Best tours in Fernando de Noronha: which ones to do
By Danilo Dirê · Updated 2026 · 6 min read
You've got your flight and your inn — now the best part: picking your tours. Noronha is a blend of experiences on land, at sea and underwater, and the trick is to combine them. This guide, written by someone who lives on the island, walks you through the main tours and how to put together your mix.
Book in advance: the island caps visitor numbers and tours sell out.
Start with the Ilha Tour
It's the most complete tour and the ideal starting point of the trip: in a single day you cover about 80% of the island, hit the main viewpoints and historic spots, stop for photos, for swimming and snorkeling, and get insights from someone who knows every corner of Noronha. There's a Group version and a Private one (at your own pace, with exclusive stops). It's the tour we always recommend at the beginning, so you get your bearings and enjoy the rest of the trip more.
On land
Land tours
Piquinho Trail
The hike up to the highest point of Noronha, with a 360° view of the island. A must for anyone who loves a trail and an unforgettable photo. See the Piquinho Trail.
Other trails on the island
Beyond Piquinho, Noronha has the Atalaia Trail — which leads to a natural pool and requires advance booking (limited slots) — and longer trails for adventurers, like Capim-Açu. Preserved nature and views that stay with you.
By sea
Sea tours
Traditional Boat
A relaxed daytime cruise with a snorkel stop at Baía do Sancho and, almost always, dolphins around the boat (a natural behavior, not guaranteed). See the Traditional Boat.
VIP Sunset Boat
Sunset out at sea with a barbecue on board — one of the most beautiful moments of the trip. See the VIP Sunset Boat.
Hawaiian Canoe
A silent paddle on the Mar de Dentro side, morning or late afternoon, with a great chance of seeing dolphins up close. Pure contemplation. See the Hawaiian Canoe.
Private Speedboat
An exclusive route at sea, just for your group, with total privacy and at your own pace. See the Private Speedboat.
Water Bike
Fun on the water, pedaling across the calm sea — great for anyone who wants a different, laid-back experience. See the Water Bike.
Underwater
Diving and natural pools
Discover scuba dive
Your first scuba dive, always with an instructor, going down to about 12 meters. Available from age 8 — no experience required. See the discover scuba dive.
Certified diving
For certified divers, with access to the island's most iconic dive sites. See certified diving.
Natural Pools Circuit
Snorkeling in the natural pools (currently at the Morro de Fora pool), with plenty of marine life in shallow, calm water. See the Natural Pools Circuit.
Save by combining
Combos worth it
If you're doing several tours, combos offer the best value for money and give you a ready-made itinerary — like the Land & Sea Package (Ilha Tour + Traditional Boat). Worth checking all the combinations. See all combos.
Building your itinerary
How to choose and combine
Your arrival day is free: enjoy the sunset at the beaches of the center (or, if your flight lands early, a VIP Sunset Boat or the Private Speedboat). Leave the Ilha Tour for the first full day, to get your bearings. Then fit in a morning of Hawaiian Canoe or Water Bike (dolphins), a scuba dive and a trail to the natural pools. Worth watching the sunset at a different spot each day — and, one day, the sunrise near the port area. See ready-made 3, 4 and 5-day itineraries or check How many days to stay.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Which tour is the most important?
The Ilha Tour, which gives you the big picture of the island — ideal at the start of the trip.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. The island caps visitor numbers and tours sell out, especially in high season.
Will I get photos on the tours?
A photo session is a separate service, by appointment.
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.
VIP Sunset Boat
Sunset on the open sea with a barbecue on board.
Learn moreVIP Sunset Boat in Fernando de Noronha
The tour starts with the Plana Sub activity still in the port area and heads toward Morro Dois Irmãos — Fernando de Noronha's main postcard view, at Cacimba do Padre — passing Biboca, Rugido do Leão, Praia do Cachorro, Meio, Conceição, Boldró, Bode, and Americano. On the way back, there's a stop for an onboard barbecue and snorkeling.
Hawaiian Canoe
A contemplative paddle along the Mar de Dentro.
Learn moreHawaiian Canoe in Fernando de Noronha
More than paddling, it's a moment of contemplation: the crew's synchrony, the right technique for each stroke, and the closeness to Noronha's sea, sailing from the Port to Praia da Conceição.
Shore Discover Scuba
Your first dive, straight from the beach.
Learn moreBeach Scuba Discovery Dive
A complete 3-step experience — theory on the sand, initial in-water practice, and a real guided discover-scuba dive that can reach up to 12 meters, always with an instructor — in the calm waters of Praia do Porto.