Brazilian Real Exchange RateDestination: Fernando de Noronha
We are quite certain the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha is Brazil’s closest spot to Paradise. 300 km away from the north east coast of the country, Noronha concentrates places of unrivalled beauty and tranquillity. On top of that, Noronha is a rare place where preserving the environment is the foremost concern for its inhabitants.
The archipelago is formed is formed my the main island, inhabited, and a series of smaller islands. Part of the archipelago forms the Maritime National Park of Fernando de Noronha. UNESCO declared Noronha a World Natural Heritage Site in 2001 (you can find the reasons at the following UNESCO website section: Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves).
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1. WE LIKE THE MOST:
The fantastic beaches; the colour of the sea; snorkelling anywhere, anytime; the dolphins; the marine turtles you will come across during your dives;, the colourful fish; the silence; the stars.
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2. WE LIKE THE LEAST:
In recent years, a place that was meant to be, above all, a destination for nature lovers, has become the object of desire for the Brazilian well-offs (often not that interested in nature). As a result, accommodation prices have rocketed, and the more basic accommodation of times gone by is being increasingly replaced by top hotels with outrageous prices. Fernando de Noronha is out of reach for many people, including most Brazilians. In return, it is being crowded by people who to Noronha looking for luxury and comfort without realizing that being in Noronha is already a privilege
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3. HOW TO GET THERE:
There is just the one option to get to Noronha, the plane. There are no boats taking passengers to Noronha. The only boats sailing to Noronha are the cargo freights that bring supplies to the island and cruise ships during the high season.
Trip airlines fly to the island from Natal and Recife. Tam uses Trip for the final leg of its flights to Noronha.
From the rest of the country, only Varig (now owned by GOL flies to Noronha.
Airfares are very expensive – bordering on the ridiculous. Flight deals to Noronha are hardly seen.
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4. CAREFUL WITH:
The treacherous ladder going down to Sancho beach. While diving at the sunken ship in the harbour area, be aware of boats entering and leaving the harbour. When the sea is rough, be extremely careful if you go for a swim at the Porcos beach, as the strong waves can land you against the rocks.
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5. FAVOURITE PLACES
Sancho beach, the harbour of Santo Antonio (excellent for snorkelling), the Conceição beach, the baia dos Golfinhos (Dolphin bay).
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6. DIVING AND SNORKELLING
6.1 DIVING:
There are three dive shops in Noronha: Águas Claras, Atlantis Divers and Noronha Divers. The three companies dive at different points every day, to avoid overcrowding.
6.2 SNORKELLING:
If snorkelling is your thing, and you don’t have a mask, a snorkel or flippers, you can rent them in Noronha. Many pousadas rent them, and there is a place at the harbour where you can rent them too. There you can get a life jacket too, if that’s going to make you more comfortable. There are several excellent points for snorkelling:
- the shipwreck at the entrance to the harbour. You will see many fish swimming around the remains of the sunken ship. On your way to the point where the ship sunk you are very likely to come across the turtles that feed around the area.
- Sancho beach. The best points are on the right-hand side of the beach, near the rocks, and in the middle of the beach, some 100 meters into the sea, where there’s a bunch of rocks.
- Porcos bay. Snorkel around the rocks. It can only be done during the months when the sea is completely calm.
- Sueste bay. To the right of the bay there is an area where turtles are constantly feeding. You need to hire the services of a guide to get you there, last we heard the price was R$25 per person.
- Atalaia beach. Natural pools form when the tide is low. Access to the beach is controlled and only a limited number of visitors are allowed per day. On top of that, the time you can remain at the pools is limited too. Get there early to avoid the queues.
- As well as the places pointed out above, any beach with calm waters presents a fantastic excuse for snorkelling. At the Conceição beach we saw a huge shoal of sardines.
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7. PIECE OF ADVICE:
- the very best time to visit Noronha is the period between August and October, when the beaches of Sancho and Porcos look their best. During that time, the sea on the continental side of is like a millpond. Shortly after that, the currents change and in January and February surfing competitions are held on those very same beaches.
- the boat trip to see the dolphins is really worth it. Your chances of coming across dozens of dolphins are high. On top of that, the boat will take you to parts of the island than cannot be reached on photo. It stops at Sancho bay for a swim.
- in Noronha food is more expensive than in the mainland. There is at least a por quilo restaurant (you pay according to the weight of the food you put on your plate) where an affordable meal can be had. There is a small supermarket at the Vila dos Remédios.
- at the end of the day, there are daily (and free) talks on different topics related to Noronha and the environmentat the Projeto Tamar HQ. It is an excellent way of rounding up your day.
