Fernando de Noronha

Introduction

Fernando de Noronha is an archipelago of over 20 islands, which is located over 350 kilometres from mainland Brazil in the Atlantic Ocean. The islands are on the UNESCO World Heritage List for their extraordinary features, including flora and fauna and unspoilt natural environments.

Geography

In total, the islands cover around 26 square kilometres, of which the main island has already around 18 square kilometres. The total population is around 3,000, all living on the main island. Other islands include Ilha Rata, Ilha do Meio, Ilha Sela Gineta and Ilha Rasa.

Sights and Activities

Nature

People come here to relax, enjoy the quiet lifestyle but above all they flock into the islands because of the fantastic flora and fauna, including
two endemic birds: the Noronha Elaenia and the Noronha Vireo, which are present on the main island; the Noronha Vireo also lives on Ilha Rata. There are many other endemic species, including specific rodents. The marine life is overwhelming, including sea tortoises, dolphins, albatrosses and many other species which are frequently spotted.

Weather

Fernando de Noronha has a tropical climate with temperatures around 28-31 °C during the day and around 24-25 °C at night. June to September is slightly cooler than October to April. The rainy season is from the end of February to July, while September to January is the dry season.

Getting There

By Plane

Fernando de Noronha Airport (FEN) is served by GOL from Recife and by TRIP Linhas Aéreas from Aracaju, Belo Horizonte, Maceio, Natal, Recife, Rio de Janeiro and Salvador da Bahia.

By Boat

There are no scheduled services, but CVC operates cruises in high season, usually from Recife, Natal or Fortaleza and lasting from several days to a week or more.

Getting Around

The archipelago comprises 21 islands. Only the largest of them is inhabited, and visiting the other islands requires special authorization from the environmental authority, as they are protected areas of a National Maritime Park.

There is one road that circles the main island and connects many of its attractions. It is possible to rent a car or a buggy for about US $50 - 70 a day or a motorbike for $35 - 40 a day depending from whom and how long you rent. The easiest way to get around is by bus (R$ 3.20) which goes back and forth along the main road from the Port on one end of the island to Praia de Sueste on the other. Another option is to hitchhike as almost all the local people and sometimes the odd taxi or dive truck will be happy to pick you up and give you a ride if you are going in their direction. If you choose to hitchhike, try and learn at least some Portuguese so you can tell them where you want to go and say thank you at the end of the ride.

Eat

After a long morning of diving, nothing beats a bowl of açaí (exotic sweet and fatty dark purple-colored Northern Brazilian fruit, usually eaten as a mashed pulp) with granola and bananas at the port.

Sleep

The island has about 70 inns or pousadas, often private residences more or less adapted for this type of service, similar to B&B. The quality of the lodgings are indicated by the number of dolphins. There are 3 categories:

• 1 dolphin (basic) - most places are in this category
• 2 dolphins (comfortable) - about 9
• 3 dolphins (very comfortable) - 4

Most pousadas have a website and can be booked online.

External Links

• Official Website
• English Tourism Information