Tortuga Bay: A Galapagos Paradise
Discover Tortuga Bay: a pristine Galapagos beach with turquoise waters, abundant wildlife, and unforgettable snorkeling. Open daily, free entry.
Tortuga Bay, located near Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, is a stunning white-sand beach renowned for its turquoise waters and abundant wildlife. A scenic walk through diverse landscapes leads to this protected haven, where you can observe marine iguanas, sea turtles, and diverse bird species.
A brief summary to Tortuga Bay Beach
- 6MQ8+HXF Tortuga Bay, Puerto Ayora, EC
Local tips
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no vendors at the beach.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the 45-minute walk from Puerto Ayora.
- Swim and snorkel at Playa Mansa, as Playa Brava has strong currents.
- Register at the park entrance and be mindful of the 6 am to 6 pm opening hours.
- Respect the wildlife; maintain a safe distance and do not feed the animals.
Getting There
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Walking
From Puerto Ayora, begin at the main pier and walk straight to Avenida Baltra. At the second crossroads (200m), turn left onto Charles Binford street and walk straight for 350 meters until you reach the beginning of the path. Follow the well-marked, paved trail for approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles). The walk takes around 30-45 minutes to the entrance of Tortuga Bay. Remember to sign in at the park entrance. This option is free.
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Public Transport
Alternatively, you can take a taxi from anywhere in Puerto Ayora to the beginning of the Tortuga Bay trail. Taxis in town have a fixed cost of $1.25. From there, follow the walking directions.
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Boat
From the Puerto Ayora docks, water taxis are available to Tortuga Bay beach. The journey takes about 20 minutes and costs approximately $10 USD per person, each way. Check at the dock for daily departure times.
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