Sancho Bay Diving: Dolphins & Reef Fish from Fernando de Noronha

Dolphins travel alongside the boat on most departures.

A morning boat tour from Port of Santo Antônio in Fernando de Noronha that sails past Morro Dois Irmãos and through the Bay of Dolphins, then stops at Sancho Bay for diving among reef fish, stingrays and turtles. The tour runs 4 hours with a Portuguese-speaking guide. Pickup from your pousada is included. Lunch is optional, and you can choose the boat ride alone or add diving to your departure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour with marine life stop

• Depart from Port of Santo Antônio
• Sail past Morro Dois Irmãos and Bay of Dolphins
• Reach Ponta da Sapata
• Stop at Sancho Bay for diving and marine life
• Return to Port of Santo Antônio

The experience

The route leaves the Port of Santo Antônio in the morning and moves through the secondary islands toward Morro Dois Irmãos at Cacimba do Padre beach. From there the boat sails into the Bay of Dolphins (where you'll often see them traveling alongside), and continues to Ponta da Sapata, the island's most extreme point. The return trip brings you to Sancho Bay, where the boat stops for diving and time in the water. Shoals of fish, stingrays and turtles are common at this stop.

You choose whether to dive or simply swim and observe the marine life from the surface. A guide in Portuguese leads the tour and points out what's moving through the water. The boat carries a bar with water, soft drinks and beer available for purchase. Lunch is optional on some departures. Confirm your preference when you book. The whole outing takes around 4 hours from departure to return.

Pickup runs from your pousada to the port and back, so you don't arrange separate transport. The tour suits all fitness levels. Public transportation options exist nearby if you prefer to make your own way to the port instead.

What’s included

• Pickup and return transfer from your pousada to Port of Santo Antônio.
• Portuguese-speaking guide for the full 4-hour route.
• access to Sancho Bay for diving or swimming.
• bar service with water, soft drinks and beer available for purchase.

Options for this experience

2 options

Boat RideGuide in Portuguese · 07:30Pickup is included

Boat tour plus island tourGuide in Portuguese · 07:30Island tour, pickup included

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 50 · max 4 per booking

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.

Paid on siteUS$ 96

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Noronha Tour

Is this one for you?Choose the boat ride alone if you want to see the dolphins and islands without entering the water. Add diving at Sancho Bay if you want to spend time underwater with the reef fish, stingrays and turtles. Lunch is optional, so decide based on whether you prefer to eat on board or after you return.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

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's the Bay of Dolphins actually like when you're out on the water?

The Bay of Dolphins is a passage the boat sails through on the way to Sancho Bay. Dolphins travel alongside the boat on most departures, though sightings are not guaranteed. The route also passes Morro Dois Irmãos and Ponta da Sapata before reaching the diving stop.

Is the morning departure the only option, or are there afternoon tours?

Morning departures run from 7:30 to 11:30. The operator's material lists only this window, so check availability for other times when you book.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear, or is it provided?

Snorkeling equipment is not included with any option. You'll need to bring your own or arrange rental separately before the tour.

What happens if I want lunch on the boat?

Lunch is available on some departures as an optional add-on. The boat also runs a bar with snacks and drinks for purchase. Contact the operator about lunch availability and pricing when you reserve.