Fernando de Noronha Walking Tour: Dolphin Bay & Sancho Beach

Spinner dolphins swim alongside the boat on nearly every departure.

This shared walking tour explores Fernando de Noronha by boat and on foot, passing Dolphin Bay twice with a 90% chance of spotting spinner dolphins, then stopping at Praia do Sancho for a 40-minute snorkeling session among colorful fish and sea turtles. The route also includes Ponta da Sapata, one of the island's most iconic rock formations, and Pedra do Leão, where waves against the stone produce a sound like a lion's roar. Transportation is included. The tour runs 3 hours and suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Fernando de Noronha highlights

• Boat ride past Dolphin Bay
• Visit Ponta da Sapata rock formation
• Snorkel at Praia do Sancho
• Stop at Pedra do Leão

The experience

Ponta da Sapata and Praia do Sancho are the anchors of this tour, but the boat ride is what makes the day. The journey passes Dolphin Bay twice, and the operator quotes a 90% sighting rate for spinner dolphins: the kind that leap and spin as they swim. That's not a guarantee, but it's the reason most people book. The boat also slows at Pedra do Leão, where the wave action against the rock creates a sound that gives the formation its name.

Praia do Sancho is where you get in the water. The 40-minute snorkeling session puts you in turquoise shallows where sea turtles and colorful reef fish are routine. The beach itself sits at the base of cliffs and is accessed by ladders through rock crevices or scenic trails. The approach is part of the experience. The waters are part of the Marine National Park, so visitation is controlled and the reef stays intact.

The tour runs three hours total and includes transportation and the swimming stop. If the sea is rough or swell is running, the operator replaces the boat excursion with an island tour that covers the main viewpoints and attractions on land instead. A live guide leads in English, Spanish or Portuguese. If the bilingual guide is unavailable, a digital translator ensures you still get the commentary. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, insect repellent and comfortable shoes. Cash or card covers any extras you want to buy.

What’s included

• Transportation to and from the tour sites.
• boat navigation past Dolphin Bay, Ponta da Sapata and Pedra do Leão.
• 40-minute snorkeling session at Praia do Sancho with access to the beach.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

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 FORTALEZA EXPERIENCE TOUR

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese live, and a digital translator is available if the bilingual guide is not scheduled, so language is never a barrier to following the commentary and the stops.

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 tour?

The boat passes Dolphin Bay twice, and the operator states a 90% chance of spotting spinner dolphins on the route. Sightings are not guaranteed, but they are the norm on this tour.

How long is the snorkeling stop at Praia do Sancho?

Praia do Sancho includes a 40-minute snorkeling session in the bay's turquoise waters, where you'll encounter colorful fish and sea turtles among the reef.

What happens if the sea is too rough to go out on the boat?

In case of swell or rough seas, the tour is replaced with the Ilha Tour, a land-based excursion that explores the island's main attractions and viewpoints instead.

Is transportation included in the tour price?

Yes, transportation is included. The tour covers the boat navigation and all stops. You bring cash or a card for any extras you choose to purchase on the day.

Can infants come on this tour?

Infants are welcome and can join the tour. They are required to sit on an adult's lap during the boat portion and throughout the excursion.