Tortuga Bay beach is located on Santa Cruz Island, which is the second largest island in the Galapagos archipelago, it is located approximately one and a half kilometers southwest of the main city of the island, which is 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 explore the Enchanted Islands , you cannot miss this wonderful place, one of the most beautiful beaches that exists in the Galapagos, and one of the main attractions in Santa Cruz; In this article we tell you how to get to Tortuga Bay, what you will find, prices and more.
Visit Tortuga Bay, your favorite cruise is just a click away !!!! 🐢🛥️🦭
How to get to Tortuga Bay beach?
You will wonder what steps you must follow to get to Tortuga Bay, first arrive at the Galapagos Islands, you must take a flight from Quito or Guayaquil (Ecuador) to the Baltra Island airport, there is only 2 airports in the Galapagos the other is in San Cristóbal.
Once in Baltra, you must take public transport called LOBITO, (costs $5 per person) which will take you to the port where you will have to take a short ferry transfer to cross to Santa Cruz Island, the ferry will take you to the canal de Itabaca.
When crossing the canal, a bus or taxi ride will take you to the town of Puerto Ayora, which is the main access point to the 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
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. Please note that there are two main airports in the Galapagos Islands: Baltra Seymour Airport, Baltra Seymour Airport and Baltra Seymour Airport. (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 on Tortuga Bay beach in Galapagos
The weather 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, the temperature ranges between 24 and 30 degrees Celsius, here the vegetation is at its peak of greenery and is the breeding period for many animal species, including sea turtles.
The cool and dry season (garúa 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
- Natación y snorkel: En la parte apta para bañistas, conocida como Playa Mansa, puedes disfrutar de un refrescante baño en aguas cristalinas y seguras. También es el lugar ideal para hacer snorkel, diving y observar la rica vida marina que incluye peces tropicales, rayas, tortugas marinas y tal vez incluso tiburones de arrecife.
- 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 or around Tortuga Bay. The area is a nesting site for several species of wildlife, so camping is prohibited to protect the natural environment. It is important to know the requisitos para viajar a Galápagos en 2024 y 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.
