Fernando de Noronha: 4x4 Island Tour with Beaches & Sunset

Summary

All-day 4x4 adventure through Noronha’s beaches, viewpoints, and history with a local touch

You’ll ride across Fernando de Noronha by 4x4, stopping at Leão Beach’s soft sands, snorkeling at Sancho Beach, wandering historic sites near Porto, and sharing sunset at Forte do Boldró with locals and travelers alike. Expect salt air on your skin, stories from your guide, and moments of real quiet—plus plenty of time to swim or just watch the sea change color.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is the salt in the air—like you can taste the ocean before you even see it. We climbed into this open 4x4 truck just after breakfast, sun already warming my shoulders. Our guide, João, waved us in with a grin and started off with a story about Leão Beach—something about turtles nesting there, but honestly I was distracted by the way the sand looked almost pink in the morning light. Didn’t expect that.

The day trip around Fernando de Noronha felt like flipping through postcards, except you’re actually standing there. At Sueste Beach, João pointed out some fishermen hauling nets and told us how locals still rely on the tides—he even showed us how to check for stingrays before wading in (I was nervous but he laughed it off). The water at Sancho Beach was so clear I could see tiny fish darting around my toes. When we stopped at Baía dos Porcos, I tried to pronounce it right—Li laughed when I tried to say it in Portuguese. Probably butchered it.

We bounced along red dirt roads past cactus and low stone walls; sometimes João would stop just so we could watch frigatebirds circling above Dois Irmãos Lookout or let us wander through the old Port region near Capelinha de São Pedro. There was this moment at Cacimba do Padre where everything went quiet except for waves breaking—the kind of silence that sticks in your chest for a while.

The last stop was Forte do Boldró for sunset. Everyone just sort of drifted toward the wall and sat down together. Orange light on everyone’s faces, sand still between my toes. Someone handed around slices of cold watermelon from a cooler—I don’t know why that detail stuck with me but it did. The whole island glowed for those few minutes and then it was dark again. I still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full island tour with beaches and sunset

• Start tour at 8:30 AM
• Visit Leão Beach and Sueste Beach
• Stop at Ponta das Caracas viewpoint
• Explore Sancho Beach
• View Baía do Sancho Lookout
• See Dois Irmãos Lookout
• Visit Cacimba do Padre and Baia dos Porcos
• Explore Port Region including Porto Beach, Museum of Sharks, and Capelinha de São Pedro
• Swim and snorkel at main beaches
• End tour with sunset at Forte do Boldró

Top questions

How long does the Fernando de Noronha island tour last?

The tour starts at 8:30 am and finishes at sunset.

What beaches are included on the day trip?

The tour visits Leão Beach, Sueste Beach, Sancho Beach, Cacimba do Padre, Baía dos Porcos, Porto Beach and more.

Is snorkeling possible during this tour?

Yes, there are stops for swimming and snorkeling at main beaches like Sancho Beach.

Does this tour include pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; participants meet at a designated spot to join the group.

Who leads the Fernando de Noronha island tour?

A local guide accompanies you throughout the day providing stories and tips.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No lunch is included; however there are stops where you can buy snacks or food along the way.

Is this suitable for families or young children?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap in the vehicle.

Are public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to meeting points on Fernando de Noronha.

What’s included

Your day includes guided exploration by 4x4 truck across nearly all of Fernando de Noronha’s highlights—main beaches like Leão and Sancho, historic viewpoints such as Dois Irmãos Lookout and Forte do Boldró—with plenty of time for swimming or snorkeling before ending together at sunset.