Enjoy Fernando de Noronha Brazil Vacations! Very few people can claim they’ve witnessed the unspoiled and breathtaking beaches of Fernando de Noronha. This island is off the northeast coast of Brazil, and has been declared a marine national park back in 1988. Today only 420 tourists are allowed on the island at any time. The lucky ones who do visit the island are treated to the natural beauty, both on land and at sea. The island lies within a volcanic archipelago of 21 islands, and the landscape includes rock sculptures, waterfalls and natural swimming pools. Tucked beneath the cliffs and caves are exquisite white sand beaches.
With crystal-clear waters, rich marine life, including the highest known concentration of resident dolphins in the world, and spectacular tropical landscapes, it’s heavenly. The dolphins are known to leap spinning into the air, and Fernando de Noronha is one of the few places in the world where there are actual dolphin-breeding colonies.The waters off Fernando de Noronha are chock full with other delights including colorful fish, lobsters, turtles, sponges and corals. This makes it a favorite diving and snorkeling location. Considered a marine ecological reserve, Fernando de Noronha is protected by the government. Surfers consider the large waves to be some of the best surf spots in the world.
Fernando de Noronha Brazil is listed as one of the top 20 beaches in the world. Here you can find information on all of the 20 most beautiful beaches of the world. Read our Fernando de Noronha Brazil Vacations guide to start planning your vacation to this wonderful beach destination. Visit the most amazing beaches in Brazil here, or on Pinterest.
Fernando de Noronha Brazil – When to Visit
Fernando de Noronha is an all year round destination, but the best time to visit the islands and to fully enjoy their attractions is the dry season: from August to January. Fernando de Noronha’s climate is tropical with two well defined seasons: the dry season, mentioned above, and the rainy season, from February to July. March, April and May are the rainiest months (especially April). Air temperatures are fairly constant all throughout the year at an average of 77ºF, and humidity hovers around 80%. Water temperatures are great for all kinds of water sports all over the year with a temperature of 82ºF, and almost no variation during the year.
Best Fernando de Noronha Beaches
Baia Do Sancho Beach
The beach lies on a secluded bay on the main island of UNESCO protected archipelago Fernando de Noronha, off the coast of Recife. It is best visited via boat, which will stop right in front of the bay to not destroy the corals underneath, or via a narrow staircase, which leads down the cliffs that tower around the bay. Sancho is also described as one of the best diving spots in Brazil and visitors can enjoy a great marine fauna and flora. During the turtle spawning season from January to July, visitors are banned from the beach between 6PM and 6AM.
Cacimba do Padre Beach
Cacimba do Padre Beach is famous for seashells and soft sand. View the remarkable rock formations and watch fascinating nesting turtles in this surfer’s playground with some of the country’s best waves. Rent snorkeling and scuba diving gear to encounter the array of colorful fish that circle around the hills. Take a board and go surfing on the consistent waves, which often reach heights of 15 feet. Free diving is also popular here, although the currents can be dangerously strong at times.
Conceicao Beach
Conceicao Beach is a long stretch of fluffy, white sand with spectacular views, palm trees and beach bars. With a consistent flow of waves, it is one of the island’s main surfing spots. Snap photos of the glorious Pico Mount that rises above the shrubbery on the beach’s western end. Play beach volleyball or soccer with locals. Watch the surfers and stand-up paddlers on the water. Deck chairs and umbrellas are also available to reserve on the beach. The best surfing period is December through February, while calmer waters the rest of the year provide ideal snorkeling conditions.
Baia dos Golfinhos Beach
Baia dos Golfinhos, or simply Dolphins Beach, is a truly stunning beach and is a “must see” beach. The setting is truly breathtaking with the cliffs, tropical vegetation and the stunning semi-deserted beach all-blending together in perfect harmony. This beach is well suited for swimming as the waves are small. The beach does not offer any infrastructure such as bars, sun beds or other facilities, so be sure to bring some water, snacks and a beach towel with you.
