FERNANDO DE NORONHA TROPICAL ISLAND IN BRAZIL, FERNANDO DE NORONHA PICTURES

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* * * Welcome to Fernando de Noronha * * *

Fernando de Noronha is an isolated group of volcanic islands located in the South Equatorial Atlantic at 03° 51' south and 32° 25' west, approximately 215 miles from Cape Sao Roque in the state of Rio Grande do Norte and 340 miles from Recife, Pernambuco. The main islands are the visible parts of a range of submerged mountains . Consisting of 21 islands, islets and rocks of a volcanic origin, the main island has an area of 7.1 square miles, being 6.2 miles long and 2.2 miles at its maximum width. The perimeter measures 37.2 miles. The base of this enormous volcanic formation is 2480 feet below the surface. The main island, from which the group gets its name, makes up 91% of the total area; the islands of Rata, Sela Gineta, Cabeluda and Sao Jose, together with the islets of Leao and Viuva make up the rest. Geological studies indicate that the islands were formed around 2,000,000 years ago.

* * * The weather around Fernando de Noronha * * *

The climate is tropical, with two well defined seasons: the rainy season from January to August, and the dry season for the rest of the year. The heaviest rains occur between March and July, sometimes reaching almost 8 inches in 24 hours in March and April. October is the dryest month, when rainfall will not be greater than 0.36 inch in a 24 hour period. The average temperature is 77° F, with a variation of only 7.4°. The hottest months are January, February and March. The relative humidity varies little from 81.5 % due to the islands characteristics. Average annual sunshine is 3.215 hours per day, with a maximum in November and a minimum in April.

* * * Land Vegetation* * *

The land vegetation of the islands is made up mostly of vines and bushes with a few species of trees, principally represented by the Nyctaginaceae, Bignoniaceae, Anacardiaceae, Rubiaceae and Euphorbiaceae. There are also a great number of bushes and herbs not native to the island. Most noted among the bushes is the wild bean Capparis cynophallophora and the burra leiteira Sapium scleratum (native), that produces a caustic sap capable of causing serious burns on men and animals. Among the herbs are noted the jitiranas Ipomea spp. and Merremia spp., which are harmful climbing vines. Besides these, some fruit trees have been introduced on the island, such as the papaya, cashew, banana, tamarind, caja, guava, graviola, etc. Various ornamental species have been introduced also, such as the almond Terminalia catappa, the royal poinciana Tebebuia impectiginosa , caraiba and serratifolia, the jasmin manga Plumeria alba, the eucalyptus, the coconut palm, in small numbers, and the carnauba Copernica prunifera, appear rarely.

Compared to the Brazilian coastline, there is not a great variety of aquatic plants on Fernando de Noronha. This emphasizes the uniqueness of the marine ecosystem of these islands, to which few species have been able to adapt. Perhaps it is due to the lack of nutrients basic to the growth of these algae, since warm currents poor in organic material are characteristic of Fernando de Noronha.

* * * Land Animals * * *

As occurs on other isolated oceanic systems, the land fauna of the Archipelago Fernando de Noronha presents an exuberant bird life, much richer than the vertebrate groups such as amphibians, reptiles, and mammals, which are represented by only a few species. The archipelago is home to the largest bird breeding colonies of all the islands of the Tropical South Atlantic. Among the species found here are the viuvinha Anus minutis, which builds it's nest in the trees and on the cliffs of the islands, using algae collected from the surface of the waters; the viuvinha grande anus stolidus; the trinta-reis-de-manto-negro Sterna fuscata; the viuvinha branca Gygis alba, a pure white bird which lays its eggs in the forks of tree branches; the mumbebos Sula dactylatra, the brown mumbebos Sula leucogaster, the red footed mumbebos Sula sula; the catraia Fragata magnificans and the red beak rabo-de-junco Phaethon aethereus (both of these are noted for their extremely long tail feathers).

Inland there are a few land birds, such as the sebito Vireo gracilirostis; the cocoruta Elainia spectabilis and the pomba avoante Zenaida auriculata noronha. As for the reptiles, there are two species of turtles: the aruana or green turtle Chelonia mydas, which uses the islands as its area of reproduction and feeding (herbivorous) and the young individuals of the Eretmochelys imbricata which use the islands for feeding and growth. Likewise, there are two species of lizards: mabuia Mabuya maculata (native) and the teju Tupinambis teguxim, which was introduced to feed on the rats, but prefers other prey such as the eggs and young of birds and turtles.

* * * Marine Life * * *

The Archipelago Fernando de Noronha hosts ecologic sites ideal for an exuberant marine animal life, due to its geographic location far from the continent and well within the path of the Southern Equatorial Current, as well as the nature of its climate, a fact clearly proven in various experiments. Over the years separate studies have discovered 168 families of mollusks, 72 species of crustaceans, and a large quantity of ornamental fish both native and migratory.

* * * Environment and Preservation * * *

In 1988 approximately 70% of the archipelago was declared a National Marine Park, with the goal of preserving the land and marine environment. It is administered by the IBAMA. Towards its goal research projects are being developed, such as: recording native and migratory bird species both marine and land; studying the behavior and reproduction of the golfinho rotador stenella longirostris; the ecology and reproduction of the crustaceans of the upper, middle and lower coast; shark research and the TAMAR PROJECT (marine turtles). These subjects are offered to the tourists each night at the visitors center of the project, nearby the headquarters of IBAMA.

