Black Turtle Cove
Caleta Tortuga Negra
A shallow mangrove lagoon on the north shore of Santa Cruz. Visitors drift quietly by dinghy, watching young sharks, turtles and golden rays.
Black Turtle Cove is a shallow lagoon surrounded by mangroves on the north shore of Santa Cruz. Landing is not permitted. Visitors drift slowly through the channels in a rubber dinghy (panga) with the motor turned off. You can see Pacific green sea turtles mating, schools of golden rays, young whitetip reef sharks patrolling the shallows, and pelicans and herons in the mangroves. It is usually the first or last stop on a cruise itinerary, and it can also be paired with Las Bachas Beach. The trip takes about one hour and must be led by a licensed guide.
Opening hours
Depends on boat tour
Nearby sights
- Las Bachas Beach
- North Seymour Island
- Los Gemelos
- Cerro Crocker
- Dragon Hill
- El Chato Tortoise Reserve
- South Plaza Island
- Gordon Rocks