The archipelago is made of 21 islands, 354 km (220 mi) away from the Brazilian shore its name, is a corruption of the name of the Portuguese merchant Fernão de Loronha , to whom it was given by the Portuguese crown for services rendered regarding wood imported from Brazil.

Due to the South Equatorial Current, the water is very warm and diving with no suit is possible in the 40m depth. The marine landscape features tunnels, canyons and rocks, making the experience even more exciting.

Water is crystal clear, visibility reaches up to 50 m and the rich sea life is splendid and most of the year is good to go, except from March to August, when the rainy season takes over the archipelago.

The beaches of Fernando de Noronha are promoted for tourism and recreational diving.