Welcome to one of Brazil’s top honeymoon destinations!
Growing up in Brazil, I had heard and dreamed of visiting Fernando de Noronha since I was a little kid. I watched it in novelas and heard it in the news—it was always described as a must-see paradise, bucket list destination. Little did I know that decades later, while traveling the world and getting married in Brazil, we’d be lucky enough to visit it for our honeymoon.
Though we weren’t sure whether to have an official honeymoon or not. We decided that instead of sticking to our usual backpacker budget and route, we’d use our wedding gift money to enjoy Brazil’s once in a lifetime destination.
Once we committed, the planning process was relatively easy. Since our wedding was in João Pessoa, getting to Fernando de Noronha was convenient—just a short drive to Recife (REC) and a quick flight from there.
Fun Fact: When we arrived at the airport we couldn’t believe how tiny the plane was, one of the smallest ones we’ve flown in thus far!
The Island of Fernando de Noronha
Fernando de Noronha is a stunning island tucked in the northeast of Brazil, known for crystal-clear waters, rich marine life, and some of the best beaches in the world.
We spent four incredible days on the island, exploring its natural beauty, swimming with sharks, and soaking up the sun in Brazil’s ultimate paradise.
>> Click here to read all about our destination wedding in João Pessoa, Brazil! <<
Best Things to Do in Fernando de Noronha
Here are a few of the top activities we did during our honeymoon:
1. Full-day land excursion of the archipelago (Including beach hopping and panoramic views).
This was the perfect way to see most of the island and decide what else we would do during our time there. We got to drive around and explore the island’s famous beaches, even swimming at some of them. We also visited several viewpoints, capturing some great pictures of both us and the island.
Praia do Leão was a beautiful stop, however, given that it was swell season, like in many of the other beaches the current was too strong to swim for long. Regardless of the current, our tour guide took Kelvyn, who was the only brave (or crazy enough) person in our group to snorkel at a famous shark sighting spot close by. Luckily he made it alive and was able to see a few lemon sharks, stingrays, and turtles.
2. Afternoon and sunset boat ride with snorkeling
A perfect way to spend the day in the water while admiring the island from an ocean view. This was also where we got to swim up close with tiny reef sharks! We loved being able to visit different beaches and snorkel in the crystal-clear water. A cool part was snorkeling while holding onto a float attached to the boat. This drags you as the boat cruises, allowing you to see sharks, turtles, and fish swimming around. Our favorite part was ending the trip watching the sunset on the boat next to the famous Morro do Pico.
3. Exploring hidden beaches
When you do the island tour, the driver decides where to watch the sunset at the end of the tour. For us, we ended up at the Forte do Boldró lookout, which overlooks Boldró Beach this is a must visit for sunset. Praia da Conceição is another famous location to watch the sunset, some people also go to Bar do Meio which is nearby to watch while having dinner and drinks.
5. Visiting the main town and enjoying the delicious food.
The town of Vila dos Remédios is the heart of the island, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops to explore. We visited often and enjoyed eating at our favorite spots, including Xica da Silva, Mare Comida com Vida, and Acaiteria e Espetaria, the tiny churrasco place at the end of the block.
Tip: For those who enjoy surfing, Fernando de Noronha is also known as a top surfing destination!
How to Get Around Fernando de Noronha
The island is small and easy to navigate. Most visitors rent buggies or cars, but public transport is also an affordable and convenient option and along with walking it’s what we primarily used.
Where to Stay in Fernando de Noronha
The island offers luxury resorts, charming pousadas, and a few budget-friendly accommodations. We opted for a small Airbnb walking distance from Vila dos Remédios, as our priority was to spend our wedding funds on activities and food, instead of accommodation. However, we would love to visit again in the future and enjoy a stunning beach front getaways!
Fun Fact: Fernando de Noronha reminded us of a mix of Hawaii, Amalfi Coast, and parts of the Dominican Republic.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Visiting
Fernando de Noronha has several required fees and taxes:
- Tourism Tax (TPA): A daily environmental fee of about R$92.89 per person (around $18 USD/day). Paid online or upon arrival. Click here for the TPA payment form.
- National Park Entrance Fee: If you plan to visit the protected areas, a one-time fee of about R$358 (about $70 USD) is required. Can be purchased online, or in person at the registration office. Click here to learn more about tickets required.
- The season matters! If you want calm, crystal-clear waters for snorkeling and diving, visit between August and December. We visited in February during swell season and experienced stronger waves and mirkier waters (as pictured above).
- The sun is intense! Pack hats, lightweight long-sleeves, and plenty of water to stay cool. If you are visiting the park, you can buy their park bottle and refill it in other park stations for free.
- Reef-safe sunscreen is required to help protect marine life.
- Be prepared for mosquitos—repellent is a must, specially after sunset.
- Do not drink and drive—There are many police officers stopping vehicles for breathalyzer tests around the island. We personally saw this happen every day.
Find additional details on the official government website here!
How to Get to Fernando de Noronha
- From Brazil: Direct flights are only available from Recife (REC) and Natal (NAT).
- From João Pessoa: Drive, Uber, or take a quick flight to Recife, then a direct flight to Fernando de Noronha.
- From International Destinations: The closest international airport is Recife (REC). However, international travelers typically fly into major airports like São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro first, then make their connection to REC or NAT from there.
Did you know: The island has a limited visitor capacity of up to 750 visitors daily. Make sure to plan ahead!
Would We Do It Again?
It was a dream come true to check Fernando de Noronha off our bucket list. From swimming with tiny sharks to watching the most beautiful sunsets on a boat and off a cliff, every moment was magical. We would absolutely love to return one day with family and friends to experience it all over again.
Would You Visit Fernando de Noronha? Let us know! If you’re planning a trip and have questions, feel free to ask—we’d love to help you plan your dream honeymoon or getaway.
FAQ’s:
Q: When is the best time to visit Fernando de Noronha?
A: The best time to visit is between August and December, when the water visibility is at its best for snorkeling and diving.
Q: Is Fernando de Noronha expensive?
A: Yes, it is one of the pricier destinations in Brazil due to its remote location and tourism park fees and taxes, but budget options exist!
Q: Can you visit Fernando de Noronha on a budget?
A: While luxury accommodations dominate, you can find budget-friendly pousadas, take public transport, and enjoy free nature activities as we did.
