Family Eco-Adventure in Fernando de Noronha

Noronha's Natural Masterpieces

Today was a day of breathtaking beauty and culinary delights here in Fernando de Noronha! We set out to explore some of the island's most iconic landmarks and treat ourselves to the local flavors. It's amazing how much this island has to offer.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Restaurante do Jacaré. It’s a charming spot known for its Brazilian cuisine. I enjoyed a delightful spread of local delicacies, setting the perfect tone for our adventures. The girls were particularly fond of the fresh fruit and pastries, fueling up for a day of exploration. The restaurant had a rustic charm, and the staff were incredibly welcoming. It felt like a true taste of Brazil right in the heart of Noronha. After breakfast, we headed straight to Baía dos Porcos, a place I had been eagerly anticipating since planning this trip.


Discover Baía dos Porcos: a secluded beach with dramatic volcanic scenery, crystal-clear waters, and unforgettable views in Fernando de Noronha.
The journey to Baía dos Porcos was an adventure in itself. The access is via Praia da Cacimba do Padre, requiring a short walk across volcanic rocks. Though the path was a bit uneven, the anticipation of what awaited us kept our spirits high. I was glad we had our hiking boots on, as recommended in our travel guidebook. I must admit, I briefly regretted forgetting the insect repellent as a few mosquitoes buzzed around, but the stunning views quickly made me forget about the minor inconvenience.

As we rounded the corner and Baía dos Porcos came into view, I was completely mesmerized. The turquoise waters, the dramatic rock formations, and the lush greenery created a scene straight out of a postcard. The girls gasped, and even Lena, who is usually composed, couldn't help but smile in awe. The bay is a sanctuary for marine life, and we spotted several colorful fish swimming in the crystal-clear waters. It was a snorkeler's paradise, although we decided to save the snorkeling for another day and simply soak in the beauty of the surroundings. The weather in December is perfect, with high temperatures around 28°C, although there is a chance of rain. We were lucky to have a partly cloudy day, which made the experience even more pleasant.

The beauty of Baía dos Porcos lies not just in its stunning landscape, but in the sense of tranquility and connection with nature that it evokes.

One of the highlights of Baía dos Porcos is the view of Morro Dois Irmãos, the iconic twin peaks that have become synonymous with Fernando de Noronha. We spent a good hour simply admiring the view, taking photos, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. The girls were fascinated by the rock formations, and I found myself reflecting on the incredible natural forces that had shaped this landscape over millions of years. I tried to explain the geological significance to Sofia, but her attention was quickly diverted by a hermit crab scuttling across the sand. Sometimes, the simple wonders of nature are the most captivating.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Morro Dois Irmãos, a stunning rock formation and a must-visit paradise in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil.
After Baía dos Porcos, we decided to get a closer look at Morro Dois Irmãos. We took a short bus ride to Praia da Cacimba do Padre, which offers a different perspective of the famous landmark. From here, we hiked along one of the trails that lead to various viewpoints. The hike was relatively easy, and the views along the way were simply breathtaking. The trail wound through lush vegetation, and we spotted several birds and lizards along the way. It was a great opportunity to stretch our legs and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.

Reaching the main viewpoint, we were rewarded with a panoramic vista of Morro Dois Irmãos and the surrounding coastline. The view was even more impressive than what we had seen from Baía dos Porcos. The sheer scale of the rock formations was awe-inspiring, and the turquoise waters below sparkled in the sunlight. We took countless photos, trying to capture the essence of this natural wonder. Lena, with her architect's eye, was particularly impressed by the way the landscape blended seamlessly with the surrounding environment. Sofia, of course, was more interested in climbing on the rocks and pretending to be a fearless explorer.

After our hike, we were ready for a delicious lunch. We had made reservations at Restaurante Zé Maria - Noronha, a place renowned for its seafood and vibrant atmosphere. The restaurant is located within the Pousada Zé Maria, and it's known for its commitment to sustainability and local ingredients. As we stepped inside, we were greeted by the lively ambiance and the tantalizing aroma of grilled seafood. The staff were incredibly friendly and showed us to our table, which had a stunning view of the ocean.


