Introduction
Fernando de Noronha remains one of Brazil's best-kept travel secrets - even though this archipelago of 21 volcanic islands in the Atlantic has been known about for more than 500 years. These dreamy and divine islands were first discovered by Amerigo Vespucci in 1503. But their remote location, 350 kilometres from mainland Brazil, has largely kept them off the modern tourist trail.
The rewards are many, however, for those who do travel to Fernando de Noronha. Wildlife and watersports are the main draw, with excellent surf breaks around its scenic coves and Brazil's best snorkelling and divine spots to explore. The Parque Nacional Marinho de Fernando de Noronha is where much of the archipelago's fabulous marine life can be seen - including lemon sharks, whales, sea turtles and assorted tropical fish.
Watching turtle hatchlings break out of their eggs and dash into the water during the December to May nesting season, and seeing spinner dolphins leaping out of sea at Dolphin Cove are two other wildlife highlights, not to be missed.
