Tortuga Bay is accessed by an improved trail of rock and boardwalk surrounded by opuntia cacti, palo santo trees, and matasarno trees. The walk in the sun is rewarded with a spectacular white sand beach stretching across the southern coast of Santa Cruz.
![Wide aerial view of the Tortuga bay area.](https://galapagosalternative.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/tortuga-bay-wide-aerial2880.jpg)
Tortuga Bay beach is famous for its expansive and pristine shoreline that gradually descends into the sparkling Pacific Ocean. It’s a great place to try your hand at surfing (be careful) or just relax and soak in the sun with the Marine Iguanas.
![Tortuga bay is a popular spot for local surfers.](https://galapagosalt.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/tortuga-bay-michael-360-2880.jpg)
A snorkel or paddle in the beautiful lagoons reveals the full richness of the Galapagos marine life. You can see marine iguanas, colorful reef fish, white-tip sharks, rays and the beach’s namesake, sea turtles.
![Galapagos tortoise evil eye](https://galapagosalt.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/tortuga-bay-kayak-with-iguana2880.jpg)
Take time to walk through the Marine Iguana sanctuary – where you might also catch a glimpse of Blue-Footed Boobies and Frigate birds along the shore.
![Sooth your soul to the rhythm of the ocean.](https://galapagosalt.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/tortuga-bay-wide-of-water2880.jpg)