Somehow we managed to stay in Joao Pessoa for over three weeks. A glimpse into how easy it is to get stuck while travelling by boat. We decided it was time to move on. After a wonderful time on the peaceful river we got the boat ready for the next leg.

The first stop was Pipa, a small beachside town just south of Natal. We spent the time relaxing on the beach drinking ice cold coconuts and beers while the boys did plenty of surfing. Pipa became a popular local surf spot in the 70's with its pristine beaches and numerous breaks. Although it has grown somewhat since then, with its bustling tourism and crowded beach bars, it is still spilling with charm. Pipa is well worth a visit if you ever happen to find yourself in the North East of Brazil and is only a two hour bus ride from Natal. Visit Pipa On Line for more info.

The relatively unprotected bay made for some more than bumpy anchoring and adventurous tender rides . So after two awesome days of taking it easy the rolling around become enough and it was time to set sail. We arrived in Fortaleza yesterday morning and we will be staying for about two days. This will be our last Brazilian stop so we'll be stocking up for a lengthy 2 week sail to Trinidad. Bring on the Caribbean!!!

Viv

First published on offtheline.co.za

Ever since my first visit in 2002, the island of Fernando de Noronha has occupied a special place in my memory. Having been declared a National Park, the archipelago with its many smaller islands, inlets and isolated rocks boasts a large number of marine and bird species.

With three of the islands amazing beaches featuring in the top five rated beaches in Brazil, the island is truly a magical place. I could not have asked for a more perfect backdrop when I asked Vivian to marry me on "Cacimba do Padre" beach...she said YES!!

Being a World Heritage site, cruising boats are charged heavily for anchoring off, and visiting the island. Arriving at the tail end of a decent swell, lots of activities had to be packed into the two days we planned to spend on Fernando!

The rental of a beach buggy made exploring the island with our limited time a bit easier! With surfboards strapped to the roof of our island mobile we spent our days cruising from one insane beach to the next and enjoying all that the island had to offer.

During one of our island excursions, we met up with fellow traveller, Manish Agrawal, who treated us to a feast at an amazing restaurant overlooking the beach. Manish was so taken by our story that he generously helped us to extend our stay on the island by one more day! Thank you Manish for your great company and kindness!

After three jam packed days it was time to lift anchor and head for Cabedelo, mainland Brazil.

Wil

First published on offtheline.co.za