Richard And Jo Demeester's photos with the keyword: Fernando de Noronha

Named for their agility, the quirky crabs provided some entertainment while we drank a beer awaiting sunset.

This distinct peak is the highest point in the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha. A memorable sunset silhouette.

I love the almost pre-historic silhouette that the frigate bird creates. I still remember the first time we saw them, and the impact they had on me many years ago. Seeing them again at Fernando de Noronha gave me a wonderful flashback.

With Morro do Pico behind, I waited at the end of the runway, flightradar open on my phone. Our plane arriving to pick us up. Flight is the only practical way for visitors to come to the archipelago, about an hour from Recife. Not only visitors, almost everything on the island arrives by air. This is just the start of what makes visiting expensive. There is a fairly steep daily charge, an environmental protection tax. There is a separate hefty national park fee payable to visit most of the beaches or any of the marine areas. Yes, it was certainly worth it, but we were quite conscious of how much this little side trip was costing.

Praia do Leão, or Lion Beach. Named for the rock that resembles a reclining sea lion. We swam here, cautiously, because of very strong current. Shore was always close, and we ensured we stayed where our feet could touch the sandy bottom. The water temperature was perfect, and it was a lovely reward after having walked 30 minutes or so from the bus stop without shade. When a couple who were sunning on the sand came to the waters edge to alert us to a shark, the decision was effectively made for us to leave the water. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, we did not see the shark. They described it as "baby", and it can't have been too big as it allegedly swam between us and the dry sand. Later discussions revealed, though, that big or small, one must take the threat seriously. The next major beach around is Baía do Sueste (Southeast Bay), and it was closed to water activities after a couple of serious shark attacks. Fernando de Noronha is actually rated, overall, as supporting very healthy shark populations.

Baía do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha, often ranks in the list of the World's Most Beautiful Beaches. I don't 100% agree. However, I cannot deny it is definitely gorgeous. Difficult access adds to the charm, with a pair of ladders in a fissure of rock the only practical way from the clifftop to the sand. Access to the ladders is restricted, with ascent or descent only allowed in alternating hours.