Tortuga Bay Beach is located on Santa Cruz Island, the second-largest island in the Galapagos archipelago. It is situated approximately one and a half kilometers southwest of the island’s main city, Puerto Ayora.
To get to Tortuga Bay beach from Puerto Ayora, tourists or visitors must walk along a well-marked trail of about 2.5 kilometers. During the walk you will be able to appreciate the local flora and fauna while passing through a forest of cacti and endemic vegetation.
If your intention is to explore the Enchanted Islands, you can't miss this wonderful place—one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos and a top attraction in Santa Cruz. In this article, we tell you how to get to Tortuga Bay, what you'll find, prices, and more.
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How to get to Tortuga Bay beach?
You may wonder what steps you need to take to reach Tortuga Bay. First, you must arrive at the Galapagos Islands by taking a flight from Quito or Guayaquil (Ecuador) to the Baltra Island Airport. There are only two airports in the Galapagos, the other one is located in San Cristobal.
Once in Baltra, you must take the public transport called LOBITO ($5 per person), which will take you to the port where you will need to take a short ferry ride to cross to Santa Cruz Island. The ferry will take you to the Itabaca Channel.
After crossing the channel, a bus or taxi ride will take you to the town of Puerto Ayora, the main access point to Santa Cruz Island.
To go to Tortuga Bay, walk or take a taxi, the town of Puerto Ayora is small and everything is close, go to the beginning of the trail which begins near the main dock, after crossing the path you will You will find one of the most impressive beaches you have ever visited, enjoy it!
Prices of flights to Galapagos - Santa Cruz Island
Los precios de los vuelos a Galápagos varían dependiendo de la aerolínea, la temporada, la antelación con la que se compren los boletos y también la ciudad de origen. Ten en cuenta que hay dos aeropuertos principales en las Islas Galápagos: el Aeropuerto Seymour de Baltra (GPS), y el Aeropuerto de San Cristóbal (SCY).
The average prices for flights from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos usually range between $250 and $600 per person round trip. You may find special offers or promotions at certain times of the year. We recommend purchasing an eSIM for travel so you can have internet access in Ecuador.
Weather on Tortuga Bay beach in Galapagos
The climate in Tortuga Bay, like the rest of the Galapagos Islands, is mainly influenced by two seasons: the warm and humid season (rainy season) from December to May, with temperatures ranging between 24°C and 30°C. During this time, the vegetation is at its peak greenery, and it is the breeding period for many animal species, including sea turtles.
The cool and dry season (garua season) from June to November, temperatures can vary between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius, ideal for bird watching and marine life, the waters are colder which favors the sighting of various Marine species.
Tortuga Bay Beach Map
Below we leave you the map of Turtle Bay within the Galapagos so you can orient yourself to the places you would love to visit.
Activities to do on the beach Tortuga Bay Galapagos
- Swimming and Snorkeling: In the area suitable for swimmers, known as Playa Mansa, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in crystal-clear and safe waters. It is also the perfect spot for snorkeling, diving, and observing the rich marine life, including tropical fish, rays, sea turtles, and perhaps even reef sharks.
- Wildlife viewing: Tortuga Bay is an excellent place to observe marine iguanas, land iguanas, seabirds and various species of birds such as the famous blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds.
- Relaxation and picnic: Enjoy the calm atmosphere of the beach and relax under the equatorial sun. You can bring an umbrella and have a picnic with snacks and drinks while enjoying the stunning views of the ocean.
- Landscape and Wildlife Photography: The natural beauty of Tortuga Bay is stunning, making it a perfect location for photography lovers. From the powdery white sand to the surrounding volcanic landscape, you'll find plenty of opportunities to capture unforgettable moments.
Wildlife of Tortuga Bay Beach
The fauna of Tortuga Bay in the Galapagos Islands is diverse and unique due to its geographical isolation and conservation. In this place you can find marine iguanas which are the main attractions of Tortuga Bay. They are the only iguanas in the world that are completely marine, feeding on seaweed on rocks and resting in the sun on the beach. You can also find land iguanas, sea birds, sea turtles, rays and sharks, land birds and crabs.
Clothing and recommendations for visiting Tortuga Bay beach
When visiting Tortuga Bay beach in the Galapagos Islands, it is important to take into account the tropical climate and the specific conservation conditions of the island. We recommend wearing comfortable and light clothing, appropriate footwear or sandals, swimwear and a towel, and sunscreen. and hat or cap.
It is also advisable to bring snacks and beverages, since these are protected areas and you will not find any type of commerce inside the beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, camping is not allowed in Tortuga Bay or its surroundings. The area is a nesting site for various wildlife species, so camping is prohibited to protect the natural environment. It is important to be aware of the requirements for traveling to Galapagos in 2024 and 2025.
Yes, it is safe to snorkel on the swimmer-friendly part of the beach, Playa Mansa. The waters are calm and clear, and it is a great place to see tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles.
No, Tortuga Bay's main beach, known as Playa Brava, has strong currents and is not suitable for swimming. However, in Playa Mansa, which is the part suitable for bathers, you can enjoy a safe swim and snorkel.
