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Brazil Tours and Travel

Suggested Packages / Rio area / Amazon / Pantanal / Iguassu / Salvador and Bahia
Natal / Brasilia / Bonito / Fernando de Noronha / Florianopolis / Chapada Diamantina
Rio Grande do Sul / Land of Gold and Gems / Lencois Marenhenses / Curitiba Area

Fernando de Noronha Tours-

The Island of the Forbidden

What does Fernando de Noronha remind you of, this very unusual place? The Cliffs of Dover? Jurassic Park? The Volcanic Formations of the Hawaiian Coast? A Tropical Paradise? The Land That Time Forgot? These are just a few of the descriptions uttered by those who have been lucky enough to visit this very special place. But, the best description of all is - A place like you've never seen before !

200 miles off the northeastern coast of Brazil lies a mountainous archipelago made up of 21 islands, the National Marine Sanctuary of Fernando de Noronha. With its crystal-clear water and rich marine life, the archipelago is a heavenly retreat for underwater pleasures.

The main island is sparsely populated, only 1500 inhabitants, and is an extinct volcanic cone. The island-mountain is part of the mid-Atlantic ridge, an underwater mountain chain which is over 15,000 km long. In the 1500s, the Portugese claimed Fernando de Noronha and built a fortress here. Only the ruins of the fortress remain today for you to explore and in many ways the islands are still the way they were in the 1500s, untouched and exciting.

The dive sites include shipwrecks, caverns, amazing volcanic rock and coral formations, wild dolphins, an array of reef sharks, turtles - big ones!, schooling baracudas and all kinds of rays, schooling fish of every kind and color.

Did we mention dolphins? Dolphins on every dive? That's right! and you will get the chance to snorkle and play in the water with over 600 at one time. Every day between 2 and 3pm, a pod of over 600 spinner dolphins leaves the Bay of Dolphins to hunt and then they return at about 5am the next day. This is the oldest and largest residential school of dolphins on earth.

You can swim with the juvenile sharks at Lage dos Dies Irmaos. Of the 14 species of sharks in the area, the gray reef sharks have seemingly found and claimed a protected feeding ground and breeding area.

Witness the release of turtles into the wild. There is a protected beach which is the feeding and breeding area for hawksbill and green turtles, which the government is trying to preserve.

Dive the Corvete, a sunken Portugese frigate in pristine condition. And much, much, more.

While visiting Noronha, you will stay in Pousadas - small family owned accommodations where you will experience the lifestyle and warmth of the island's people. Most meals are prepared by "the lady of the house" and enjoyed family-style. Comfortable sleeping arrangements and warm water showers are the norm, however, you will find no five star hotels on Noronha and may wake to find cows or goats in your front yard.

A truly special place for divers, You've never seen anything like it before ! Average visibility is 30 meters. Prolific marine life is found - pelagics such as tuna, jack, albacore, barracuda and others. Benthics such as gigantic jewfishes, groupers and snappers.

It can be visited any time of the year. Temperatures are always warm and mild (26 C. or 79 F.), with a gentle breeze. The rainy season, Feb. - July, is also when the island is the most beautiful. From Dec. - Feb. the waves are huge and are perfect for surfing. The rest of the year is excellent for diving and snorkeling.

5 Day Itinerary with 2 Free Days

1st Day - Arrival, reception at the airport, transfer to the lodge. We suggest you to visit, in this afternoon, the sunset at Boldró Belvedere. Suggestion for dinner : Pizzaria Canto da Massa.

2nd Day - Breakfast and early departure for the Boat trip through the inside sea going past the Porcos Bay, 2 Brothers Mount, Dolphins Bay with possibility of spotting the spinner dolphins and stop for swimming at Sancho beach. Just beyond Porcos Bay is found Sancho Bay, another notable beach among so many. Surrounded by a natural wall, it may be reached by a ladder fastened to the rock, or by a short trail (a local guide is recommended) or by sea. A beach of unforgettable beauty where one may find the nests of aquatic birds and enjoy excellent dives in the bay. During the boat tour we stop for swimming and diving. Free afternoon.There are many different beaches to be visited. Just few examples :

Praia da Atalaia -Virtually a natural aquarium, diving in its pools is possible at low tide. Extremely shallow (averaging 30 inches), it displays an impressive variety of marine life. Access by a trail beginning at the Vila do Trinta, or by car using the road near the airport. Located within the National Marine Park, the number of visitors is limited to thirty per day.

