Fernando de Noronha

★★★ Fernando de Noronha — Brazil's Ultimate Island Paradise

Fernando de Noronha is a UNESCO World Heritage archipelago of 21 volcanic islands, located 354 km off the northeast coast — and the most beautiful place in Brazil. Crystal-clear water with 30–50 meters visibility, schools of dolphins in the bay, sea turtles on every beach, and some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the Atlantic.

Noronha is strictly protected: Only the main island is inhabited (about 3,000 residents), the number of visitors is limited to 460 people per day, and an environmental preservation fee (Taxa de Preservação Ambiental) is charged, which increases with each day (starting at about 90 BRL/day).

The Most Beautiful Beaches

• Baía do Sancho: Regularly voted the most beautiful beach in the world. Access via a steep ladder through a rock crevice. Turquoise water, golden sand, cliffs, dolphins. Snorkeling directly from the beach.
• Praia do Leão: Sea turtle nesting site (Dec–Jun). Wilder, less visited, spectacular rock formations.
• Baía dos Porcos: Small bay with two iconic rocks (Dois Irmãos). Postcard view. Accessible only at low tide.
• Praia do Atalaia: Tidal pool with a natural aquarium. Only 100 visitors per day, snorkeling among tropical fish in a shallow pool. Reserve in advance!

Diving & Snorkeling

Noronha offers the best visibility for diving in the Atlantic: 30–50 meters visibility, water temperature 26–28°C, turtles, sharks (reef sharks, nurse sharks), rays, moray eels, and schools of tropical fish. Over 20 dive sites, also for beginners. A PADI diving course costs from 600 BRL (100€) for the Discovery Dive.

Flights from Recife (REC, 1h) or Natal (NAT, 1h) with Azul or GOL. Prices: 400–1,200 BRL (65–200€) one-way. Environmental fee: from 90 BRL/day (progressively increases). Accommodations: Pousadas from 400 BRL/night (65€). Noronha is EXPENSIVE — plan for 150–300€/day.