Duiken in Fernando de Noronha: 2025 Ultieme gids

Ontdek alles wat je moet weten voor een onvergetelijke duiktrip in Fernando de Noronha!

 

Fernando de Noronha staat bekend om de schoonheid van het kristalheldere water, de prachtige witte zandstranden en het bruisende onderwaterleven. Dit maakt het een van de beste duikplekken in Zuid-Amerika, ideaal voor ervaren duikers of beginners die zich willen onderdompelen in een van de mooiste plekken ter wereld.

Gezien het belang voor het milieu dient het Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park als toevluchtsoord om de natuurlijke rijkdom van het eiland te beschermen, wat ook bijdraagt aan de infrastructuur voor de beste praktijken op het gebied van ecotoerisme.

Fernando de Noronha is internationaal erkend en staat sinds 2001 op de Werelderfgoedlijst van UNESCO vanwege zijn “uitzonderlijke universele waarde”. Dat kun je niet van elke plaats zeggen, toch?

Over Fernando de Noronha

Fernando de Noronha is het hoofdeiland – en het enige bewoonde – van een archipel van eenentwintig eilanden in de staat Pernambuco, voor de noordoostkust van Brazilië. Het heeft een oppervlakte van 26 km² en is miljoenen jaren geleden ontstaan uit een inactief vulkanisch veld dat in de Atlantische Oceaan verzonken lag.

In 1503, tijdens een Portugese expeditie onder leiding van zeeman Gonçalo Coelho en ontdekkingsreiziger Fernão de Noronha – zie je iets bekends aan deze naam? -werden de eilanden ontdekt. Door de eeuwen heen zijn ze bewoond geweest door vele naties. De lokale cultuur en architectuur zijn vooral sterk beïnvloed door Nederland en Frankrijk, maar de Braziliaanse essentie is opvallend en onmiskenbaar.

Tegenwoordig staat Fernando de Noronha altijd bovenaan de lijst van meest begeerde bestemmingen van Brazilië en werd het in 2024 door Condé Nast Traveler zelfs verkozen tot beste eiland van Midden- en Zuid-Amerika. De paradijselijke stranden, de prachtige vegetatie, het culturele erfgoed, het overvloedige mariene ecosysteem en de protocollen voor natuurbehoud en duurzaam toerisme zijn enkele van de redenen waarom iedereen deze prachtige plek minstens één keer in zijn leven zou moeten bezoeken.

Wanneer is de beste tijd om naar Fernando de Noronha te gaan om te duiken?

De beste tijd om te duiken in Fernando de Noronha hangt af van het soort ervaring dat je zoekt en het gebied dat je wilt verkennen. Meer dan 75% van de bezoekers van het eiland beoefent een of andere vorm van duiken, waarbij de belangrijkste modaliteiten vrijduiken en diepzeeduiken zijn.

Deze variatie wordt erg gewaardeerd door toeristen, maar het is belangrijk om op te merken dat er verschillende seizoenen zijn op Noronha die de duikactiviteiten kunnen beïnvloeden.

Beste seizoen om te duiken in Fernando de Noronha

Fernando de Noronha is verdeeld in de Binnenzee (Mar de Dentro), die naar de Braziliaanse kust is gericht, en de Buitenzee (Mar de Fora), die naar Afrika en Europa is gericht.

Binnenzee

Het kalme water van de Inner Sea is ideaal om te snorkelen en vrij te duiken, vooral van juni tot december. De meest aanbevolen plekken zijn Praia do Porto, Praia da Conceição en Praia do Boldró.

Wat betreft de zichtbaarheid van het water zijn de beste omstandigheden meestal van augustus tot december, wanneer de zee het rustigst is.

Buitenzee

Van december tot mei is het onrustige water van de Buitenzee ideaal voor duikers met meer ervaring en mensen die op zoek zijn naar complexe onderwaterlandschappen en een grotere verscheidenheid aan zeedieren.

Ongeacht het seizoen zorgt Fernando de Noronha altijd voor onvergetelijke duikreizen en een glimp van het plaatselijke onderwaterleven. Het hele jaar door biedt het eiland uitstekende mogelijkheden om octopussen, kreeften, schildpadden, scholen vis en zelfs haaien tegen te komen.

Even if you’re a seasoned diver, make sure to follow directions from Noronha’s tourist guides and local divers. Their expertise in the area will surely provide great advice for a safe and enjoyable trip.

👉 Read more: When is the best time to dive in Fernando de Noronha?

Best diving sites in Fernando de Noronha

The best Fernando de Noronha diving spots may vary according to your preferences. If you have little to no experience in diving, or if you’re looking for a more relaxing activity to just enjoy the ocean and spot colorful fish, rock formations, and coral reefs, Atalaia, Pedras Secas, and Laje dos Dois Irmãos are great sites.

