VISITING FERNANDO DE NORONHA

People from all parts of the world are now discovering the Archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, a veritable oasis seemingly lost in the surrounding blue sea..

We'll use this web page as a tourist guide to help you make your next visit to the Archipelago the very best possible.

HOW TO GET HERE



   
      ATR42 - TRIP Air Lines                           B737 500 - Nordeste Air Lines

GENERAL AVIATION

For those able to fly their own planes, there are no access restrictions. The procedures are the same as for other airports; however, there is no local refueling.

WHERE TO STAY

There are various choices of where to stay on the island of Fernando de Noronha. All are tipically modest. In all there are 70 inns, classified according to their facilities and touristic infrastructure, and a small hotel. Reservations should be made early, especially for the months of January, February, July and December, as well as for longer holidays.

Morena's Inn is one of the 5 best equipped inns of the island. Other choices may be found in GUIA 4 RODAS and similar magazines.

The inns on the island function as boarding houses (breakfast, lunch and dinner), or only with breakfast, charging per night and per person. There is no limit imposed on the length of time a visitor may stay on the island, although this is tied into the Environmental Preservation Tax. This tax, paid upon arrival, progressively increases with the length of the visit.

Uniquely, all of the inns of the island are private residences more or less well modified for this type of service, similar to "Bed and Breakfast" accomodations, but offering all 3 meals. This family atmosphere is one of the most distinctive factors of the tourists' stay, making them feel as though they were in their own beach house.

TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

This unique contact with primeval nature makes for unforgettable moments of perfect communion with the environment. The various opportunities for land and sea tours, including underwater activities, attract a large number of Brazilian and foreign tourists.

BEACHES

There are many beaches to choose from on the island. Some are better adapted to diving, others to swimming, contemplation, surfing, etc. In general, the beaches found on the protected side of the main island are ideal for diving and swimming during the months of April through November, due to the extremely calm sea. During the rest of the year, the changing conditions of the sea favor the sport of surfing, especially during January and February. Below are some important suggestions for your future visit:

Air France
Located in the extreme northeast of the main island, ideal for contemplation and diving. It offers a spectacular view of the smaller islands. Here is found the Cultural Center of the Archipelago, which offers courses in beginning art for children. The name Air France comes from the use of this area as a base for transatlantic flights made by Air France during the 1930's.

The Port
This is where the tourist and supply ships dock. There is a small sand beach with calm waters. It is noted for the beautiful sunsets and the seabirds diving for food. During the months of December, January and February heavy waves (up to 13 feet) make it ideal for surfing.

Cachorro
At the historic Vila dos Remedios, Cachorro Beach is alternately covered with sand or pebbles, depending on the season of the year, due to the tidal movements. It too is used for surfing.

Meio
Next to Cachorro Beach, shaped like a small bay. It may be reached from either Cachorro Beach or Conceicao Beach by means of a short and easy path.

Conceicao
One of the more beautiful and longer beaches on the archipelago, it is the most popular with both islanders and tourists. It is ideal for surfing (between December and February), for skin diving (from March to November), for swimming or merely contemplation. It is worth a visit just to view the sunset. There is a drink stand (BARBARIDADE) that is open daily.
Boldro
Near the old US satelite tracking station, the sea has the same characteristics as Conceicao Beach except that the bottom is predominately coral. Special care should be exercised when swimming during the months of December through February due to the strong underwater currents. The drink stand Mirante located on a high point, keeps an irregular schedule.

Americano/Bode/Cacimba do Padre
Three adjacent beaches with access by land or by sea during low tide, ideal for the sport of surfing between December and February as well as for swimming during the rest of the year. On Bode Beach are nice shady spots under leafy trees, where one can relax or rest.

Porcos Bay
One of the best of Fernando de Noronha, with access from Cacimba do Padre Beach principally at low tide. Consists of marvelous views. Located opposite the Morro dos Dois Irmaos, (two small islands very near the beach), it has natural pools and variegated colored waters.

Sancho Bay
Just beyond Porcos Bay is found Sancho Bay, another notable beach among so many. Surrounded by a natural wall, it may be reached by a ladder fastened to the rock, or by a short trail (a local guide is recommended) or by sea. A beach of unforgettable beauty where one may find the nests of aquatic birds and enjoy excellent dives in the bay. For the tour boats, it is a stopping point for swimming and diving.

Dolphin Bay
An area of maximum preservation, the only access is a pathway to the cliff's edge. It is an observation point for the activity of the dolphins, principally about 6 am. It is within the National Marine Park, and in order to preserve the area for the dolphins, access by sea is prohibited.

