"Praia do Atalaia" Top 5 Page for this destination Ilha de Fernando de Noronha Off The Beaten Path Tip by perfectly_zen

Praia do Atalaia is a very interesting beach....there is a long rock wall that separates it from the open sea, so when the tide is low a huge natural pool is formed, with hundreds of different fish. It´s a great place to snorkel, even for those who fear swiming since you can walk the whole "pool" with our head off the water. A wonderful experience, to see all those curious fish staring at your glasses! Definately you can´t mish it!!!
From the beach you will see the so called Ilha do Frade (Priest´s Island)...a small island that has the perfect shape of a high priest sitting in a chair, with hat, long beard and everything, looking directly at the beach...=)
There are just some warnings....first of all, the IBAMA (the governamental enterprise that deals with preservation of natural patrimonium) authorize the entrance of aprox. 30 people per day only...this means waking up early and asking for a buggy man to take you. And if you get late, you might loose your chance to go!
Second, you must take care with the fauna....sun protector in the water is not allowed, just afterwards....don´t take anything out from the sea...
To avoid accidents there are two more advices: try to avoid snorkelling over the areas with many rocks and plants, since there are mooreas and they won´t feel at ease with you over them. And also, DON´T climb up the rock wall......the sea can be aggressive over there and if a big wave comes you won´t have control anymore. This happened to my mother went she went there in 1980...she had to grab herself to the rock for not to be taken away...
I´ve heard some rumors that they are planning to close the access completely...hope this doesn´t happen....

• Updated Jun 10, 2005
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