Off the Beaten Track: Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Forbes Life, May 2010 Summary

In Forbes Life 2010, Ann Abel recounts her travels through Brazil’s protected archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, an ecological paradise of sea turtles and spinner dolphins. She commends Blue Parallel for managing every logistical nuance across the remote Brazilian island—from buggy rentals and dive gear to deserted beach setups with chilled champagne and Cornell-trained private guides.

Key Quotes

“Fernando de Noronha is what the planet might be like if we hadn't screwed it up.”

“I went from buggy to diving boat without standing in line to pick up gear, found umbrellas and snacks (and Veuve Clicquot) waiting on deserted beaches, and was always in the right place at the right time. My excellent guide graduated from Cornell hotel school—and made all the difference in a place where English isn't widely spoken and things can move on island time.”

“The diving is superb, a fantasia of fish even at beginner depths. Or you can "planasub," a high-octane version of snorkeling in which you hold a board towed behind a boat.”