Travel Guide for Fernando de Noronha, Brazil: Solo and on a Budget Style
- Chelsey Jacobs
- Jul 27, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 9, 2024
Fernando de Noronha is voted as one of the most gorgeous islands in Brazil, let alone the world. This island has won the title seven times for having the best beaches in the world and I can tell you with 100% certainty that this is true! Fernando de Norona is a volcanic archipelago, offering amazing scuba diving and snorkeling. Dolphins crowd near the shore and seeing a shark or sea turtle is common on the island. It's the wildlife, the surreal beaches, the landscapes, and the energy that call people to this island. Below you will find the best travel guide for Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, especially solo style! <3
A Hidden Local Gem
How to get there:
It is an hour-and-a-half flight that leaves from Natal, Brazil. Getting to Fernando de Noronha is simple, but it's more the price that will get you. Of course, you can take a connecting flight but the flight will always depart from and arrive in Natal. I booked my flight only a week out and got a better deal than most. Keep an eye on the prices!
General Tips:
You must buy the 358 R (~68 USD) National Park Pass to access most of the beaches. You can buy here or purchase on the island.
On top of that, there is a 97 R daily fee for being on the island. You pay for this when you land on the island and need to show it when you leave. They accept credit cards! It's the worst part about the island but I promise it is worth it!
Recommended amount of time: THREE FULL DAYS
There are plenty of snorkeling options and renting mask equipment is around 4 USD. If you're staying for a longer period of time, you can bring your own snorkel from the mainland
BUT, I will say, if you have done some pretty elite snorkeling it's not worth it to rent snorkeling equipment.
If you are with a group of people, rent and split the cost of a buggy for exploring the island at your convenience. If you rent a buggy, you can access a lot of the sites and beaches on your own.
Hitchhiking is very common! Don't be afraid to put your thumb out for a ride. It will save you a ton of money and people stop!
There is a bus that costs 5R that will take you all over the island.
Don't take a taxi! It's such a rip-off when you can hitchhike and take the bus
Must bring cash to the island. ATMS DO NOT WORK. You only need cash for discounts on excursions. Other than that, every place mostly takes credit cards.
Where to stay:
Noronha 350: As a solo backpacker and money-conscious, this is the exact spot to stay. The included breakfast in the morning is the top two best included breakfast I've had in South America. Not only that, there is afternoon tea time when snacks are available. The island is pretty expensive so this saved me a ton of money! It is a short walk from the main square but hitchhiking and the bus are great options. The only thing that REALLY sucked at this hostel is the NO wifi so prepare yourself for that.
Bringing a little plastic bag to breakfast and nonchalantly packing snacks for the rest of the day aint so bad of an idea ;)
Excursions:
This tour company is everything and more. Not only do they offer the BEST packages on the island by far but they send you parties and events that happen all throughout the island every night you are there.
If you pay with cash, you will get a discount.
I selected the Noronha Intesamente Package which includes four tours for 869 R (167 USD).
A full-day island tour where you see 80% of the island (Ilha Tour)
An early morning canoeing activity with snorkeling (Canoa Havaiana)
A morning boat ride that takes you to the most gorgeous beach in the world (literally it won the award seven times) (Barco Tradicional Sancho)
An afternoon sunset boat party with activities, snorkeling, grilling, and drinks (Entardecer Vip)
With these four activities, I saw plenty of the island in three days. Keep in mind there are other tours, but these four called me the most!
a. A hidden local gem
Morro de Fora - Piscina Natural: It is a small climb and a little dangerous from shore but 100% worth it! It's only 5-8 minutes you're walking on the side of rocks but for sure be careful! Better to go in the afternoon when the tide is lower.
Places to eat/drink:
There are a ton of places to eat, but it really depends on your budget. Just remember the portions are huge and one dish could serve two. The dishes for two can easily serve three.
Bar do Cachorro: This is an amazing spot to have a drink during sunset. Typically, there is a someone playing the saxophone during sunset! But remember, you have to pay 15 R if there is any artist playing live while you are sitting there. They also have Simba dance parties later in the night!
Restaurante da Edilma: A lovely cozy spot in the main square. Cairpahinas were cheaper than most and the portions were HUGE!
Peace and love Fernando de Noronha!
Xoxo,
Chelsey
Comments