-
Hi Sergio!
Yes, we did receive it - thank you for your payment ;-)
Can I also ask you if you are aware of the Island Tax and the
National
Marine Park Entrance Fees? These are two different sets of
payments that
you will need to budget for your stay on the island :-)
So please let us know if you need more detailed info about
them!
And now, I am sending you here 4 final files to finalize your
reservation
process with us:
Your final confirmation for your stay on the island.
Our 2014 map with tips in English.
A few reminders for your packing time.
The restaurants we suggest you visit ;-) We suggest you print or
save the map and the restaurant list on your
smartphone or tablet, but if you prefer to print them, let us
know if you
need a high-res copy of the map. This way you will be able to
easily
explore the island and its dining options ;-)
I am not quite sure I'll be in Noronha when you arrive, but I
will be
working normally by phone and email so please dont hesitate to
contact
us!
Do you have a smartphone that would be working with email during
your
time on the island? Over the last few months, a few of our
clients found
this to be very helpful as they could email me any questions
they had at
any time. But you may also text us at any time too! Our phones
are down
below on our signature.
Being connected by phone/texting/emailing we would also be able
to let
you know if the Sea Turtle NGO of the island TAMAR - will be
doing
any special activities during your stay, as we try and be
connected with
them on a daily basis. Last week we were able to let a few
clients know that
TAMAR was capturing sea turtles at the port in order to collect
data for
their research and they were letting regular tourists watch this
research
activity so itll be nice if we can let you know about things
like that ;-)
-
As far as activities go, most of the island may be easily
explored with the
assistance of some sort of transportation and our 2014 map. This
is
something quite nice about the island it allows you to explore
it
independently, on your own, your way, the way you would like to
do it
completely different than the regular packaged-tours.
But there are 2 activities that we consider the highlights of
the island and
that we advise you to pre-book due to their limited number of
openings.
The first one is theBoat Ride along the inner sea of the island
with
planasub (snorkel-being-towed) included and lunch (planasub
lasts about
20-30 min when sea conditions allow), the second one is Scuba
Diving (we
can also inform you about Atalaia Hike if you are into
hiking!).
We make sure we direct you to local suppliers that are smaller,
take less
people... and that are fairly paid... avoiding the big agencies
with buses...
On our next email to you we will send you pictures and detailed
description
of these 2 activities plus an example of a buggy, so you may
start enjoying
your trip ahead of time.
There is no need to pre-pay for any activity If we make a
reservation for
you for any activity, it would simply be a pre-booking to save
spots for you
I also suggest that you try and book your seats on the left side
of the
plane so you may take full advantage of the overview panoramic
flight that
pilots do on average 50% of the time, before they land. Also, if
you can
book your seats very near the door of the aircraft, so you may
be one of
the first to leave the plane, it'll be better so you may get to
the tax counter
before most people, and therefore get to your luggage and out of
that tiny
airport as soon as possible ;-)
If you would like to get connected with island news between now
and your
arrival, I have also been posting quite a few interesting
last-minute updates
about Noronha on our Facebook page (Adriana Schmidt Raub) -
unique
info such as sea turtle research activities open for tourists,
special dinners,
regional events, and others.
It is not a fan page without much useful info it is supposed to
be a
connection between our clients and us. People who would like to
be
informed about last minute info or about whats happening on the
island.
The island has a free Wi-Fi network called Noronha Digital
which
unfortunately doesnt work that great because it is via Satelite
so if you stay
-
connected while on the island as well, we'll be able to let you
know about
these last minute tips even during your stay ;-)
I hope you dont feel this is too much information :-( But we
strongly
believe that the more informed you are, the better your stay
will be.
One last thing - the islands local community lacks specific
training such as
good customer service and therefore people tend to be a bit
rough around
the edges at times (this is unfortunate ... but I do believe it
is a work in
progress...:-).
Let us know if you receive this email and we'll be here if you
have any
questions!
Adriana Schmidt
Your Way | Noronha | Brasil
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Hi Sergio!
In Fernando de Noronha, there are two different sets of payments
for the government that visitors are required to pay, in order to
preserve this Worlds Natural Heritage by UNESCO. One is the island
tax, used to improve urban infrastructure and
that needs to be paid at the airport when visitors arrive. It is
about
R$ 48 REAIS per person per night of stay on the island, and
they
take all major credit cards at the airport of Noronha.