Baía dos Sanchos and Baía dos Golfinhos are perfect for animal enthusiasts. Dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, and nurse sharks are often seen calmly swimming near the divers, already used to the presence of humans.

Are you an expert diver who’s thirsty for adventure? Then you should go to Ponta da Sapata, one of Noronha’s most famous diving spots in the Inner Sea, mostly known for an underwater cave about 18 meters deep that shelters huge stingrays and the black grouper (mero-preto), a docile ray-finned fish that can reach up to 400 kilos. Ressureta is another amazing diving spot for experienced divers

. At 16 meters deep, it’s not difficult to encounter barracudas, reef sharks, sea turtles, moray eels, etc.

Whether you’re seeking a gentle immersion or an adrenaline-packed dive, Fernando de Noronha has it all!

👉Find out more on our blog: The best diving spots in Fernando de Noronha

Fernando de Noronha marine life

The abundant marine life in Fernando de Noronha includes an extensive reef coverage and hundreds of different species of animals, including 169 reef fish (10 endemics), 219 mollusks (3 endemics), 11 corals, 33 cnidarians, and 77 sponges.

Baía dos Golfinhos is a wonderful place to spot spinner dolphins in their natural habitat – they rest, breed, and feed on small sea creatures all in the same area. To ensure their safety, boat circulation and diving have been prohibited since 1986.

Sea turtles are also a big part of the local fauna. From July to December, Noronha’s beaches are the breeding ground for the beautiful green turtle. Other residents are the hawksbill turtles, who often make themselves comfortable on the sand to feed and grow their babies.

These remarkable animals are protected by the Tamar Project and a Decree-Law that prohibits the capture and harassment of all species of turtles in Brazilian waters. In general, September is the month with the best conditions to watch marine animals

in Fernando de Noronha – although they can be spotted all year round. See below a ranking of sightings of the island’s main aquatic species: #1 Stingrays
#2 Green turtles
#3 Barracudas
#4 Lemon sharks
#5 Moray eels
#6 Nurse sharks
#7 Octopuses
#8 Hawkbill turtles
#9 Spinner dolphins

How many days to spend in Fernando de Noronha?

The average Fernando de Noronha diving trip lasts 4 to 6 days, enough time to explore the island’s dive sites, marine life, and other natural attractions. If possible, you should consider extending your stay so you can experience the full spectrum of Noronha’s underwater life – and maybe dive again in your favorite spots or look for a specific animal – and discover non-diving activities.

What to do in Fernando de Noronha besides diving?

Diving is the main reason a lot of tourists choose to travel to Fernando de Noronha, but there are other incredible activities that are definitely worth your while.

Explore the beaches

Fernando de Noronha beaches are some of the most beautiful you’ll ever see. You can swim and snorkel in the gorgeous blue waters of Baía dos Sanchos, the 35th best beach on the planet according to The World’s 50 Best Beaches. The stunning views of Morro dos Dois Irmãos at Baía dos Porcos or the surfing vibes at Cacimba do Padre are also mandatory attractions.

Other beaches you can’t miss: Praia do Cachorro, Praia do Meio, Praia do Bode and Praia do Americano.

Unique tours

Explore all the best spots in 4×4 vehicles, which is the perfect activity for first-time visitors looking to meet Noronha’s diverse attractions. These tours offer stops at iconic locations and often end with a memorable sunset experience at Forte do Boldró.

Adventure in nature

Noronha is a paradise for adventure lovers. Explore scenic trails like Trilha do Atalaia or the challenging Capim-Açu trail, which offers beautiful views of untouched landscapes. For a unique and unforgettable adventure, try Hawaiian canoeing from Praia do Porto during sunrise and marvel at the sight of dolphins in the open sea.

Visit marine life projects

Fernando de Noronha takes the preservation of the ocean and its creatures very seriously. Some organizations are open for visitation all year round, which allows for travelers to learn more about their efforts to protect the environment and even engage in some activities. The Tamar Project focuses on sea turtles, whereas the Spinner Dolphin Project is committed to spinner dolphins and the island’s overall marine life.

Local culture and cuisine

Immerse yourself in Noronha’s culture by exploring Vila dos Remédios, the island’s historical heart. Indulge in fresh seafood at renowned restaurants like Mergulhão or Xica da Silva, and don’t miss trying local delicacies like tapioca pancakes.

Sunset contemplation

The sunsets in Fernando de Noronha are legendary. Head to Forte do Boldró or Praia da Conceição for jaw-dropping views as the sun dips into the Atlantic. For a quieter option, Mirante dos Golfinhos is the perfect place for people in need of a few moments of peace.

How much does it cost to dive in Fernando de Noronha?

