The Top 10 Things to Do at Fernando de Noronha

The Atalaia hike follows the island’s coastline with sweeping views of turquoise sea framed by jagged peaks and welcomes pauses at shallow water pools to snorkel and swim with the local marine life. There are two hikes to do: the shorter one that can be self-guided or the longer one – a four-hour hike – that is done with a tour. To do the latter, which is recommended for better views and wildlife spotting, the tour guide must be booked when you arrive at Fernando de Noronha as visitor numbers are strictly limited.

Praia da Biboca, located in the north of the island, may not be the best spot for swimming, yet for dramatic landscapes and untouched nature, it’s worth going to. The beach is formed by black rocks from the island’s volcanic past and is surrounded by large cliffs where the remains of the Fortaleza dos Remédios fort can be found at the top. The views overlooking the beach are the main draw there and keen-eyed observers may pick out traces of old shipwrecks off the coast.

One of the best ways to see all of Fernando de Noronha and visit some of its pristine beaches is by taking a boat trip around the island. The views are phenomenal: long stretches of white-silver beaches framed by towering cliffs covered in wild green vegetation. The boat tours usually include key attractions such as the Lion Cave, Praia dos Sanchos, the Two Brothers Islands, and Ponto de Sapato, and stops at calm points to snorkel in the surrounding sea. Look out for boisterous schools of dolphins and large seabirds flying overhead. Check with your hotel to book a boat trip and expect to pay around R$140 (about $43).

One of the most popular attractions on the island is scuba diving thanks to Fernando de Noronha’s rich abundance of marine life. With crystal clear waters allowing visibility up to 30 meters (98 feet) and warm waters hovering between 28 and 30 Celsius (82 and 86 Fahrenheit), it is considered one of the best diving spots in Brazil with over 20 diving sites and the chance to see a variety of wildlife, including several endemic species. Some of the best places to go include Pedras Secas, Buraco das Cabras, Morro de Fora, and Corveta V 17. Book with a reputable scuba diving company, such as Atlantis Divers.

The three best beaches on the island are Praia de Leão, Baia do Sancho, and Praia de Porcos, popular for their turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and great snorkeling opportunities. Bring your own umbrella to Praia de Leão as the beach is totally exposed with no shade. It is also a good idea to bring your own water and food, as the few kiosks there are quite expensive.

Depending on the time of year, Fernando de Noronha is excellent for surfing and is a common pastime among the lucky locals that live there. If you’re on the island between December and April, head to Praia da Cacimba do Padre beach that is regarded as one of the best surf spots on the island, thanks to its clean waters and tube waves. Just be aware that access to the beach is strictly prohibited between 8pm and 8am to protect the marine turtles during the hatching period, which is between December and June.

Fernando de Noronha is a big island and getting around everywhere on foot is not as easy as you would think. Tourists may rent a bike or a car, yet the most fitting transport option for this tropical island is the dune buggy that can take on uneven trails that a car would find impassable. The buggy, which costs around R$120 (about $40) a day or more (much more during high-peak season such as New Year), allows tourists to visit rarely visited places and gives freedom to explore alone.

One of the most breathtaking scenes at Fernando de Noronha is the sunset from Boldro Beach. Make the most of Pico, a small hill next to the beach, to get an elevated viewpoint to watch the sun go down across the sea. It’s an easily accessible place so you can go either by dune buggy or walking.

Fulfill a once in a lifetime experience by going to the south of the island to snorkel with wild marine turtles. If you have your own snorkeling gear, take it with you, otherwise you can rent out the equipment from any of the kiosks by the beach for about R$25 ($8) a day, although the prices may vary depending on the time of year. From there, you need to head out to Baia do Sueste where dozens of marine turtles gracefully and calmly swim through the water. Remember not to touch these animals – they are protected under the island’s conservation laws and touching them could harm them.