Learn the main routes, airport details, and travel tips for a smooth journey to Fernando de Noronha islands paradise
Fernando de Noronha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Brazil’s most preserved Marine National Parks. With controlled tourism and a daily visitor cap, the island is known for its clear waters, coral reefs, and rare wildlife.
Sea turtles, dolphins, and colorful fish are part of its daily scenery, making it a hotspot for ecotourism and marine research. Its natural beauty comes with responsibility: strict rules help protect biodiversity.
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PlanetaEXO works with local partners to promote sustainable tourism, offering trips that combine comfort, authenticity, and respect for nature. In this guide, we will explain how to get to Fernando de Noronha, with flights, routes, fees, and practical details.
How to get to Fernando de Noronha?
By plane
The fastest and most common way to reach Fernando de Noronha is by air. Until recently, the island was only serviced by daily flights from Recife (REC) and weekly flights from Natal (NAT). Since 2024, LATAM has also operated direct flights from São Paulo’s Guarulhos Airport (GRU).
The new São Paulo connection runs five times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays) and takes around 3h50. This route significantly expanded international access to the island, as Guarulhos is Brazil’s largest international hub, receiving flights from Europe, the United States, and beyond.
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How to get to Fernando de Noronha from the UK?
For travelers coming from Europe, the easiest entry points remain the non-stop flights from Lisbon (LIS) to Recife or Natal. Another option is to fly through São Paulo, which connects directly to Noronha or offers quick domestic connections of 3-4 hours to Recife or Natal.
How to get to Fernando de Noronha from Rio de Janeiro?
For travelers from Rio de Janeiro, the most common route is connecting through Recife (REC) or São Paulo (GRU). From Recife, it’s a short 1h15 flight to the island, while from São Paulo, you’ll catch the direct flight which takes just under 4 hours.
For visitors from the US, flying into São Paulo is also the best alternative, followed either by a direct flight to the island or a short domestic connection.
Fernando de Noronha Airport (FEN)
The Governador Carlos Wilson Airport (FEN) is the island’s only airport, built in the 1930s and modernized to serve ecotourism. It sits in the center of the island, close to Vila dos Remédios and most accommodations.
Small in size but functional, FEN receives daily flights from Recife and Natal, and now a direct line from São Paulo. The airport is easy to navigate, with quick transfers to hotels and pousadas.
On any Fernando de Noronha map, you will notice how strategic the airport is, reducing travel time on arrival and making logistics simple for visitors.
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👉 Check our 5-day Fernando de Noronha Diving Trip for a full ecoadventure starting right at the airport
Airports with connections
- Recife (REC): The most reliable hub, with multiple daily flights to Noronha. Flights take about 1h15.
- Natal (NAT): A smaller hub with direct flights of about 1h20.
- São Paulo (GRU): Brazil’s largest international airport, with connections worldwide. From Guarulhos, the direct LATAM route to Noronha takes under 4 hours.
👉 See the best time to visit Fernando de Noronha and align your flights with the season that best fits your plans
By boat
Is it possible to reach Fernando de Noronha by boat? Yes, but not through regular ferries. The island’s remote location (about 545 km from Recife) makes routine services impossible.
Some sailing expeditions and private yachts arrive on the Fernando de Noronha islands, but they must follow strict entry requirements and coordinate with authorities. For most travelers, boats are not a realistic option.
Photo: Fernando Klark
Cruises
A few international and Brazilian cruises include Noronha in their itineraries. These usually depart from Recife, Natal, or other South American ports as part of longer Atlantic journeys. Stops are typically short, lasting half a day to one day, giving passengers time to explore beaches or take a guided tour.
These rare visits provide a different perspective of the island: approaching its volcanic cliffs and turquoise bays from the ocean. While not as flexible as air travel, they remain an option for travelers who enjoy sea expeditions.
👉 Explore the best diving spots in Fernando de Noronha if you want to add underwater experiences to your cruise visit
Entry requirements for Fernando de Noronha
Travelers do not need a special visa to visit Fernando de Noronha, but they must follow Brazil’s general entry rules depending on nationality. Citizens from countries with visa agreements can stay up to 90 days, while others need a tourist visa before arrival. Always check your passport validity and requirements before flying.
In addition to immigration rules, every visitor must pay two local fees: the daily Environmental Preservation Tax (TPA) and the Marine National Park ticket, valid for 10 days. These fees are mandatory and directly support conservation and infrastructure.
Photo: Zaira Matheus
Another essential point is planning ahead. Fernando de Noronha has a legally established limit of 132,000 visitors per year and 11,000 per month, based on an agreement between Pernambuco and federal authorities.
A new Carrying Capacity Study is underway to reassess these numbers, since some months in recent years exceeded the monthly limit. Booking early ensures you secure flights, hotels, and permits in this protected paradise.
👉 Want to learn more curiosities? Read 10 interesting facts about Fernando de Noronha
Transport on the island
After solving How do I get to Fernando de Noronha island?, it’s time to plan how to move around. The island is small, but transport options are varied:
- Bus service: Runs regularly from Porto to Sueste.
- Taxis and rides: More costly, but practical for short trips.
- Buggy rentals: The most popular choice for freedom of movement.
- Boat tours: Essential for reaching remote beaches and dive sites.
- Hitchhiking: Surrisingly common and safe, reflecting the island’s small size and sense of community.
Visitors usually mix public transport with buggies or rides, making it easy to explore without missing the main highlights.
Photo: Iza Correa
👉 Short on time? Check out our 2-day diving package in Fernando de Noronha
Travelling with PlanetaEXO
With PlanetaEXO, you get full support for flights, tours, and accommodations, while contributing to local communities. Our experienced guides know the island’s trails, waters, and culture.
We offer curated packages like the 2-Day Diving Package, 5-Day Diving Trip, and courses such as Open Water and Advanced Adventurer, combining top-level diving with sustainability for a safe and memorable experience.
With us, the answer to how to get to Fernando de Noronha comes with the guarantee of authenticity, safety, and positive impact.
👉 Contact us today to start planning your adventure