- all visitors to Noronha must pay an environmental tax (known in Portuguese as taxa de preservação). At Tabela de Preços you can see the current values. The longer you stay at the island the more expensive the tax will be – it is calculated according to the number of days spent at the island. The tax can be paid on arrival at the island – credit cards are accepted.
- there is a public bus service going from one side of the island to the other at regular intervals. Most beaches are just a short walk away from the bus route. You can also take a taxi (in Noronha they are buggies or jeeps). And if preserving the environment is not your top priority, you could do as many guides recommend and rent a highly-polluting buggy. Not our idea of close contact with nature.
- if there is a place in Brazil where you can feel safe, that is Noronha. Violent crime is unheard of.
- at the harbour, the NGO Projeto Golfinho Rotador, that looks after the dolphins in Noronha, informs on a daily basis of the number of dolphins spotted entering the Golfinhos bay.
- there are three ATMs in the island. At least one of them allows withdrawals of money with international credit cards. Just in case, make sure you arrive in the island with some cash (preferably reais, the Brazilian currency).
- voltage in Noronha is 220V.
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8. ACCOMMODATION
At our Accommodation in Brazil blog you can check a full listing of hotels and pousadas in Fernando de Noronha.
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9. LINKS:
Fernando de Noronha (government of the state of Pernambuco)
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10. HEALTH:
There are no major health concerns associated with Noronha. Sunblock is a must, as there are hardly any trees on the island. There is a tiny health centre. Serious cases need to be treated at the mainland. No vaccines are needed for Noronha.
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11. WEATHER FORECAST:
The weather in Noronha for the next 10 days
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12. CLIMATE:
Average temperatures and rainfall in Fernando de Noronha at the weather channel.
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13. TIDE CHARTS:
Go to Tábuas de Marés, an official website, and select ILHA DE FERNANDO DE NORONHA from the drop-down menu for a tide chart for Noronha.
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14. GOOGLE MAPS:
We prepared a detailed map of Fernando de Noronha for the blog.
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15. PHOTOS:
[Don’t forget to check out the list of other destinations already covered in this blog, here]
Hello,
Just wondering if it’s possible to hire scooters and honda cbr style motorbikes in lagoa de conceciao and if so do you know how much they cost?
Jay, sorry I missed your latest query. Check out Vivo, Claro and Oi.
r harper, you can hire scooters indeed. I have no direct references of them but check out Locomotos. They are based at the Lagoa and the link I have given you leads to their English website. They should be able to sent you up to date costs. All the best.
What about 600cc bikes is that possible? I seen a video where there was loads of different bikes lined up on the street do they belong to people or for hire?
Thanks
RH
Hi
Loved your blog .. lots of useful information. I also have one about Rio de Janeiro. When you have a chance take a look – whereisriodejaneiro.com. I live in Rio and I love this city. Anything other info you need regarding Rio me let me know.
Great Job !!!
I’m afraid I won’t be able to help you there. My advice would be to contact any of the rental companies.
Monica, thanks for passing by. I’ve unsuccesfully tried to view your blog – using both Firefox and Explorer. I can view the header and the sidebar, but the content appears blank.
Hi all,
I have the opporunity to go to Florianopolis and Camboriu for cheap transportation and hotel. I’m going for 6 days, and I want to know about how much I would spend. We’re going to try to keep it on the cheap, packed lunches and such, but I’m also a splurger. What do you think?
Hi Tony,
Wonder if you could give some handy advice, would be much appreciated.
Me and my gf are staying in florianapolis for 10 days during the carnavale period, but we’re hoping to rent a car and travel around the surrounding area of South-Eastern Brazil for about 5 days. Are there any particular areas or destinations you would reccomend- particularly interested in beaches, nature, cool cities/villages. Bearing in mind that we cant stray too far as we have return flights from Floripa.
Thank you!!!
Aikopora, you don’t mention the dates of your intented travel, which can make a huge difference. But I’d say on a tight budget you’d get away on R$80 a day.
Pavel, the coast of Florianópolis and the continent nearby are really beautiful but during the carnival it will be very crowded with huge traffic jams. I need to tell you this as getting from one place to another is quite simple during the low season, not so much during the holiday periods. In any case, one of the most beautiful beach resorts near Florianópolis is Bombas/Bombinhas (search for it on Google Maps and you will find its location). It is north of Florianópolis on the way to Balneário Camboriú. South of Florianópolis and also within reach is Praia do Rosa (south of Garopaba), another highly recommended beach spot.
