Fernando de Noronha Boat Tour: Dolphins, Turtles & Swimming

Spinner dolphins travel alongside the boat on most departures.

A three-hour boat tour of Fernando de Noronha that circles the island's main sites, passing Dolphin Bay twice with a 90% chance of spotting spinner dolphins, stopping for a 40-minute swim at Praia do Sancho among sea turtles and reef fish, and pausing at Pedra do Leão to hear waves crash against the rocks. Hotel pickup is included. The guide speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese, or uses a digital translator if needed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour exploring Fernando de Noronha

• Pass by Dolphin Bay first time
• Reach Ponta da Sapata
• Swim at Praia do Sancho for 40 minutes
• Return and pause at Pedra do Leão
• Pass by Dolphin Bay second time

The experience

The boat leaves from a central point and heads out to Dolphin Bay, where spinner dolphins often travel alongside or beneath the boat. The route passes the bay twice during the tour, building in time to watch for the dolphins that frequently accompany vessels in these waters. Between passes, you stop at Ponta da Sapata before reaching Praia do Sancho, where you get 40 minutes in the water to swim among the fish and sea turtles that inhabit the shallows.

The water at Praia do Sancho is clear enough to see the reef and the turtles moving through it. You bring your own snorkel gear or rent it separately. The tour provides the access and the time in the water. On the return journey, the boat slows at Pedra do Leão, a rock formation where the sound of waves hitting the stone carries across the water. A detail most visitors do not expect to be the memorable part of the day.

The tour runs three hours total and suits all fitness levels. Infants travel free on an adult's lap. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and insect repellent. Comfortable shoes help on the boat. The guide communicates in English, Spanish or Portuguese. If the bilingual guide is unavailable, a digital translator ensures you understand the route and the stops. Hotel pickup is included in the price.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• three hours on the water with stops at Dolphin Bay (twice), Ponta da Sapata, Praia do Sancho and Pedra do Leão.
• 40 minutes of swimming time at Praia do Sancho among sea turtles and fish.
• a live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese (or digital translation if needed).

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 8 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

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by RIO PASSEIOS EXPERIENCE

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you need commentary in your language. The guide speaks yours or uses a digital translator to explain what you're seeing.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

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

Spinner dolphins accompany the boat on most departures, with a 90% chance of encounters as the route passes Dolphin Bay twice.

How long do you spend swimming at Praia do Sancho?

You get 40 minutes in the water at Praia do Sancho to swim among the sea turtles and reef fish in the shallow bay.

Is hotel pickup included in the tour price?

Yes, hotel pickup is included. The tour departs from your accommodation and returns you there at the end of the three hours.

What should I bring on the boat tour?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable shoes and cash or a card for any extras you want to purchase during the day.