Fernando de Noronha
From Travel Information and Popular Attractions: TravelName.com
Fernando de Noronha is a famous archipelago (group of islands) located 350 km off the northeastern coast of Brazil, in the Atlantic ocean, spread in an area of 18.5 square kilometers. These islands were created as a result of volcanic activity millions of years ago, in fact the Fernando de Noronha and surrounding islands are just the visible portion of the large range of submerged mountains which have risen high enough to form these large islands.
It is estimated that about 2200 people live in these beautiful islands and the local economy depends heavily on Noronha tourism activity. Noronha island is the best scuba diving place in Brazil. The dive sites include amazing volcanic rock, shipwrecks, caverns and coral formations. Sun-blocker is highly recommended as sun is usually strong on this islands.
Portuguese is an official language so it will be a good idea to learn a few basic words of the language.
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How To Get to Noronha
Due to its large distance from Brazil's coastline, Noronha is mainly accessible by air. There is a small airplane service available from Recife, Varig and Natal.
Currency
Although there are two banks, its usually advisable to bring Brazilian currency before coming, Visa credit card is accepted by most businesses. Tourists should be prepared to spend some extra money as this island is about twice as expensive than rest of the Brazil and there is an Environmental Preservation Tax imposed on the tourists which also helps support the Noronha tourism.
About the city and restrictions
There are 16 beaches, 21 islands and only the largest island is inhabited. Other islands are protected areas of a National Maritime Park, visiting them requires a permit from the environmental authority as about 70 per cent of these islands were declared a national marine park in 1988. The Brazilian Government limits tourists to 420 per week as its a delicate ecosystem with a variety of birds, albatrosses, tortoise and a large population of spinner dolphins. Traveling within the city is done by taking a bus (cheap option and goes back and forth on the main road), taxis, rent a car or a buggy, or just hitchhike. Fernando de Noronha is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site.
Things to Do
,Baia do Sancho and Praia do Leao are the two famous beaches of Brazil with crystal clear blue water. Overall there are many activities on the island including Boat tours, Dolphin watching , Diving, Surfing, Swimming, Snorkeling, Kayaking, Buggy tours and the famous The tide pool with numerous fish species, lobster, octopus and more.
Noronha tourism offers several trails to enjoy the flora and fauna. Some trails in the National Marine Reserve require permit. Exotic beaches squeezed between cliffs, caves, hills, etc., are excellent choices for walks. It has the biggest fortress system of 18th. century in Brazil.
Additional Information
What to wear:
This is a very casual place, you can simply wear jeans or trousers, and casual shirt.
What to Eat and Where to Stay in Noronha:
There are several local dining options and seafood is the most popular food, but you will easily find steak, pizzas, burgers, sushi, several bars, cafes and snack bars. There are some small hotels and more than 100 inns and mostly modest with a tourist infrastructure. Noronha tourism reservations should be made early, especially during December to February and July. Most of the inns are an extensions of the private residences offering all 3 meals. The local electricity is 220 volts 60 cycles.
Nightlife in Noronha:
There is no high end partying, but you can always go to the local bars and some of them play music where the tourists can participate and dance. A pizzeria close to the church and bar do Cachorro are a few popular options.
Noronha Climate/ Weather:
Noronha has a tropical climate. Rainy season lasts from January to August and dry season for rest of the year. Rains are stronger in March and April.
Medical facilities:
Sao Lucas Hospital (Ph 36-19-1377), visitors coming for Fernando de Noronha tourism should have this phone number handy in case of an emergency. There are few drugstores on the island but you should consider to bring some basic medicines with you.
Quick History:
It was first officially discovered by an Italian merchant, Amerigo Vespucci in 1503. In the last 500 years it has been occupied by the Dutch then French and finally Portugal, till Brazil became an independent country.
Time Zone
UTC-2 hours
Additional Tips:
Due to it's distance from mainland Brazil some facilities are quite basic like transfers and car rental. Cellular phone service is available. As most activities are outdoor, please check the local weather forecast before coming here.
