Fernando de Noronha: Hawaiian Canoe Tour & Dolphin Spotting

Summary

Paddle ancient canoes past dolphins and secret beaches in Noronha

You’ll paddle a Hawaiian canoe with locals from Praia do Porto along Fernando de Noronha’s wild coast, passing secret beaches and pausing for a swim or dive in clear water. Expect laughter with your guide, possible dolphin sightings if you’re lucky, and that satisfying ache of muscles well used by day’s end.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the start because I couldn’t find where to stash my flip-flops (turns out, there’s a little spot at Praia do Porto just for that — should’ve asked sooner). Our guide from the Noronha Paddle Club was already laughing with someone about sunscreen streaks when I joined. The canoe looked heavier than I expected, but once we pushed off, it felt like skimming over glass. There’s this salty tang in the air you only get here, mixed with something sweet — maybe from those low trees along the shore.

We paddled out past Air France and Rugido do Leão — I’d never realized how many stories these places hold until our guide started pointing out old landmarks. Sometimes he’d switch to Portuguese mid-sentence and then back again, which made me smile because it felt like being let in on a local secret. At Praia do Cachorro, the water turned this unreal shade of blue-green. Everyone went quiet for a bit except for some distant laughter from another boat. And then someone spotted fins — not close, but enough to make us all sit up straight. Dolphins move fast; I nearly dropped my paddle trying to see better.

The stop for swimming was honestly my favorite part. The water was cool but not cold, and there’s this moment when you dive under and everything goes silent except your own bubbles. I tried saying “obrigado” to Li (our guide) after he handed me my vest back — probably butchered it because he just grinned and shook his head. On the way back past Praia do Meio and Conceição, the sun got stronger and you could smell sunscreen everywhere, even over the seaweed tang. My arms were tired but in that good way that makes you feel like you actually did something real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hawaiian canoe expedition in Fernando de Noronha

• Meet at Praia do Porto
• Start 4 km canoe route
• Pass Air France and Rugido do Leão
• Pass Praia do Cachorro and Praia do Meio
• Pass Conceição beach
• Stop for bathing and diving
• Use provided oars and vests
• Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, cap
• Optional: use mask, snorkel, fins for free diving
• Hope to see dolphins

Top questions

How long is the Hawaiian canoe tour in Fernando de Noronha?

The route covers about 4 km along the coast with stops for swimming or diving.

Where does the canoe tour start?

The expedition leaves from Praia do Porto on Fernando de Noronha island.

Is equipment provided for the canoe trip?

Yes, paddles and vests are included for all participants.

Do I need previous canoeing experience?

No experience is required; suitable for all fitness levels.

Are dolphin sightings guaranteed on this tour?

No, dolphin sightings are possible but not guaranteed as they are wild animals.

What should I bring for the day trip?

Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a cap with a head fit, and snorkeling gear if you have it.

Is there somewhere safe to leave belongings during the activity?

Yes, there is a place at Praia do Porto to leave items not needed on the canoe.

Does this tour include pickup from hotels?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes paddles and vests provided by Noronha Paddle Club guides; there’s also a safe spot at Praia do Porto to leave your extra belongings before heading out onto the water together.