Family Eco-Adventure in Fernando de Noronha

Finding Paradise at Sueste Beach

Today was a day of embracing the quieter side of Fernando de Noronha, a welcome change of pace after the excitement of the past few days. We decided to dedicate our time to exploring Sueste Beach and the surrounding Bosque da Baía do Sueste. The goal? To immerse ourselves in nature and discover the hidden gems of this protected area.


Discover Sueste Beach in Fernando de Noronha: a haven for sea turtles, snorkeling, and serene coastal beauty. A must-visit ecological paradise!

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Aguida Bistrô. Lena had read rave reviews about their traditional Nordestina dishes, and we were eager to try them. The cozy atmosphere and the friendly staff made us feel right at home. I opted for the *cuscuz*, a local staple, while Lena enjoyed some *tapioca* filled with cheese and coconut. Sofia, of course, went for the *pão de queijo*, which she declared the best she'd ever had. It's these simple pleasures that make traveling as a family so rewarding. Fuelled up and ready for the day, we set off towards Sueste Beach.
The journey to Sueste Beach was an adventure in itself. The island's roads, though well-maintained, wind through lush greenery, offering glimpses of the stunning coastline. We even spotted a few *macaquinhos*, small monkeys, darting across the road, much to Sofia's delight. Arriving at Sueste Beach, we were immediately struck by its tranquility. Unlike some of the more popular beaches, Sueste Beach felt secluded and peaceful. The calm, turquoise waters beckoned us closer, promising a day of relaxation and exploration.

Before diving into the beach itself, we decided to explore the Bosque da Baía do Sueste, a protected forest area adjacent to the beach. The entrance to the forest is a short walk from the beach, and we were greeted by a park ranger who provided us with a map and some information about the local flora and fauna. As we stepped into the forest, we were immediately enveloped by the sounds of nature. Birds chirped overhead, and the rustling of leaves created a soothing melody. The air was fresh and clean, a welcome change from the city air we were used to in Heidelberg.

Discover Fernando de Noronha's Bosque da Baía do Sueste: a vibrant national forest with trails, wildlife, and breathtaking coastal views.

The Bosque da Baía do Sueste is home to a diverse range of plant species, including several endemic to Fernando de Noronha. Lena, with her keen interest in sustainable architecture, was particularly fascinated by the various types of trees and their potential uses in construction. I, on the other hand, was more interested in the wildlife. It wasn't long before we spotted a variety of birds, including the Noronha vireo, a small, colorful bird found only on the island. Sofia, ever the curious one, was determined to spot a *teju*, a type of lizard common in Brazil. After a bit of searching, she finally found one basking in the sun on a rock. Her excitement was contagious, and we all marveled at the creature's beauty.

Sometimes, the greatest adventures are found not in grand gestures, but in the quiet moments of observation and connection with nature.

After our forest adventure, it was time to hit the beach. Sueste Beach is known for its calm waters and abundant marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling. We rented some snorkeling gear from a local vendor and waded into the water. The visibility was incredible, and we were immediately surrounded by colorful fish. We spotted parrotfish, angelfish, and even a few small sharks swimming amongst the coral reefs. Sofia was a bit nervous at first, but with Lena by her side, she quickly overcame her fear and began to enjoy the underwater world. I must admit, even I was a bit apprehensive about the sharks, but they seemed more interested in the coral than in us.

One of the highlights of our snorkeling adventure was spotting a sea turtle. These gentle giants are common in the waters around Fernando de Noronha, and we were lucky enough to see one up close. The turtle was gracefully gliding through the water, seemingly unconcerned by our presence. We watched in awe as it munched on some seaweed, a truly magical moment. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting these incredible creatures and their habitat.

After a couple of hours of snorkeling, we were starting to feel a bit peckish. Luckily, Restaurante Abençoado was just a short walk away. This beachfront restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and relaxed atmosphere. We ordered some *pastel de camarão*, shrimp pastries, and some *caldo de peixe*, fish soup, which we shared amongst ourselves. The food was delicious, and the view from the restaurant was simply stunning. We sat there for a while, enjoying our meal and soaking in the beauty of Sueste Beach.

Experience delectable Brazilian cuisine with ocean views at Restaurante Abençoado in Fernando de Noronha.

As the afternoon wore on, we decided to take a walk along the beach. Sueste Beach is quite long, stretching for several kilometers along the coast. The sand was soft and white, and the water was crystal clear. We walked hand in hand, enjoying the peace and quiet of this secluded paradise. We collected seashells, built sandcastles, and simply enjoyed each other's company. It's moments like these that make family vacations so special.

Before heading back to our pousada, we decided to treat ourselves to some drinks at Dog Bar. This lively bar is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, known for its live music and friendly atmosphere. We ordered some *caipirinhas*, Brazil's national cocktail, and sat back to enjoy the music. The band was playing a mix of samba and bossa nova, and the atmosphere was electric. Sofia even got up and danced for a bit, much to our amusement. It was the perfect way to end a perfect day.

Discover the vibrant Dog Bar in Fernando de Noronha – a top destination for unique cocktails, local bites, and a lively atmosphere in paradise.

Our dinner at Restaurante AcquaMarine was a delightful culinary experience. The restaurant's elegant setting and creative menu, crafted by Chef Fábio De Sanctis, made it a memorable evening. We savored fresh seafood dishes, each bursting with local flavors. Lena particularly enjoyed the ambiance, noting how the restaurant seamlessly blended with the natural beauty of Noronha. Sofia, surprisingly adventurous, tried a bit of everything, declaring the grilled fish her favorite. As we dined, we reflected on the day's adventures, feeling grateful for the chance to experience such a unique and beautiful place together.

Experience exceptional seafood dining with breathtaking views at Restaurante AcquaMarine in Fernando de Noronha.

As we walked back to Pousada Alto da Floresta, under a sky full of stars, we couldn't help but feel grateful for the day we had. Sueste Beach and the Bosque da Baía do Sueste had provided us with a much-needed dose of nature and tranquility. It was a day of simple pleasures, of connecting with nature, and of spending quality time with family. These are the moments that we will cherish long after we leave Fernando de Noronha.

Discover tranquility at Pousada Alto da Floresta, your perfect getaway nestled in nature's embrace, offering comfort and relaxation for all travelers.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Mirante Ponta da Sapata - Portão and Trilha dos Abreus. I'm looking forward to discovering more of the island's natural beauty. Until then, *boa noite* from Fernando de Noronha!

P.S. I almost forgot to mention! I was so caught up in the excitement of the day that I completely forgot to buy insect repellent. Looks like I'll be making a trip to the local pharmacy tomorrow. And Lena realized that we are running low on memory in our camera, so we will need to buy a new memory card.