Today Fernando de Noronha is a model of enviornmental preservation, existing side by side with small scale tourist activities, which are limited by the existing facilities. Permanent works built by the ONG's and Foundations, contribute to the perfecting of the conservational policies.

* * * Where to Stay at Fernando de Noronha * * *

There are various choices of where to stay on the island of Fernando de Noronha. All are tipically modest. In all there are 70 inns, classified according to their facilities and touristic infrastructure, and a small hotel. Reservations should be made early, especially for the months of January, February, July and December, as well as for longer holidays. Morena´s Inn, is one of the 5 best equipped inns of the island. Other choices may be found in GUIA 4 RODAS and similar magazines. The inns on the island function as boarding houses (breakfast, lunch and dinner), or only with breakfast, charging per night and per person. There is no limit imposed on the length of time a visitor may stay on the island, although this is tied into the Environment Preservation TAX. This tax, paid upon arrival, progressively increases with the length of the visit. Uniquely, all of the inns of the island are private residences more or less well modified for this type of service, similar to "Bed and Breakfast" accomodations, but offering all 3 meals. This family atmosphere is one of the most distinctive factors of the tourists' stay, making them feel as though they were in their own beach house.

* * * Fernando de Noronha' s beaches* * *

Air France Beach
Located in the extreme northeast of the main island, ideal for contemplation and diving. It offers a spectacular view of the smaller islands. Here is found the Cultural Center of the Archipelago, which offers courses in beginning art for children. The name Air France comes from the use of this area as a base for transatlantic flights made by Air France during the 1930's.

Porto Beach
This is where the tourist and supply ships dock. There is a small sand beach with calm waters. It is noted for the beautiful sunsets and the seabirds diving for food. During the months of December, January and February heavy waves (up to 13 feet) make it ideal for surfing.

Cachorro Beach
At the historic Vila dos Remedios, Cachorro Beach is alternately covered with sand or pebbles, depending on the season of the year, due to the tidal movements. It is great for surfing.

Meio Beach
Next to Cachorro Beach, shaped like a small bay. It may be reached from either Cachorro Beach or Conceicao Beach by means of a short and easy path.

Conceiçao Beach
One of the more beautiful and longer beaches on the archipelago, it is the most popular with both islanders and tourists. It is ideal for surfing (between December and February), for skin diving (from March to November), for swimming or merely contemplation. It is worth a visit just to view the sunset. There is a drink stand (BARBARIDADE) that is open daily.

Boldro Beach
Near the old US satelite tracking station, the sea has the same characteristics as Conceicao Beach except that the bottom is predominately coral. Special care should be exercised when swimming during the months of December through February due to the strong underwater currents. The drink stand Mirante located on a high point, keeps an irregular schedule.

Americano/Bode/ Cacimba do Padre Beach
Three adjacent beaches with access by land or by sea during low tide, ideal for the sport of surfing between December and February as well as for swimming during the rest of the year. On Bode Beach are nice shady spots under leafy trees, where one can relax or rest.

Baia dos Porcos
One of the best of Fernando de Noronha, with access from Cacimba do Padre Beach principally at low tide. Consists of marvelous views. Located opposite the Morro dos Dois Irmaos, (two small islands very near the beach), it has natural pools and variegated colored waters.

Baia do sancho
Just beyond Porcos Bay is found Sancho Bay, another notable beach among so many. Surrounded by a natural wall, it may be reached by a ladder fastened to the rock, or by a short trail (a local guide is recommended) or by sea. A beach of unforgettable beauty where one may find the nests of aquatic birds and enjoy excellent dives in the bay. For the tour boats, it is a stopping point for swimming and diving.

Baia dos Golfinhos
An area of maximum preservation, the only access is a pathway to the cliff's edge. It is an observation point for the activity of the dolphins, principally about 6 am. It is within the National Marine Park, and in order to preserve the area for the dolphins, access by sea is prohibited.

Praia do Leao - Lion's Beach
Located on the southeast side of the island, many think it has the most beautiful scenery of the Archipelago. The principal area for the sea turtles to lay their eggs, it has among other attractions its size (greatest length), pools and the esguichos, geyser-like fountains that result from the tremendous build-up of pressure as the high tide brings water in under the coral and consequently forces it through small openings. Best months: December through March.

Ponta das Caracas
Rocky, with access over the rocks, it has an excellent pool reachable at low tide. From the lookout point there is an excellent view of Leao Bay and surroundings.

Baia do Sueste
The calmest beach of Fernando de Noronha due to its form of an enclosed bay, it permits diving and swimming at any tide. Beautiful view and rich marine life. Next to it is the only islander mangrove of the South Atlantic, with its distinctive wildlife. Diving is restricted in some parts of the bay to protect the coral reefs. Drinks and snacks are served during the day (Tartarugao Lunches).

Praia da Atalaia
Virtually a natural aquarium, diving in its pools is possible at low tide. Extremely shallow (averaging 30 inches), it displays an impressive variety of marine life. Access by a trail beginning at the Vila do Trinta, or by car using the road near the airport. Located within the National Marine Park, the number of visitors is limited to thirty per day.

Praia da Caieira
Near the port, on the other side, it has a lovely view, and is used by the islanders for fishing.

Buraco da Raquel
A large group of pools, closed to visitors, may be seen from a look-out point. Very near the port (on the opposite side) and to Caieira Beach. Close for dive.

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