Brazil Travel Blog

Always at the top of any list of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, the praia do Sancho, in Fernando de Noronha, is an exceptionally beautiful place. We feel Sancho belongs in a special category, as no other beaches in Brazil can compare to it.

A high rock wall protects the crescent-shaped beach. Its crystal-clear waters are a joy for divers. Put your mask, snorkel, and delight yourself with the spectacle that will evolve in front of your very own eyes: tropical fish, rays, sharks, turtles and so on.

There are three different ways of arriving in Sancho:

• a 40-minute walk along other beaches
• descending a metal ladder placed on a crack on the cliff
• by boat

The island of Fernado 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.

WE LIKE THE MOST: the beaches, the colour of the sea, snorkelling, the dolphins, the turtles, the colourful fish, the silence, the stars, the shark croquettes

WE LIKE THE LEAST: expensive prices (flights, accommodation, food); the peculiar implementation of the environmental legislation, that allows a rich tv present to build a luxury pousada within the limits of the National Park; the company that has the monopoly for tourist services on the island; those who go to Noronha looking for luxury and comfort without realizing that being in Noronha is already a privilege

HOW TO GET THERE: there is just the one option, by plane. From Rio or São Paulo, with several stopovers, or direct from Natal or Recife.

CAREFUL WITH: the ladder going down to Sancho beach

FAVOURITE PLACES: Sancho beach, the harbour of Santo Antonio (excellent for snorkelling), the Conceição beach, the baia dos Golfinhos (Dolphin bay)

PIECE OF ADVICE:

• you can rent flippers at the harbour for the duration of your stay in Noronha. If you don’t have a snorkel and a mask, you can rent them too
• the boat trip to see the dolphins is really worth it
• the fish buffet at the Gameleira restaurante is really good
• at the end of the day, there are daily (and free) talks at the Projeto Tamar HQ
• snorkel at the harbour, there is a sunken ship near the entrance.
• between August and October (best time to visit the island) the sea on the continental side is like a millpond; between December and January there are surfing competitions there

LINKS: Fernando de Noronha (government of the state of Pernambuco)

WEATHER FORECAST: The weather in Noronha for the next 10 days

GOOGLE MAPS: Fernando de Noronha

PHOTOS: Fernando de Noronha

[Don’t forget to check out the list of other destinations already covered in this blog, here]

noronha, fernando_de_noronha, brazil, travel