Fernando de Noronha boat tour: Dolphins, snorkel & Sancho Beach

See the island from the water: dolphins, snorkeling, and rock formations most visitors miss

A shared boat tour circles Fernando de Noronha island, passing Dolphin Bay twice with a 90% chance of spotting spinner dolphins, then anchoring at Praia do Sancho for a 40-minute snorkel among colorful fish and sea turtles. The route also stops at Pedra do Leão, where waves crash against rock formations with a sound like a lion's roar. The tour runs three hours and includes transportation and a diving stop.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour around Fernando de Noronha

• Sail around Fernando de Noronha island
• Pass by Dolphin Bay, spot spinner dolphins
• Continue to Ponta da Sapata
• Swim and snorkel at Praia do Sancho
• Stop at Pedra do Leão to hear waves

The experience

You board a boat that sails the perimeter of Fernando de Noronha, moving through waters most land tours never reach. The route passes Dolphin Bay twice: the operator quotes a 90% chance of seeing spinner dolphins that swim alongside the boat. From there you continue to Ponta da Sapata before the boat anchors at Praia do Sancho, where you have 40 minutes to snorkel in water clear enough to spot colorful fish and sea turtles moving below you.

On the return, the boat stops at Pedra do Leão, a rock formation where the sound of waves crashing carries across the water. The whole tour takes three hours and runs with other passengers. A live guide speaks English, Spanish, or Portuguese. If your guide's language is unavailable that day, a digital translator bridges the gap so you still get commentary on what you're seeing.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and insect repellent. The tour includes transportation to the boat. If seas are rough or swell is high, the operator replaces the boat tour with an island land tour covering the same main attractions and viewpoints instead.

What’s included

• Transportation to the boat and a diving stop are included.
• bring your own swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to4h before

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 6 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by RJ TOP TOUR EXPERIENCE

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, Spanish, or Portuguese live, with a digital translator available if your language guide is unavailable, so language won't stop you from following the route and the stops. The shared boat means you travel with other passengers rather than as a private group.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

What's the chance of seeing dolphins on this Fernando de Noronha boat tour?

The operator quotes a 90% chance of spotting spinner dolphins during the two passes by Dolphin Bay, where they regularly swim alongside the boat.

How long do you get to snorkel at Praia do Sancho?

Praia do Sancho is the main snorkel stop, and you have 40 minutes in the water to swim among the fish and sea turtles.

What happens if the sea is too rough to sail?

In case of swell or rough seas, the boat tour is replaced with the Ilha Tour, a land-based excursion covering the main attractions and viewpoints of Fernando de Noronha island instead.

Is food included on the three-hour tour?

Food and drink are not included. You'll want to eat before or after the tour. Bring cash or a card if you plan to purchase anything during the day.

Can infants go on this boat tour?

Infants are welcome and can sit on an adult's lap during the tour. The tour suits all fitness levels.