Snorkeling and diving in Fernando de Noronha: turtles, sharks and tours

The easiest way to go snorkeling in Fernando de Noronha is to start with the Ilhatour island tour: from €93, with pickup, a Spanish-speaking guide and a 4.6/5 rating from 15 reviews. It covers the island’s main beaches and viewpoints, which is exactly where you snorkel with turtles and reef fish. Prefer the sea? The catamaran tour with lunch starts at €206, and the 7-hour island adventure at €77.

Our Fernando de Noronha activities page is small because the island caps visitor numbers and operators: five experiences on the island, priced €77–246 with a median of €93. Noronha is a National Marine Park and one of Brazil’s best places to snorkel, with clear water, sea turtles, rays and harmless reef sharks.

Prices, ratings and review counts updated on November 9, 2026 from the GetYourGuide catalogue. Tours Brasil is a GetYourGuide affiliate: booking through our links costs you the same and we earn a small commission.

Best ways to snorkel in Fernando de Noronha

Ranked by rating and verified reviews. All include pickup from your accommodation on the island.

1. Ilhatour around Fernando de Noronha — from €93, 11-hour day, Spanish-speaking guide, 4.6/5 from 15 reviews. The classic first-day tour of beaches, viewpoints and swim stops.
2. 7-hour island adventure — from €77, 3.6/5 from 8 reviews. A shorter, cheaper version of the island loop.
3. Explore Fernando de Noronha in 7 hours — from €86, 7 hours with pickup, 4.0/5 from 3 reviews. Another short island loop, priced between the two above.
4. Catamaran tour with lunch and transfer — from €206, 5 hours, 2.9/5 from 10 reviews. Sails along the park coastline; check recent reviews first.
5. 4-day combo with island tour, boat trip, history and transfers — from €246. New, no reviews yet.
6. On your own at the park beaches — after the Ilhatour you know where everything is and can return with your mask.

Quick comparison: price, rating and pickup

All five catalogue experiences on Noronha side by side. Every one includes pickup from your accommodation.

Activity	From	Rating	Reviews	Duration	Spanish guide	Pickup
Ilhatour (full island loop)	€93	4.6/5	15	11 h	Yes	Yes
7-hour island adventure	€77	3.6/5	8	7 h	No	Yes
Explore Noronha in 7 hours	€86	4/5	3	7 h	No	Yes
Catamaran with lunch and transfer	€206	2.9/5	10	5 h	Yes	Yes
4-day combo with transfers	€246	—	—	—	No	Yes

What marine life you will see

Expect sea turtles, schools of reef fish, rays and small reef sharks resting on the sandy bottom. From the Baía dos Golfinhos lookout you can often watch spinner dolphins early in the morning, although that bay is protected for them and closed to swimmers.

Visibility is usually excellent, which is why even a simple mask and snorkel feel like a dive here. Calm days with little swell bring the clearest water; after rough weather, the sheltered bays on the inner sea side of the island are the safest bet.

Where to snorkel in Noronha

Some spots have park-controlled access with visitor caps and set hours, so check rules when you arrive.

Baía do Sueste

The best-known bay for swimming with sea turtles, usually calm and good for beginners.

Atalaia natural pool

A natural pool with colourful fish and very clear water. Access is tightly regulated, and sunscreen is not allowed in the water.

Baía do Sancho and Baía dos Porcos

Two of Brazil’s most photographed beaches. On calm days the rocky bottom near shore is full of reef fish.

Praia do Porto

Right by Santo Antônio harbour, easy to reach and with a rocky bottom close to shore. Good for a short session before or after a boat trip.

What about scuba diving?

Noronha is one of Brazil’s top dive destinations, with great visibility, rock walls and wrecks such as the Ipiranga corvette. Our catalogue has no scuba dives yet, so book diving with a local dive centre and use our tours for the rest of your stay.

Which tour should you choose?

Three days on the island

Take the Ilhatour on day one, then spend the next two snorkeling your favourite bays.

Four days or more

The 4-day combo covers transfers, the island tour and a boat trip in one booking.

On a budget

The 7-hour adventure (from €77) is the cheapest option. Bring your own snorkel gear.

3-day Noronha snorkeling plan

Day 1: the Ilhatour (€93, 11 hours) to learn the island and swim at several park beaches. Tours: €93.

Day 2: on your own at Baía do Sueste with the turtles and, if low tide and a slot line up, the Atalaia natural pool. No tour cost, but you need the National Marine Park ticket.

Day 3: the catamaran with lunch (€206) or the cheaper 7-hour Explore loop (€86). Tours: €86–206.

That is €179–299 per person in tours over three days, before island fees and the park ticket.

How much does it cost?

• Island tour (Ilhatour, adventure or Explore): €77–93.
• Catamaran tour with lunch: from €206.
• 4-day combo with transfers: from €246.

On top of tours, visitors pay the island’s environmental preservation fee, charged per day of stay, and the National Marine Park entry ticket. Amounts change, so check the official websites before you travel.

Plan your trip

Getting there: by plane only, usually from Recife or Natal. Getting around: tours include pickup; otherwise rent a buggy, take a taxi or use the bus along the main road. When to go: rain is concentrated roughly from March to July; August to January tends to bring more sun and clearer water. In big-swell months, pick sheltered bays for snorkeling, and check the tide table for Atalaia, which only opens at low tide.

Where to stay: mostly small family guesthouses around Vila dos Remédios and the Floresta neighbourhoods. Book well ahead: island capacity is limited.

Snorkeling tips

• Bring your own well-fitting mask and snorkel; rentals on the island are expensive.
• Keep your distance from turtles and sharks; never touch or chase them.
• Wear reef shoes on rocky beaches and check sea conditions before entering.
• Book early in high season, as tour spots sell out.

What to pack

A mask and snorkel that fit you, reef shoes, a rash guard for sun protection in the water, a dry bag and a small amount of cash for beach kiosks. Remember that some pools ban sunscreen in the water, so a long-sleeved lycra top is more useful than extra cream.

FAQ

What is the best snorkeling tour in Noronha?

The Ilhatour: from €93, Spanish-speaking guide, 4.6/5 from 15 reviews.

Will I see sharks while snorkeling?

Small reef sharks are a common sight, especially around Baía do Sueste. They are not dangerous if you keep your distance.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

For the calm bays, being comfortable in the water is enough; wear a vest if unsure. On rough days stay in sheltered areas.

How do I get to Fernando de Noronha?

By plane, usually via Recife or Natal, so it pairs well with tours in Recife or things to do in Natal.

Do I need a visa for Brazil?

Since 10 April 2025, US, Canadian and Australian citizens need an e-visa to visit Brazil. UK and EU passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Always check the official Brazilian consulate website before travelling.

When is the best time to snorkel in Noronha?

August to January, when there is less rain and the water is usually clearest. In any month, choose sheltered bays on swell days.

How many days do I need?

At least three: one for the island tour and two to revisit your favourite bays. With four or more, the 4-day combo (€246) bundles transfers and outings.

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