Conceição - One of the more beautiful and longer beaches on the archipelago, it is the most popular with both islanders and tourists. It is ideal for surfing (between December and February), for skin diving (from March to November), for swimming or merely contemplation. It is worth a visit just to view the sunset. There is a drink stand (BARBARIDADE) that is open daily

Baía dos Porcos - One of the best of Fernando de Noronha, with access from Cacimba do Padre Beach principally at low tide. Consists of marvelous views. Located opposite the Morro dos Dois Irmaos, (two small islands very near the beach), it has natural pools and variegated colored waters. Suggestion for dinner - Creperia

3rd Day – Free days for optional activities. We suggest the Island Tour, a full day tour around the Island, visiting the most important and wonderful points and belvederes. Suggestion for dinner : on Wednesday and Saturday, there is a special buffet dinner at Zé Maria Lodge, with brazilian music.

4th Day – Free day for optional activities. We suggest a Dive Baptism. The BAPTISM is a introduction to autonomous recreational diving. It begins with theory explanation, the use of dive equipment and ends with a totally supervised and safe dive. We suggest a dinner at Tratoria da Morena.

5th Day – Breakfast and free morning. On scheduled time, transfer to airport.

2009 RATES BASED ON 2 PEOPLE TRAVELLING TOGETHER, VALID UNTIL JUN 30th 2009, EXCEPT FOR HOLIDAYS
4 nights with breakfast, transfers and boat tour. Prices in US$

Not included:
- Island preservation tax (to be paid at the airport in Noronha or before, by Internet), meals, beverages, phone calls, laundry, and extra personal expenses,
- air tickets and taxes.

The Island Preservation Tax changes in accordance with the length of the stay. For a period of 5 days, will be R$ 151,20.

6 Days With Touring

DAY 1 - NORONHA - Arrival on the island and transfer to pousadas. Overnight.

DAY 2 - DOLPHIN BAY TRAIL WITH SANCHO BEACH (B) Difficulty Level: Easy Duration: Half Day
Starting at Sancho's Kiosk, we head to Dolphins Bay Viewpoint to try and see the Spinner Dolphins from 50-70 meters above the cliff. Once we get to the viewpoint, we may talk to the biologists that work with the Spinner Dolphins Project and also see them with binoculars that they provide. Afterwards, we head along the coast to Sancho's famous cliff ladder. Along the way, there are several impressive viewpoints along the cost as we approach Sancho Beach. At Sancho, there are two sets of ladders that descend to the beach from inside the volcanic Cliffside down to Sancho - any hesitation and fear is quickly forgotten as Sancho's turquoise waters come into focus. Coming up from Sancho, we head a little further (200m or so) to another viewpoint, Mirante dos Dois Irmaos, to see Baia dos Porcos from high above - This is your postcard-perfect view of the Two Brothers. The way back to Sancho's Kiosk is only 300m, as this is a circular trail. Soft drinks and refreshments are available at Sancho's kiosk before and after the trail.

DAY 3 - BOAT TOUR + SNORKELLING PULLED BY BOAT (B) Duration: Half Day
Departing from Santo Antonio Port, our destination is "Ponta da Sapata", covering all the inner sea beaches and Dolphins Bay (where we may have the chance to see the famous spinner dolphins) along the way. The tour includes a stop for snorkeling at Sancho Beach, ranked as the most beautiful beach in Brazil by Guia Quattro Rodas. DURING THE STOP AT SANCHO, A SNACK OF GRILLED FISH AND SALAD IS SERVED. ON THE RETURN ALONG THE COAST, THE BOAT OFFERS GUESTS A CHANCE TO SNORKEL-BY-BOAT (GUESTS ARE LIGHTLY PULLED BY THE BOAT WHILE SNORKELING IN DEEPER WATERS, ALLOWING FOR THE EXPLORATION OF LARGER DISTANCES). Snorkeling gear is necessary. The boat is equipped with life jackets, a communication radio, bathroom and bar service with basic canned beverages for sale.

