Diving in Fernando de Noronha

Types of diving in Noronha

• Snorkeling: open to everyone, with your own or rented gear. Porto, Sancho, Atalaia and Boldró (Sueste only if allowed).
• Guided floating: at Sueste, only when ICMBio allows it (suspended since December 2022). Check at the PIC.
• Boat discovery dive: no course, from age 10, down to about 12 m and 30 minutes at depth, with an instructor at your side.
• Discovery dive at the Porto: leaves from the beach, near the shipwreck, and costs less.
• Certified: for certified divers, at sites such as Cabeço das Cordas, Pedras Secas and Laje Dois Irmãos. The Ipiranga corvette is for technical diving only.

Best season and what to expect

From September to November the sea is calm and visibility is the best of the year. See the calendar in when to go.

Turtles and rays are common. Sharks show up often, but nothing is guaranteed: the sea and weather are in charge.

Safety and the flying rule

Tell the instructor about any health issues. Don't fly within 12 hours after a day of diving, or 18 hours after several days.

Schedule your dive well away from your departure day. More details on the airport page.

Practical tips

Bring your own mask and snorkel. You will use them every day and avoid renting on each tour. A long-sleeved UV shirt protects more than sunscreen, which washes off in the water.

With a family, splitting the group for a few hours is normal: while one person dives, the others stay at a calm beach like the Porto.