About
Fernando de Noronha is an archipelago of 21 islands in the state of Pernambuco, off the northeast coast of Brazil. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a marine national park, and it is best approached as a place to slow down and watch the sea rather than as a city break.
What the islands offer
The archipelago is known for its crystal-clear water and for the variety of marine life found around its shores. Visitors who enjoy snorkelling, diving or simply watching the water from a headland will find the setting a strong reason to come. The landscape is largely kept in its natural state, which gives the islands a quiet, uncrowded feel.
Planning a visit
Tourism here is deliberately restricted to protect the ecosystem, so access is more limited than at most Brazilian beaches. Before you travel, it is worth checking the current rules on visitor numbers, entry and activities, and planning your stay around them. Keeping to the marked routes and following local guidance helps the park stay as it is.
- Expect a trip that centres on nature, water and wildlife.
- Book ahead, since access is controlled.
- For questions about arrangements, the local contact is +55 81 3619-1171.
Getting there and around
The islands are reached from mainland Brazil, and the address given for the site is Fernando de Noronha, PE 53990-000. Once there, plan to get around on foot and by local transport, and allow time for the sea, which is the main attraction.
For a visitor who values unspoiled scenery and protected marine habitat, Fernando de Noronha offers a rare kind of trip: a small, carefully guarded archipelago where the water and the wildlife are the reason to go.