Resident Arm · free activities · direct sign-up
The sea has always been our school. Now it becomes an Institute.
For 15 years we’ve worked as volunteers for the community of Fernando de Noronha — and now we take the deeper dive: the Instituto IMUA Cultura Oceânica — the IMUA Ocean Culture Institute — is born, launched in 2026.
Our Story
Every school of the sea begins with a first wave
Ours broke first in Floripa. What began by uniting self-knowledge, protagonism and pioneering sea coaching practices with 300 low-income teens — the Golfinho Dourado/KahaNalu school, from 2005 to 2012 — grew with the generations it crossed: today it is a school of the sea, of nature and of life, for all ages, in Noronha. We create contexts of presence, courage, connection and overcoming, where the Ocean is master and the beach is the classroom — science, art and the wisdom of the Sea, woven through 25 years of consulting and deep study in anthroposophy, phenomenology and ancestral ocean cultures.
Since 2010, IMUA Escola do Mar — the Sea School — has been based in Fernando de Noronha, reaching thousands of people on the island, along the coast and in the city — with an innovative method that broadens your view of the world, restores mental health and gives you access to presence with courage.
Our Purpose
Inspiring new ways to see and live the sea of life
Developing authentic leadership that cares for people, the Island and the planet.
Praia da Conceição · 2010
Instituto IMUA Cultura Oceânica
A school of fish is not born ready: it forms, tide by tide
The Institute is born to educate through the ocean, for all ages — from community water polo to Alma Sábia (Wise Soul) 60+. It brings together residents, students, leaders, counselors, facilitators, partners and volunteers — like you! Activities for residents are free, with direct sign-up. The weekly gathering is ARRUFO IMUA · AQUACIDADE — arrufo, the islanders’ word for the feeding frenzy when the sea boils with life: Tuesday, 7am, at Cacimba do Padre, and Saturday, 9am, at Praia da Conceição — swimming, water polo, bodysurfing, breath-hold (apnea), therapy and water dance. Duration: 1 to 3 hours, activities defined on the spot according to sea and swell conditions. At the Sea School, the Ocean is the teacher who educates through play.
Three currents · one tide — deepening programs by audience
IMUA Salvar
IMUA Salvar (IMUA Rescue) — well-being, swimming, bodysurfing, water polo, prevention and rescue with the Fire Brigade — Medal of Honor for Merit.
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Alma Solar
Alma Solar (Solar Soul): the island’s childhood learning from nature — playful swimming, “jacaré” (alligator-style) bodysurfing, surfing, sailing, canoeing and arts.
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Alma Sábia 60+
Spiritual science and phenomenology at sea, stories of all ages and water initiation for those who hold the island’s memory.
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The school that sustains the Institute
Board, assembly and the living network
2026 Board
Other assembly members
20 Partners & Sea Coaches in training+
19 Guests Invited as Honorary Counselors+
16 Partners, Students and Local Enthusiasts+
21 Partners, Students and Impact Leaders across Brazil+
Click the + on each group to see the full school of fish. Team photos: use the images already published on the site when assembling it in WordPress.
“Those who live on the island carry the sea in their body — the Institute is that living memory, passed on.”IMUA — Escola do Mar
Our Visionary
Henrique Pistilli, the Fishman
The sea educator, for all ages, who conceived IMUA. He leads culture projects focused on impact leadership, having reached more than 10,000 people. For almost 30 years he has dived into the invisible laws of nature; known as “the Fishman” of Canal OFF, he is an athlete among the Top 10 bodysurfers in the world. Founder of IMUA (Noronha), he has developed a unique methodology since 2005.
“The Ocean is the great master — every wave carries a lesson.”IMUA · Escola do Mar · Noronha
Those who have sailed with us
There’s a life before and after IMUA
“Ohana: in our school, no one gets left behind.”IMUA · Escola do Mar · Noronha
Simbora? (Let’s go.)
The whole island in the same school
Free activities for residents, with direct sign-up. The sea awaits you.