Now, if you really wanted to go for something spectacular and really different, you could drive up to Cambará do Sul, your base for visiting the National Park of Aparados da Serra with two awesome canyons. But you would need to spend at least one night there (if not 2) to be able to cover a small portion of the park.
Search here for info: http://aparadosdaserra.net/
And at the bottom of this page for photos: http://www.guiaaparadosdaserra.com.br/16/fotos/
Hope I have given you some interesting ideas. All the best!
hi there
I’m travelling to Enchanted Mountain near Garopaba for a yoga course whic doesn’t start until 3rd Jan, leaving me in the unenviable position of trying to find last min accommodation (budget if poss) either in Florianopolis, Garopaba or Pria da Rosa – or in fact anywhere with availability!
Can you recommend anywhere I can try as so far I’m having no luck at all!
Wow…that national park looks stunning. I think thats definitely worth a visit. Thanks so much Tony, your country is amazing.
Rachel, oh dear, I’m afraid finding accommodation in a top beach destination right at the beginning of the high season is a tall order. You could start by scanning the accommodation listings I have published. As well as the one listed on this blog’s post I’ve got one for Praia do Rosa. Have a look also at the Ibis hotel chain, you never know.
Pavel, that national park is top of my wish list!
Great post, i’m living in Arraial d’Ajuda and the best time to come is in the low season!! New year and carnaval is just overcrowded and more expensive… Best time: march to june!
Hi there,
So I’m trying to book a flight with GOL airlines and they are asking for my CPF and after doing some research I’ve found that its a Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas. But since I’m not Brazilian I dont have a CPF. Does anyone know how to get around this?
Thanks
Lisa
In Broduei is opening a new bar of a friend of mine, it’s called Bar do Andy, it’s located near the middle of Broduei. He’s trying to get some of that old broduei and Arraial d’Ajuda feeling back.
Were all the tourists always go to “the more popular” beaches like Parracho and Pitinga, we locals enjoy more the other side like with beaches like Praia Apaga Fogo, d’Ajuda,dos nativos. Here you will find relaxed beachbars like the bar called Sting with good and different music, far away from the tourist madness!
Rua do Mudugê is also allready changed a lot, fewer bars and more restaurants… seems like Arraial d Ajuda is changing… more condominiums than pousadas or hotels.
It’s just not like it just to be.
Tim
Indeed praia do espelho is beautifull but only with sun and low tide! All the beaches in Arraial d’Ajuda,Trancoso and Caraiva are best to visit with low tide and on a sunny day.
Personnaly i like Arraial d’Ajuda better because there’s more to do and see. Trancoso is beautifull but there’s not a the same amount of options that Arraial d’Ajuda has.
Another beautfull thing in Arraial d’Ajuda is seeing the full moon rise from out the sea!
Eather on the beach or behind the church where you have a beautifull view also during the day!
It’s sad to see that so many beautifull beaches are being polluted by chaotic urban development and environmental crime, this time it’s not the rich and famous who try to build their houses anywhere the want, but still, where is Ibama???
I’ve not seen this yet but need to check it out! Just in case you’re interested, I found a more detailed page with some background resources (photos, information about the artists, tracklistings etc) on the BBC site here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/musictv/brasilbrasil/
Hope that helps!
Cheers, Suzy
Suzy, that is smashing, thanks a lot. I’ve added the link to the main text. All the best!
Lisa, at Gol’s home page, select “other countries” from the menu at the top right of the page and proceed with your booking from there.
So I switched that and now it doesn’t want to accept my VISA card, it keeps giving me 2 different error messages that are you in Portugeuse. Perhaps I should just try calling them!
Lisa, if calling Gol is an option that would definitely be my choice. Purchasing tickets from Gol is a permanent source of headaches for non-residents. In case you didn’t see it, this is Gol’s section on how to pay. All the best!
A bad day of fishing is better than a good day of work.
Indeed. There are plenty of fishing opportunities in the region if that’s what you’re interested in.
Hi Tony,
I was searching for some pictures and information about São Luís – MA because I’m going to spend a week with my mom there, and lucky I’ve found your pictures on flickr and this useful blog. Congratulations for your work.
Because I live in the northeast area, in Paraíba state, I searched for some info here from where I live in your blog but I couldn’t find any.
I hope you have a chance to search and know Paraíba state one day and register the beauty we have here.
Good job.
Sandra, thanks for your kind comments. I haven’t visited Paraíba yet, we have a post on links: João Pessoa but that’s it. I assume you’ve already seen our posts on Lençóis Maranhenses and São Luís. Have a great trip in Maranhão!
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