Leao
Located on the southeast side of the island, many think it has the most beautiful scenery of the Archipelago. The principal area for the sea turtles to lay their eggs, it has among other attractions its size (greatest length), pools and the esguichos, geyser-like fountains that result from the tremendous build-up of pressure as the high tide brings water in under the coral and consequently forces it through small openings. Best months: December through March.

Caracas Point
Rocky, with access over the rocks, it has an excellent pool reachable at low tide. From the lookout point there is an excellent view of Leao Bay and surroundings.

Southeast Bay
The calmest beach of Fernando de Noronha due to its form of an enclosed bay, it permits diving and swimming at any tide. Beautiful view and rich marine life. Next to it is the only islander mangrove of the South Atlantic, with its distinctive wildlife. Diving is restricted in some parts of the bay to protect the coral reefs. Drinks and snacks are served during the day (Tartarugao Lunches).

Atalaia Beach
Virtually a natural aquarium, diving in its pools is possible at low tide. Extremely shallow (averaging 30 inches), it displays an impressive variety of marine life. Access by a trail beginning at the Vila do Trinta, or by car using the road near the airport. Located within the National Marine Park, the number of visitors is limited to thirty per day.

Caieira Beach
Near the port, on the other side, it has a lovely view, and is used by the islanders for fishing.

Raquel's Hole
A large group of pools, closed to visitors, may be seen from a look-out point. Very near the port (on the opposite side) and to Caieira Beach. Close for dive.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

  Various other activities are available to the visitor on Fernando de Noronha. Keep in mind that, in general, the tourist industry      is very small, tending to a gradual improvement.

Ecological tourism is the natural calling of the island. The unspoiled beauty, incomparable and unforgettable, makes up for the occassional discomforts, contributing to the spirit of adventure that spreads in the air.

Underwater Activities
On Fernado de Noronha two types of diving may be done: self-contained, with air tanks, and free dives (skin diving). Spear fishing is entirely prohibited. For self-contained divers there are 3 local firms which basically offer two services: Beginning Dives and Experienced Dives.

Boat Tours
Various boats, with an average capacity of 15 passengers, leave daily at 9 am from the Port of Santo Antonio, for the smaller islands, Sapata Point, and Dolphin Bay with a stop at Sancho Bay for swimming and diving, returning normally about 1:30 pm. Some serve a seafood meal on board.

Buggy tours
Although some beaches are easily reached on foot, it is highly likely that a rental buggy will be needed for travel around the island. There are agencies which rent buggies ( 3 ).  For short trips there are taxis. This service is offered by NORTAX, a cooperative of buggy owners.

Walks
Many places on the Archipelago remain unknown due to their lack of access. Exotic beaches squeezed between cliffs, caves, hills, etc., are excellent choices for walks. The best locations are within the Marine Park, where the company of a Park Ranger is required and necessary.

OTHER INFORMATION

Avoid, if possible, visiting the Archipelago during the peak tourist season, principally between December 15 and February 28. Due to the limit of 420 visitors established by the local Administration, during this period the housing accomodations and flights are usually filled. The ideal length for a visit is 7 days or longer, permitting a better enjoyment of the Archipelago. The cost of the air fare is spread over a longer
stay. Upon arrival the visitor is charged an Environmental Presevation Tax established by the government.

The sun on Fernando de Noronha is always very strong. Therefore don't forget to use an adequate sun-blocker to protect your skin. The local electricity is 220 volts 60cycles, available day and night. The water, supplied by rainwater, is always rationed to avoid shortages. Communication with the island is supplied by satellite with DDD/DDI service. The only local bank is a branch of the Banco Real, connected to Sao Paulo by satellite and thus able to take care of any transaction on line. No change cash by VISA.

The government of the archipelago maintains Radio Golfinho a FM Stereo station on the frequency of  96.9 MHz, and 5 television channels (Globo, SBT, Manchete, Cultura de Sao Paulo and Bandeirantes), using VHF channels 6, 7, 9, 11, and 13.

For the sail boats that visit the archipelago, there is a small and as yet inadequate structure in the port which includes bathrooms and showers. Each recreational boat as it arrives, should communicate with the port authority by means of VHF Marine channel 12 or 16 for instructions. Anchorage within the seawall protected area is not permitted, so all boats must anchor outside. The administration collects the Preservation Tax for both crew and passengers as well as a docking fee.