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Fernando de Noronha
The touristical structure is simple but visitors are more than compensated with the natural beauties of this little gift from the Atlantic. With the size of only 17 km long, distant 545 km away from Brazilian Shore Line it offers many activities and you certainly will keep it as an unforgettable trip in your heart. |
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| The City |
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This small little island hosts 2400 people and up to 1200 tourists surrounded by exuberant natural environment absolutely preserved. There are 16 beaches and 21 islands and rocks, where vegetation and animal lives follow its natural course as if man didn't exist. Because of cristalline waters it is the Meca of Brazilian Divers. You find here the most beautiful beaches of Brazil.
This island is not inexpensive, prices are above Brazilian avarage, but it is for foreigners still very accessible.
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| History |
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The "official discovery" was in 1503, credited to Americo Vespucio. The archipelago was donated to the expedition financer, Fernao de Noronha. Abandoned, the island was occupied by Dutch during the 17th century, which transformed it into a rank for its sailors recovery; leasehold, it received the name of "Pavonia".
In 1700 the Portuguese kingdom transfers the archipelago possession to the captainship of Pernambuco, which didn't occupy it. Still abandoned, the French occupied it and called it "Isle Dauphine".
In 1937 Portugal takes definitve possession through the Captainship of Pernambuco and settelement of a common prison which is changed in 1938 into a political prison.
During II World War the prison is abolished and the island becomes a Fereal Territory, where it is installed an allied base. In 1988 it retur to Pernambuco and it is created the Marine National Park.
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| General Inf |
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TELEPHONE AREA CODE
081
CLIMATE
The average temperature in Fernando de Noronha is 25°C. The tropical climate has two well-defined seasons: a rainy season - from January to August - and a dry season - from September to December. Rain is more frequent from March to July and stronger in March and April. October practically sees no rain.
CLOTHING
casual lightweight clothes, always ready to improvise a dive into the sea, are the order of the day. Jeans or light trousers with a social shirt worn outside is the dress code in the evening. Never ever use a tye or a blazer
ELECTRICITY
220 V
AIRPORT
The airport, which receives 3 flights a day is in the middle of the little island. On departure day, due to burocracy before leaving, it is necessary to be there at least one houre before your flight.
BUSINESS HOURS
Business what!?? There two banks on the island, open between 10am and 4pm, and one ATM. Bring your credit cards and change enough in Brazilian Currency before leaving the continent. Visa is well accepted, but Amex not as much.
TAXIS
A little bus runs along the shortest Brazilian Highway (BR363). Besides exploring the island by on foot or riding horses, you can rent motocicles or bykes. Taxis are always available, just ask the receptionist or the restaurant to call. It costs, no matter where you go, about 4 US$.
MEDICAL
Hospital São Lucas 3619-1377
MARINE FAUNA
Specific ecological sites are be found in the Archipelago of Fernando de Noronha and this environment is favorable to a luscious marine fauna due to the fact that it is far from the continent and that it is located exactly in the direction of the South Equatorial Current. The nature of its environment is also important as proven by several research papers. Studies found mollusk (168 families) and crustacean (72 species) in the island as well as local ornamental fish and seasonal migratory schools.
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| How To Get There |
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Noronha is a little gift from the Atlantic with the size of only 17 km long, distant 545 km away from Brazilian Shore Line. Since there are no regular ferries you are most likely to use one of the three flight options. Two are with a 40 seater plane from Recife and Natal, another one is with Varig from Recife (ideal in combination with Rio and bookable within the airpass).
What to take in your luggage: Everything you may need for beach and diving Swimming suits, slippers, sun blockers, caps and sun glasses. Snorkel, diving masks, flippers and diving equipment can be easily rented, unless you are really serious about your activities and would prefer to bring your own. For walks it is important to bring tennis shoes, shorts, t-shirts and, just for caution, light warm clothing. Note: Jeans with a social shirt, worn outside, are already considered to be "dressed up". Never ever use a tye or a blazer.
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| Restaurants |
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With exception of some local fishing all ingredients have to be imported from the mainland. It won't be the meal of your lifetime but following restaurants compensate with its charm.
Zé Maria XX $$$ - Rua Nice Cordeiro (Floresta Nova), tel 3619-1258; cc: D, Mc, V 12h/15h 19h/24h.
