Fernando de Noronha, nicknamed “Rainbow Island”, a mass of dark green laced with creamy yellow beaches hemmed in by azure sea, is just 10 km long and 1.5km wide, and located off the north coast of Brazil. The Archipelago of Fernando de Noronha is located 545km from Recife and 360km from Natal. It is quite possibly the most relaxing, and most beautiful, place on earth, with castaway beaches lapped by turquoise waters, glorious marine life and sleepy villages. Comprised of 21 islands and islets, the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha is a paradise of indescribable beauty, and was declared a Natural World Heritage Site by Unesco. This inhabited island is relatively small, with only 17 km². But that’s not a problem, since the average time of stay in Noronha is five days, allowing it to be possible to do all the attractions available on the spot.
Of the island’s 16 pristine beaches, Lion’s Beach, Atalaia Beach and Sanchos Bay are the best on the island, whilst Rocas Atoll is the perfect spot for rock pooling at low tide when the reefs are exposed and the tidal pools teem with sea life. The snorkeling and scuba diving is fantastic with visibility of up to 50 meters and the water 25 degrees all year round. There are some 30 dive sites around the island including spectacular coral reefs, walls and shipwrecks where sharks, dolphins, turtles, moray eels and over 200 species of fish can all be spotted. The fauna on the islands is equally impressive with Red Footed Boobies and Albatross among just some of the birds on the island. Birdwatchers will be amazed by the variety of exotic birds, including several types of pelican, and you’ll be moved by the remarkable sight of thousands of dolphins entering the bay every day between 5am and 6am, viewed from the harbor.
In Fernando de Noronha Archipelago you will find warm Waters for you to bath in. The water temperature is around of 27 Degrees Celsius or 81 Degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature average throughout the year is of a maximum of 30 Degrees Celsius and the minimum slightly above 20 Degrees Celsius or 68 Fahrenheit. It is slightly colder from May through August. On average, the temperatures are always high. The rainy season is from February through July. The months of October through January get the less rain. Assuming you want good chances of getting sunny warm weather, the best time to go to Fernando de Noronha are in the months of October, November, December and January.
Visitors are strictly limited to 400 a day, although visiting yachts are not included in this count. In Noronha, there is strict control of the number of tourists present at the same time on the main island. There, they can sleep up to 240 people. And all this effort is to prevent any harm to the environment. It is for these and other reasons that there are rules of behavior that must be respected by the visitors of Noronha. Within the area of the National Marine Park is prohibited, for example: feed the animals; Swim with the dolphins; visiting islands or cliffs; collect organic materials (seeds, fruits or shells); and camping or diving without the guidance of an accredited company. Pets are also not allowed on the island.
Noronha is one of the best places for diving. Its clear and warm waters provide excellent visibility, being possible to observe its splendid marine life of corals, dolphins, turtles, and sharks. In addition to dolphins, the island’s wildlife also includes myriad bird species, from the dowdy brown booby and elegant white tern to several different herons and pelicans. Endemic species include the Noronha elaenia, a slight dun-brown bird with a small but sharply peaked crest.
If you go for a walk along one of the many sandy trails crisscrossing the small island, you’ll also see whip-tailed mabuya lizards scuttling through the dense greenery. It’s easy enough to explore the interior on your own — it’s a small island and hard to get lost — but if you’d like a more in-depth experience, we can arrange for a naturalist guide, too. Sea turtles are common here, too, and often lay their eggs on the island’s beaches.
It is possible to practice scuba diving, guided by certified local instructors. For those who are going to practice diving, pay attention to this information! Visitors who have health problems, such as cardiac, hypertensive or respiratory disorders, are not allowed to dive. It is not allowed to practice diving in the 24 hours before the return flight, due to the atmospheric pressure and altitude. It is also not advisable to eat heavy foods before diving. Pregnant women cannot perform a dive. Children over 10 years can dive, with the written permission of the person in charge. Another sport practiced on the island is surfing. Between December and February, Fernando de Noronha welcomes surfers from everywhere ready to put their boards offshore and face huge tubes, swells, and waves reaching up to 5 meters. The best beaches for practicing surfing are: Cacimba do Padre, Boldro, and Conceicao. Another indispensable tour in Fernando de Noronha is to enjoy the sunset. The island has numerous places where you can enjoy its famous sunset, such as the Forte do Boldro, Dois Irmaos viewing point, and also the beaches Praia da Conceicao and Praia do Porto. The main island, Ilha de Fernando de Noronha, has two distinct sides, a gentle one facing the Brazilian coast and a rockier, rougher one facing the Atlantic. The inshore coast is the place for surfing and lazing on the beach. The offshore beach is for watching the waves crash in. The main beaches on Fernando de Noronha, Praia Sancho, Praia Porcos (Pig’s Bay), and Praia Leao, are frequently rated among the top beaches in all of Brazil. Spending time on these beautiful secluded beaches is one of the biggest chances for visitors of Fernando de Noronha. Laze in the sunshine, slip into the crystal waters, swim among the rocks, and enjoy the uncrowded beauty of some of Brazil’s best beaches.