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Fernando de Noronha Archipelago
Fernando de Noronha until 1988, is an Atlantic Ocean archipelago belonging to the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. It lies about 354 km off the Brazilian coast and comprises 21 islands and islets, covering a total area of 26 km². The main island, which gives the archipelago its name, is the only inhabited one, spanning 18.4 km² with an estimated population of 3,101 as of 2020. While much of the archipelago is relatively low-lying, some areas rise above 100 m in elevation.
The islands hold a unique administrative status in Brazil, forming a “state district” governed directly by the state of Pernambuco, even though they are geographically closer to Rio Grande do Norte. This district also encompasses the remote Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago, situated 625 km northeast of Fernando de Noronha. In 1988, 70% of the islands’ area was designated as a national marine park.
In 2001, UNESCO recognized the archipelago as a World Heritage Site for its vital role as a feeding ground for tuna, sharks, sea turtles, and marine mammals. The islands observe UTC−02:00 year-round.
Geology
The islands of this archipelago represent the exposed peaks of a submerged mountain range. It comprises 21 islands, islets, and volcanic rock formations. The main island, which accounts for 91% of the total area, spans 18 km², measuring about 10 km in length and up to 3.5 km in width. The base of this massive volcanic structure lies 756 m below sea level. The volcanic rocks are diverse but predominantly silica-undersaturated, featuring lava types such as basanite, nephelinite, and phonolite. Other notable islands include Rata, Sela Gineta, Cabeluda, and São José, along with the islets of Leão and Viúva. The main island’s central highland is known as the Quixaba.
Tourism
Fernando de Noronha’s beaches are major attractions for tourism and recreational diving. Among the most famous are Baía do Sancho, Baía dos Porcos, Dolphins Bay, Sueste Bay, and Praia do Leão. Thanks to the South Equatorial Current, which brings warm waters from Africa, divers can explore depths of 30 to 40 m without a wetsuit, with underwater visibility reaching up to 50 m.
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On the side facing the Brazilian mainland, the beaches appear in this order: Baía do Sancho, Baía dos Porcos, Praia da Cacimba do Padre, Praia do Bode, Praia dos Americanos, Praia do Boldró, Praia da Conceição, Praia do Meio, and Praia do Cachorro. The Atlantic-facing side has only three beaches: Praia do Leão, Praia do Sueste, and Praia do Atalaia. A popular walking route to explore the island begins at Praia dos Americanos, continues through Praia do Boldró, Praia da Conceição, and Praia do Meio, and ends at Praia do Cachorro.
Dolphin Bay is home to an extraordinary population of resident dolphins, while during low tide, Rocas Atoll unveils a breathtaking landscape of lagoons and tidal pools brimming with fish, along with a diverse array of shellfish, sponges, mollusks, corals, and other marine life.
