Fernando de Noronha
Fernando de Noronha is an archipelago in Brazil and a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. It is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. It see few tourists and has an amazing climate. For those who want to get away from it all, be in peaceful places, and see some great diving, this place is it. Fernando de Noronha is especially good for people in Western Hemisphere who don’t want to have to fly all the way to Fiji for tropical paradise.
Quick Facts About Fernando de Noronha
Capital: —–
Population: 2,100
Size: 18.4 km
Power Outlets: 127/220V 60Hz
Official Languages: Portuguese
Currency: Brazilian Real
Time Zone: GMT -2
Religion: —-
Calling Code: +55
Weather: In Fernando de Noronha, there are only two seasons: a dry season (from September up to March) and a rainy season (from April up to August).
Cost and Budgeting for Fernando de Noronha
Prices here are high due to the cost of transporting goods from the mainland. Expect to pay twice what you would on the mainland for similar food/accommodations. Hotels start at US$75 per night, while activities start about US$30- Horseback riding, snorkeling and hiking tours begin at US$30, scuba diving costs about US$140 for the day, and fishing costs about US$350 per expedition. Moreover, to help preserve the environment, tourism is restricted to 420 visitors at a time. Upon arrival, each visitor is charged an Environment Preservation Tax that increases with the length of visit. The seven day park fee is about US$65.
Fernando de Noronha History
In 1534, the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago was invaded by the English, and from 1556 until 1612, it was held by the French. In 1628, it was occupied by the Dutch, who were displaced two years later by a Spanish-Portuguese military expedition led by Rui Calaza Borges. It would remain under Dutch control for nearly twenty years until it was reconquered by Portugal. Finding it uninhabited and completely abandoned in 1736, the French East Indies Company took the island and renamed it Isle Dauphine.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the British arrived to provide technical cooperation in telegraphy. In 1988 approximately 70% of the archipelago was declared a maritime national park. Fernando de Noronha’s economy depends on tourism, restricted by the limitations of its delicate ecosystem. In 2001, UNESCO declared Fernando de Noronha, with Rocas Atoll, a World Heritage Site.
Things to Do and See in Fernando de Noronha
Beaches– Fernando de Noronha is home to the top two beaches in Brazil – Praia do Leo and Ba do Sancho. Both beaches offer crystal clear blue water with areas for swimming and snorkeling.
Dolphin Watching– This area is home to many friendly Dolphins. You can’t swim with the dolphins though.
Diving– With visibility up to 50 meters, Fernando de Noronha is a mecca for divers. It has more than two hundred species of fish, five shark species, sea turtles and dolphins.
Snorkeling – If diving is not your thing, there is great snorkeling around, especially at the tidal pool. The tide pool is about 18-24 inches deep but contains a remarkable diversity of animals. Visitors are restricted to 100 per day.
Trekking – The islands have great hiking and amazing tropical jungle to explore. Trails in the National Marine Reserve can only be visited with authorization and with accredited guides. Trails inside the Environment Preservation Area have free access.
Fernando de Noronha Geography
Fernando de Noronha is an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean about 354 km offshore from the Brazilian coast. The climate is tropical, with two well defined seasons: the rainy season from January to August, and the dry season for the rest of the year.