DAY 4 - "COSTA ESMERALDA" TRAIL (B) Difficulty Level: Easy Duration: 3 Hours
The starting point for this beautiful inner sea coastal is Cacimba do Padre Beach. The trek first heads to Baia dos Porcos, where we will snorkel in what Guia Quattro Rodas ranks as the second most beautiful beach in the country (mask, snorkel and fins should be packed ahead of time). After some time in the water trying to spot some of Noronha's sea life, we start heading towards Boldro Beach via the shore. Along the way, we'll pass by Bode, Quixaba, and Americano Beaches. The trail ends at Boldro Beach where a rustic beach bar serves drinks, fresh fish and other Brazilian specialties - a perfect reward for this sun-drenched traipse along Noronha's gorgeous inner sea.

DAY 5 - "PONTINHA-PEDRA ALTA" TRAIL (B) Difficulty Level: Moderate Duration: 5 Hours
We depart from rocky Caieira Beach on our way towards Atalaia Beach, covering most Noronha's rougher outer sea beaches along the way. The first km or so of the trail is on top of loose volcanic rocks. Near Caieira Beach, we encounter our first tide pool, which provides the perfect opportunity a little cool-down snorkel shortly after the start of the trail. From there, we head toward a Pedra Alta, a 50m viewpoint over Noronha's outer sea cliffs. From here, you can now see both Atalaia Beach and Frade Island in the distance. A second tide pool beckons between Caieira and Atalaia, providing another opportunity to view a good sampling of Noronha's sea life. Once we reach Atalaia Beach, you'll quickly see why Noronha's biggest tide pool is so protected and access-controlled - this fragile marine environment is like a life-size aquarium! Though only 100 people per day are allowed to visit, some arrive by car, so here we can expect a larger crowd than other parts along the trail. We finish at Trinta Village, where there's a supermarket for those seeking a thirst-quenching refreshment.

DAY 6 - NORONHA (B)
Free morning and transfer to Noronha's Airport.

PRICE PER PERSON IN US DOLLAR IN DOUBLE OCCUPANCY :

* LOW SEASON IS FROM MARCH TO JUNE AND AUGUST TO NOVEMBER.

DAILY DEPARTURES - THE ITINERARY MAY CHANGE ACCORDING TO CLIMATE CONDITIONS

PRICES VALID FROM DECEMBER 2008 TO NOVEMBER 2009 - EXCEPT NATIONAL HOLIDAYS*
* CHRISTMAS 2008 (FROM DEC 24th TO 28th), NEW YEARS EVE (JAN 1st), CARNIVAL (FROM FEB 20th TO 25th), EASTER (FROM APR 9th TO 12th), TIRADENTES (FROM APR 17th TO 21st), LABOR DAY (FROM APR 30TH TO MAY 3RD), CORPUS CHRIST (FROM JUN 10th TO 14th), INDEPENDENCE DAY (FROM SEP 4th TO 7th), NOSSA SENHORA APARECIDA (FROM OCT 9th TO 12th), FINADOS (FROM OCT 30th TO NOV 2nd).

INCLUDED:
Fernando de Noronha's airport pick-up and drop-off;
5 nights of accommodation in family "home-inns" category 1 dolphin with breakfast (B);
Tours mentioned and described above;
Greeting of local guide at the airport in English or Spanish.

NOT INCLUDED:
Flights;
Daily preservation tax;
Beverages and meals which are not specified;
Phone calls and personal expenses;
Travel insurance;
All other services stated as optional or not explicitly stated as included.

Domiciliar Lodges – There are more than 70 small domiciliar lodges, built by wood, that offers 3 to 5 rooms each, all equipped with air-conditioning, minibar, television and private bathroom, with solar heating. Only breakfast is served at these lodges.

