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Tadeu Pereira from São Paulo, Brazil CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park

National Park

Fernando de Noronha is an Atlantic archipelago and marine park off Brazil's northeast coast, prized for snorkeling and diving among turtles, dolphins and coral, with regulated visitor numbers to protect ecosystems.

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In this guide

Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park essentials

Address: Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco, Brazil
Website: gov.br
Admission: Entrance fee to Fernando de Noronha (environmental fee): around BRL 245 for foreign visitors (approx. BRL rates vary); additional daily environmental fee (Taxa de Preservação Ambiental) approx. BRL 79 per day (rates change).
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About Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park

Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park is a protected marine and coastal area around the Fernando de Noronha archipelago off Brazil’s northeast coast and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The reserve safeguards coral reefs, marine fauna and important nesting beaches for sea turtles.

The park offers world-class snorkeling and scuba diving with clear water and extensive reef systems, plus several high-quality beaches such as Baía do Sancho and sheltered coves where dolphins are frequently seen. Day tours and boat trips focus on marine wildlife - especially dolphins, sea turtles and reef fish - and most popular beaches are reached by short hikes or by boat.

The archipelago has long been recognized for its ecological importance and was placed under federal protection as a marine park to conserve terrestrial and marine habitats and regulate tourism. It is managed to balance visitor access with strict conservation measures and research activities.

The islands lie in the Atlantic Ocean off Brazil’s northeastern coast and are reached by air from the mainland; the visitor settlement is on the main island and most activities radiate from there.

  • Access and fees: Entry to the protected area is regulated and visitors pay a conservation fee on arrival; access to many beaches is controlled to limit environmental impact.
  • Diving and wildlife: Water visibility for diving commonly exceeds 20 meters and the marine park protects reefs, coral formations and important turtle nesting beaches, making it a top site for scuba diving in Brazil.

What to See#

  • Baía do Sancho: A steep-walled bay on the island often ranked among the world’s best beaches for swimming and snorkeling, reached by a steep stairway and boat routes from the main village.
  • Baía dos Golfinhos (Dolphin Bay): A sheltered bay where a resident population of spinner dolphins is regularly seen at dawn and dusk; a common departure point for dive trips.
  • Vila dos Remédios: The main settlement and visitor hub on the island; contains visitor services, dive operators and access points for protected trails and lookouts.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park

Best visited in Brazil's dry season (Aug-Feb) for diving and calm seas; book well in advance due to strict visitor caps.

Dry season
Aug-Feb · 25-31°C (77-88°F)
Calmer seas and best visibility for diving and snorkeling.
Rainy/wet season
Mar-Jul · 24-29°C (75-84°F)
Warmer waters and more chance of rain; still good for wildlife but visibility can dip.

Weather & Climate near Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park

Climate

Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1427 mm/year), wettest in April with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 18 Good
Best Time to Visit
SeptemberOctoberNovember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
29°
Warmest Month
24°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 25° - 30° 30° 62 mm partly cloudy 81% 4.0 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.2h
February Excellent 24° - 30° 30° 109 mm partly cloudy 81% 3.7 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.1h
March Very Good 24° - 30° 27° 259 mm partly cloudy 80% 3.2 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.0h
April Very Good 24° - 29° 27° 284 mm partly cloudy 81% 3.1 m/s 2.3 extreme 11.9h
May Very Good 24° - 29° 27° 279 mm partly cloudy 80% 3.4 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.8h
June Very Good 24° - 29° 26° 196 mm some cloud 79% 3.8 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.8h
July Excellent 23° - 28° 26° 134 mm some cloud 79% 4.1 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.8h
August Ideal 23° - 28° 26° 41 mm mostly sunny 78% 4.5 m/s 2.4 extreme 11.9h
September Ideal 24° - 29° 26° 20 mm mostly sunny 78% 4.6 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.0h
October Ideal 24° - 29° 26° 12 mm mostly sunny 78% 4.7 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.1h
November Ideal 24° - 29° 27° 13 mm mostly sunny 78% 4.6 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.2h
December Ideal 24° - 29° 27° 18 mm some cloud 80% 4.3 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.2h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park

Access is by air from Recife or Natal to Fernando de Noronha Airport (FEN). Some private boats and live-aboard dive trips also visit. Visitors must pay the Brazilian environmental preservation fee on arrival and may be required to show proof of prior booking.

Tips for Visiting Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park

  • Book the island's environmental fee and island arrival authorization before travel - Brazilian checkpoints require proof.
  • Bring reef-safe sunscreen; marine life is sensitive and enforcement of protection is strict.
  • Hire a local guide for the best beaches and snorkel sites; many coves require boat access or local knowledge.
  • Carry cash for park fees and small boat transfers; card machines can be limited.