Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Beaches

Tortuga Bay

Santa Cruz Island, Ecuador

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST BEACHES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 72 2026
Tortuga Bay

A long beach of fine white sand, Playa Brava, faces rough surf and strong currents, with a calm mangrove-lined swimming bay, Playa Mansa, at its far end. Visitors walk a paved trail of about 2.5 km through cactus scrub from Puerto Ayora, or take a water taxi.

Highlights

  • Fine white sand
  • Calm Playa Mansa lagoon
  • Marine iguanas and turtles

Good to know

  • Free entry, sign in at ranger station
  • No food, water or toilets at beach
  • Closes around 5 pm, busy weekends

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