Paddling in Fernando de Noronha: Hawaiian Canoe on 4 km route

Paddle your own canoe past dolphins and sea cliffs

Paddle a traditional Hawaiian canoe on a 4 km route around Fernando de Noronha, departing from Praia do Porto and passing Air France, Rugido do Leão, Praia do Cachorro, Praia do Meio and Conceição, with a stop for swimming and free diving. The expedition lasts 90 minutes and includes oars, vests and a live guide in Portuguese. You operate the canoe yourself.

The experience

You arrive at Praia do Porto and push off into the water with oars and a vest already in the canoe. The route runs 4 km along the island's northern edge, and the guide paddles alongside you, pointing out the rock formations and the rhythm of the swell. The water is clear enough that you spot the seafloor passing beneath, and the coastline shifts from sandy beach to sheer volcanic wall as you move through the route. Dolphins are not guaranteed, but they are common enough that the guide watches for them and adjusts course if a pod appears.

Halfway through, you pull into one of the protected coves (Praia do Cachorro, Praia do Meio or Conceição, depending on conditions), and anchor to swim. If you brought a mask, snorkel and fins, you can dive straight down into the reef. If not, the water is warm and the sand is visible from the surface. The guide stays with the group and points out what lives there. You have time to float and recover before paddling back.

The return follows the same route, and the whole expedition runs 90 minutes from start to finish. Bring water and snacks, sunscreen and a hat that will stay on your head. There is a secure place on shore to leave anything you do not need in the canoe. Public transport reaches Praia do Porto, and the guide meets you there.

What’s included

• Oars and vests.
• live guide in Portuguese.
• swimming and free diving stop at a protected cove.
• pickup included.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 05:30 and 08:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (20 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Youth (10 to 19 years) · Child (2 to 9 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 11

Live guidePortuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Noronha Paddle Club

Is this one for you?You operate the canoe yourself, so this suits anyone comfortable paddling in open water and wanting to move at their own pace rather than watch from a boat. The 90-minute duration and 4 km distance fit a morning or afternoon slot without eating the whole day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 19 years); Child (2 to 9 years); Infant (under 2).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the 4 km route around Fernando de Noronha like?

The route leaves Praia do Porto and passes five named landmarks (Air France, Rugido do Leão, Praia do Cachorro, Praia do Meio and Conceição) following the island's northern coastline. You paddle past rock formations and sea cliffs, and the guide stops the group at one of the protected coves for swimming and free diving.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel and fins?

No, they are not required. The guide includes a stop for swimming in clear water where you can see the reef from the surface. If you have your own mask, snorkel and fins, bring them to dive deeper. If not, snorkeling from the surface is possible without them.

How long does the paddling expedition take?

The whole expedition runs 90 minutes from departure at Praia do Porto to return. That includes the 4 km paddle, the swimming stop and time to recover before heading back.

What happens if dolphins appear?

Dolphins are common in the waters around Fernando de Noronha but not guaranteed. The guide watches for them and will adjust the route if a pod appears nearby so the group can observe them from the canoe.

What do I need to bring and what is provided?

The operator provides oars and vests. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat that fits securely. If you have a mask, snorkel and fins, bring those too for the diving stop. A secure place on shore holds anything you do not need in the canoe.