Fernando de Noronha: Ilha Tour by 4x4 with Snorkeling & Main Beaches

Summary

Noronha’s wild coastline, secret bays and the Dois Irmãos up close

You’ll ride across Fernando de Noronha by 4x4 with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Expect stops for snorkeling at Praia do Porto, sweeping views from Sancho and Boldró viewpoints, plus time to wander iconic beaches like Baía dos Porcos and Cacimba do Padre. It’s full-on but never rushed — just enough time for sand between your toes and maybe a little sunburn.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start my day in Fernando de Noronha bouncing along in the back of a 4x4, salt in my hair before breakfast. Our guide, João (who everyone seemed to know — he honked and waved at half the island), kicked off at Mirante do Sancho. The cliffs there are sharp and red, and honestly, I was still waking up when João pointed out a pair of frigatebirds swirling above us. There’s something about that early light — not golden exactly, more like soft honey — that made me pause. I almost forgot to take a photo.

We zigzagged through so many places I lost count: Praia do Sueste (no swimming now — the turtles are nesting), then Buraco da Raquel where João told some story about a fisherman’s daughter that I only half caught because I was distracted by the smell of seaweed drying on hot rocks. At Museu dos Tubarões, there was this weird mix of fishy air and fried snacks from a nearby stall. I tried to say “tubarão” right but João just grinned — probably mangled it.

The best bit? Snorkeling off Praia do Porto. The water was colder than I thought, but after ten seconds you forget because there’s this flash of blue tangs under your mask and suddenly you’re chasing shadows with your fins. Lunch was somewhere simple; plastic chairs, grilled fish so fresh it almost twitched, nothing fancy but perfect after swimming. We stopped at Cacimba do Padre too — sand everywhere, surfers waiting for that big set — and then Baía dos Porcos where everyone went quiet for a second looking at Morro Dois Irmãos. Maybe it was just me being sentimental.

Sunset from Mirante do Boldró isn’t something you can really describe. The sky goes orange-pink behind those two hills and people just sit together without talking much. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Complete island tour with snorkeling

• Visit Sancho Viewpoint
• Explore Sancho Bay and snorkel
• Stop at Mirante do Leão
• Visit Praia do Leão and snorkel
• Visit Chapel of São Pedro
• Visit Buraco da Raquel
• Visit Shark Museum
• Stop for lunch at island restaurant
• Visit Porto Beach and snorkel
• Visit Sueste Bay
• Visit Cacimba do Padre Beach
• Visit Baía dos Porcos and Dois Irmãos hill
• Visit Morro Dois Irmãos
• Enjoy sunset at Fortinho Mirante do Boldró

Top questions

How long does the Ilha Tour in Fernando de Noronha last?

The tour covers most of the day as it visits around 80% of the island’s main sites and beaches.

Is snorkeling equipment included in the Ilha Tour?

No, but your guide will help you rent snorkel gear, fins, or vests if needed during the tour.

Which beaches are visited on the Ilha Tour?

You’ll stop at places like Praia do Sancho, Praia do Sueste (no swimming currently), Praia do Porto, Cacimba do Padre, Baía dos Porcos, and others.

Does the tour include lunch?

No, lunch is not included in the price but there is a stop at a well-located restaurant where you can buy lunch.

Is hotel pickup included in this Fernando de Noronha tour?

Yes, transfer in/out for the tour is included.

Can children join the Ilha Tour?

Yes, infants can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult’s lap; suitable for all fitness levels.

Will we have a local guide during the Ilha Tour?

Yes, an accredited local guide leads the entire tour and shares stories about each stop.

Are there any restrictions for swimming or snorkeling?

Swimming/snorkeling is currently suspended at Praia do Sueste due to turtle nesting; other spots may be available depending on conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your accommodation on Fernando de Noronha, all transport around the island by 4x4 with an accredited local guide who’ll share stories (and maybe some jokes), plus guided snorkeling stops along the way. Lunch isn’t included but there’s time set aside to eat at a local spot before heading out for more exploring together.