Pousada Estrela do Mar is a very cute bungalow-style pousada is located in Floresta Nova district and has 6 bungalows made of wood. All of them offer A/C, TV, minibar, hot shower and a private balcony with charming hammocks offering total privacy for each individual bungalow. There is a large green area in the middle of the bungalows and there is a project for a swimming pool to be done really soon.

The Pousada do Vale is in the Elizabeth Garden: an area surrounded by natural beauties and historic treasures. The sounds of the water stream, the shades of the trees and the fresh ocean breeze, make this place enchanting and unique. Located in the heart of Fernando de Noronha, at only 250 meters from the beach, the Pousada do Vale unites refinement and simplicity. Indoors, the comfort and the decoration which includes cheerful colors, personalized mosaic panels and hand crafted furniture. Outdoors, fruit trees, native woods and the Mulugu water stream, as well as the historic constructions from the XVIII century.

Our breakfast includes the best the region has to offer: tropical fruits, juices, cereals, omelets, yogurts, cuscuz, tapioca and many other delights. The restaurant, reserved for our guests, creates special dinners with an irresistible menu. Our visitors also count on the assistance to arrange his or her schedule with the possibility to include each and every activity according to their preferences. There is also free internet access either by cable in the room (when bringing a laptop) or for an hour at the reception. We also take care of your transfer from the airport to the pousada and from the pousada to the airport.

The Pousada do Vale carefully prepared each and every room to ensure your trip to Fernando de Noronha is unforgettable. Every room was equipped with independently controlled air conditioning units, ceiling fan, telephone, box spring beds, television, solar energy water heating system, mini bar, digital safe, wireless Internet access, feather pillows, blackout curtains, and 200 threats 100 percent cotton sheets. The names of our suites were chosen to honor the beings we love the most in the island; Turtle, Ray fish, Shark, Marlin and Dolphin. The rooms Turtle, Ray fish and Shark are very comfortable and versatile doubles. The Marlin room is a triple of 25m² that has a very spacious balcony with a hammock and a charming set of table and chairs. The Dolphin room of 18m² also has a balcony with a hammock and a set of table and chairs. The decoration of each room follows the theme of its name in its mosaic panels, hand crafted decorative articles, paintings, and hand painted bed covers; these are all little details that give the pousada an even more special ambiance.

The Solar Dos Ventos is situated about 300 meters from the Bay of the Sueste where do there is a big concentration of fish, octopuses, skates and sea turtles, that can be seen easily during diving. The 08 bungalows of rustic wood (being 04 double, 2 triples and 02 bungalows for up to 5 persons) with sea view provide total privacy. They are equipped with TV, air cond., king size bed, telephone, frigobar, hot shower (generated by the solar energy) and varandah with hammocks.

Breakfast is buffet style composed of diverse regional fruits, loaves of bread, cakes, cheeses, typical plates, juices of fruits prepared at the right moment, coffee, milk and cereals.We also offer snacks composed of salads, sandwiches, bruschetas, drinks, juices, water of coconut, crooked & coffees.

We possess buggies for rent in the Inn. Parasols & beach towels are available in the reception of the inn. We have wireless internet in all the inn and a computer in the reception for free access to the internet . We have a broad green area with lounges chairs, nets and shower for a bath after beach.

Pousada Zé Maria lies next to the Morro do Pico (Peak Hill), one of Fernando de Noronha’s most important postcards. Since the Morro do Pico can be seen from everywhere on Island, the inn is easily located. Nothing better to symbolize the construction of the New Inn than the impressiveness of the Peak, with its 323 meters in height and perfect integration into the landscape. So the Pousada Zé Maria was increased in size, a large venture, totally integrated into the environment.
The fascinating paradise that is Noronha, deserves all the respect that can be mustered and only someone with Zé Maria’s love and all his positive energy could coordinate the works always thinking first of the divine nature of the place. In this way, an engineering project was created to be 100% ecologically correct, not removing a single tree, and rather planting another 888 native trees, fruit bearing and ornamental species.

