Fernando de Noronha
Tourism - Brazil
Noronha is a famous archipelago (group of islands) located 350 km
off the northeastern coast of Brazil, in the
Atlantic ocean, spread in an area of 18.5 square kilometers. These islands were
created as a result of volcanic activity millions of years ago, in fact the
Fernando de Noronha and surrounding islands are just the visible portion of the
large range of submerged mountains which have risen high enough to form these
large islands. You can compare them with Hawaii islands of United States.
Due to it's location, travel by air is the most preferred to reach here and
enjoy Noronha tourism. The airport usually receives 3 flights a day and is located in the middle of
this island. Compared to other popular tourism places of Brazil, Noronha is
considered a much safer place for tourists.
It is estimated that about 2200 people live in these beautiful islands and the local economy
depends heavily on Noronha tourism activity. Noronha island is the best scuba diving place in
Brazil. The dive sites include amazing volcanic rock, shipwrecks, caverns
and coral formations. Sun-blocker is highly recommended as sun is usually strong on this
islands.
Portuguese is an official language so it will be a good idea to learn a
few basic words of the language.
Currency:
Although there are two banks, its usually advisable to bring
Brazilian currency before coming, Visa credit card is accepted by most
businesses. Tourists should be prepared to spend some extra money as this island is about
twice as expensive than rest of the Brazil and there is an Environmental
Preservation Tax imposed on the tourists which also helps support the Noronha
tourism.
How To Get to Noronha:
Due to its large distance from Brazil's coastline, Noronha is mainly accessible
by air. There is a small airplane service available from Recife, Varig and
Natal.
About the city and restrictions:
There are 16 beaches, 21 islands and only the largest island is inhabited. Other
islands are protected areas of a National Maritime Park, visiting them requires
a permit from the environmental authority as about 70 per cent of these islands
were declared a national marine park in 1988. The Brazilian Government limits
tourists to 420 per week as its a delicate ecosystem with a variety of birds,
albatrosses, tortoise and a large population of spinner dolphins. Traveling
within the city is done by taking a bus (cheap option and goes back and forth on
the main road), taxis, rent a car or a buggy, or just hitchhike. Fernando de Noronha is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site.
Things to Do:
Baia do Sancho and Praia do Leao are the two famous beaches of Brazil with
crystal clear blue water. Overall there are many activities on the island
including Boat tours, Dolphin watching , Diving, Surfing, Swimming, Snorkeling,
Kayaking, Buggy tours and the famous The tide pool with numerous fish species,
lobster, octopus and more.
Noronha tourism offers several trails to enjoy the flora and
fauna. Some trails in the National Marine Reserve require permit. Exotic beaches
squeezed between cliffs, caves, hills, etc., are excellent choices for walks. It
has the biggest fortress system of 18th. century in Brazil.
What to wear:
This is a very casual place, you can simply wear jeans or trousers, and casual
shirt.
What to Eat and Where to Stay in Noronha:
There are several local dining options and seafood is the most popular food, but
you will easily find steak, pizzas, burgers, sushi, several bars, cafes and
snack bars. There are some small hotels and more than 100 inns and mostly modest
with a tourist infrastructure. Noronha tourism reservations should be made early, especially
during December to February and July. Most of the inns are an extensions of the
private residences offering all 3 meals. The local electricity is 220 volts 60
cycles.
Nightlife in Noronha
There is no high end partying, but you can always go to the local bars and some
of them play music where the tourists can participate and dance. A pizzeria
close to the church and bar do Cachorro are a few popular options.
Noronha Climate/ Weather:
Noronha has a tropical climate. Rainy season lasts from January to August and
dry season for rest of the year. Rains are stronger in March and April.
Medical facilities:
Sao Lucas Hospital (Ph 36-19-1377), visitors coming for Fernando de Noronha
tourism should have this phone number handy in case of an emergency. There are
few drugstores on the island but you should consider to bring some basic
medicines with you.
Quick History
It was first officially discovered by an Italian merchant, Amerigo Vespucci in
1503. In the last 500 years it has been occupied by the Dutch then French and
finally Portugal, till Brazil became an independent country.
Time Zone
UTC-2 hours
Additional Tips:
Due to it's distance from mainland Brazil some
facilities are quite basic like transfers and car rental. Cellular phone service
is available. As most activities are outdoor, please check the local weather
forecast before coming here.
Fernando de Noronha tourism is a great place to visit for anyone visiting Brazil
and has extra time to visit this beautiful island.
