Fernando de Noronha is an archipelago of 21 islands and islets in the Atlantic Ocean, 354 km offshore from the Brazilian coast. Home to over 15 beaches and bays, including 3 considered among Brazil’s top 10 beaches – Pig’s Bay, Sancho and Atalaia – the island offers something for every beach lover, from beautiful sunsets, natural swimming pools to secluded beaches, all amidst a breathtaking landscape. In 2001 UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage Site because of the importance of its environment.
As soon as you restrict access to a place, its allure increases. Such is the case with Fernando de Noronha. Only 240 people are allowed on the archipelago at any one time, all of whom are required to pay environmental taxes to preserve the beauty of the 21 islands.
The local population and travellers can get to Noronha by plane or cruise from Recife(545 km) or by plane from Natal (360 km). A small environmental preservation fee is charged from tourists upon arrival by Ibama (Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources).
Based on the written record, Fernando de Noronha island was discovered on August 10, 1503, by a Portuguese expedition, organized and financed by a private commercial consortium headed by the Lisbon merchant Fernão de Loronha.
Charles Darwin stopped there in 1832, after one of his crew had harpooned a porpoise for supper, but spent only a day "wandering about the woods" before setting off in hopes of finding "greater wonders" elsewhere.
Fernando de Noronha has a huge resident population of spinner dolphins which can be observed daily. It also serves as the breeding and nesting ground for marine turtles. Watching these animals being born and make their first entrance to the sea is an enriching experience. In addition a large number of migratory birds - such as the white tern, black noddy and frigatebird, beside various reptiles can also be seen.
Only the main island is inhabited, and that's where you’ll stay in quaint boutique bed-and-breakfasts. The jet set may prefer Pousada Maravilha, where they can unwind in one of its ocean-facing bungalows. There’s not much to do on this paradise on Earth other than swim in the Atlantic Ocean and bask beneath the sun, but that’s kind of the point, isn’t it?
The coastline is complex, with a number of high cliffs and sandy beaches. The north-west facing shores are relatively calm, whereas the south-east shores face the predominant currents and winds and are largely rocky shores with significant wave action. The Fernando de Noronha volcano is estimated to be between 1.8 million and 12.3 million years old.
I. C.
