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Published: October 31st 2006
turtle
took this picture with the underwater camera case while snorkeling! A few hundred kilometers off of Brazils northeast coast there is a small group of islands named Fernando de Noronha. Its there that I made my next stop.
The phrase island paradise is a bit overused nowadays, but I can't think of a better way to describe Noronha. The amazing sights of the island began with the from the window of the plane ride here, and have continued ever since. Everywhere I look are views worthy of photographs, but thats just the start to what is amazing about this place.
Noronha is every bit as beautiful as any island in the Carribean or Pacific, perhaps more. There are long, seemingly deserted beaches with soft sand and great waters for surfing, swimming or other water activities. Pictures are worth a thousand words and I'll let them do the talking for the beauty of the place. But Noronha's charm extends well beyond its beautiful beaches and sights. The waters here are both warm and crystal clear, making for remarkable snorkeling and scuba diving. There is also a great deal of interesting ocean life, including turtles, stingrays, dolphins, and all sorts of colorful fish - and thats only the things I
noronha sunset
so many photo ops here have seen. I've snapped some decent photos with my underwater camera to give you an idea.
But most striking about Noronha is its lack of resort style development. The heart of the island consists of a few historical sights, such as the ruins of an old fort, a church, and some other small buildings. Beyond those lie dozens of the homes of the residents. Most of these contain small Pousadas, or bed and breakfast type guesthouses like the one im staying at. There are no hotels, no resorts, and only the necesities of modernization(there is electricty, a hospital a handfl of internet cafes, and the like). The commercial development so prevelant in most island getaways just doesnt exist here.
Nor is it needed. The hospitality of Brazilians is somewhat renouned, but even knowing this it has exceeded all of my expectations. A typical day goes something like this: you wake up and meet with the owner and other guests at the pousada for breakfast. This is not your hotel free continental breakfast, but more of a small buffet with local fruits(mangos, papayas, and lots of stuff I cant identify), hams, cheeses, breads, cakes, coffee and fruit juices. After
stingray
saw some stingrays while diving eating and talking with the other guests, you may go out to take part in some of the islands activities. Such activities include island tours, boat tours, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, "Aqua-subbing" (being pulled by a boat while you snorkel), or just enjoying the great beaches. If you have a reservation for an activity, such as a tour or dive, they will come to pick you up. If not its quite easy to find your own way around, and the entire island can be walked across in less than an hour. I have tried the boat and city tours as well as diving - each time having an amazing experience.
While there are a handful of guides and tour operators that speak english, Ive found most residents speak only Portuguese. This is OK as Im getting by just fine with only a handful of phases. Prices on the island for most things are not too high by US standards(a beer costs about $1-$2 most anywhere, meals are $8-$15), but there are exceptions since most goods must be imported. There is also a island visitor tax which for me amounts to like $15-$20 per day, so that and the airfare to
The Beach
The Beaches of the island are the best Ive ever been on get here from the mainland makes the island an expensive destination within Brazil. This and other government planning may help in limiting the number of visitors here, which seems remarkably few judging by the relatively deserted beaches.
I'm only spending 5 days in Fernando de Noronha, but I wish I had planned for more. I doubt any of the rest of my trip will come close. Im told that very few Americans come here, which surprises me since I can't imagine a better island destination. For brazilians this is a favorite vacation spot, and I can understand why. I'd definitely love to come back here some day.
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Teen
non-member comment
bemvindo ao Brasil!!!
Hi Scott, Just wanted to say hi and wish you happy traveling! Get in touch when you can and let me know where you are. I hope you're having an amazing time! See ya soon!!!