Fernando de Noronha: Brazil's Pristine Paradise

• HelloOlá
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeTchau
  [chow]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [nah-oh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/dee nah-dah]
• Thank youObrigado/Obrigada
  [oh-bree-gah-doh/oh-bree-gah-dah]
• Excuse me/SorryCom licença/Desculpe
  [kohm lee-sen-sah/dehs-kool-peh]
• How are you?Como vai você?
  [koh-moh vah-ee vo-seh]
• Fine. And you?Bem. E você?
  [beng eh vo-seh]
• Do you speak English?Você fala inglês?
  [vo-seh fah-lah een-glehs]
• I don't understandEu não entendo
  [eh-oo now-en-ten-doo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEu gostaria de ver o cardápio, por favor
  [eh-oo gohs-tah-ree-ah deh veh ooh kahr-dah-pyoo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatEu não como carne
  [eh-oo now ko-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sow-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseEu gostaria de pagar, por favor
  [eh-oo gohs-tah-ree-ah deh pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!Socorro!
  [soh-koh-roh]
• Go away!Vá embora!
  [vah ehm-boh-rah]
• Call the Police!Chame a polícia!
  [shah-meh ah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Chame um médico!
  [shah-meh ooh meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstou perdido
  [es-toh pehr-dee-doo]
• I'm illEstou doente
  [es-toh doo-en-teh]

• I'd like to buy...Eu gostaria de comprar...
  [eh-oo gohs-tah-ree-ah deh kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingEstou só olhando
  [es-toh soh oh-lhan-doo]
• How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [kwahn-toh koos-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [ee-soh eh moo-ee-toh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Você pode baixar o preço?
  [vo-seh poh-deh bahy-shahr ooh preh-soh]

• What time is it?Que horas são?
  [keh oh-rahz sah-ooh]
• It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh oo-mah oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Meia hora (10)
  [may-ah oh-rah (dees)]
• MorningManhã
  [mahn-yah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoite
  [noy-tchee]
• YesterdayOntem
  [on-tehm]
• TodayHoje
  [oh-zhay]
• TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-mahn-yah]
• 1Um
  [oom]
• 2Dois
  [doh-ees]
• 3Três
  [trehs]
• 4Quatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [saysh]
• 7Sete
  [seh-teh]
• 8Oito
  [oy-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dez
  [dehz]

• Where's a/the...?Onde fica o/a...?
  [ohn-deh fee-kah oh/ah]
• What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kwahl eh oh ehn-deh-reh-soh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Você pode me mostrar (no mapa)?
  [vo-seh poh-deh meh moh-strahr (noh mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (ônibus)?
  [kwahn-doh eh oh proh-see-moh (oh-nee-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ....)
  [oom bee-yeh-teh (pah-rah)]

Fernando de Noronha was discovered by the Portuguese on August 10, 1503. The island was named after the Portuguese merchant Fernão de Loronha, who financed the expedition led by Gonçalo Coelho. Early exploration of the island revealed its strategic maritime importance due to its location in the Atlantic Ocean.

Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, Fernando de Noronha switched hands numerous times. Initially under Portuguese control, it was briefly occupied by the English and later by the Dutch. The island's strategic location made it a highly contested territory during various colonial conflicts.

In the 18th century, Fernando de Noronha was transformed into a penal colony by the Portuguese Crown. Convicts and political prisoners were sent to the island, and many of the structures built during this period still stand today. The island served as a prison until the early 20th century.

During World War II, Fernando de Noronha gained military significance. The Brazilian government allowed the United States to establish an airbase on the island as part of the Allied efforts in the South Atlantic. This period saw significant infrastructural development, including the construction of airstrips and military installations.

In 1988, Fernando de Noronha was declared a National Marine Park by the Brazilian government. This designation aimed to preserve its unique ecosystem and biodiversity. The park covers approximately 70% of the island's territory and has become a model for conservation and sustainable tourism.

In 2001, Fernando de Noronha, along with the Atol das Rocas, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition highlights the island's exceptional natural beauty and ecological importance, particularly its rich marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and numerous fish species.

The island's culture is a vibrant mix of indigenous, African, and European influences, reflecting Brazil's diverse heritage. Local traditions include the Festival of Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, celebrated with maritime processions and traditional music. Handicrafts and local cuisine, featuring fresh seafood, are integral parts of the island's cultural identity.

Fernando de Noronha is an archipelago located approximately 354 kilometers off the northeastern coast of Brazil. The most common way to reach the islands is by air. Flights are available from Recife (REC) and Natal (NAT) to Fernando de Noronha Airport (FEN). Alternatively, there are cruise options that occasionally visit the islands as part of their itineraries.

Once on the island, transportation options are relatively limited but sufficient for the small area. Buggies are the most popular form of transport and can be rented upon arrival. There are also taxis available, and a public bus route that runs across the island, connecting the main beaches and points of interest. For those who enjoy cycling, bikes can also be rented.

The official currency in Fernando de Noronha is the Brazilian Real (BRL). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and activities. There are banks and ATMs on the island, but be prepared for occasional outages. It's best to withdraw enough cash before arriving on the island.

Fernando de Noronha is generally a safe destination with low crime rates. However, tourists should still take standard precautions. Avoid leaving belongings unattended on beaches and stay aware of your surroundings, especially in more secluded areas. There are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, but it's always good practice to stay vigilant.

In case of an emergency, dial 193 for the fire department or 192 for medical emergencies. The island has a small hospital equipped to handle most medical situations. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies on the island where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear light, breathable clothing suitable for a tropical climate. Don’t forget to bring swimwear and reef-safe sunscreen. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. There is a small church on the island, and modest attire is appreciated when visiting. Public Transport: Do use the public bus system; it’s an affordable way to get around. Don’t expect it to run on a strict schedule. Greetings: Do greet locals with a warm 'Bom dia' (Good morning) or 'Boa tarde' (Good afternoon). Don’t be surprised if they respond with a friendly smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local seafood and traditional dishes. Don’t leave without trying the local tapioca pancakes.

To experience Fernando de Noronha like a local, consider visiting the island’s lesser-known beaches and trails. Engage with locals, who are often very friendly and willing to share their favorite spots. Participate in conservation activities, as the island is a protected area and efforts to preserve its natural beauty are ongoing. Don't miss the opportunity to snorkel or scuba dive in one of the world's most pristine marine environments.