Fernando de Noronha is an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, around 220 miles (354 km) offshore from the Brazilian coast. It is a special municipality (distrito estatal) of the Brazilian state of Pernambuco.
The main islands of this archipelago are the visible parts of a range of submerged mountains. Consisting of 21 islands, islets and rocks of volcanic origin, the main island has an area of 7.1 square miles (18 km²), being 6.2 miles (10 km) long and 2.2 miles (3.5 km) at its maximum width. The base of this enormous volcanic formation is 2480 feet (756 m) below the surface. The main island, from which the group gets its name, makes up 91% of the total area; the islands of Rata, Sela Gineta, Cabeluda and São Jose, together with the islets of Leão and Viúva make up the rest.
The main attraction is the maritime flora and fauna; one can spot sea tortoises, dolphins, albatrosses, among many others.
The islands have two endemic birds — the Noronha Elaenia Elaenia ridleyana and the Noronha Vireo Vireo gracilirostris. Both are present on the main island; Noronha Vireo is also present on Ilha Rata. In addition there is an endemic race of Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata noronha.
Fernando de Noronha is the best scuba diving place in Brazil. Warm water and exuberant subaquatic fauna and flora can be found in dives from 25 to 40 m deep. A Brazilian warship, the corvette NAeL Ipiranga, sank in 1987 and is lying in pristine condition at around 90 feet.