Cacimba do Padre: Noronha's most iconic beach
By Danilo Dirê · Updated 2026 · 5 min read
Cacimba do Padre is the beach that frames the most reproduced image in Fernando de Noronha: the Morro Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers Rock) rising dramatically from the ocean. It's a wide beach, on the outer sea side, known for its powerful swells and as the stage for the Hang Loose Pro Contest — one of the most important surf competitions in Brazil.
Surfing
When the waves come
Between November and March, Cacimba do Padre receives the island's most powerful swells. The barrels here are legendary among Brazilian surfers. The Hang Loose Pro Contest takes place on these waves each year. Outside the swell season, the beach calms down and becomes ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
White terns
The birds of Noronha
White terns (atobás-brancos in Portuguese, locally called pombos-do-mar) are a common sight at Cacimba do Padre and across the island. Noronha is one of the main nesting areas for seabirds in the South Atlantic, and you can often spot them flying close overhead — including on the Ilha Tour route that passes through here.
FAQ
What you need to know
Is Cacimba do Padre safe for swimming?
Yes — outside the swell season (November to March). During the swell months, waves are powerful and the beach is better for watching than swimming.
Do I need a park ticket for Cacimba do Padre?
No. Cacimba do Padre is not inside the National Marine Park, so no ICMBio ticket is required.
What's the best time of day to visit?
Morning, when the light hits the Morro Dois Irmãos from behind you — the best conditions for photography.
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