Arrival

We made our reservation for accommodation (from 23 to 27 June 2009) in advance by the tour company Ilha de Noronha (www.ilhadenoronha.com.br) or Noronha Island in English. The travel package included the flight by TRIP airlines, five nights (four days) in the Atlantic Ocean Inn (breakfast included), transfer airport / inn / airport on the island and walking tour (with historic sites). Value: R$ 1,250.00 + R$ 31.20 (airport fee) per person in double room (about US$ 720). If you pay in advanced, you get a 6% discount. The deposit can be made at various banks, depending on the tour operator, or by credit card.

Our flight left from Natal (RN), at 11 a.m., and we landed at the island's airport at 1h20 p.m.. When we arrived, we took a shock, because our name did not appear in list of Costa Azul tour company. They usually wait the tourist in the airport and take then to their respective hotels. They found ours names and everything was correct.

The airport is small and the air conditioning is off. There's just a conveyor belt for baggage. We expected a better structure by the fact the Island be one of the most beautiful sights in the country.

Before you go to the islands, I strong recommend pay the Environmental Protection Tax (TAP in Portuguese). For more information, check the official website of Fernando de Noronha (www.noronha.pe.gov.br), the second link in the right corner of the page. The daily fee is charged and the value is too expensive: R$ 38.24 (about US$ 21.50). You can also pay on arrival, but in this case you can find a large queue at the airport. In addition to the payment vouchers of TAP, take the voucher printed ticket and accommodation, to avoid any hassle. The tour operator, responsible for the package, send it via email.