| |
- Many controversies
surround the discovery of Fernando de Noronha. The map of the area
sent in November, 1502 to Ercole d'Este, Duke of Ferrara, shows the
archipelago as the "Ilha da Quaresma" (Isle of Lent).. From
this it was supposed that knowledge of the existence of the island
dated from the expeditions which passed near them during Lent in 1500,
1501, or 1502.
|
|
|
|
- The Viscount
of Santarem attributed the discovery to Gaspar de Lemos, the captain
of the supply ship in Cabral's fleet, sent back to Portugal in 1500
with the news of the discovery of Santa Cruz (Brazil). However, Gaspar's
ship did not pass through the area of Fernando de Noronha during Lent;
rather, after sailing the coast of Brazil and cutting brazilwood,
Gaspar could have sighted the archipelago on June 24, the day of the
festival of St. John, whose name he could have given to the island.
|
- Duarte Leite,
after lengthy research, attributed the discovery of the island to
the 1501-1502 expedition, whose command mistakenly attributed ownership
of the island to Fernao de Loronha. Portuguese historian Jaime Cortesao
infers there must have been another expedition to Brazil in 1502-1503,
an expedition unknown except for a few clear remains. This would explain
the questions as to the mention of the island on maps of the period.
This expedition would have been under the command of Fernao de Loronha,
who, by this account, personally began the taming of the land he received
as payment for the Brazilwood he brought back from Brazil. It is in
the course of this voyage that, according to Duarte Leite, Fernao
de Loronha he would have discovered the archipelago named for him.
|
|
|
|
- Differing opinions
aside, what is certain is that the first to describe the island was
Americo Vespucci, who travelled in the expedition of Goncalo Coelho
in 1502-1503. By the Decree of February 16, 1504, Dom Manuel I granted
Fernao de Loronha the archipelago, making this the first hereditary
land grant in Brazil. This system of land grants was later inaugurated
on the mainland of Brazil between 1534-1536, when Dom Joao III established
no less than 14 such grants along the coast in favor of twelve grantees.
The descendants of Loronha continued to receive title to possession
of the island by royal decree until his great-great-grandson, Joao
Pereira Pestana in 1692.
|
- In 1534, the
Fernando de Noronha Archipelago was invaded by the English, and from
1556 until 1612, it was held by the French. In 1612, Claudio de Abbeville,
a Capuchin missionary, landed on the island and found one Portuguese
and seventeen indian men and women who had been banished from mainland
Pernambuco.
|
|
|
|
- Air France
Located in the extreme northeast of the main island, ideal for contemplation
and diving. It offers a spectacular view of the smaller islands. Here
is found the Cultural Center of the Archipelago, which offers courses
in beginning art for children. The name Air France comes from the
use of this area as a base for transatlantic flights made by Air France
during the 1930's.
|
- The Port
This is where the tourist and supply ships dock. There is a small
sand beach with calm waters. It is noted for the beautiful sunsets
and the seabirds diving for food. During the months of December, January
and February heavy waves (up to 13 feet) make it ideal for surfing.
|
|
|
|
- Cachorro
At the historic Vila dos Remedios, Cachorro Beach is alternately covered
with sand or pebbles, depending on the season of the year, due to
the tidal movements. It too is used for surfing.
|
- Meio
Next to Cachorro Beach, shaped like a small bay. It may be reached
from either Cachorro Beach or Conceicao Beach by means of a short
and easy path.
|
|
|
|
- Conceicao
One of the more beautiful and longer beaches on the archipelago, it
is the most popular with both islanders and tourists. It is ideal
for surfing (between December and February), for skin diving (from
March to November), for swimming or merely contemplation. It is worth
a visit just to view the sunset. There is a drink stand (BARBARIDADE)
that is open daily.
|
- Boldro
Near the old US satelite tracking station, the sea has the same characteristics
as Conceicao Beach except that the bottom is predominately coral.
Special care should be exercised when swimming during the months of
December through February due to the strong underwater currents. The
drink stand Mirante located on a high point, keeps an irregular schedule.
|
|
|
|
- Americano/Bode/Cacimba
do Padre
Three adjacent beaches with access by land or by sea during low tide,
ideal for the sport of surfing between December and February as well
as for swimming during the rest of the year. On Bode Beach are nice
shady spots under leafy trees, where one can relax or rest.
|
- Porcos Bay
One of the best of Fernando de Noronha, with access from Cacimba do
Padre Beach principally at low tide. Consists of marvelous views.
Located opposite the Morro dos Dois Irmaos, (two small islands very
near the beach), it has natural pools and variegated colored waters.
|
|
|
|
- Sancho Bay
Just beyond Porcos Bay is found Sancho Bay, another notable beach
among so many. Surrounded by a natural wall, it may be reached by
a ladder fastened to the rock, or by a short trail (a local guide
is recommended) or by sea. A beach of unforgettable beauty where one
may find the nests of aquatic birds and enjoy excellent dives in the
bay. For the tour boats, it is a stopping point for swimming and diving.
|
- Dolphin Bay
An area of maximum preservation, the only access is a pathway to the
cliff's edge. It is an observation point for the activity of the dolphins,
principally about 6 am. It is within the National Marine Park, and
in order to preserve the area for the dolphins, access by sea is prohibited.
|
|
|
|
- Leao
Located on the southeast side of the island, many think it has the
most beautiful scenery of the Archipelago. The principal area for
the sea turtles to lay their eggs, it has among other attractions
its size (greatest length), pools and the esguichos, geyser-like fountains
that result from the tremendous build-up of pressure as the high tide
brings water in under the coral and consequently forces it through
small openings. Best months: December through March.
|
- Caracas Point
Rocky, with access over the rocks, it has an excellent pool reachable
at low tide. From the lookout point there is an excellent view of
Leao Bay and surroundings.
|
|
|
|
- Southeast Bay
The calmest beach of Fernando de Noronha due to its form of an enclosed
bay, it permits diving and swimming at any tide. Beautiful view and
rich marine life. Next to it is the only islander mangrove of the
South Atlantic, with its distinctive wildlife. Diving is restricted
in some parts of the bay to protect the coral reefs. Drinks and snacks
are served during the day (Tartarugao Lunches).
|
- Atalaia Beach
Virtually a natural aquarium, diving in its pools is possible at low
tide. Extremely shallow (averaging 30 inches), it displays an impressive
variety of marine life. Access by a trail beginning at the Vila do
Trinta, or by car using the road near the airport. Located within
the National Marine Park, the number of visitors is limited to thirty
per day.
|
|
|
|
- Various other
activities are available to the visitor on Fernando de Noronha. Keep
in mind that, in general, the tourist industry is very small, tending
to a gradual improvement.
- Ecological tourism
is the natural calling of the island. The unspoiled beauty, incomparable
and unforgettable, makes up for the occassional discomforts, contributing
to the spirit of adventure that spreads in the air.
|
- Underwater Activities
On Fernado de Noronha two types of diving may be done: self-contained,
with air tanks, and free dives (skin diving). Spear fishing is entirely
prohibited. For self-contained divers there are 3 local firms which
basically offer two services: Beginning Dives and Experienced Dives.
|
|
