Fernando de Noronha: Catamaran Tour with Meal and Transfer offers a compelling way to explore Brazil’s most celebrated archipelago. For $220 per person, you’ll spend around five hours cruising through crystal-clear waters, visiting idyllic beaches, and spotting playful dolphins. Led by Agua Verde Viagens & Receptivos, this tour promises a relaxed, scenic adventure that showcases the best of Noronha’s natural beauty.
We especially appreciate the onboard buffet lunch with views over Sancho Bay—a perfect way to enjoy authentic local flavors amid breathtaking scenery. The complimentary snorkeling equipment is another highlight, making it easy to dip into the water and see the vibrant marine life.
However, a note of caution: some reviews mention that the snorkeling can be underwhelming, with limited fish activity and a stay-in-one-place approach. Plus, for non-Brazilians, the extra park fee can add to the overall cost, which is worth considering when planning.
This tour suits those eager for a relaxed, scenic day with plenty of photo opportunities and a taste of Noronha’s vibrant waters. It’s ideal for travelers who value comfort, good scenery, and a mix of water activities without the hassle of organizing logistics themselves.
Key Points
- Scenic cruising: The tour navigates through the archipelago’s most stunning spots, including Morro do Pico and Dolphin Bay.
- Wildlife encounters: Expect to see dolphins and explore diverse marine life while snorkeling.
- Comfort and convenience: Includes hotel pickup, drop-off, and a tasty buffet lunch with drinks.
- Authentic experience: Focuses on natural beauty and relaxed exploration rather than adrenaline-filled activities.
- Cost considerations: Extra fees like the park entrance can add to the expense; snorkeling may be somewhat limited.
- Best for: Those wanting a peaceful, scenic day with opportunities for wildlife viewing and enjoying the ocean.
A Detailed Look at the Fernando de Noronha Catamaran Tour
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The Itinerary and What You’ll Experience
This 5-hour cruise begins with a hotel pickup—usually between 08:30 and 09:00—making it a smooth start to your day. Once at the Port of Santo Antonio, you’ll board a comfortable catamaran that will take you on a journey around the archipelago’s 21 islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unspoiled beaches and vibrant marine life.
The first major highlight is reaching Morro do Pico, the highest point in the archipelago at 321 meters. From the boat, this towering volcanic formation makes for an impressive sight, and you’ll get a sense of the grandeur of Noronha’s volcanic landscape. As you sail toward Dolphin Bay, keep an eye out for playful dolphins that often leap alongside the boat—a memorable moment for many travelers.
An essential stop is Ponta da Sapata, where panoramic views open up, and you’ll get a unique perspective on the area’s rugged coastline. The tour then heads to Sancho Bay, often recognized as Brazil’s most beautiful beach. Here, you’ll have the chance to snorkel in clear waters teeming with marine life, though some visitors report that the snorkeling is somewhat limited, with stay-in-one-place spots and a focus on the water’s surface.
Snorkeling and Marine Encounters
Snorkeling is included in the tour, with provided equipment. We liked that it’s easy to access the water directly from the boat, making it convenient for all skill levels. However, reviews indicate that the snorkeling experience might not be as lively as some expect—some find the fish variety limited and the activity somewhat static.
The water in Sancho Bay is famously clear, and even if the fish are not abundant, the views of the underwater landscape and the chance to cool off are still worthwhile. Plus, the chance to share the water with dolphins as they frolic nearby adds a magical touch.
Lunch and Relaxation
The onboard buffet lunch is served overlooking Sancho Bay, providing a restful break in your day. The meal features local flavors, with fish being the main fare—though some reviewers describe the fish as mediocre or tasting off, so temper expectations if you’re a seafood connoisseur. Drinks such as soft drinks, juices, and coffee are included, but alcoholic drinks are extra.
The relaxed pace of the tour means you can wander the boat, take photos, or simply unwind while soaking in the views. This is a good chance to recharge before heading back to port and your hotel.
More Great Tours NearbyPractical Details and Considerations
The tour is designed to be accessible and easy—hotel pickup and drop-off are included, eliminating the need to rent a boat or arrange transport. The group size tends to be comfortable, and guides speak Portuguese and Spanish, though the English-speaking support is limited, which some travelers found frustrating, especially regarding explanations and translations.
One important note from the reviews is the park entrance fee, which can be over $50 for non-Brazilians. This is an additional expense to keep in mind when calculating the overall cost. Also, cameras are not allowed on the tour, likely to preserve the environment and the marine experience.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This tour is perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic, and wildlife-filled day without the hassle of planning individual excursions. It suits those interested in photo opportunities, marine encounters, and enjoying Noronha’s natural beauty. If you’re looking for a high-energy adventure or exceptional snorkeling, you might find the experience somewhat limited. However, if your priority is comfort, stunning views, and a taste of the archipelago’s waters, this tour hits the mark.
Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?
If you’re after a cost-effective, hassle-free way to see some of Noronha’s most scenic spots, this cruise is a solid choice. The combination of comfortable transportation, a delicious buffet lunch, and the chance to spot dolphins makes it worthwhile. It’s especially well-suited for those who enjoy a relaxed pace, scenic water views, and aquatic wildlife without overly strenuous activities.
However, those seeking exceptional snorkeling or a highly competitive price may want to compare other options or consider renting a boat independently. Keep in mind the extra park fee and limited English support if language is a concern.
All in all, this catamaran tour offers a beautiful snapshot of Fernando de Noronha’s natural wonders, making it a memorable part of any trip to this extraordinary Brazilian island.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately five hours, starting with hotel pickup around 08:30-09:00 and concluding with drop-off afterward.
What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a buffet lunch, soft drinks, juices, and coffee. The snorkeling equipment is also provided.
Are there any additional costs?
Yes, the National Park entrance fee is not included and can add over $50 for non-Brazilians. Alcoholic drinks are also not included.
Is snorkeling good on this tour?
Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the waters are clear, but some reviewers found the underwater wildlife limited, with the activity confined to one spot.
Can I take photos during the tour?
Cameras are generally not allowed during the cruise, likely to protect the environment, but you can take photos before and after the water activities.
Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
While the tour is generally safe, it’s not recommended for pregnant women or very young children due to water activities and the nature of the trip.
What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak Portuguese and Spanish. English support is limited, with some reviews noting difficulty in understanding explanations or translations.
How much does the park fee add to the total cost?
The park entrance fee can be over $50 for non-Brazilians, so factor this into your overall budget.
In summary, the Fernando de Noronha catamaran tour promises a scenic, wildlife-rich day with convenient logistics. While snorkeling might be modest for some, the views, dolphin sightings, and relaxing atmosphere make it a worthwhile experience, especially for those wanting an easy and authentic way to see Noronha’s natural splendor.
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