10 Pristine Beaches in Fernando de Noronha You Can't Miss: A Paradise Guide

Let me start with the beach that consistently ranks as Brazil's best—and often appears in global top 10 lists. Baía do Sancho isn't just stunning; it's the kind of place that makes you question every other beach you've ever called 'beautiful'.

Accessing this slice of paradise requires a bit of adventure. You'll descend a metal ladder through a narrow rock crevice, then navigate down a steep staircase. The wife was giving me the side-eye the whole way down (heights aren't her thing), but I kept saying, 'Trust me, honey, it'll be worth it.' And boy, was I right!

When we emerged at the bottom, we were greeted by a perfect crescent of golden sand embraced by towering cliffs covered in lush vegetation. The water—oh, the water—was the clearest turquoise I've seen since our trip to the Maldives, but with much more character.

We arrived early, around 8:30 AM, and had the beach nearly to ourselves for a solid hour. By midday, more visitors had made the journey down, but it never felt crowded. The snorkeling here is world-class, with visibility extending seemingly forever. Schools of colorful fish darted around us as we floated in the calm, protected bay.

I'd strongly recommend bringing your own full-face snorkel mask. The rental options on the island are limited and often of questionable quality. Our full-face masks made for a much more comfortable experience, especially for the wife who isn't the strongest swimmer.

Named after a rock formation that resembles a lounging lion (squint hard enough and you'll see it), Praia do Leão captured my heart with its wild, untamed beauty. This is the island's largest beach, and unlike Sancho, it faces the open ocean, which means bigger waves and a more dramatic seascape.

The wife and I spent a full afternoon here, alternating between refreshing dips in the ocean and lounging under our beach umbrella, which was an absolute lifesaver given the intense equatorial sun. There's precious little natural shade here, folks, so come prepared!

What makes Leão truly special is its role as a sea turtle nesting site. If you visit between January and June, you might witness baby turtles making their perilous journey to the sea—a bucket list moment if there ever was one. We were lucky enough to catch this spectacle during our visit in February, and I'm not ashamed to admit I got a bit misty-eyed watching those determined little critters scurrying toward the waves.

The southern end of the beach features some impressive tide pools at low tide, perfect for a bit of exploration. We spotted colorful crabs, small fish, and even a shy octopus during our investigation. Just be mindful of the sea urchins—those little prickly fellows are abundant.

One thing to note: the current here can be strong, so swimming is only recommended when the conditions are favorable. Always check with the park rangers or your pousada host before heading out for a swim.

Don't let the name fool you—there are no pigs here, just paradise! Baía dos Porcos (Pig Bay) sits adjacent to Sancho and offers equally stunning waters but with a completely different vibe. This compact beach is framed by dramatic rock formations, including the famous Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers) peaks that have become a symbol of the island.

Accessing this beach requires a moderate hike along a well-marked trail, about 20 minutes from the main road. The path offers spectacular viewpoints along the way, so take your time and enjoy the journey. I kept stopping every few minutes, much to my wife's amusement, just to snap 'one more photo' of the increasingly impressive views.

What makes Porcos special is the natural pool formed at low tide—a perfect, calm swimming area protected from the open ocean. The water clarity here is simply ridiculous. I remember floating on my back, watching fish swim beneath me as clearly as if I were looking through glass.

This beach is smaller than Sancho and Leão, which means it can feel more intimate but also fills up faster. We arrived around 3 PM after the midday crowd had thinned out and had a lovely, peaceful experience.

For underwater enthusiasts, this is prime snorkeling territory. The rocky outcroppings on either end of the beach host a variety of marine life. I spotted parrotfish, angelfish, and even a shy moray eel peeking out from a crevice. My underwater camera captured some of my favorite photos from the entire trip here—the combination of clear water and abundant sea life is a photographer's dream.

One local tip: bring water shoes. While the sand is soft and inviting, the rocky areas can be sharp and slippery.

If you're looking for that perfect balance of beauty and accessibility, Praia da Conceição delivers in spades. This centrally located beach is within walking distance of many pousadas in the Vila dos Remédios area, making it an ideal spot for a quick morning dip or sunset stroll.

Conceição offers a long stretch of golden sand with gentle waves perfect for swimming and bodysurfing. The beach is lined with swaying palm trees that provide welcome shade during the heat of the day—a rarity on the island and something this sun-sensitive Canadian greatly appreciated!

What I love about Conceição is its dual personality. The main section near the access point tends to be livelier, with locals and tourists mingling, while the northern end remains quieter and more secluded. The wife and I would often start our day with a peaceful walk along the entire length, coffee in hand, before the day's heat kicked in.

