Boat Cruise and Sancho Bay Swim: Fernando de Noronha

You swim at Sancho Bay, one of the world's most beautiful beaches, not just look at it from the boat.

A three-hour shared boat tour from Fernando de Noronha with hotel pickup and a Portuguese-speaking guide, stopping to swim at Sancho Bay and watch native wildlife in the archipelago. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent. Marine park entry tickets are separate and mandatory.

The experience

The tour starts at Praia do Porto, where you meet your group and can rent snorkeling gear before boarding. Once on the water, the crew runs through safety instructions and then you're underway for three hours of cruising through the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago. The route lets you see native wildlife in their natural habitat while the boat moves between stops.

Sancho Bay is the main swimming stop. You'll have time in the water there, not just a photo opportunity from the deck. If you want to snorkel, rental equipment (mask, snorkel, life jacket and flippers) is available at an average cost of BRL 30 per person. Hotel pickup and drop-off cover most hotels in Fernando de Noronha, and the guide speaks Portuguese throughout the tour.

Marine National Park entry tickets are mandatory and not included in the tour price. Foreigners pay BRL 373 (valid for 10 days). Brazilian citizens and children under 11 and adults over 65 enter free. You can buy tickets at the Visitor Center box office before or after the tour. Bring water or purchase bottled water at the starting point. Food and drinks are not part of the tour.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off to most hotels in Fernando de Noronha.
• a professional tour guide speaking Portuguese.
• safety briefing and crew assistance on board.
• access to Sancho Bay for swimming during the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 35

Live guidePortuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Gray Line Brazil

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want a guide who knows where the wildlife gathers and the best swimming spots, rather than navigating the archipelago on your own.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly happens at Sancho Bay during the tour?

Sancho Bay is a swimming stop where you get in the water for a set time. You can snorkel there if you rent equipment, or swim without it.

Is hotel pickup really included for all hotels in Fernando de Noronha?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for most hotels in Fernando de Noronha. Confirm your hotel's location when you book, since a few properties may not be on the standard route.

Do I need to buy the marine park ticket before the tour starts?

Marine National Park tickets are mandatory and can be purchased at the Visitor Center box office. You can buy them before the tour or arrange it separately. They are not included in the tour price.

What's the difference between renting snorkeling gear and swimming without it?

Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, life jacket and flippers) is available to rent for about BRL 30 if you want to see underwater life at Sancho Bay. You can swim without it, but the rental lets you explore below the surface.

How does the three-hour timing work? Is that all water time?

The tour runs three hours total from start to finish, including the boat ride between stops, time at Sancho Bay for swimming, and the return to Praia do Porto. The actual time in the water depends on the route and how many stops the guide makes.