Fernando de Noronha has 21 beaches, 17 km² of area and two stretches of sea with opposite characteristics: the inner sea (facing the continent, with calm waters and high visibility from April to November) and the outer sea (facing Africa, with strong swells during surf high season, from December to March). Knowing what is available at each time of year defines the type of trip you will have.
The main beaches and how to reach them
Inner sea
- Baía do Sancho. Repeatedly voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Access by vertical ladder through a rock cleft. ICMBio entrance ticket required.
- Baía dos Porcos. Natural pools formed between rock formations. At low tide, it is possible to cross between pools.
- Praia do Cachorro. The closest beach to Vila dos Remédios and Pousada do Vale. Natural pools at low tide.
- Praia do Meio and Praia da Conceição. Continuous stretch of sand with Morro do Pico in the background. One of the island's main sunset spots.
- Cacimba do Padre. Wide sandy beach with Morro Dois Irmãos in the background. During surf season, hosts international competition stages.
- Praia do Boldró. Noronha's most-visited sunset viewpoint beach.
Outer sea
- Praia do Leão. Noronha's largest beach and main sea turtle nesting area. PARNAMAR entrance required.
- Baía do Sueste. The only outer sea beach with calm waters (protected by a coral barrier). Turtle snorkeling spot.
- Praia do Atalaia. Controlled visit by ICMBio with mandatory prior booking and 30-minute time limit.
Sea: diving, snorkeling and nautical tours
Noronha's waters have the highest underwater visibility in Brazil, averaging between 30 and 50 meters under ideal conditions. The fauna includes sea turtles, sharks (nurse, lemon, blacktip reef), rays, octopuses, squid, reef fish and spinner dolphins.
Scuba diving
Sites such as Caverna da Sapata, Pedras Secas, Buraco do Inferno, Cordilheiras and the wrecks of Ipiranga and Eleani Stathatos are reference points. ICMBio-accredited operators offer introductory dives, dives for certified divers and certification courses.
Snorkeling
- Praia do Atalaia (mandatory prior booking)
- Baía do Sueste (own or rented equipment)
- Praia do Sancho (at low tide)
- Praia da Caieira (trail access)
Boat trips
Depart from Porto de Santo Antônio. Two main options: the traditional boat trip (about 3 hours, circling the coast, with dolphin spotting and a swim stop) and smaller boat or sailboat trips with more personalized routes.
Land: trails, viewpoints and the Ilha Tour
Main trails
- Atalaia Trail. Short (about 30 minutes each way), controlled access.
- Dolphins Trail. Walk through native forest to the Dolphins Viewpoint.
- Capim-Açu Trail. Long (about 8 km, 5 to 7 hours), requires accredited guide.
- Sancho Trail through the forest. Alternative to the Baía do Sancho ladder access.
Essential viewpoints: Mirante dos Golfinhos, Mirante do Boldró (sunset), Mirante da Sapata, Mirante do Forte do Sueste.
Wildlife: what you see in Noronha
Spinner dolphins enter the Dolphins Bay daily at dawn. Sea turtles are seen year-round at spots like Baía do Sueste and Praia do Sancho. Nesting season runs mainly from December to May. Sharks, rays and manta rays complete the underwater scene.
Fees and permits
TPA (Environmental Preservation Tax). Charged per day of stay. Can be paid online before boarding.
Marine National Park entrance (PARNAMAR/ICMBio). Required for the main beaches, trails and viewpoints.
Specific bookings. Praia do Atalaia, Capim-Açu Trail and diving operators require advance reservations. Pousada do Vale's concierge arranges these bookings.
Frequently asked questions about activities in Fernando de Noronha
What is the best time of year to visit Noronha?
From March to November, the inner sea has high visibility and low swells — ideal for diving, snorkeling and boat trips. From December to March, the outer sea receives large swells, making it surf high season.
How many days are enough to explore Noronha?
For a complete itinerary, 5 to 7 days is recommended. 4-day stays cover the essentials.
Do I need a guide for all trails?
No. The Capim-Açu Trail requires an ICMBio-accredited guide. The others can be done independently.
Can I see dolphins without taking a boat trip?
Yes. The Dolphins Viewpoint allows observation of spinner dolphins in the bay at dawn.
Do children enjoy Noronha?
Yes, especially at inner sea beaches like Cachorro and Sueste. Some accesses (Baía do Sancho, via vertical ladder) may not be suitable for very young children.
