Fernando de Noronha is a Brazilian archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 354 kilometers (220 miles) off the city of Natal in the state of Rio Grande do Norte (the country's northeast coast). The archipelago consists of 21 islands, and the main island is home to the majority of the population and attractions.

Eco-tourism and sustainability are key priorities in the archipelago, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has strict regulations in place to protect its environment and marine life. One of the most unique aspects of Fernando de Noronha is the fact that it has a daily visitor capacity of 675 visitors, which helps to reduce the impact of tourism on the archipelago's fragile ecosystem. In addition, all visitors must pay an environmental preservation fee upon arrival, which goes towards supporting sustainability initiatives on the islands. Here are some of the best things to see and do in Fernando de Noronha:

BEACHES

The Beache in Fernando de Noronha are known for their crystal clear waters, white sands, and stunning surroundings.

Sancho Beach:

“Praia do Sancho” is often referred to as the most beautiful beach in Brazil, and it is easy to see why. The beach is surrounded by cliffs, and the water is a stunning shade of blue. It is also a great spot for snorkeling and diving, as there is a rich marine life in the area.

Conceição Beach

“Praia da Conceição” is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing and playing beach sports. It is also a great place to watch the sunset. The beach is located near the center of the main island, and it is easy to access.

Atalaia Beach

“Praia do Atalaia” is one of the most restricted beaches in Fernando de Noronha. The access to Atalaia Beach is done through a trail and it is restricted to only 16 visitors per time and the visit must be previously booked in the ICMBio center in the island. This is where the largest swimming pool of the island is located and it’s a great spot for watching marine life.

Pigs Bay Beach

“Praia da Baía dos Porcos” is surrounded by a rock wall formation and it offers an outstanding view of Morro Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers Hill), one of the most famous sights of the island. It’s also a great spot to snorkel.

Lion’s Beach

“Praia do Leão” is known for its high rate of marine turtle nesting and is supervised by biologists from the Tamar Project for turtle preservation. It’s also known for its beautiful landscape and natural pools formed during low tide. Access to the beach is allowed until 5pm.

Other amazing beaches in Fernando de Noronha are: Praia do Cachorro, Praia do Porto Santo Antônio, Praia da Cacimba do Padre, Praia da Baía do Sueste, Praia do Meio. Among many others. Some of these beaches can be seen in the Island tour that is done in a 4W drive through the island.

TRAILS

Fernando de Noronha has a number of hiking and trekking trails that offer visitors the opportunity to explore the archipelago's natural beauty, including forests, hills, and coastal areas. The trails in Fernando de Noronha range in difficulty, so there is something for hikers of all skill levels.

Be aware that some trails and attractions can only be visited with prior scheduling which is done in the ICMBio Visitor Center in Boldró Village between 5pm. and 8pm. Visitors can schedule trails 6 days in advance, so If you go to the island during a busy time, go to the center as soon as you get to the island because the available slots may be sold out very fast. From 3:30pm the tickets start to be distributed to people who get in line early in the afternoon.

There are five trails with limited slots: Morro São José (16 slots/day), Abreu (24 slots/day), Pontinha-Caieira (40 slots/day), Atalaia (6 groups of 16 people - 96 slots/day) and Capim-Açu (40 slots/day). The long trail to Atalaia beach, Pontinha-Caieira, Morro São José and Capim-Açu need a guide. Some of them require the hiring of a local guide registered by ICMBio (Chico Mendes Institute of Biodiversity Conservation).

BOAT TOUR

One of the best ways to explore the islands and experience their natural beauty is by taking a boat tour. There are a variety of boat tours available in Fernando de Noronha, catering to different interests and activities. Some of the most popular options include snorkeling and diving tours, which allow visitors to explore the archipelago's underwater world and see a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, turtles, and dolphins.

Other boat tours in Fernando de Noronha offer more leisurely activities, such as sightseeing and sunset cruises. These tours allow visitors to enjoy the archipelago's stunning natural surroundings and learn about its history and culture.

For those interested in adventure, there are also tours that offer more thrilling experiences, such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and surfing. These tours allow visitors to explore the islands in a more active way.

SCUBA DIVING

Fernando de Noronha is home to 169 known species of fish and 11 species of coral, making it a paradise for scuba diving enthusiasts, with crystal clear waters and an abundance of marine life. The 16 main spots for diving range from shallow reefs to deeper wrecks, offering something for divers of all levels.

There are a few diving operators that offer daily baptism diving (modality for beginners) and accredited diving tours.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

Project Tamar:

The Project Tamar is a Brazilian organization that works to protect sea turtles and their habitats. Visitors can learn about the organization's work and the sea turtles that inhabit the archipelago at the Project Tamar Visitor Center, which is located on the main island.

Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Church:

This beautiful church is located in the center of the main island, in Vila dos Remédios,, and it is a popular spot for visitors to take photos. The church is also home to a small museum that displays artifacts from the archipelago's history.

Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Fort:

The Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Fort is a historic fort that was built in the 18th century to defend the archipelago. It is now a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can explore the fort's museum and learn about its history.