Nicely decorated and with a veranda. The owner, Zé Maria, is the the main attraction. He is quite a character and takes personally care of all his guests, often Brazilian celbrities. On Wed and Sat a little jam session takes place when all guests join to play instruments. It always ends up as a big party. Reserve. Zé Maria is a must.
Trattoria di Morena XX $$$ - Rua Nice Cordeiro (Floresta Nova), tel 3619-1258; cc: D, Mc, V 12h/15h 19h/24h.
Italian kitchen, closed in June and on Sundays.
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| Night Life |
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There aren't many nightlife options on Noronha, but must go for some local color.
Bar do Cachorro on an open-air terrace near the Praia do Cachorro beach in Vila dos Remedios. You can dance to the rhythms of the "forro", a fast-paced syncopated style of music that usually features an accordion and percussion instruments. The partying starts at 11.
The other option is the Pizzeria next to the church. This is a pizzeria / bar / live music entertainment spot that is great to start the night with. Very nicely decorated, Live Music has a preference for reggae (as do more of the northern Brazilians)
Dress Code: Very casual dress. It would be best to change out of your swimwear, at least.
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Flora
The predominant vegetation in Fernando de Noronha is composed of species of the typical arid vegetation of the Brazilian Northeast, which loose their foliage during the dry season. In general, local vegetation includes higher trees and bushes on the flatter surfaces. Between March and July, the island's vegetation is more exuberant, however during this period the possibility of heavy rains is considerably greater.
Fauna
In Fernando de Noronha there are a number of natural pools, which allow for direct contact with the rich and exotic local sea fauna. The islands' waters are full of fish, sponges, algae, shellfish and coral reefs, among which the most abundant one in the archipelago, Montastrea cavernosa.
At belvedere at the Baia dos Golfinhos (the “Dolphins Bay”), “rotator” dolphins can be observed in their natural environment. One of the most beautiful scenes on the island can be observed every day at sunrise, when hundreds of dolphins seek refuge in the calm and protected waters of the bay.
Sea turtles may also be seen from November onwards, as they group on the water surface, when adult males compete for female partners, thus initiating that specie's period of reproduction in the archipelago. The National Centre for the Conservation and Care of Sea Turtles - better known as the TAMAR/IBAMA Project – has, since 1984 been employing every effort to protect female turtles, their eggs and reproduction sites and is constantly evaluating their population. These animals are protected by the Decree that has established a prohibition on the capture, fishing and molesting of all species of turtles in Brazilian waters. The archipelago also hosts endemic species, animals brought in by man and, also, some migratory species.
Diving in Fernando de Noronha
The archipelago of Fernando de Noronha is one of the best places in the world for diving. The island’s crystal clear waters, with a visibility of up to 50 metres, host many species of fish, skate fish, sharks, turtles, eels, barracudas, dolphins, sponges and algae, including also rocky formations, coral reefs and shipwrecks.
Even those who do not have any experience in diving can experiment the thrilling sensation of observing the local sea fauna in their natural habitat. Along the seashore on the beaches of Atalaia and Sancho Bay and at the natural aquariums formed by rocks at Porcos Bay, it is possible to see a wide range of coloured fish.
Diving fees vary according to the time of the year. Divers must also pay a special fee established by the government protection agency, IBAMA. Diving operators installed on the island supply transportation and all the necessary equipment. For accredited divers, local operators offer a wide range of courses, but booking in advance is recommended.
Main diving points
Shipwrecks
At a depth of 64 metres, the Ipiranga war ship is considered the most preserved shipwreck in Brazil. The Greek ship "Eliane Estatatus" is at the bottom of Santo Antonio Bay, near the local port, at a depth of 8 metres. Since it is quite close to the seashore, visitors are able to swim there to visit it.
Laje Dois Irmaos (Dois Irmaos Slab)
It is close to the twin rocks known as Dois Irmaos (Twin Brothers), in front of Baia dos Porcos (Bay of Pigs). Is possible, there, to reach diving depths of 8 to 15 metres.
Cabeço do Sapata Cliff
A huge rocky wall reaching down 40 meters into the ocean.
Iuais
Slab which rests at a diving depth of 23 meters.
Pedras Secas Cliff
Set of rocks that extend from the surface of the sea down to a 15-meter diving depth. Visibility there is excellent.
