How to combine Porto de Galinhas and Fernando de Noronha

Porto de Galinhas and Fernando de Noronha are in the same Brazilian state and fit into the same trip. The link between them is Recife. This page deals only with the logistics of joining the two legs. Everything about the island itself, such as fees, rules, tours and accommodation, is in the specialist guide Fernando de Noronha PE.

The trip map

The archipelago is about 545 km from Recife, according to Wikipedia, and the usual way to get there is by plane. Porto de Galinhas is about 60 km south of Recife International Airport (REC), roughly an hour via the PE-009 highway, according to Ipojuca City Hall (Ipojuca is the municipality Porto de Galinhas belongs to). That is why Recife airport works as the base for both legs.

Which order to choose

Noronha first, Porto afterwards. You arrive in Recife, continue to the island and finish the trip on the mainland. The advantage is the buffer: if the return flight from the island is delayed, you lose part of a beach day, not an international flight.

Porto first, Noronha afterwards. This works well if you want to end your trip on the island. In that case, plan to leave Porto de Galinhas well ahead of your flight, allowing for traffic to the airport.

Whichever order you choose, avoid booking the connection to Noronha on the same day you arrive in Recife. A delay on the first flight could throw off the whole sequence.

Splitting your days

The rule in Porto de Galinhas is the tide. The natural pools depend on low tide, and Ipojuca City Hall recommends checking the tide table first. With three or four days, you have a good chance of catching favorable tides. See the logic in the tide table and the 3-day and 4-day itineraries.

To decide how many days to spend on the island, use the specialist guide to the archipelago.

Getting between the airport and Porto de Galinhas

Transfer, rental car and bus options are in Recife airport to Porto de Galinhas. If you will have just one day in Recife between the legs, use it for the Recife and Olinda day trip.

Checklist for the combined trip

• Book both legs with a comfortable gap between them.
• Check the tide table for low-tide mornings during your days in Porto de Galinhas.
• Book transportation between the airport and Ipojuca in advance in high season.
• Read the entry requirements and fees in the archipelago guide before flying to the island.
• Keep a spare day at the end of the trip to absorb delays.

Luggage and season

Check the airline’s baggage rules for the flight to the island before packing. For weather and seasons in Porto de Galinhas, see when to go. For the archipelago’s weather, seasons and rules, see the Fernando de Noronha guide.