Baía do Sancho: why this beach was elected the best in the world
By Danilo Dirê · Updated 2026 · 5 min read
Baía do Sancho sits inside the National Marine Park of Fernando de Noronha and has been elected the best beach in the world by TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice — a title received more than once. Access is via a trail with a staircase or by boat.
How to get there
Staircase or by sea
- Via the trail and staircase: before descending, follow the path a bit further to reach the Baía dos Porcos viewpoint — an incredible view of Morro Dois Irmãos.
- By sea: the Traditional Boat makes a ~40-minute snorkel stop here. Private speedboats also include this stretch.
ICMBio ticket required: R$384 for foreigners (R$192 for Brazilians), valid for 10 days. Buy at tickets.parnanoronha.com.br.
Staircase schedule
Descent and ascent times
Because the passage is narrow, the staircase operates on alternating schedules — a detail most tourists don't know before visiting.
| Time | Direction |
|---|---|
| 8:00–8:50 | Open (both ways) |
| 9:00–10:20 | Descent only |
| 10:30–11:20 | Ascent only |
| 11:30–12:20 | Descent only |
| 12:30–13:20 | Ascent only |
| 13:30–14:20 | Descent only |
| 14:30–15:20 | Ascent only |
| 15:30–16:20 | Descent only |
| 16:30–17:20 | Open (both ways) |
| 17:30–18:00 | Ascent only |
FAQ
Everything you need to know
Is there a fee to enter Baía do Sancho?
Yes. In addition to the TPA, you need the National Marine Park (ICMBio) ticket, which gives access to Sancho and other park beaches.
Is Baía do Sancho really the best beach in the world?
TripAdvisor has elected it as the best beach in the world in the Travelers' Choice awards and it consistently ranks among the highest-rated beaches on the planet.
Can I walk there?
Yes, via the trail and alternating staircase. On the way, stop at the Baía dos Porcos viewpoint.
What's the best way to visit?
With a guide who knows the staircase schedule, sea conditions and the best photo spots. The Ilha Tour visits Sancho with this level of guidance.
Keep reading
Related tours
Shared Ilha Tour
80% of the island in one day, with a certified guide.
Learn moreShared Ilha Tour in Fernando de Noronha
The most complete tour on the island: 80% of Fernando de Noronha in a single day, with a certified guide telling the story behind every viewpoint and beach. It's the ideal starting point for anyone just arriving.
Traditional Boat
A stop at Baía do Sancho for snorkeling.
Learn moreTraditional Boat in Fernando de Noronha
Sailing past the secondary islands and the inner-sea beaches, with a stop of about 40 minutes at Baía do Sancho for snorkeling — one of the few tours that reaches this bay.
Boat Discover Scuba
Your first time in the Marine Park.
Learn moreBoat Scuba Discovery Dive
A discovery dive by boat, with an exclusive instructor, in Fernando de Noronha's Marine Park. Depths of up to 12 meters, in one of the island's richest areas for marine life — turtles, moray eels, and other species may appear along the way.