Baia dos Porcos
While Praia do Sancho is regarded among the best of Noronha’s beaches, it’s Baia dos Porcos that is one of the most photographed thanks to its striking landscape. The bay gets its good looks from the rocky peaks that rise from the crystal clear waters that lap around the small, golden shore.
.
.
Praia do Sancho
With pure white sand, turquoise sea, and a curved frame of dramatic rocky cliffs covered in tufts of green vegetation, this picturesque beach seems almost too good to true. It’s little wonder then that Praia do Sancho beach is often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world.
.
.
Best Fernando de Noronha Brazil Restaurants
Mesa de Ana $31 – 60
Husband and wife team Ana and Rock serve only eight to 10 people per night at this rustic island gem. The four-course fish-heavy meals are served in a wonderful island setting. There is no advance menu. ana goes with what the local catch dictates, and you find out what that is once you sit down at the long communal table. Delicious! For more information call 55 (81) 3619-0178, or visit them on the web at Mesa de Ana.
Palhoça da Colina $11 – 30
A feast under an atmospheric palapa hut with tatami mats and pillows, in the yard of a local home. All-you-can-eat grilled catch of the day (barracuda, tuna or mackerel) is served on banana leaves, with great side dishes such as arugula and mango salad, and banana farofa (sautéed manioc flour). There’s a maximum of 20 people seated per night; reservations are required with a 50% deposit. For more information call 55 (81) 3619-1473 , or visit them on the web at Palhoça da Colina.
Mergulhão $31 – 60
Mergulhão makes full use of its breezy site offering stupendous views over the port, while its Mediterranean menu with a Brazilian twist is one of Noronha’s most innovative. Try the signature peixe crocante (crispy fish stuffed with shrimp, cheese and palm hearts) or the arroz do amado (grilled octopus rice with coalho cheese, cashews and fresh tomatoes). For more information call 55 (81) 3619-0215, or visit them on the web at Mergulhão.
O Pico $11 – 30
O Pico serves excellent seafood rices, moquecas, pastas and specialty coffees from São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo, but it’s the fresh and fabulous array of ceviches (from R$45 to R$52) that, though not traditional, will soon have you forgetting about the Peruvian version; try the classic with biquinho peppers. On Sunday evenings, the script is flipped and it becomes the island’s most sought-after live-music venue. It’s also an art and crafts shop that sells original Northeastern wares, most notably, gorgeous single-leaf woodcuts from famed Northeastern artist J Borges. For more information call 55 (81) 3619-1377, or visit them on the web at O Pico.
Veranda $31 – 60
One of the best value upscale choices, within walking distance of most pousadas and run by a local professional chef. The moqueca and shrimp with okra and tumeric are outstanding. For more information call 55 (81) 3619-1546, or visit them on the web at Veranda.
Best Fernando de Noronha Brazil Nightlife
Bar Duda Rei
Noronha’s only real beach bar has a fabulous setting beneath a couple of palms, with Morro do Pico towering behind. It serves good beach food, too. Telephone: 55 (81) 3619-1679 Web: Bar Duda Rei.
Bar do Cachorro
The famous open-air Dog Bar is the hub – in fact the only locale – of Noronha nightlife. It’s busy every night but really packed from Thursdays through Sundays. Telephone: 55 (81) 3619-1229 Web: Bar do Cachorro.
Bar do Meio Noronha
The simple wooden structure and thatched roof of the bar make a serene indoor setting, yet the best spot is the outdoor terrace to enjoy the sea views and picture-perfect sunset. Telephone: 55 (81) 3619-0424 Web: Bar do Cachorro.
Mergulhão
For a drink with a view, there are few finer spots than Mergulhão. The outdoor terrace overlooks Fernando de Noronha’s picturesque bay of turquoise water during the day and a sunset in various shades of orange and pink at dusk. Telephone: 55 (81) 3619-0215 Web: Mergulhão.
O Pico
O Pico is more than just a restaurant and a bar; it also provides other entertainment, such as live music, open-air cinema nights, and even its own fashion brand in collaboration with Ipanema to produce beach-chic flip-flops. Telephone: 55 (81) 3619-1377 Web: O Pico.
.
