WELCOME TO FERNANDO DE NORONHA.

Fernando de Noronha is an archipelago of 21 islands and islets in the Atlantic Ocean, around 354 km (220 miles) offshore from the Brazilian coast. The main island has an area of 18.4 square kilometers (7.1 sq mi) and had a population of 3.012 in the year 2010. The area is a special municipality (distrito estadual) of the Brazilian state of Pernambuco. (despite being closer to the state of Rio Grande do Norte) and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its timezone is UTC−2h. The local population and travelers can get to Noronha by plane or cruise from Recife (545 km) or by plane from Natal (360 km). A small environmental preservation fee is charged from tourists upon arrival by Ibama (Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources).

The main islands are the visible parts of a range of submerged mountains, islets and rocks. The Archipelago of Fernando de Noronha hosts ecological sites ideal for exuberant marine animal life, due to its geographic location far from the continent and well within the path of the Southern Equatorial Currents, as well as the nature of its climate. Noronha beaches and bays include:

SANCHO BEACH.
One of the main points for diving in Fernando de Noronha, the beach is surrounded by a natural wall which serves as a shelter for some species of seabirds. The local habitants call it Sancho Bay or Sancho Beach.

CONCEIÇÃO BEACH.
One of the best frequented in the island. Offers good waves, beautiful landscape and has some bars.

CACIMBA DO PADRE BEACH.
One of the most famous of the islands, has two adjacent beaches (Americano and Bode beaches). This beach is ideal to practice surf due to its strong waves. Its part of the International and National calendar of surf every year. Also, from there is possible to see the famous Noronha postcard - Morro Dois Irmãos or two brothers rocks.

GOLFINHOS BAY.
Which means dolphins bay. Its a bay located behind Sancho beach, and it is an area of preservation by Ibama, banned for swimming and for access by boats, serves as shelter for spinner dolphins or “golfinhos rotadore”s. Just one trail leads to the top of a natural wall where is possible to see the spinner dolphins.


PORCOS BAY.
Or "Pigs Bay" in English, is one of the main highlights of Fernando de Noronha. The bay is in front of two brothers rocks and has some natural pools formed between the rocks and reefs.


SANTO ANTONIO PORT BAY.
Its located adjacent to the main port of the archipelago. Local for loading and unloading vessels with goods supplies to the islands. Also, its the starting point for the local tours and cruises to Recife. It has a small beach with calm water and a very beautiful sunset.

BOLDRÓ BEACH.
This beach has waters dominated by coral formation. Are ideal for scuba diving but dangerous, due to the violence of the water.

Of course these are not the only options when it comes to great and beautiful paradisebeaches, tourists can also visit Americano Beach, Bode, Biboca, Cachorro , Do Meio, Quixaba, Ponta da Sapata, Leão, Ponta das Caracas, Sueste bay, Atalaia, Enseada da Caeira, Buraco da Raquel and Caeira Beach.

DIVING.
Due to the deep clear water surrounding the island, Fernando de Noronha is a great location for scuba diving. Warm water and exuberant subaquatic fauna and flora can be found during dives from 25 to 40 m deep. A Brazilian warship, the corvette Nael Ipiranga, sank in 1987 and is lying in pristine condition at around 60 m (190 feet).


CONSERVATION AD ENVIROMENTAL THREATS.
Most of the original vegetation was cut down in the 19th century, when the island was used as a prison, to keep the prisoners from hiding and making rafts. Also, invasive species have been introduced: Linseed, intended for use as cattle feed.


Tegu lizards (Tupinambis merianae, locally known as teju) introduced in the 1950s to control a rat infestation. Ironically, that didn't work out, because Tegus are diurnal and rats, nocturnal. Now the lizards themselves are considered a plague, feeding mostly on bird eggs Rock Cavies (Kerodon rupestris, locally known as mocó) introduced by the military in the 1960s as hunting game for soldiers.


FERNANDO DE NORONHA AND THE TOURISM INDUSTRY.
Tourism is the main source of income of the archipelago. In the photo, a sign for Fort Sao Joaquim Southeast. Fernando de Noronha is a place for recreational diving internationally. With warm waters around it, diving to depths of 30 to 40 meters can be done nicely without using a wetsuit.

Near the island there is the possibility of doing an advanced dive and visit the Corvette Ipiranga, which lies at 62 meters depth, after being intentionally sunk at that point, after a shipping accident.
The island has three dive operators, offering different levels of service quality.

Moreover, the archipelago has interesting points of free diving, as the natural pool of Atalaia, the wreck of the Port of San Antonio, slab Boldró, among others. The archipelago has a diverse marine life, it is common to several species of reef fish, turtles and sharks and possibly dolphins.

Well, Fernando de Noronha is the best definition for the word “paradise”. Take a look at those pictures. Pack for the heat and have a great time in Fernando de Noronha. Get your own unforgettable pictures from this piece of heaven.
Enjoy these pictures and go straight to your Travel Agency and ask for further information about Fernando de Noronha. It´s a peace of paradise where everyone are welcome.

Fernando de Noronha - "Dois Irmãos".

Conceição Beach.

Fernando de Noronha.

Dolphins swiming pretty close to the boat. Dolphins Bay. Fernando de Noronha.

Sunset in Fernando de Noronha.

São Pedro do Boldró´s  Fortress Ruins.

Sancho Beach.