Foreign
clients cannot pay for this tax online, unfortunately ;-(
The other one is for the National Marine Park areas. It was
implemented in October of 2012, and all visitors need to
register
and pay an admission ticket in order to be able to visit the
National Marine Park areas of Fernando de Noronha. The
National Marine Park areas entail approximately 70% of the
island.
The admission ticket is valid for 10 days and it is priced
per
person. Ticket is R$ 150 REAIS per person (Brazilians have a
50% deduction). Payment may be done with any major credit
cards online at www.parnanoronha.com.br (more info on how to
pay online attached to this email!) and in person, using the
following currencies: USD, REAIS and EUROS. If you pay for
this fee online, you need to print the receipt with your number
so
you may use it to enter Park Areas. At the end, you may
exchange
this receipt for a souvenir card with your picture and a picture
of
Noronha, if you care for taking this small souvenir home ;-)
But
most people prefer the convenience of not having to stop at
a
different place to pay for a second fee once they clear the
airport
of Noronha. I can totally relate to that as well ;-) But this
is
entirely up to you ;-)
http://www.parnanoronha.com.br/
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Just to give you a general idea: The National Marine Park areas
of
Fernando de Noronha are places such as:
Sancho Beach (and also the self-guided walk from Dolphins to
Sancho Viewpoints)
Leao and Sueste Beach
Caieira, Atalaia and Abreus Beaches
Boat rides along all the inner sea of the island
Scuba dive in any dive site of Noronha. There are 3 dedicated
places for visitors to register and pay the
admission fee to the National Marine Park here on the island
(if
you prefer not to mess with the online system), and they
are:
1) The Visitors Center of ICMBio from 8 AM to 10 PM every day.
2) Yellow kiosk inside Flamboyant Park from 8 AM to 10 PMevery day.
3) Sancho-Golfinhos Kiosk and Sueste Kiosk from 6h30 AM to 6h30 PM
every day. I hope you will find this reminder to be useful and
please don't
forget to register with the National Marine Park as soon as
you
arrive in Noronha or before you get here (online!), so you
may
fully enjoy your visit to all areas of the island :-)
Adriana Schmidt
Your Way | Noronha | Brasil
-
In Noronha, diving conditions are ranked from "good" to
"excellent"
all year round: we count on visibility of 30-50mts and warm
waters with an average temperature of 26C.
Noronhas dive sites are known for their exuberant sea life. The
presence
of animals is more frequent than colorful coral which is often
seen in abundance in the
Red Sea or Australia. Because of its volcanic origin, the
islands underwater rock
formations are beautiful to observe and dive through.
Noronha has daily dive operations - in the mornings (7am to
12pm) and in the afternoons (1pm to 5pm). On Sundays all three
dive
operators only dive in the morning.
For CERTIFIED DIVERS:
Dives include two tanks of air in two different dive sites but
they cannot be split in two different periods. They have to be done
in one operation either an entire morning, or an entire afternoon
out on the dive boat.
Price is R$ 320,00 REAIS and includes: pick-up and drop-off from
your accommodation of choice, dive boat, 02 tanks of air, weight
belt, and dive master or instructor guide assistance.
Price of equipment rental per dive operation (morning or
afternoon): BC = R$40; Regulator
= R$40; Wet suit = R$31; Mask/Fins = R$16.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
For NON-CERTIFIED DIVERS:
Non-Certified divers may take advantage of the baptism (or
resort) dive.
Price is R$ 375,00 REAIS and includes: pick-up and drop-off from
your accommodation of choice, dive boat, 01 tank of air, weight
belt, dive master or instructor guide assistance, BC, regulator,
mask + fins.
R$ 100 extra gives you the opportunity of doing 2 baptism dives
in one dive operation.
- Important!! Please take your time to carefully read the list
below. If you have any of the conditions below listed, you will
need to explain
it in more detail to dive staff before scheduling your dive:
1 Serious cold or nasal congestion?
2 High blood pressure? 3 Cardio or respiratory problems?
4 Diabetes? 5 - Dizziness or history of fainting?
6 - Heart disease or conditions?
-
7 - Recent surgery?
8 Sinusitis? 9 Pregnancy?
10 - Asthma or tuberculosis?
11 Claustrophobia? 12 - Ear problems?
13 Undergoing special treatment for medical conditions? 14 - Eye
problems?
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Divers need to stop at Atlantis Divers shop in Remedios Village
upon arrival on the island, in order to fill out medical form and
pre-pay dives.
Atlantis Divers shop is open daily from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM.
REMEMBER: Noronha is one hour ahead of the mainland!
Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited. We also strongly
recommend you dont drink the night before your dive.
Reimbursement will be provided only if you cancel your dive with
at least 24 hours notice.
Dive sites are decided by Atlantis Divers and ICMBio
(Environmental Regulatory Agency of Brasil Noronhas office) on the
day of the dive.
The pictures below were taken by talented Zaira Matheus
(professional underwater photographer) while diving with Atlantis
Divers!
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Below we have listed just a few examples of Noronha's dive sites
along with a Map of Dive Sites (courtesy of Atlantis Divers):
PORTS SHIPWRECK (inner sea) Greek cargo ship that sunk in the
1920's, excellent location for night and late-
evening dives.
ILHA DO MEIO (inner sea) Some caves and large lairs, with
regular sightings of nurse sharks.
BURACO DAS CABRAS (inner/outer sea) Curious volcanic rock
formations with various schools of small fish. This is generally
the starting point for drift dives
ending in Canal da Rata.
MORRO DE FORA (inner sea) Great option for a tranquil and safe
dive when the inside ocean is calm. Dive site is
located near the rock formation between Meio Beach and Conceicao
Beach.
LAJE DOIS IRMAOS (inner sea) These set of rocks located right
near the
Dois Irmaos Islans (Two Brothers) is formed of low rock
formations covered by
sponges and coral. Frequent sightings of sharks.
CAVERNA DA SAPATA (inner sea) Sapata is the very end of the
inner sea
when you visit this side of the island by the regular boat ride.
Huge underwater
cave, ample and easy to enter, with rocky seaboard, many sponges
and fish species.
CABECO DA SAPATA (inner sea) Huge underwater cave, ample and
easy to
enter, with rocky seaboard, many sponges and fish species.
IUIAS (outer sea) Dive spot similar to Pedras Secas, with a
great deal of sea life and large fish. One of the best dives in
Noronha when sea conditions allow.
CABECO SUBMARINO
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Meeting point for turtles that often visit
Sueste Bay at the very end of Noronhas main road (passed the
airport). Many lairs
with big fish.
PEDRAS SECAS This historical dive site has a spectacular dive
offering maximum visibility. Rocky
bottom covered with sea-life surrounded by arches, canyons and
small caverns. Divers have an excellent chance of
encountering sand sharks and sea turtles. Pedras Secas is the
set of rocks that are
responsible for the sinking of the ship that was part of the
Portuguese expedition that discovered the island in 1503.
CORVETA V17 Warship wreck that is in navigational position,
almost completely intact, with
distinct bow cannon covered by sponges. This dive site is
between 63 and 56mts deep, in the direction of the Two
Brothers.
We recommend Atlantis Divers because: 1) Atlantis has been
operating in Noronha since 1994 and it is currently the best dive
operator in Brazil. 2) Atlantis is associated with the National
Association of Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism Operators in Brazil
(ABETA). The owner of Atlantis Divers is one of ABETA's current and
most active directors. 3) They were the first dive company in the
country to be awarded a nationalcertification on Safety Measures
for Adventure Tourism and Ecotourism Operators. In Noronha, they
are the only dive company with such certificate (out of three dive
companies available). 4) Atlantis has implemented an Emergency Plan
and tests this plan on an annual basis. Their staff goes through a
30-hour training routine before attending to customers. 5) They are
genuinely interested in clients' feedback and therefore have a
questionnaire to gather information for possible improvements. 6)
Atlantis is also currently participating in a Quality Improvement
Programconducted by SEBRAE Brazil.
-
7) Atlantis is the only dive operator on the island with Civil
Lawsuit Insurance.
-
The island has a bus system that only travels on
themain road every 30-40 min; and quite a
few taxis that charge between R$15 to R$30 per
ride. If you are a solo traveller, you may take
advantage of catching rides, as this is a very fun,
and popular way of getting around. Take advantage
of that as the island is very safe, and people are
very friendly
But, if you would like more independence, and
would also like to optimize your time here, there are
motorcycles and buggies for rental.
Buggies and motorbikes are rented by 24 hour-
periods. They cost about R$130 to R$165 and
sometimes, up to R$200 per day. Price doesn't
include gasoline or the driver, so remember to bring
your license!
Gasoline for one day of driving is usually about
R$40 to R$45 REAIS (10-12L) and this should be
plenty for you to drive around the main road and
secondary roads, to explore your way around the
island. There are only about three buggy owners
that I fully trust that try and maintain their buggies
in good shape, and I usually prefer not to go with
the very cheap ones, as they break more
frequently.
