Lens-Artists Challenge #307 –
Tourist Attractions Near and Far
As a featured guest host for the Lens-Artists challenges, Leanne set a theme that is dear to this community: Tourist Attractions Near and Far. In her blog, Leanne writes that “One thing that many photographers seem to love is travelling to take photos.” She narrowed my choices when she added, “There are reasons you want to go to those places, usually because of tourist attractions.”
All of my adult life, I have wanted to visit the UNESCO World Heritage archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, off the northeast coast of Brazil. According to UNESCO, the archipelago and Rocas Atoll
“represent a large proportion of the island surface of the South Atlantic and their rich waters are extremely important for the breeding and feeding of tuna, shark, turtle and marine mammals. The islands are home to the largest concentration of tropical seabirds in the Western Atlantic.”
Finally, during the 2016 Christmas vacation, we spent a wonderful time on the main island of the Fernando de Noronha archipelago. The archipelago consists of 21 islands and islets in the Atlantic Ocean, 220 miles (354 km) off the coast of northeastern Brazil. Only the main island is inhabited with a population of around 3,100 people as of the 2020 census. The islands are of volcanic origin. One thing about the archipelago was very attractive to me: it is a protected National Marine Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main island is a magnet for ecotourism, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Its undeveloped beaches, crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, and lush ecosystems draw a restricted number of tourists annually. The pristine environment is fiercely protected to help conserve the archipelago’s delicate balance.
We did an island tour on our first full day at Fernando de Noronha. We enjoy these guided tours at the start of our trips for various reasons. It’s always an excellent way to get acquainted with the main attractions at a location and get all the history about it. Then, on another day, we can always return and enjoy the places we like.
The Sancho Beach (Praia do Sancho), located on the Sancho Bay, is considered the most beautiful beach on the island (some say in Brazil, too). As with all the beaches in Fernando de Noronha, it is really hard to pick one as the most beautiful. The scenery is breathtaking anywhere you look.
Accessing this beach is not very easy. From the lookout point where I captured the opening image, one must do a short hike and go down two metal step ladders through a very tight crack between two rocks. I went down the ladder with my backpack on, but it rubbed against the tight stones in several places. If you’re concerned about that, you can always lower your backpack using a rope at the top of the steps.
After those two ladders, several steps remain until you get to that soft, sandy beach.
From the lookout point, the color of the water was striking. Near the shore, the water is mostly turquoise green, and as you go deeper, it becomes a deeper blue. Also, we could see a couple of sharks swimming around near some rocks. The sharks in Fernando de Noronha do not seem to be of the dangerous kind. When snorkeling here or anywhere else on the island, people often talk about close encounters with sharks without any danger. This was our first swim on the island. The water was clear and at the right temperature: neither cold nor hot.
Before our short hiatus, Tina’s Habitat challenge was an eye-opener. The photos you shared were amazingly beautiful. You covered a wide range of habitats. Please check Leanne’s fabulous challenge. Hopefully, you will feel inspired to share what your tourist attractions are. Don’t forget to use the “lens-artists” hashtag when responding to it so we can easily find it in the Reader.
Next week, our featured guest will be Elizabeth of Albatz Travel Adventures. She will lead us with PAIRS on Saturday, 12 noon (EDT in the USA). Stay tuned. Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.
Discover more from Through Brazilian Eyes
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Anne Sandler
Oh my Egidio, how beautiful these beaches are. The blue water and pristine beaches make them perfect for their story to be told through your lens. Thank you!
Egidio Leitao
Anne, thank you so much for commenting.
Vicki
It sounds and looks like a beautiful place to relax and explore. It’s a lovely reminder of how our planet should be after all the weird unseasonal weather around the world today.
Thanks for sharing your side of the world, Edigo. I enjoyed your post for this Lens-Artist challenge immensely.
(and the two sunsets which are appearing at the bottom of your page from older posts).
Egidio Leitao
Vicki, your thoughtful response is very much appreciated. I’m glad you liked the post and photos.
JOHNRH
Wowwww. Simply BEAUTIFUL!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks a million, John. I’m happy you liked the post.
restlessjo
Stunning natural scenery, Egidio. I don’t think I would have enjoyed that ladder, but the photos are great.
Egidio Leitao
Jo, the ladder was a bit tight, but worth the destination. Thanks for the comments.
restlessjo
🤗🩵
margaret21
This place certainly fits the bill. How beautiful. Thanks for having us along to explore it with you.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Margaret, for the comments
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Che bei posti…speriamo di riuscire a conservare il delicato ambiente naturale marino. Buon weekend!
Egidio Leitao
Belle parole. Grazie e buon weekend.
Leanne Cole
That place looks absolutely amazing. YOu got some great photos for the challenge Egidio. Wonderful.
Egidio Leitao
Many thanks, Leanne.
I. J. Khanewala
What a beautiful place.I’m not a beach person at all, but that’s somewhere I wouldn’t mind taking long walks.
Egidio Leitao
It felt like being in a dreamland. Thanks for the comment.
Toonsarah
I’ve never heard of this archipelago but I can easily see why you were so keen to visit – the coastline is stunning!
Egidio Leitao
Sarah, it is not the easiest place to get to, but the scenery makes it worthwhile. Thanks for your comment.
solaner
Looks nice and inviting 👍
Egidio Leitao
It was idyllic, André. Thanks for writing.
solaner
👍 that‘s the way it looks like 😊
Tina Schell
What a glorious place Egidio! I’d never heard of it and expect I will never see it (altho never say never!) so thank you for sharing it with us. It looks amazing and I’m sure met every one of your very high expectations!
Egidio Leitao
Tina, your note finally showed up! I guess the Reader is working for now. Thank you for the kind words and praise. This was a bucket-list item for us. We felt like being in dreamland.
Leya
This looks a Paradise, Egidio, and your images make their way into my imagination. A dream. I do understand it has been a dream to get there – and you did. I had never heard of it, but love both your words and images – a description of a treasured and well protected place. It seems the people know what a gift it is to the world and try to preserve it. Thank you for glorious images.
Egidio Leitao
Ann-Christine, many thanks for your positive words and uplifting feedback.
Prior...
that water is so inviting
Egidio Leitao
Oh yes, it is. I love the Atlantic Ocean’s temperature in Brazil. It’s never too cold. Thanks for the comment.
Prior...
Sounds like a really good temperature to never be too cold
Wandering Dawgs
Thank you for showing us this beautiful place. I applaud you for going down those ladders to the beach!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you kindly for your feedback.
Noémi
Oh my …. – this is paradise
Egidio Leitao
Noémi, you got it! It felt like we were in paradise.