Fernando de Noronha Brazil

 Fernando De Noronha is an archipelago of 21 islands and islets in the Atlantic Ocean and 354 km of the Brazilian coast. There are many volcanic rocks that were thrust up out of the ocean and are now spectacular landmarks around the main island including the one above that we had a great view of sailing towards the island. This largest island is a protected national sea marine park and ecological sanctuary and is a World heritage site. Visitors are restricted to just 246 visitors a day on the island and have to pay a conservation fee and a registration fee to enter the beaches where you are ticked off on a register. We had to attend a compulsory lecture making sure we were aware of what we could do and not do on the island. Most was common sense but they are so committed to preserving this delicate eco system they want to make sure you are aware of your surroundings at all times.

 We had never heard of Fernando de Noronha but it will certainly be one place we remember for ever.
It was beautiful, the sea clear and a mixture of blues, greens, aqua, with huge rolling swells, unpredictable tides,peach coloured sand, black rock formations and clear clear air.

 75% of the island is National Park.

 Even as we traveled along the inland road we could see the huge rock that we had encountered on the sail in.

 The beaches were stunning although you had to be careful where you swam on the island because of the unpredictably swift tides. Many people are lost each year because of this.

 We found a Spa Resort not far from the beach above and settled for a nice lunch and beautiful view in the cool shade. It was so hot out in the sun as we are very close to the equator here.

 It was fascinating to watch the tide go out here and the waves coming in from three different directions.

 Coconuts ripe and green. The lush bush was was beautiful. Everything looked so healthy.

 Back into the heat to walk off the lunch.

We were a little disappointed that we didn't see any sea turtles that the island is well known for. Once endangered in this area they are now much more plentiful thanks to the TAMAR  project which has had huge success in the turtle conservation educating the public and building safe havens for this endangered species.