Air taxi from Carneiros Beach to Fernando de Noronha: helicopter to Recife, then about 1 hour by jet

Fernando de Noronha lies about 550 km off Recife, in the Atlantic, and can only be reached by plane or boat. From Carneiros Beach, the plan is a helicopter to Recife (about 20–25 minutes) and a Citation CJ1 jet (about 1 hour) or a King Air C90 (about 1 h 25) to the archipelago (approx.). Below: the options compared, the island’s rules and fees, which aircraft to choose, Noronha in brief, and how the price is set.

Morro Dois Irmãos, in Fernando de Noronha

Ways to fly (approx.)

Option Legs Time in the air (approx.)
Helicopter + jet Carneiros → Recife (REC), then REC → Noronha (FEN), about 550 km over the sea, by Citation CJ1 about 20–25 min + about 1 h
Helicopter + turboprop the same legs, by King Air C90 about 20–25 min + about 1 h 25
From Natal Natal (NAT) → Noronha (FEN), about 390 km, by King Air C90 about 1 h 05

Commercial flights leave mainly from Recife and Natal, on fixed schedules and in high demand during the high season.

Rules and fees on the island

  • Private aircraft need prior authorisation to land, which the operator requests in advance; the island also controls the number of visitors.
  • Every visitor pays the Environmental Preservation Fee (TPA) for each day of stay, and the Marine National Park charges its own entry fee.
  • Some activities, such as the Atalaia natural pool and certain trails, have limited places and must be booked ahead.
  • The luggage allowance depends on the aircraft; list everything in the quote request.
Sancho Bay, in Fernando de Noronha

Which aircraft to choose

  • Citation CJ1: light jet for up to 5 passengers, at about 700 km/h; the fastest over the sea.
  • King Air C90: twin turboprop for up to 6 passengers, at about 410 km/h; more room for luggage.
  • Esquilo AS350 B2 or Robinson R66: for the transfer from the beach to Recife airport.
  • Capacity depends on weight on board, luggage and the fuel required for the over-water leg, and is confirmed in the quote.

Fernando de Noronha in brief

  • The archipelago is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, together with Atol das Rocas, and most of it is protected by the Marine National Park, created in 1988.
  • Sancho Bay, Baía dos Porcos and Praia do Leão often appear among the world’s most beautiful beaches; Morro Dois Irmãos is the postcard view.
  • Clear water makes it ideal for diving and snorkelling with turtles and rays, and spinner dolphins can be seen in Dolphin Bay.
  • Sunset at Forte do Boldró is one of the classic outings.
A sea turtle in Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park

How the price is set

The Citation CJ1 and King Air C90 are quoted per leg; the helicopter starts at about R$ 6,000 per flight hour (approx.). The total includes the helicopter transfer, total flight time with aircraft positioning, waiting time or crew overnight costs for a return, airport fees, the landing authorisation and the season. The TPA and the park entry fee are paid separately by each visitor.

Photos: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Ricardo Polisel Alves / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0) · Osaki / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) · João D’Andretta / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Hughes Leglise, Paris, France (Hugo*) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0) · NicolasAlbuquerqueWolf / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).

FAQ: air taxi from Carneiros Beach to Fernando de Noronha

How long does it take from Carneiros Beach to Fernando de Noronha?

About 1 h 20 to 1 h 50 in the air: 20–25 minutes by helicopter to Recife and about 1 hour by Citation CJ1 or 1 h 25 by King Air C90 (approx.).

Can I fly to Noronha by helicopter?

No; the archipelago is reached by plane from Recife or Natal.

Do I need an authorisation?

Private aircraft need prior landing authorisation, requested by the operator; every visitor pays the TPA for each day of stay.

How many passengers fit?

Up to 5 in the Citation CJ1 and up to 6 in the King Air C90, depending on luggage and fuel.

Can I return the same day?

It is possible if the authorisation allows; waiting time is included in the quote. Most visitors stay a few days, and the return is then quoted as a separate flight or with the crew’s overnight stay.

Can I fly from Natal?

Yes; Natal–Noronha takes about 1 h 05 by King Air C90 (approx.).

See also: Air taxi at Carneiros Beach · Helicopter tours in Pernambuco · Destination guides

Send your dates, passengers and luggage to receive a quote: WhatsApp +55 48 98877-0541 · sales@embarqueoficial.com