"Fernando de Noronha " a Ilha de Fernando de Noronha Travel Page by arissat

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The Island

Fernando de Noronha archipelago lies 545 km away from Recife and 360 km from Natal. It is formed by 21 islands and small islands and its total area reaches 26 Km². The archipelago was discovered by Américo Vespúcio in his second explorer expedition along the Brazilian coast. His expedition was sponsored by the archipelago´s owner Fernão de Loronha, a very rich Portuguese businessman.

Fernando de Noronha is an environmentally preserved area managed by Pernambuco State in a state district condition. Its manager is designated by a state assembly with the approval of by the Island council, which is elected democratically by the islanders. Besides, the archipelago has a Marine National Park area supervised by IBAMA, the Brazilian Environmental Agency.

Fernando de Noronha has a tropical climate with a very well defined dry season. It's temperature varies from 18 to 31 degrees Celsius. The rainy season starts in February and lasts until June. But the most intensive rainy period is between March and May. It´s when the most important Noronha's streamlets are formed, the Boldró and Maceió. The latter supplies the Xaréu dam which is the island's only reservoir .

The soil is formed by volcanic rocks and presents a clayed texture which provides a weak superficial drainage and an excellent fertility.

The marine and terrestrial species live in friendly coexistence with the islanders because man is not their predator and the tourists are informed, at their arrival, about this pacific cohabitation. Noteworthy among the terrestrial animals are the huge lizards called "tejus", very well adapted to the archipelago. And the small ones called "mabuia" which are endemic species in the island.

Just as a matter of curiosity, there isn't any snake in the archipelago enabling tourists to walk safely around the island.

Another interesting feature about the island is the existence of the smallest Brazilian road with approximately 9 km length, starting at the Sueste Bay and finishing at the Santo Antonio´s Port. Islanders use to say as a joke that this road links Fernando to Noronha.

Fernando de Noronha is the only point in the inhabited national territory where the sun sets in the sea.
Enjoy this paradise, respecting the rules established by Ibama, practicing ecologically correct tourism.

Source: Bristsh Encyclopedia and Island Administration.

" Fernando de Noronha's island is considered to be an ecological preservation. So, to maintain its natural beauties untouched might be difficult for visitors who are not informed about its preservation laws. For that reason it is very important to highlight some tips so the visitors can be able to enjoy the island as much as possible".

-There is a bus available in the island offered by the island administration. The bus goes from Sueste Bay to Santo Antonio Port and stops the villages. It can be used from 05:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

-When walking and touring the island it is advisable to wear appropriate shoes. Before reaching the beaches there are always some trails.

-Always wear comfortable and light clothes, a hat and sun lotion. Always carry some water and some money with you.

-If you are planning to go somewhere without a guide make sure that the access to the place is allowed. Specially in the Marine Park.

-Always carry a mask and snorkel when going to the beach. You might have a chance to dive.
The water is warm all year round (around 24°C) and clean (the visibility is up to 15 meters, except in the months of January and February). Also there is a wide marine fauna in the region.

-In the months of January and February the sea is more agitated, so it's a good time to go surfing. These particular months are not very good for diving because the visibility is very reduced.

-Electric Power supply on the island is of 220V.

-There is a time difference at the island and time is one hour ahead from the continent.

-There is only one bank agency in the island which is Banco Real. There is a 24 hours bank inside. Now, few places and some restaurants accept VISA card. But, it's a good idea to always have some money with you.

-Save water and light.

-There is a hospital at the island, Sao Lucas Hospital, which is qualified and equipped to give the basic assistance with first aid.

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WHAT TO DO

"Like many other tourist places in the world, Fernando de Noronha offers many beauties and tours as wel. Visitors may not be able to see and do everyting because of climate conditions, the amount of time spent in the island (it might not be enought), etc. So, below there is a basic intineraly that might be considered by the tourists in order to have a chance to visit the most beautiful and important places."

Here are few things to do:
-For those who wake up early, Dolphins' Bay to see the dolphins coming to the bay for some rest. They come in around 6:15 AM

- Diving with specialized agencies. Also, your diving experience can be recorded on a tape.
- Beaches: Porto, Cachorro, do Meio, Conceição, Boldro, Americano, Bode, Cacimba do Padre, Porcos Bay, Sancho. Sueste, Leão.
- Plana sub
- Fishing
- Guided trails.
- Tour around the island.
- Boat tour with a chance to see the dolphins coming back home. And also a dive at the Sancho's beach.
- Sunset at different places at the "inside sea".
- Fort of Remedios
- Porto
- Ibama's lecture - can't miss it, every night but it is in Portuguese
" Fernando de Noronha has an unusual variety of natural trails and tracks for those who love ecological hiking. Today there are two kinds of trails: PARNAMAR - which is the Marine National Park and APA - Environmental Protection Area. Following a list of trails. Remember that it is always advisable to hike with a local guide".

There are two trails classification in the island. The PARNAMAR which means Marine National Park and the APA which stands for Environmental Protection Area. And the trails are:

- Jardim Elizabeth Trail - APA
Pleasant shadow trail full of monuments built in the XVIII century.

- Costa Azul trail - APA
Monuments, sea-view, beaches. Crossing over the black rocks from the Peak Hill.

- Costa Esmeralda Trail - APA
From the forts to the pathway that takes you to the most beautiful beaches in the island. Water sports can be practiced on those beaches.

- Sancho/Porco Trail - PARNAMAR
Trail from the Porco Bay to the Sancho Bay climbing hills and trying natural swimming pools in the rocks.

- Dolphins trail - PARNAMAR
Trail over the cliffs to observe the dolphins.

- Capim-Açu Trail - PARNAMAR
Very difficult trail. Allows you to walk in the forest in the region with the greatest amount of native vegetation.

- Pontinha/Pedra Alta trail - PARNAMAR
Walking along the "outside sea" to admire the view and climbing hills.

- Farol Trail – PARNAMAR