Fernando de Noronha’s diving prices vary according to the dive category and vacation package. Here’s a quick guide to help you with your travel plans:

Category	Price from	Includes
Introductory / Discovery Dives Great for beginners	R$ 960 (per dive)	Transfer, boat trip, private instructor, 1 tank, weights, BCD, regulator, fins, mask, wetsuit.
Certification Courses For those wanting to get certified	R$ 3,360 (Open Water) R$ 6,270 (Advanced)	Theoretical lessons, transfers for practical sessions, BCD, weights, regulator, tanks, fins, mask, and wetsuit.
Half-Day Dive Packages Certified divers can explore Noronha’s dive sites	R$ 820 – R$ 1,340	Transfer, 2 tanks, weights, boat transport, guide.
Advanced Dive Packages For experienced divers, multi-day packages with special dives, like shipwrecks or night dives.	R$ 820 – R$ 1,870 (per dive)	Multi-day packages with dives like shipwrecks or night dives. Includes trasfer, full equipment, and guide.

Additional costs:

• • Park entry fee: R$ 373 per stay for foreigners, R$ 186.50 for Brazilians.
  • Environmental Preservation Tax (TPA): R$ 97.16 per day.
  • Optional equipment rental (if not included): regulator with octopus and console – R$ 95, BCD – R$ 95, wetsuit – R$ 80, mask – R$ 25, fins – R$ 25, torch – R$ 130.
  • Includes: full equipment and guide.

Send us a message to get a customized quote. We’ll be happy to help!

How to get to Fernando de Noronha?

Fernando de Noronha Airport (FEN) is only serviced by daily flights from Recife (REC) and weekly flights from Natal (NAT). If you’re in Europe, non-stop flights departing from Lisbon (LIS) to both Recife and Natal are the most convenient options. Connecting flights to São Paulo (GRU/VCP) are a great alternative for US travelers

. After a quick layover, the trip to Recife or Natal takes about 3-4 hours.

Fernando de Noronha taxes and fees

Every traveler visiting Fernando de Noronha for tourist purposes must pay the Environmental Preservation Tax (TPA), which ensures the conservation of the archipelago’s natural resources. The TPA is charged individually and according to the number of days each person will stay on the island.

For your convenience, paying this fee ahead of boarding is recommended. All you have to do is follow the directions on Noronha’s official website. However, if your credit card isn’t issued in Brazil, the TPA can only be paid at the counter at Fernando de Noronha Airport. It’s a quick deal, so don’t worry!

Most sites in the archipelago are protected by Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park. To visit them, you should buy a ticket online or at the park’s Visitor Center. The ticket is valid for ten days. More information here.

Another way to preserve the archipelago is by limiting the number of visitors. In 2023, state and federal laws have determined that only eleven thousand people per month are allowed on the main island – up to 132 thousand per year. This is great for the environment and for tourism, as fewer people make it for a more exclusive and quiet experience, with no crowded areas and long lines.

Where to stay in Fernando de Noronha?

Searching for hotels in Fernando de Noronha? The island holds many options for every need and budget, from refined five-star establishments to shareable rooms in small hostels. Check it out!

Luxury hotels

Fernando de Noronha is a decadent destination with some of Brazil’s highest hotel prices (starting from R$ 800 per day) due to the beauty and exclusivity of the archipelago. Luxury accommodations are very sophisticated and ideal for people who can’t say no to comfort, fine dining and overall high-end services. They are usually a lot closer to some very famous spots, with panoramic views and short walks away from sites like Baía do Sueste, Praia do Boldró and Morro do Pico

. Obviously, this convenience also justifies the robust rates.

Middle-level hotels and inns

Middle-level hotels and inns are good alternatives for cheaper rates (starting at R$ 500 per day), but without sacrificing a high-quality stay. The accommodations are somewhat simpler than the luxury ones, but they still do a wonderful job at providing comfort, delicious food, and entertainment to their guests.

Homestay

Those looking for an authentic immersion in Noronha’s culture should consider the homestay option. With a population of only 3,000 people, the locals’ main source of income are tourism activities, which made a lot of them turn their own houses into charming accommodations for travelers who want lower prices (starting from R$ 300 per day) and a cozy stay.

Hostels

Limited budgets can choose hostels with shared bedrooms and bathrooms. With prices starting at R$ 148 per day, these accommodations are considerably far from Fernando de Noronha’s beaches and diving sites (usually 1-2 km).

However, they are situated in Vila dos Remédios, the urban area where most restaurants, grocery stores, bars, and street markets are located.

Start planning your Fernando de Noronha diving trip now!

Now that you know all the important information to have the most wonderful diving experience in Fernando de Noronha, shall we start planning your next vacation? PlanetaEXO is here to help with everything you need, from booking your hotel reservations to connecting you with the best professionals in the field. Contact us now!