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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Brazil

Year-Round Attire

Fernando de Noronha presents a warm, tropical climate. Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking materials. These fabrics promote comfort in the heat and humidity.

General Clothing

Activity-Specific Attire

For swimming, snorkeling, or diving, bring multiple Swimsuits. A rash guard offers sun protection and warmth. For hiking, pack comfortable shorts or light athletic pants and quick-drying shirts.

Specific Needs

  • Consider your own Wetsuit if you plan extensive diving.
  • Comfortable walking shorts or light pants for hiking and exploring.
  • A very light jacket is rarely necessary for evenings.

Footwear Recommendations

General Wear

Flip-flops or Comfortable sandals for pousadas and beaches.

Casual comfort

Water Activities

Water shoes or Reef shoes protect feet on rocky beaches or in tide pools.

Reef protection

Walking and Trails

Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers with good grip for exploring trails.

Trail exploration

Essential Documents

Important Papers

Keep travel documents organized and accessible. Carry both physical copies and digital backups for added security.

  • Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure.
  • Visa Documentation: All relevant visa documents, if a visa is needed for Brazil.
  • Travel Insurance Policy: Printed and digital copies with emergency contacts.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): For driving a buggy, alongside national driver's license.
  • Vaccination Records: Yellow Fever certificate, if applicable, and other recommended vaccinations.
  • Reservations: Printed and digital confirmations for flights, accommodations, and tours.
  • Fee Receipts: Environmental Preservation Tax (TPA) and National Marine Park (PARNAMAR) payment receipts.
  • Emergency Contact Information: Local and international contacts, including your embassy.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Brazil uses Type N power outlets (three round pins), similar to South Africa. Fernando de Noronha mainly operates on 220V. A Universal travel adapter with Type N compatibility is necessary. Consider purchasing a local SIM card from Vivo on the mainland for best island coverage.

Connectivity Essentials

  • Power adapter for Type N outlets (220V).
  • Local SIM card (Vivo for better coverage).
  • Confirm your mobile phone is unlocked.

Photography & Apps

A Waterproof camera such as a GoPro or Smartphone with a Reliable waterproof case captures marine life. Extra batteries and memory cards are prudent. Offline maps (Google Maps) and WhatsApp are useful apps. A Translation app (like Google Translate) also aids communication.

Tech Recommendations

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Utilize services like Google Drive or Dropbox for photos and documents.

Offline Maps

Download Google Maps for offline use, especially useful with spotty reception.

Secure Wallet

A RFID-blocking wallet or Money belt protects sensitive information.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal Health Kit

Pack a personalized health and wellness kit. This addresses minor ailments and environmental challenges, as local supplies can be expensive or limited.

First Aid Basics

Sun & Insect Protection

The island experiences intense sun. Use high-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen. Wear wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing. Mosquito-borne diseases are less prevalent on Fernando de Noronha but still warrant precaution.

Travel Wellness

General Well-being

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
  • Clean any cuts or scrapes immediately to prevent infection.
  • Be aware of jellyfish and sea urchins in shallow waters.

Emergency Preparedness

  • Antihistamines for allergies or insect bites.
  • Hydrocortisone cream for skin irritations.
  • Over-the-counter remedies for colds, upset stomach, motion sickness.

Activity Gear

Snorkeling Essentials

While available for rent, bringing your own Mask, snorkel, and fins ensures a comfortable fit and hygiene, particularly if you plan frequent snorkeling.

  • Personal Snorkeling gear.
  • Comfortable fit.
  • Hygiene preference.
  • Convenient for frequent use.

Hiking Supplies

Pack a Small daypack for water and other essentials. Comfortable Hiking sandals or shoes with good grip are necessary for exploring trails, some of which are uneven.

  • Small daypack.
  • Good grip hiking shoes.
  • Water bottle.
  • Essentials like snacks.

Diving & Surfing

If you plan to scuba dive, bring your PADI or SSI certification card and logbook. Dive operators on the island provide rental equipment. Surfboards are available for rent, but experienced surfers may bring their own for performance preferences.

  • Diving certification (PADI/SSI).
  • Logbook.
  • Optional personal surfboard.
  • Rental equipment for diving available.

Gear Acquisition Decision

Renting Gear

  • Less luggage weight and bulk.
  • No maintenance or storage worries.
  • Newer equipment versions often available.
  • Cost-effective for occasional use.

Buying Gear

  • Guaranteed fit and comfort.
  • Better hygiene for personal items like masks/snorkels.
  • Long-term cost savings for frequent travelers.
  • Familiarity with your own equipment.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Beyond the basics, a few extra items can significantly elevate your travel experience on Fernando de Noronha, especially for comfort during transport and securing belongings.

Travel Aids

Sustainable & Specific Items

Embrace sustainability. A reusable water bottle helps reduce plastic waste. A reusable shopping bag is handy. Pack items difficult or expensive to purchase locally.

Eco-Friendly & Niche

Gear Comparison: Categories

Sun Protection

Reef-safe mineral sunscreen protects marine life.

Footwear

Water shoes for reefs, Hiking sandals for trails.

Underwater Camera

GoPro or Waterproof phone case captures marine life.

Hydration

Filtered water bottle aids in sustainability.

Special Considerations

Climate-Specific Gear

  • Quick-drying clothing for frequent showers.
  • Anti-fog spray for masks and camera lenses in humidity.
  • Strong insect repellent, especially for evenings.

Personal Preferences

  • A good book or e-reader for downtime.
  • Headphones for flights and relaxation.
  • Compact cutlery set for self-catering.

Packing Smart

Pack light for ease of movement. Fernando de Noronha's casual atmosphere means less need for extensive wardrobes.

Roll clothes to save space. Consider packing cubes for organization.