Fernando de Noronha

Fernando de Noronha is a volcanic archipelago off Brazil’s northeastern coast known for its marine biodiversity and protected status. It is recognized for clear waters, coral reefs and abundant sea life.

Visitors come for world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, boat tours to see dolphins and sea turtles, and remote beaches such as Baía do Sancho. Strict conservation rules limit numbers and require visitors to pay an environmental fee to help fund protection.

The islands have a history of European contact from the 16th century and have been used for navigation, military outposts and, more recently, as a protected natural area and tourism destination. They were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for their marine ecosystems.

The archipelago lies in the South Atlantic off Brazil’s northeastern coast in the state of Pernambuco, several hundred kilometers from the mainland; the main island contains the primary settlement and visitor facilities.

• UNESCO status: Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its outstanding marine biodiversity and conservation of breeding seabirds and sea turtles.
• Visitor management: Access and visitor numbers are managed to protect fragile ecosystems; visitors typically pay an environmental fee and follow regulated park rules.

What to See #

• Baía do Sancho: A widely visited stretch of sand and reef-fringed shoreline often ranked among the world's best beaches, accessible by boat or trails on the main island.
• Main island settlement: The main settlement and airstrip area on the archipelago that contains visitor services, lodgings and access points for day tours and diving trips.