Tortuga Bay

Tortuga Bay is the beach visitors on Santa Cruz can reach without a boat or a guide: a paved path runs two and a half kilometres from the edge of Puerto Ayora through cactus forest to a long stretch of fine white sand, Playa Brava, where the surf is heavy and swimming is discouraged, and where marine iguanas lie in black heaps on the rocks and pelicans dive offshore. Walking to the far end and around a spit brings you to Playa Mansa, a sheltered turquoise lagoon backed by mangroves that is calm enough for swimming and kayaking, with reef sharks, rays and turtles in the shallows. The gate registers visitors and closes in the late afternoon.

What you actually see

• Marine iguanas in heaps - black piles on the rocks at Playa Brava.
• A long white surf beach - the open sand on the walk in.
• Playa Mansa lagoon - calm turquoise water behind the spit.
• Reef sharks and rays in the shallows - the wildlife in the lagoon.

When to go

Year round. Half a day. Go early or late to avoid the heat on the open path. Register at the gate; it closes in the late afternoon and rangers clear the beach.

Honest expectations

The walk is 45 minutes each way in full sun with no shade and no water available. Playa Brava has strong currents and is not for swimming despite how it looks. The lagoon fills up with kayaks by midday. There are no facilities at the beach.

Nearby

Puerto Ayora is at the trailhead; the highlands lie north.