Frade Island
A diving depth of 20 metres. It is located in front of Atalaia beach.
Meio Island
Grottos and caverns at a diving depth of 15 metres.
Pontal do Norte (Northern Point of Land)
A huge cliff, where it is possible to reach a diving depth of 42 metres.
Surfing
2-meter high waves with peaks up to five meters high, such as at Cacimba, Boldro, Ruro and Abras Slabs, are sought by surfers from all over the world, especially from November thru April. Some stages of the National Surf Championship are held on Fernando de Noronha.
Beaches
The most sensational thing about Fernando de Noronha is that all of the island’s beaches are very pretty and very well preserved. Local seawaters are a greenish blue tone and incredibly transparent. Some of them include, also, some rocky formations. Below you will find a listing of the main beaches.
In the outside sea
Leao (“Lion”) Beach
It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. It sports a rock in the shape of a sea lion, hence the beach’s peculiar name. Right in front of that beach visitors sight the Viuvinha rock, a small island covered with birds nests. When waves hit against some of its rocky formations, they produces a jet of water. This beach is also the main egg-laying point used by sea turtles and, therefore, the beach is closed during some months of the year, from late afternoon to the next early morning, between January and June.
Sueste Bay
It offers a peculiar feature in terms of oceanic islands: it has an area of marsh at one corner and the waves are relatively small. The ruins of the Sao Joaquim de Sueste Fortress are perched on the left side of the beach.
Atalaia
Local coral reefs form natural aquariums with rich sea life. Access to the beach is limited to a small number of people each day. A special permit to visit must be obtained at the Visitors Centre at the National Park Headquarters.
Buraco da Raquel (Cliff Cavity)
It offers natural pools along rocky formations. This is a place for observation only. No bathing not allowed here.
In the inside sea
Santo Antonio Bay
The bay forms a natural port, where small ships can anchor, including those used for sightseeing tours. The bay also includes a shipwreck, which attracts many divers.
Cachorro Beach
It is located close to the Remedios Fortress. It has coral reefs and the waves are light.
Conceiçao Beach
This beach is very popular among surfers during high tide. During low tide, seawaters are calm and proper for bathing. Because it is a long beach, it is much appreciated by those who like to take long walks along the seashore.
Boldro Beach
It also offers good waves for surfing during high tide. The ruins of the São Pedro do Boldro Fortress stand at the top of the sea cliff, and are used by visitors as a viewpoint.
Padre Cliff
This is one of the largest beaches on the island, being around 1 km long. During summer, its waves of up to 5 meters high are excellent for surfing. It is surrounded by native forest.
Porcos Bay
This beach has a good many rocks and a narrow stretch of sand. Natural aquariums harbouring numerous coloured fish are its great attraction. Diving, however, is not allowed here. In front of the beach, two huge rock slabs called "Dois Irmaos" (Two Brothers) can be visited by tourists. The highest one holds the ruins of the São Joao Batista Fortress, offering a beautiful view of the turquoise-blue waters marked by dark cliffs. This peculiar scenario has led some to consider Porcos Bay as the most beautiful beach in Brazil. Trails lead down to the beach.
Sancho Bay
In terms of beauty, it rivals the neighbouring beach at Porcos Bay. It is excellent for the practice of free diving, since it offers good visibility and a diversity of marine fauna at a shallow depth. From its sea cliffs, visitors face one of the most beautiful views in Fernando de Noronha. This beach is also an egg-laying point for sea turtles, and so access to it is restricted from January to June, from the late afternoon to the following early morning.
Boat tours
This is the favourite tourist attraction. Boats sail along the Inside Sea, offering an incredible view of the beaches on the main island of Fernando de Noronha and also the small islands surrounding it. On a lucky day, visitors may see dolphins swimming close to the boat. At Sancho Bay boats halt so visitors can go on a free diving spree.
Buggy tours
Hoodless buggies are the most used vehicles in Fernando de Noronha. They are used as taxis or for tours around the island. Drivers, usually local inhabitants, may act as tour guides and may take visitors to the most beautiful places and to those least known corners as well.
Observing the Dolphins
“Rotator” dolphins may be seen from the top of the cliff overlooking the "Baia dos Golfinhos" (Dolphins Bay). It is here that they seek refuge, feed and reproduce. The best hour for observations is during the first hours of the day.
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