This beach is also home to one of the island's best sunset spots. One evening, we picked up a bottle of Brazilian wine and some local cheese from a market in Vila dos Remédios and had an impromptu picnic as the sun painted the sky in impossible shades of orange and pink. Twenty-five years of marriage, and moments like these still feel like dating!

For those interested in water activities, Conceição offers good conditions for stand-up paddleboarding when the water is calm. Several operators near the beach rent equipment by the hour. I tried it for the first time here—let's just say I spent more time in the water than on the board, much to the entertainment of my wife and some friendly locals.

Unlike some of the more remote beaches, Conceição has basic facilities including restrooms and a few beach bars serving cold drinks and simple snacks. Bar do Meio, right on the beach, makes a mean caipirinha that'll knock your socks off!

If swimming with sea turtles is on your bucket list (and it absolutely should be), then Praia do Sueste needs to be your top priority in Fernando de Noronha. This protected bay on the eastern side of the island is renowned for its turtle population and controlled snorkeling opportunities.

Sueste differs from the other beaches on this list because it's more about the underwater experience than the beach itself. The sand area is relatively small, and the water can be murkier than at other beaches—but that's precisely why the turtles love it. The bay is rich in seagrass, a favorite food source for these gentle creatures.

The beach operates under strict conservation guidelines. Snorkeling is only permitted with an authorized guide, which might seem restrictive, but it's absolutely worth it. Our guide, Paulo, was not only knowledgeable about turtle behavior but also knew exactly where to find them.

Within minutes of entering the water, we encountered our first green sea turtle gracefully gliding through the water, completely unbothered by our presence. Over the two-hour excursion, we spotted seven different turtles, including a massive loggerhead that must have been at least 100 years old according to Paulo. My wife, who's normally a bit nervous in open water, was so enchanted that she completely forgot her fears.

Beyond turtles, Sueste is also a great spot to observe stingrays, which frequent the shallow sandy areas of the bay. Just remember the stingray shuffle—dragging your feet through the sand rather than taking steps—to avoid any unfortunate encounters.

The beach has basic facilities including restrooms, showers, and a small snack bar. I'd recommend bringing your own reef-safe sunscreen as the regular stuff is harmful to the marine ecosystem, and the guides are quite strict about this (rightfully so).

One important note: the tide greatly affects the experience at Sueste. During low tide, the bay becomes extremely shallow, making it difficult to snorkel. Check the tide tables and aim for mid to high tide for the best experience.

For those willing to venture beyond the well-trodden paths, Fernando de Noronha rewards with several hidden beaches that offer solitude and raw natural beauty. These spots require more effort to reach but provide that rare feeling of discovery that's becoming increasingly scarce in our Instagram-mapped world.

Praia do Atalaia

This tiny beach features a natural tide pool that's essentially a living aquarium. Access is highly restricted—only 30 visitors per day are allowed, and you must be accompanied by a guide. Reservations must be made at the visitor center days in advance. We nearly missed out but managed to snag a cancellation slot. The crystal-clear pool, no deeper than knee-height, hosts an astonishing variety of marine life, from baby sharks to octopuses. You're only allowed 30 minutes in the pool itself, but it's an unforgettable half-hour.

Praia do Bode

A small, secluded beach near Praia da Conceição that many tourists overlook. The beach is rocky rather than sandy, but the snorkeling conditions are exceptional. We spotted a sea turtle here without any tour or guide, just us and this magnificent creature sharing a moment in the blue. The wife still talks about it as one of the highlights of our trip.

Praia da Atalaia Grande

Not to be confused with the tide pool mentioned above, this beach requires a challenging hike through forest trails. The path isn't well-marked, so we hired a local guide named Felipe who entertained us with island legends along the way. The beach itself is wild and untouched—no facilities, no vendors, just nature at its most pristine. Pack plenty of water and snacks in a reliable waterproof backpack if you attempt this journey.

Praia do Americano

This tiny cove is accessible only by boat or via a challenging scramble down steep rocks (not recommended unless you're part mountain goat). We opted for a boat tour that included a stop here for snorkeling. The underwater visibility was staggering—easily 30+ meters on a good day. Schools of fish surrounded us immediately, clearly not used to human visitors.

These hidden gems offer a glimpse of what makes Fernando de Noronha truly special—the feeling that you're experiencing something rare and precious, a natural paradise that has somehow escaped the homogenization that affects so many tropical destinations.