Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves

The Brazilian Atlantic Islands property comprises two marine island groups in the tropical Atlantic: the volcanic archipelago of Fernando de Noronha and the coral atoll of Atol das Rocas. Both are protected for their outstanding marine biodiversity and as critical breeding and feeding grounds for seabirds, sea turtles and marine mammals.

Fernando de Noronha features rugged volcanic landscapes, coral reefs and sandy bays that attract divers and naturalists to its clear waters and well-known beaches such as Baía do Sancho, while Atol das Rocas is a near-pristine atoll focused on seabird and turtle reproduction with highly restricted access. The two reserves together conserve a range of marine habitats from coral reefs to open ocean pelagic zones.

Conservation measures include strict visitor controls, marine protection zones and research programmes aimed at preserving breeding populations and reef health. Both areas are internationally recognised for their ecological importance and rare or threatened species.

The islands lie in the equatorial Atlantic off Brazil’s northeastern coast; Fernando de Noronha is several hundred kilometres offshore from the Brazilian mainland and is commonly reached by air from Recife, the nearest major regional city.

• Protection and visitor regulation: Both units are marine-protected areas recognised for high biodiversity and seasonal concentrations of sea turtles, dolphins and seabirds; visitor numbers on Fernando de Noronha are managed with a mandatory visitor fee and limits.

What to See#

• Fernando de Noronha: The main island group with the inhabited main island and surrounding reefs supports diverse marine life, important nesting beaches for green and hawksbill turtles, and well-known dive sites such as Baía do Sancho.
• Atol das Rocas: A small offshore atoll that functions primarily as a strict natural reserve and breeding ground for seabirds and marine species; access is generally limited to scientists and authorised visitors.

Fernando de Noronha is reached only by air from the Brazilian mainland: regular commercial flights operate from Recife (Guararapes) and Natal to Fernando de Noronha Airport (FEN) on the main island. On arrival you proceed by taxi or pre-arranged transfer to Vila dos Remédios and nearby beaches; distances on the island are short and most sites are a few minutes’ drive. Atol das Rocas is an offshore biological reserve and is accessible only by authorised boat trips (usually from Recife or Natal) with permits or organised research/tour operators - private access is restricted.

• Book travel and accommodation well in advance and be prepared to pay the mandatory environmental/entrance fees on arrival-visitor numbers are restricted so reservations and permits must be sorted before you go.
• Plan diving or snorkeling on quieter months (shoulder season) and confirm operators' schedules ahead of time: Atol das Rocas is tightly controlled and access is only via authorised trips, so mainland departure points and licensed operators should be arranged in advance.