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Beach · Puerto Ayora, Galápagos
Tortuga Bay
Long white-sand beach about 2.5 km from Puerto Ayora, reached by a paved trail through cacti. Playa Brava has waves and marine iguanas; Playa Mansa, sheltered by mangroves, is the swimming bay.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Tortuga Bay
Tortuga Bay lies southwest of Puerto Ayora and is reached by a paved trail of about 2.5 km, which crosses dry vegetation of opuntia cacti and shrubs, with finches and lizards along the way. At the end, the trail reaches Playa Brava, a long beach of fine white sand with strong waves, used by surfers and by marine iguanas that cross the sand and gather on the rocks.
At the end of Playa Brava, following the sand and a short trail, you reach Playa Mansa, a calm cove protected by mangroves. There swimming and kayaking are calmer, and it is common to see small reef sharks, rays, pelicans and sea turtles in the shallow water. The beach's name comes from the sea turtles that nest in the sand.
On the beach you must respect the marked nesting areas and keep distance from the iguanas. There are no food or water sales on the beach.
The beach is usually visited without a guide, within set opening and closing times for the trail; check the rules before you go.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day, including the round-trip walk.
Best time
In the morning, with the sun less strong, or early afternoon. The trail has opening and closing times; check before going.
How to get there
The trail starts at the top of rua Charles Binford in Puerto Ayora, about a 15-minute walk from the center; from there it's about 2.5 km, roughly a 40-minute walk. There is also a water taxi from the pier to Playa Mansa at certain times.
Tip
Bring water, a snack, sunscreen and a hat. Swim at Playa Mansa, not at Playa Brava. Respect the iguanas' distance and the nesting areas.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Tortuga Bay
Can you swim in Tortuga Bay?
At Playa Mansa, the cove protected by mangroves. At Playa Brava, the waves and currents are strong; follow the signage.
Is a guide required for Tortuga Bay?
It is usually visited without a guide, via the trail from town at a set time. Confirm the rules before going.
What animals are seen in Tortuga Bay?
Marine iguanas, finches, pelicans, small reef sharks, rays and sometimes sea turtles in the water.