By George.Curtis2 - 26 Mar 2015
Fernando de Noronha – 03°48.00'S, 32°23.00'WUpdate in 1999 by John and Sally Melling and in 2011 by Chris BatesNotes relate to ‘Cruising Notes on the South Atlantic Coast of South America’ - Pete and Annie Hill RCCPF 1996Charts (p3) - Brazilian charts cost 14 Reals about 7US$ when bought from Port Captains offices.Ilha de Fernando de Noronha. (p.9) :A very pleasant island which has “taken off” as a tourist place in the past three years but is not in any way overcrowded or spoilt by this (in August at least - summer may be different).There is no longer a limitation on the length of stay for yachts or any restrictions on touring the island other than those applying to the Nature Reserve. The islanders are very friendly and helpful. There are many “pousadas” and some self-service restaurants.Formalities: The harbour master now occupies a purpose built building at the base of the mole on the right.This is shared with federal police.Check in to Brasil is carried out here and tourist visa for 90 days issued.There is no customs post on the island and temporary import documentation for the boat must be obtained in mainland Brasil.The islands are expensive to visit.The first day at anchor is free thereafter alandind charge and harbour dues are payableFacilitiesThere is a restaurant and a bar together with a couple of kiosk tourist shops at the harbour where it is possible to get water and to have a shower (very basic). Above the car park and overlooking the harbour is another bar-restaurant owned by a Scotsman, George Mortimer. He is involved with “Dolphin Watch” and takes parties out in his boat. He could be a useful interpreter if the need arose. The Bank and the Post Office are open weekday mornings from 0800 to 1300 both are near the Dive shop in Vila des Remedios. In a small bay below the Dive shop there is spring water coming from a pipe in a wall, the best place to shower!Remarks: only anchor off the harbour not in the harbourThe harbour is subject to tide induced swell.We anchored off the mole infront of the dive bots. this seemed most protected in 8m.Dingies are left safely on the inside of the dive pontoon Free wifi within mooring areaAt some rock islets to the west of the moorings just beyond the fort there is some reasonable snorkelling. An annual yacht race from Recife to Fernando de Noronha takes place in September. (also from Salvador to Recife)1) INFORMATION SUBMITTED BYLoftus Peyton Jones - CougarMark Scott & Liz Hammick - Lone Rival2)DATE1990 & 19913) HARBOUR OR AREA COVEREDFernando de Noronha, Brazil3°48?S 32°23?W4) SUITABILITY AND ATTRACTION FOR YACHTSFernando was a fun stop for a couple of days breaking up the long haul from St. Helena to the Caribbean. Much of the island and its offshore islets are designated as nature reserves. Turtle and Dolphin are strictly protected and spear gun fishing is prohibited.5) MARINAS, BERTHING OR ANCHORAGEIn 1990 first contact was made by RDF beacon which, when approaching from the SE, was received at a range of 170 miles. By night the light on the top of the pier (1075ft) is visible at a distance of 30 miles (considerably greater than the 17 miles shown on the chart), but appears at first to be flashing white every 5 secs instead of Alt.Fl. W.G. every 10 secs, since the green light is not discernible at such a distance. The recommended anchorage in Santa Antonio Bay is sheltered from the prevailing south easterlies but is subject to swell. Anchoring in 12-15m it was no more uncomfortable than St. Helena. A breakwater has been constructed for the benefit of the local fishing boats and this makes dinghy landing with an outboard much less treacherous than previously.6) ENTRY PORTSENTERING/DEPARTINGc) visa requirementsBrazil requires visas from most nationalities, excluding British (1991)8) LOCATION/EXISTENCE OFa) harbour masterNautica Agenta, office on hill above breakwaterb) customs/immigrationLocated at Governor’s ‘Palace’’, Paréc) health authoritiesNoned) policeNone12) SAILING DIRECTIONS OR CHARTSBA 388. See accompanying sketch chart.13) PORT RADIO SERVICESNone14) WEATHER FORECASTSNone15) YACHT CLUB(S)None16) OTHER FACILITIES -a) drinking waterWater avaiable on quayb) fuelGarage 200yds from port.c) gas/gaz/paraffinNoned) chandlersNonee) bankCredit cards are not acceptable; US dollars can be exchanged at supermarket or ‘hotels’. atm at airportf) shops/marketSupermarket at ‘Convenience Centre’ canned and packaged goods available, fresh produce very limited. Bread is baked most days. All stores and liquor are expensive having to be flown in from Recife.g) restaurants/hotelsThere are 2 hotel type ‘hostels’ on the island with a restaurant, which cater more or less to those who visit the island for its superb diving. Lunch and dinner are buffet style and reportedly very good.h) post office/telephonesLetters can be sent from the hotel.k laundryLavendaria Albacore is a commercial laundry which is open 5 days a week, service takes 3 days.l) transport/air services)Daily flights to the mainland. Irregular bus service on the islandm) hospitalIn the main villagen) anything elseIf you do not speak Portuguese it would certainly be helpful to have a phrasebook or dictionary, as very few people speak any English.17) FIRST HAND RECOMMENDATIONS OR WARNINGSIn 1991 there were definite signs of development on the island for future tourists but at this time services and facilities were very limited. The western half of the island is a nature reserve and underwater park with limited access. The hotels and dive shop offer excursions by boat. Anchoring or bathing in Baie de Sancho is not permitted but it is well worth a visit to see the spinning dolphin that reside there, but there is a polypropylene line with floats which stretches across the entrance of the Baie de Sancho.
This information has been contributed by and is intended for use by competent amateur yachtsmen as general guidance solely to supplement research of their cruising plans.It has not been checked or verified by the OCC. The Information may be inaccurate or out of date and is NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION.
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