Fernando De Noronha is a small archipelago located 350 kilometers off the northeast coast of Brazil. With only 3,500 residents and seasonal visitors, it’s one of the most remote and lesser-known islands in Brazil. Although it doesn’t have the same volume of beaches or lots of fancy hotels to attract tourists as some other parts of Brazil, Fernando has a very special attraction: its natural, unique beauty and marine life.
To many people who have visited this remote island, it feels like being in another world. The turquoise waters are so clear that you can even see fish swimming underwater. The marine life here is abundant with sting rays, sea turtles, and parrots (just a few examples.
Things to Know Before You Go to Fernando De Noronha
Fernando’s beautiful landscape and marine life are a result of its remote location. It is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, far away from any continental land mass. For this reason, large fish and reptiles can be found here that are uncommon in other parts of the world. The island is one of the few places in the world where you can see rare marine turtles. The waters surrounding the island are also home to many species of fish. 14 different species of whales visit the waters of Fernando de Noronha to mate and give birth. Dolphins are also a common sight.
Where is Fernando de Noronha?
Fernando’s is located in the Atlantic Ocean, 430 nautical miles off the coast of Brazil. This is a remote island that is not easy to get to. At the closest point, it is 400 km away from the continent. The nearest big city is Recife, which is a 5-hour flight and a long boat ride away. Because it’s so far from the mainland, the weather in Fernando’s can be very different from other parts of Brazil. During the winter months, it can be cloudy and rainy, but from June to September the weather is very sunny and warm.
How to Get There?
Since the island is so remote, the only way to get to Fernando’s is by boat or plane. The boat ride is a long one, taking about 21 hours each way. However, the cruise ships that take you there also function as hotels. You can sleep in your room while sailing towards the island, and you arrive there with a fresh head as if you took an overnight flight.
Tours from Recife
If you are coming from the southern part of Brazil, you will have to take a flight to Recife, the closest city to Fernando de Noronha. From Recife, you can take a day trip to Fernando de Noronha. In December and January, the island is very crowded because it’s high season. You can avoid the crowds by visiting in the low season from mid-June through mid-September.
Things to do in Fernando de Noronha
You are going to spend most of your time exploring the island and its beautiful beaches. Be sure to check the tides before heading to the beach. When the tides are low, you can walk for miles along the beach and see a variety of wildlife.
Diving in Fernando de Noronha
If you are an avid diver, then this is the place for you. With an abundance of marine life and a visibility of up to 130 feet, Fernando’s is one of the most beautiful dive spots in the world. There are also wrecks to explore and many other interesting things to see underwater. You can also do fishing, go kayaking, or take a walk on the beach.
Other activities in Fernando de Noronha
Visit the island’s marine park and its lighthouses. If you are interested in birds, you can get a guide to take you to the island’s mangrove swamps where you can see many native species.
Go scuba diving
The wildlife and diving in Fernando de Noronha are unparalleled, including many species of marine life that are unique to the islands. The best areas to scuba dive are without a doubt Morro de Fora, Pedras Secas, and Buraco das Cabras. Book with a trusted scuba diving company — don't try this alone!
Explore the Shark Museum
I think we're gonna need a bigger museum...! The shark museum is a unique museum experience where you can kill 1-2 hours looking at bones, jaws, and other shark-related paraphernalia. Take a novelty photo next to big shark mouths and enjoy this attraction on the northern tip of the museum!
Rent a buggy
Remember if you are looking to get around that you can always rent a buggy.
Bottom line
Fernando de Noronha is a place where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. You can see the sun set behind the landscape and see the stars light up the night sky. You can walk along the beach and see the sands change colors as the sun goes down. There is no Wi-Fi on the island, and the island is far away from the modern world. It is a special place that is worth visiting if you are looking for a quiet and peaceful vacation.
