Stopover in the heart of the Atlantic
The main island, inhabited by about 3500 people, is nicknamed the Brazilian Saint-Tropezeuros! It is at the end of a dream transatlantic crossing, completed in eight days from the Cape Verde Islands, under the impulse of our genius "Speejonk", that Fernando emerges from the horizon. His approach reveals a delightful landscape of steep coasts, largely green and lacerated in places with delicate silver lines, scratches due to his numerous waterfalls.
A rolling and unprotected anchorage
The mooring conditions are not ideal, but that's the price to pay for access to paradise.
Then, we take advantage of the fact that Fernando's coastline is predisposed to offer only one anchorage, which is constantly buffeted by the swell of the sea. After dropping the anchor in twenty meters of water, behind the numerous local boats, the landing in a dinghy turns out to be quite "rock'n roll". Surprising! We rather expected the sambaeuros
Warm but expensive welcome
Fortunately, the locals are friendly and smiling. The people involved in the residence permit process work with an unusual bonhomie. This is rare enough to be noted.
Thus, the entry formalities are fast and without inconvenience, with one small downside : the financial side is a bit confusing, especially after the islands of Cap Verteuros We can say that we are in front of a real luxury product (tax of 15euros per day per person, and high cost of living)... Tourism is the only local industry and everything is very expensiveeuros It is the ideal place to apply the good old saying: "when you love, you don't counteuros."
Truly equatorial atmosphere
The country is perfect for travelers eager for heat. The sea is 28 degrees and the air is saturated with humidity, with ten showers per day! However, we can count on a drier season between August and December. This corresponds to the cyclonic period in the northern hemisphere
Fernando is a magnificent sample of paradise. The island is beautiful. It shelters an exuberant and colored flora, as well as a very rich fauna, including several endemic species. A pleasant walk through the rainforest brings us to the southern beaches which are a real delight. We have the chance to observe the tracks of turtles that come at night to lay their eggs, before returning to their crystal clear waters whose visibility reaches fifty meters!
Fernando is a natural reserve. Its climatic conditions also please many cetaceans and marine mammals that have their habits in these welcoming areas. Thus, the spotted dolphins and the extraordinary melon-headed whales, improbable links between fauna and flora
It is in front of delicious caipirinhas tasted under a majestic flamboyant that ends this memorable day of visit. The return in the annex is not less memorable, but for other reasons
Dolphins at breakfast!
A family of bottlenose dolphins treated us, during breakfast, to a breathtaking show of antics. A nice warm-up before disembarking in a dinghy for a new discovery session. The walks are particularly pleasant, facilitated by many impeccably marked paths that allow you to criss-cross the territory. Explanatory panels provide the keys to understanding everything that surrounds the stroller who can thus learn without destroying anything.
The houses are generally built in wood. Low and very colorful, they are distributed on all the available space. A large part of the population is involved in the lodging activity called "poussada", which is simply what we call "guest houses".
Many families also rent all-terrain buggies. Beetle chassis topped by a polyester hull, it is the main mode of locomotion. Although not very environmentally friendly, these vehicles have an undeniable festive side and participate largely in this colourful and serene atmosphere which makes the charm of this first Brazilian stopover.
A delightful stopover
After an ocean crossing of several days, the stopover is always beautiful. This one is no exception. And the inconveniences due to the rolling nature of the anchorage cannot erase the happiness of strolling around this dream island. So, of course, there is also the cost. In the end, it will be enough not to linger too long and only the marvelous images will remain printed in our memories.
