Fernando de Noronha is an official port of entry and yachts are expected to arrive with appropriate visas for all crew (see Immigration for visa details).
See Brazil Formalities for full details on clearing into and out of Brazil.
Once anchored, head into the small harbor in Baia de Santo Antonio - watch out for local boat lines. There are two docks with many dinghies, pangas and tourist boats. You will need to "shop around" to find a place to tie up to.
Report to the Port Captain's office, which is the first building on the right at the top of the wooden steps leading up the hill from the beach.
The Port Captain (Marco) is reported to be extremely friendly and welcoming of visiting sailors. He does not speak any English but he has a pre-typed English language information page which explains rules, expectations and restrictions for visitors.
Read this report from cruisers which details their clearance experience when they visited in January 2025 and received a warm welcome.
Office hours: 08:00-11:00 and 14:00-17:00. Note, this is a very small office, so if there is more than one boat checking in/out at the same time, it can get very crowded. Better to wait at a cafe/bar across the street for your turn.
You will need to complete formalities with the Port Captain, Park Administration officials and the Military Police who handle Immigration. The Port Captain will call the Federal Police to come to his office and stamp you into the country. He will also call the Navy to complete vessel entrance formalities.
There are no Receita Federal (Customs officials) on the island so if you are continuing on to another port in Brazil, you must clear in with Receita Federal at your next mainland port. Read this useful blog by a boat that cleared in with the remainder of the authorities in Recife (Feb 2023) after leaving Noronha.
On arrival you will need to provide your next port of call and your expected departure date - officials have no problem if this changes. Clearing out is a similar process.
The Port Captain is very helpful and will happily brief you on the island and arrange transport etc. Speaking Portugese is an advantage, otherwise, he uses Google translate. English is not widely spoken on the island.
Clearing Out
Return to the Port Captain's office who will again contact the Navy and Federal Police for formalities.
The Port Captain will brief you on all applicable charges. Current charges as reported by cruisers in January 2025 were R$101.33 per person per day (https://www.noronha.pe.gov.br/catalogo-de-servicos/taxa-de-preservacao-ambiental-tpa/) with the first 24 hours free. It is free to anchor as long as you stay outside the National Park boundaries.
There is an additional fee if you want to visit the marine reserve part of the island – this opens up a few more beaches and trails – which is a one-off payment of R$373 for 10 days of access (for foreigners). For Brazilians, the fee is R$186.50
Pets are not allowed on the island.
The Port Captain will give you a typed sheet with Important Information as there are strict controls to protect the dolphins, turtles and the surrounding marine environment.
The Rocas atoll, 136 kms (85 miles) west of Fernando De Noronha, is a marine park and one is not allowed to anchor or fish there.
It is forbidden to swim if there are dolphins or turtles in the water. If you are in the water when they come, you must immediately get out of the water and return to your dinghy or boat. There are "observers" on a nearby hill and if you are seen swimming with the dolphins, you will be issued with a fine.
Last updated: March 2025
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