Playa Brava and Playa Mansa are part of Tortuga Bay , a beautiful destination located in the Santa Cruz Island of Galapagos. Although some people may confuse the name and think it is a single beach, it actually refers to two different beaches: Playa Brava and Playa Mansa.
You will think you have known the most beautiful beaches until the moment you step on Tortuga Bay with its Playas Brava and Mansa, two completely different beaches but that give you the same feeling of walking through paradise, here are some of the activities you can do in this stunning place.
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How to get to Playa Brava and Playa Mansa?
to get to Tortuga Bay , you should head to Baltra Island, which has an airport that receives flights from the Ecuadorian mainland. From Puerto Ayora, the main city of Santa Cruz, you can reach the entrance to Tortuga Bay by walking approximately 2.5 kilometers from downtown.
Once at the entrance, follow the well-signposted trail, the walk to get to both beaches takes between 40 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the pace you go. The path will take you first to Playa Brava, where you can enjoy rough seas and surfing opportunities, walking a little further, you will reach Playa Mansa, with calm waters and suitable for swimming.
Prices of flights to Galapagos - Santa Cruz Island
Prices for flights to Galapagos vary depending on the airline, the season, how far in advance you buy your tickets and also the city of origin. Keep in mind that there are two main airports in the Galapagos Islands: the Seymour Airport in Baltra (GPS), and the San Cristobal Airport (SCY).
Los precios promedio para vuelos desde Ecuador continental a Galápagos suelen oscilar entre $250 y $600 por persona roundtrip, If you are interested, you may find special offers or promotions at certain times of the year.
Weather in Playa Brava and Playa Mansa
The weather in the Galapagos stays warm during all the year. You can expect two different seasons:
- Warm (wet) season: It runs from December to May. During these months, temperatures are usually between 23 and 31 degrees Celsius. It is the warmest time of the year and also the rainiest, but rainfall is not usually persistent and tends to be short and sporadic.
- Cool season (dry): It runs from June to November. Temperatures range between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius. It is the coolest season and also the driest, with clear skies and stronger trade winds.
Map of Playa Brava and Playa Mansa
Activities to do in Playa Brava and Playa Mansa
- Swimming: Playa Mansa is known for its calm and safe waters, which makes it the ideal place to swim and enjoy the ocean in a more relaxed way.
- Snorkel: Both beaches, Playa Brava and Playa Mansa, offer snorkeling opportunities. You can explore the fascinating Galapagos underwater world, we will observe various marine species, such as tropical fish and sea turtles.
- Wildlife watching: On both beaches, it is possible to see land iguanas, shorebirds and sometimes small reef sharks.
- Relaxation and photography: Enjoy the natural beauty, white sands and panoramic views to take pictures or just relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Playa Brava and Playa Mansa Fauna
Even though the name of the Bay is TORTUGAthe attraction of these beaches is undoubtedly the marine iguanas unique and endemic to the archipelago, if there is a protagonist that stands out from the rest in the volcanic scenery of the Galapagos coast is definitely the marine iguana. However, on both beaches you can find an interesting fauna, typical of the Galapagos Islands. Here are some other species of animals that you can find in these unique beaches.
In honor of the name "Tortuga Bay", in this special place you can find sea turtles, these majestic creatures usually come to the beaches to nest, especially between the months of December and February. You can also find sea lions, shorebirds, tropical fish or reef sharks.
Recommendations to visit Brava and Mansa beaches
Playa Brava and Playa Mansa are undoubtedly two natural jewels in the Galapagos Islands, follow the recommendations we give you in this article so you can enjoy a memorable visit.
You should bring sunscreen and water to keep you hydrated, especially if you plan to do outdoor activities. Likewise, if you have snorkeling equipment, bring it too, you will have a pleasant experience exploring the underwater world of Tortuga Bay.
Remember that Galapagos is a National Park and its areas are highly protected due to its fragile ecosystem. So you shoud take care of the established regulations by the guides and local authorities.
Wear light and comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for your adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
The difference between the two beaches lies in the waves. Playa Brava, as its name suggests, tends to have stronger waves and is more conducive to surfing and bodyguarding. On the other hand, Playa Mansa has calmer and safer waters for swimming and enjoying more relaxed water activities.
Yes, there are tour guides available at the entrance of Tortuga Bay who can provide you with information about wildlife, flora and local regulations. Some excursions and activities may require the accompaniment of authorized guides.
Tortuga Bay is a relatively unspoiled beach and has no commercial facilities. Visitors are encouraged to bring water, food, and any other items necessary for their stay.
