Full packing list for Fernando de Noronha
This amazing island is the best but it is also far, far away from the mainland. So what are some things that you should bring with you when you go?
Clothes
There are not a lot of clothes that you need here on the island. It’s hot and you will probably spend most of your time at the beach or in the water. The most essential items are your swimwear and maybe some clothes for a night at a (fancy) restaurant. If you are (like me) prone to get burned easily then you should bring your UV clothing. Not only for hikes but also in the water, because you can get easily burned here. You can buy clothes here but be aware that the prices are higher than on the mainland.
Toiletries and medicines
The most important items are sunscreen and your own medicines. There is a farmacy (and a hospital) but it is better to be well prepared. If you have specific medication that you need, bring extra just in case. You are in the middle of an island and they don’t have everything on the island. You can buy sunscreen but it is more expensive here. They also have after sun products but if possible try to bring your own or prevent being burned. You can get very sick from it.
Don’t forget to bring products for your hair, after all that sun and saltwater your hair can get damaged easily.
Snorkeling, scuba and surfing gear
Before I went I read that you could rent snorkeling, scuba and surfing gear. For snorkeling it’s easy to bring it with you but for scuba diving and surfing it’s not as easy. It depends on how much you can bring if it is cheaper for you to bring your gear or rent it here. I don’t know exactly how much it cost to rent scuba diving gear but snorkeling gear was R$ 30. Because I went for a week it was cheaper to buy everything but I can imagine if you only go for a couple of days, that it will be easier and cheaper to rent your gear. You probably know better than me if it’s better for you to bring your own scuba or surfing gear.
Don’t forget to bring scuba shoes because on most beaches there are sharp rocks. I was very happy that I had brought them.
I also brought an inflatable snorkeling vest with me. I knew I would be in the water a lot and it can be quite exhausting to stay a float for a long time. I was so happy that I bought it and I used it every time. It was super practical and I could deflate it after I was done. Some of the ones that you can rent are full of mold and I didn’t want that, obviously.
Camera and phone case protection
I love taking pictures on my travels and here you have so many opportunities! You have special cases for your phone so that you can take pictures or videos under water. Of course you can also buy a camera that can capture underwater. If you have one it is worth it to bring it. I have taken so many videos of fishes and turtles. And I loved it!
Beach must-haves
On all my travels I bring my dry bags and especially on this trip I was so happy with them. I could just put all my wet stuff in it and my dry things in another. They are super easy to clean and they fold up really nicely.
My quick dry towels were again worth their money. So easy to use and clean. My dry bag was used as a washing bag most every night and the next morning my towels were dry again.
I also brought my portable clothes line to hang up my swimsuit because I didn’t know if my accommodation had a clothes rack. And I was happy that I had it with me.
Don’t forget your sunglasses and sunhat or baseball cap in the scorching heat. My handheld fan also came in handy.
Usually I bring my water bottle but there are not a lot of places where you can fill it on the island, that’s why I didn’t bring it with me.
These are my recommendations for when you go to the Island. I’m curious if you would have brought something else. Leave your suggestions or questions in the comment section down below.
Is the island of Fernando de Noronha accessible for wheelchair users?
Tours*
The island is not prepared for wheelchair users or people with mobility problems. The pathways are uneven and have uneven stairs. Tours, like going on a big boat, you could do but it’s not very comfortable and with rough seas it is dangerous.
Café’s and restaurants
The cafe’s and restaurant are a lot of the time on a slope which means there are stairs or a steep path. So most places are not accessible for wheelchairs.
Public transport
The bus has some stairs to get into and the bus doesn’t have a ramp. The bus stops are on steep roads so that also makes it hard to climb in sometimes. You could take taxi’s here if you have a collapsible one.
Toilets
Unfortunately there are almost no toilets that are accessible.
*And other attractions
Items I have talked about in this blogpost
Microfiber towels
Even when I go to a hotel I love to bring my microfiber towels. I use them for my hair, for when I go to a beach or swimming pool and I use them to get even more water out of my clothes after laundry.
Collapsible handheld fan
I don’t know about how you deal with heat but I need a bit of cooling down when I’m traveling. This easy (and cute) fan is my go to for when I am too hot. It can be charged with usb which is super practical.
Snorkel inflatable vest
Snorkeling is very tiresome and that’s why I always bring a an inflatable snorkel vest. It allows me to stay in the water for longer. This inflatable one is great because you can fold it into a small package when you’re done.
Portable clothes line
Rather than to take to many clothes with me, I like to bring some detergent and a clothes line in order for me to wash and dry my items. It’s easy to connect it wherever you are, whether you are in a hotel room or hostel. I use it all the time.
Snorkel mask
This snorkel mask isn’t the smallest but it’s really good quality and you will not have any trouble with any water coming in. Really awesome for when you are in tropical places.
Water shoes
Of course these shoes don’t go with me to all travels but I do love them. Great for swimming in the ocean especially when you have a rocky bottom. No more cuts.
Baseball cap for ponytail or bun
One of my biggest wins in terms of sun protection are hats and baseball caps. But I have a lot of hair and with this baseball cap I can finally wear my hair in a bun or high ponytail. Win-win!
Sun hat for ponytail or bun
On days where I want to look a bit more put together I use this great sun hat, also with a whole for my bun or pony tail. Love it!!!
Waterproof dry bags
These bags I use all the time for different things. I do my laundry in them, use them as a hamper or bring them