Dive into the secrets of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil’s island paradise, a sanctuary of breathtaking beaches, coral reefs, and wildlife
Hidden in the Atlantic Ocean off Brazil’s northeast coast, Fernando de Noronha is an archipelago that feels like a dream come true. Famous for its turquoise waters, stunning landscapes shaped by ancient volcanic activity, sea turtles, and unforgettable sunsets, this island is one of Brazil’s top natural treasures. Because of this, there are various surprising facts about Fernando de Noronha.
But what really makes Fernando de Noronha so special? Beyond its beauty, the archipelago is home to an incredible variety of marine life and wildlife, making it a playground for nature lovers. Dolphins, sharks, and exotic birds all coexist in this protected paradise.
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At PlanetaEXO, we believe every trip should leave a positive impact. By choosing sustainable travel to Fernando de Noronha, you not only enjoy the adventure of a lifetime but also help local partners and conservation projects thrive.
Ready to be amazed? Check out 10 facts about Fernando de Noronha that you need to know:
1. Sharks, dolphins, and marine life at Fernando de Noronha
If you’re worried about sharks, don’t be! The waters are safe and crystal clear, home to species like lemon, nurse, and reef sharks, with encounters closely monitored by local guides during dives.
Photo: Sandro Rodrigues
Noronha is also famous for its resident spinner dolphins, which perform daily shows at Baía dos Golfinhos. Watching hundreds leap and spin in the air, known locally as the balé dos golfinhos (dolphins’ ballet), is an unforgettable experience.
In fact, Fernando de Noronha is one of the few places in the world where dolphins can be seen every single day.
Beyond these stars, the archipelago shelters over 230 fish species, crustaceans, rays, and more reef sharks. On land, you’ll spot red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, tropicbirds, lizards, and crabs, proving that wildlife here thrives both above and below the water.
Photo: Sandro Rodrigues
👉 Want to learn more about Brazilian Wildlife? Discover the best wildlife tours and destinations in Brazil
2. The smallest highway in Brazil: BR-363 in Fernando de Noronha
How big is Fernando de Noronha? The archipelago covers just 26 km², made up of 21 islands and islets, though only the main island is inhabited. Despite its size, it’s filled with beaches, trails, and stunning viewpoints.
Noronha is crossed by Brazil’s shortest federal highway, the BR-363, just 7 km long. It’s the island’s main route for buses, cars, motorcycles, and buggies, and the only federal highway in the country not connected to any other.
Because of its compact size, hitchhiking is common and safe, with locals readily sharing rides. Another quirky fact: the island has only one gas station, selling the most expensive gasoline in Brazil, up to 50% pricier than in Recife.
Photo: Iza Correa
3. A volcanic archipelago that was once a prison and a hereditary captaincy
Fernando de Noronha is not just an island: it’s a volcanic archipelago formed around 12 million years ago, with dramatic cliffs, black rocks, and lava-carved coastlines that still shape its landscapes today.
The island also served as a penal colony: a prison built in 1737 operated for nearly 200 years until World War II, when Noronha became a military base. Some inmates lived under strict confinement, while others with lighter sentences could fish, swim, and even bring their families.
Adding to its history, Noronha was Brazil’s first hereditary captaincy. In 1504, King Manuel I granted the archipelago to merchant Fernão de Noronha, marking the beginning of this colonial system of land distribution.
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4. A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Since 2001, Fernando de Noronha has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional natural beauty and biodiversity. Only a handful of places worldwide receive this status, making the island part of an exclusive club.
The site was chosen for its marine conservation efforts, unique ecosystems, and role as a sanctuary for endangered species.
UNESCO highlighted the island’s crystal-clear waters, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and the abundance of marine life, including dolphins, sharks, and sea turtles, that thrive under strong protection measures.
@visitbrasil
5. A Marine National Park, plastic-free and carbon-free
Over 70% of Fernando de Noronha is protected as a Marine National Park, with strict limits on tourism and daily visitor caps to reduce impact.
Conservation projects like the Tamar Project (sea turtles) and Projeto Golfinho Rotador (spinner dolphins) lead efforts in research and education, alongside programs for reef restoration, sustainable fishing, and wildlife monitoring.
Plastic-free
Since 2018, Fernando de Noronha has been officially a plastic-free island. A decree banned the entry, sale, and use of disposable plastic items such as bottles, cups, straws, bags, Styrofoam containers, and other single-use packaging.
This strict policy helps reduce ocean pollution and keeps the archipelago’s beaches and reefs pristine.
