Tortuga Bay

Overview

Tortuga Bay is a stunning white-sand beach located on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. It is renowned for its pristine waters, rich marine life, and incredible snorkeling opportunities. The bay is also a nesting site for sea turtles, which is how it got its name.

Tortuga Bay is a critical nesting site for sea turtles and is home to a diverse range of marine and land wildlife. It offers a unique opportunity to observe the Galapagos' natural beauty and biodiversity.

Snorkeling Wildlife Watching Hiking

Location

Address

Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands

Neighborhood: Northwest Coast

Coordinates

-0.547312, -90.349167

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

saturday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

sunday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$5

Children

$3

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

December-May

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

2 hours

Recommended

4-5 hours

Full Experience

full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

warm and humid

• sea turtle nesting
• lush vegetation

summer

hot and humid

• calm waters
• clear skies

autumn

cooler, occasional rain

• cooler temperatures
• less humidity

winter

cooler, occasional rain

• rainy season
• greener landscapes

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book ahead
Bring ID
Check weather

What to Bring

essential

ID water tickets snorkeling gear

seasonal

jacket umbrella swimwear

not allowed

large bags drones glass containers

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate

• sun exposure
• strong currents

Medical facilities: first aid available

Payment Information

Accepted

cash, cards

Currency

US Dollars

Typical Costs

entry $5

parking $3

food $10

snorkeling gear rental $15

Dress Code

casual, comfortable shoes, swimwear, hat, sandals or water shoes, inappropriate clothing, high heels

Booking Tips

• 2 weeks
• official website
• 48 hours
• available

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Galapagos Islands Official App

Size: 50 MB

Features: Map, Audio guide, Tickets, Wildlife info

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Café

Charging Stations: Rest areas

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Baltra Airport (GPS)

Distance: 15 km

Travel Time: 1 hour

taxi

$20 30 min

public_transport

$5 1 hour

From City Center

Distance: 2 km

walking

30 min

taxi

$5 10 min

bicycle

20 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Pristine natural beauty, wildlife

Historical Significance: Important nesting site for sea turtles

Insider Tips

Free entry early morning
Best food at the local beachside café

Local Recommendations

• Try local seafood
• Ask for guide Carlos

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hola

thank_you Gracias

where_is ¿Dónde está?

how_much ¿Cuánto cuesta?

beautiful Hermoso

ticket Boleto

Guide Languages: English, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main Beach

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Wide angle

Result: Beautiful beach shot

#Galapagos #TortugaBay

Playa Brava

Best Time: Early morning

Tips: Low angle

Result: Waves crashing

#Ocean #Waves

Photography Rules

allowed areas outdoor areas, beach, trails

prohibited areas none

flash photography not necessary

commercial photography permit needed

drone policy restricted

tripod policy allowed

selfie sticks allowed

Nearby Attractions

Charles Darwin Research Station

Distance: 300m

Walking: 5 min

Type: Research Station

El Chato Tortoise Reserve

Distance: 2.5km

Walking: 30 min

Type: Wildlife Reserve

Reviews

4.7

Based on 2,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Book online"
"Visit early"
"Bring water"
"Great snorkeling"

Contact Information

+593 5 2523140

info@galapagos.gov.ec

www.galapagos.gov.ec

Social Media

Related Tours & Activities (4)