalaia Pontinha Caieira, Morro São José.
In addition, a number of trails require you to be accompanied by a certified tour guide. These include Capim Açu, Pontinha Caieira, Atalaia Pontinha Caieira, and Morro São José for swimming.
More travel tips for Fernando de Noronha:
The number of daily visitors is restricted to protect the ecosystem, so flights, accommodation, and tours should be booked well in advance.
Only the main island is inhabited. Boat tours are required to visit the surrounding islets.
Bring cash, as some places may not accept cards and there are few ATMs on the island. Cash is required for the bus and some taxis.
Internet access is limited in some areas and mobile signal may be weak outside the main village.
Sunscreen must be reef-safe. Regular sunscreen is discouraged due to environmental regulations.
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