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Carbon-free
Noronha is also pioneering as a carbon-free island. The “Noronha Carbono Zero” program aims to ban all fossil-fuel vehicles by 2030, with only electric transport allowed. Since 2022, no new combustion-engine cars have been permitted to enter.
With this, the island became the first place in Brazil to officially plan the elimination of carbon-emitting vehicles.
Another way that helps preserve the archipelago is the daily limit on the number of visitors. The island also relies heavily on renewable energy, especially solar power plants, to reduce its environmental footprint.
As proof of these conservation efforts, Praia do Sancho has been voted the best beach in the world multiple times by TripAdvisor’s travelers. It showcases how protection can improve natural beauty.
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👉 Check out our full article on the best national parks to visit in 2025
6. A perfect place to see the Hawksbill Sea Turtle
Noronha is a paradise for turtle lovers, where visitors can swim alongside hawksbill sea turtles under strict, eco-friendly rules. The Tamar Project protects nesting sites, and it’s common to witness hatchlings making their first journey to the sea.
Hawksbills are critically endangered, with populations down by more than 80% over the last century due to habitat loss, hunting, and climate change. Yet here they find a safe haven. These turtles are great travelers, often crossing entire oceans and even continents during their migrations.
To protect them, some beaches close after 6 p.m., giving females peace to lay their eggs. Living up to 50 years and helping keep coral reefs healthy, hawksbills make Noronha even more magical, especially if you visit during nesting season.
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👉 Want to know when to visit? Take a look at the best time to dive in Fernando de Noronha
7. Closer to Africa than you think
Here’s a geography twist: Fernando de Noronha is located just 354 km from the coast of Brazil, but in terms of distance, it’s closer to Africa than to some Brazilian capitals!
The island’s remote location in the middle of the Atlantic adds to its wild, untouched vibe. It truly feels like you’re in another world! Its isolated position also means it is Brazil’s easternmost point, marked by the Cape of São Miguel.
In addition, the archipelago sits right on the route of the South Equatorial Current, which brings warm, nutrient-rich waters from Africa, helping sustain its extraordinary marine life.
Photo: Google Maps
8. The “Galapagos of Brazil”
Ever heard Noronha called the Galapagos of Brazil? That’s because, like the Galapagos Islands, it’s a living laboratory of evolution. Many species of wildlife here are endemic, meaning they exist nowhere else on Earth.
Among them are the Noronha skink (a unique lizard), the Noronha wormlizard, and two rare birds: the Noronha elaenia and the Noronha vireo.
Scientists and travelers alike come to study and admire the island’s biodiversity, making it a must-see destination for eco-travelers.
@mare.noronha
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9. You can dive among corals and historic shipwrecks
If you’re a diver, Noronha is heaven. Its reefs shelter over 15 coral species, some centuries old, alongside parrotfish, angelfish, seahorses, barracudas, snappers, and green turtles. With visibility of up to 50 meters, the waters rank among the clearest in the world.
The island is also famous for its shipwrecks. The highlight is the Corveta Ipiranga V17, a Brazilian Navy vessel that sank in 1983 and now rests intact at 70 meters, considered one of the country’s most impressive wreck dives.
Adding mystery are two Greek ships: the Maria Stathatos, destroyed by fire in 1937, and the Eleni Stathatos, wrecked after colliding with rocks. Both remain near the coast, forming artificial reefs that attract schools of fish.
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👉 See more about the best diving spots in Fernando de Noronha
10. Not many residents, and no births on the island
Fernando de Noronha is home to about 3,000 residents, most working in tourism, fishing, or conservation. Ecotourism sustains the community, ensuring income while encouraging sustainable practices, and locals proudly share their island with visitors.
Since 2004, the island’s maternity ward has been closed, so pregnant women must travel to Recife in their seventh month, with costs covered by the government. Even so, children can still be registered as Noronhenses, preserving their island identity.
And here’s a fun fact: Noronha has even hosted underwater weddings. In 1991, an American couple married at the bottom of the sea near Ponta da Sapata, and in 2017, a local couple tied the knot 16 meters deep inside Caverna da Sapata.
Photo: Pamela Rech
Traveling to Fernando de Noronha with PlanetaEXO
Traveling to such a fragile paradise requires responsibility. With PlanetaEXO, you can explore while knowing that your trip directly benefits local families and conservation programs.
We work only with trusted partners who share our values of sustainability, ensuring that every adventure supports both the community and the environment.
So, are you ready to experience one of the most breathtaking places on Earth? Join us, and discover these unforgettable facts about Fernando de Noronha while leaving a positive footprint behind.
👉 Send us a message and start planning your adventure in Fernando de Noronha!