From the flat-screen TV sets, the whirlpool bathtubs to the silent mini-bar, everything is powered by solar energy, which on an island where the sun shines all year long, is nothing but coherent. The infinite edge swimming pool was built on several levels, taking advantage of the natural slope of the land. Seated at the poolside bar in the shade of a huge cashew tree, enjoying an extremely tropical caipirinha made from cashews picked from that same tree, gaze floating on the surface of the blue water whose infinite edge reflects the giant hill of the Peak sheathed by the golden lights of sunset.

Standard bungalows are approximately 50m² with private porch, 29” TV with DirecTv (satellite), telephone, silent mini-bar, box spring mattress, air conditioner, solar heating for showers. Accommodation for up to 04 people. 09 units. All bungalows are built in jatobá (Brazilian hardwood), with thermal and acoustic insulation with internal drywall lining.

The restaurant combines the simplicity of local dishes seasoned by the alchemy of Zé Maria and the sophisticated style of Celso Freire, one of Brazil’s best known chefs (3 stars on the 4 Rodas guide). The décor is inspired in the culture of the Brazilian Northeast and is very pleasant, combining ample spaces amid the green of native trees, rustic furniture and Brazilian arts and crafts. Dishes are created from fish, meat, pasta, seafood, grilled specialties and special salads highlighting the colors, flavors and spices to bring about the freshness and smoothness appropriate for the tropical climate.

Boat tour to the Dolphins Bay including snorkeling(3hs)
Boat tour around some small islands toward the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha such as Ilha da Rata, Ilha Sela Ginete, Ilha Rasa, Ilha do Cuscuz, etc. Passing in front of the Dolphin's Bay - home of hundreds of dolphins living freely. It is forbidden by the Environmental Dept to enter the bay, but it is possible to watch then spinning around and following the boats. Stop at the Sancho´s Bay for snorkeling and swimming.

Island Tour by buggy (full day tour with break for lunch*)
The buggy will pick up at the pousada and take to the main beaches, such as Praia da Conceição - surfers place, Baía dos Porcos - with colored fishes aquarium, Baía do Sancho, Praia do Leão - where the marine turtles pond their eggs on the beach, Praia do Atalaia - ideal for snorkeling in the colored reefs during the low tide, etc. Visit the historical sites, such as the Forte dos Remédios - a Fortress built by the Dutch and Portuguese colonization (1629), the Hotel Esmeralda wich was built by the American during the W.W. II as the island was used as an American base, the Italcable former building used by the Italian Government to bring marine telegraph cables to Brazil (1925), Air France used by the pioneers of Aeropostale to attend all the flights coming from Europe to South America.

Diving Prices: 2 tanks, weight, transfers, boat and dive master
Beginner's Dive: all equipment, 1 tank, theoretical and practical class, boat, transfer
Equipment rental: regulator with gauges
*Add daily dive tax, paid locally

Please note: services offered at the Island like transfers, car rental ,etc are equally basic - the equipment are usually old with bad maintenance. Being located 250 miles away from the Continent the Island is supplied a few times per month. Some items shortage can occur.Some services like water supply, telephone, electricity and roads are also deficient.The diving services are compatible with similar offered throughout the World.Operational problems like flight delays and changes of booked pousadas to other similar are not uncommon.Nature, on the other hand, is magnificent!! Think about all this before you decide to come to Fernando de Noronha. If the “spirit of adventure” prevails over your necessity of comfort and efficiently provided services, you have good chances of enjoying very much your stay there.

SOME USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT THE ISLAND:
*There are no springs or fountains, all consumed water is rain water
*The pousadas are the residences of the inhabitants, which were adapted and transformed into means of accomodation. (all apartments with TV, frigobar and air conditioning)
*There is a public hospital which attends basic necessities
*The island is supplied by boats coming from Natal or Recife
*Two small supermarkets supply the local population
*Every night there are lectures about environmental topics (these take place at Tamar / Ibama headquarters)
*There are few drugstores on the island; therefore we suggest to bring from the continent those medicines which you constantly use
*It is possible to use cellular phone