Buggies may be delivered to you at your
accommodation of choice and you may also return it
back to the owner at the airport, taking advantage
of the rental period and saving money on the taxi
ride back to the airport on the day of your
departure. That's an idea that people tend to think
of it as very useful, especially because you may also
-
check your bags in, and then drive the buggy onto
Maravilha pousada for a last minute drink, and not
have to sit and wait at the airport for your boarding
time. The airport is currently undergoing renovation
and it doesn't have A/C, or many cute local shops at
the moment :(
Wed like you to keep in mind that:
Buggies are not like cars. They are a much more
improvised means of transportation (more like
glorified go-carts). So remember to drive slowly
and carefully - 3rd gear should be the fastest you
should go ;)
They lack the standard safety features of
standard vehicles. A few items may not work
perfectly because of the lack of specialized
mechanic shops on the island - for. ex: parking
breaks, wipers, turn signals... For parking, we
recommend you leave the buggy in a strong gear --
first or reverse.
They will most likely have a beetle old engine
and maintenance is very improvised too because of
the lack of more trained people on the island.
They consume much more gasoline than cars
they are not in any way an economic type of
transportation. You should keep in mind that
about 10 liters of gasoline per day of exploring
should be plenty for you :)
-
Insurance doesnt exist on the island so you will
need to be extra careful because any damages that
happen during your rental period will need to be
worked out between you and the buggy owner
unless, of course, damage is considered regular
wear&tear. For ex. flat tire, clutch not working
properly, etc...
All secondary roads of the island are not in good
shape so it is advisable to drive them carefully and
slowly, so you don't end up wasting precious
"exploring time" waiting to be rescued by buggy
owner in one of these bad roads, because of a flat
tire.
In case you need to ask for buggy owners help,
well probably need to help you as they dont speak
English. Keep our numbers handy, and when you
call us, well need to know where the buggy is
located and where you left the keys. This way well
be able to pass on the info to buggy owner so he
can rescue the car and fix it properly.
Driving slowly and carefully is the best advice we can give you.
Roads in Noronha are really, really poorly maintained, and if you
get a flat tire, buggy owners will come to rescue you, but this may
take a while to be fixed, depending on where it happens and how it
happens. They will not charge you for flat tires, but if you
continue to drive with a flat tire, this will damage the tire
beyond regular flat repair, and then buggy owners will have to
charge you for a chamber replacement which is on average 90-110
REAIS on the island. So it is important to be always alert about
the conditions of the vehicle, while it is under your
responsibility :)
Adriana Schmidt
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Hi again Sergio! About your possible dives, I am copying Vivian
at Atlantis Divers on this email, just so she is aware of your
interest in diving, but we'll help you with any questions between
now and the time you decide to pre-book your dives, ok? I normally
suggest you pre-book dives just to be sure you will have a spot
reserved with Atlantis which is currently the best dive outfitter
in Brazil, and also because June will have the World Cup, and there
may be more visitors than normal .... All three dive places here
normally operate with a two-tank dive in the morning and also
two-tank dives in the afternoon. I am a diver myself too ;-) and
when I go diving in other places, I tend to search for the most
qualified scuba operator. Atlantis is the only one out of 3 dive
companies that has been associated with the Brazilian Association
of Adventure Tourism and Ecotourism. They also went above and
beyond by being one of the first 100 companies here in Brazil to
earn the precursor of ISO 9000 in Safety Standards for Adventure
Tourism just a few years ago. For me, this is a BIG deal ;-) so
this is why I only recommend them ... But let me ask you - is Diego
also certified? How many logged dives (approximately) do you 2 have
? On my next email to you I'll send you more info on scuba diving
here on the island ...and I'll wait for your questions as well ;-)
but in the meantime check this 2-minute video out, as it gives you
a good overview on how scuba dive is operated on the island:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9eg44Ez5u4
And let us know your thoughts! Adriana
Adriana Schmidt
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v1/url?u=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3D_9eg44Ez5u4&k=wdHsQuqY0Mqq1fNjZGIYnA%3D%3D%0A&r=Ueg%2FQD1Yw8Tpx%2FQg456CLNTCQqkYM0cQ0nMwOmEjaDw%3D%0A&m=XgPz4xtZQ33TTxmUmPNxYUakT5qZecGBmL5ife%2FIYRw%3D%0A&s=0a0b8bd93c07b1f9c166a81bb3ec9ca88c9bf756d2ea01da19553de9120a679b