Discover authentic Brazilian cuisine with breathtaking views at Restaurante Zé Maria in Fernando de Noronha.
We decided to indulge in some of the restaurant's signature dishes. Lena ordered the grilled lobster, while I opted for the fish moqueca, a traditional Brazilian stew. Sofia, ever adventurous, chose the grilled shrimp with passion fruit sauce. The food was simply divine. The seafood was incredibly fresh and flavorful, and the dishes were prepared with a perfect balance of spices and herbs. Lena raved about her lobster, declaring it the best she had ever tasted. My moqueca was rich and creamy, with a delightful blend of coconut milk, tomatoes, and peppers. Sofia, surprisingly, devoured her shrimp, proclaiming it super yummy. I was thrilled to see her trying new things and expanding her palate.

The restaurant also had an impressive wine list, and I decided to order a bottle of chilled white wine to complement our meal. As we savored our food and wine, we couldn't help but feel grateful for this incredible experience. The combination of stunning scenery, delicious food, and warm hospitality made it a truly unforgettable afternoon. It was interesting to learn that the restaurant also has a sushi bar every Thursday. Maybe we will come back!

After such a fulfilling lunch, we decided to take it easy for the rest of the afternoon. We strolled through the Vila dos Remédios, the main town on the island, soaking in the local atmosphere. We stopped by Noronha Roots, a charming shop that sells local crafts and souvenirs. I picked up a few small gifts for friends back home, while Lena found a beautiful piece of jewelry made from local stones. Sofia, of course, insisted on getting an ice cream cone, which she promptly devoured while skipping through the town square.


Discover the beauty of Fernando de Noronha with top-notch outdoor gear from Noronha Roots, your adventure partner in this tropical paradise.
As the sun began to set, we made our way to Restaurante Point da Cacimba for dinner. This restaurant is known for its stunning views of Cacimba do Padre beach and its delicious seafood. We arrived just in time to witness a spectacular sunset, with the sky ablaze in hues of orange, pink, and purple. The view was simply magical, and it set the perfect mood for our final meal of the day.


Discover authentic Brazilian flavors at Restaurante Point da Cacimba in Fernando de Noronha - a culinary delight amidst stunning natural beauty.
For dinner, we decided to try some of the restaurant's local specialties. Lena ordered the grilled octopus, while I chose the seafood risotto. Sofia, predictably, opted for the fish and chips. The food was delicious, although perhaps not quite as exceptional as our lunch at Zé Maria. Lena enjoyed her octopus, praising its tender texture and smoky flavor. My risotto was creamy and flavorful, with a generous portion of shrimp, mussels, and clams. Sofia, as always, happily munched on her fish and chips, declaring it the best ever.

As we finished our dinner, we reflected on the incredible day we had experienced. From the stunning beauty of Baía dos Porcos and Morro Dois Irmãos to the delicious flavors of Restaurante Zé Maria and Restaurante Point da Cacimba, it had been a day filled with unforgettable moments. I felt so grateful to be able to share these experiences with my family, creating memories that would last a lifetime. We also managed to buy some gifts at Noronha Roots, which was great.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Church of Our Lady of Good Remedy and the Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park. We're also looking forward to trying out Noronha All Natural for breakfast, Restaurante Abençoado for lunch, and Restaurante Cacimba Bistrô for dinner. And perhaps we'll end the day with a visit to Cacimba Oásis bar. It's hard to believe that our trip is drawing to a close, but we're determined to make the most of every moment. This island has captured our hearts, and we know that we'll be back someday to explore even more of its hidden treasures.

As Anitta, the Brazilian pop star, once said, great ideas come to us in the moments when we're slowing down, when we're able to take a breath, and take time for ourselves. Today was a perfect example of that.

Good night from Fernando de Noronha!