GUIATURPE

FERNANDO DE NORONHA

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Created twelve millions years ago after the eruption of an undersea volcano, the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha is Brazil's farthermost point into the Atlantic Ocean. Rocks and volcanic soil shaped one of the most charming places ever found on Earth. It comprises a sea-bordered ecosystem, with an endemic flora and a prosperous sea fauna, strictly preserved. It includes the main isle that is the one and only inhabited where the archipelago borrowed its name from, and further twenty islands, islets and rocks. The National Marine Park of Fernando de Noronha protects most part of its area and is located 345 km away from Recife. It was found in 1503 by Americo Vespucio under the command of Portugal and belonged to the Pernambuco captaincy, Fernando de Noronha was afterwards occupied both by the French and the Dutch. After many years under the federal land status, it became part of the Pernambuco territory again, pursuant the 1988 Constitution.
Currently, the main island splits into two regions, aiming to preserve the ecosystem whilst streamlining the activities boosted by the increasing and steady tourist visits.
PARNAMAR/FN covers approximately 70% of the island's area and the remaining 30% comprise the APA Environment Protection Area. Rules for exploitation and visits within PARNAMAR boundaries are more restricted, thorough, and available only from 8:00 am through 6:00 pm.
The island's urban occupation is located at APA and includes retail stores, houses, guest inns, restaurants and the airport, as well as virtually the complete service network for the entire daily life activities of a population of approximately 3,000 inhabitants. Access to Fernando De Noronha may be by air (with flights departing from Recife and Natal) or by sea with charter boats and cruise liners. The flow of tourists and visitors is controlled to properly protect and diminish environmental damages. Therefore, an environmental protection fee TPA is charged to all visitors with a variable amount payable, according to the lay time in the island. As it encompasses a lavish nature, with astounding beaches, coves, rocks and as it boast a wealthy biodiversity ecosystem, Fernando De Noronha Islands have been awarded the UNESCO's World Natural Heritage Site