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Black Turtle Cove Cruise Port

Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz, Galapagos
Black Turtle Cove is a stunningly beautiful mangrove lagoon located on the north side of Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos.

Ships in port today
No ships in port today
Safety rank
#47
of 189 ports in the South America
Today · high / low
80° / 65°
September normals
Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz, Galapagos cruise port
Galapagos
Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz, Galapagos
// Black Turtle Cove cruise port overview

The cruise port in Black Turtle Cove,
explained

Lat: 0.5°SLong: 90.3°WINTN code: BTCEC

Black Turtle Cove is a stunningly beautiful mangrove lagoon located on the north side of Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. It is a protected area, and visitors must take a guided tour to explore the area.

The lagoon is home to a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, rays, and a variety of fish. The mangrove trees provide a unique habitat for many species of birds, including the blue-footed booby, frigate birds, and pelicans.

The lagoon is also home to a variety of other animals, such as sea lions, iguanas, and crabs. The calm waters of the lagoon make it an ideal spot for kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming.

The area is also a great spot for bird watching, as the mangrove trees provide a perfect habitat for many species of birds. Black Turtle Cove is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Galapagos Islands, as it offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

// Black Turtle Cove Cruise Port location

Where is Black Turtle Cove Cruise Port?

Black Turtle Cove is located on the north side of Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos Islands. It is a protected mangrove estuary and is one of the best places to observe wildlife in the Galapagos. The cove is accessible only by boat and is a popular spot for snorkeling and kayaking. It is also a popular cruise port for tourists visiting the Galapagos Islands.

General location
South America
Category
Galapagos
Coordinates
0.50°S, 90.33°W
Cruise port · 0.50°S, 90.33°W
Map data · OpenStreetMap
// Black Turtle Cove cruise port guide

What to do in Black Turtle Cove

A shortlist of places worth your hours ashore, grouped by the kind of day you want.

Ways to spend the day

3 themes
Theme 1

Hiking

Hiking is a popular activity in Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz, Galapagos. It is a great way to explore the area and observe the diverse wildlife. Hiking is a great way to get up close and personal with the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. You can also explore the nearby islands and get a unique perspective of the area. Hiking is a great way to get a workout and enjoy the beauty of the Galapagos Islands.

Theme 2

Kayaking

Kayaking is another popular activity in Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz, Galapagos. It is a great way to explore the mangroves and observe the diverse wildlife. Kayaking is a great way to get up close and personal with the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. You can also explore the nearby islands and get a unique perspective of the area. Kayaking is a great way to get a workout and enjoy the beauty of the Galapagos Islands.

Theme 3

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is a popular activity in Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz, Galapagos. It is a great way to explore the underwater world and observe the diverse marine life. The crystal clear waters make it easy to spot sea turtles, sea lions, and a variety of colorful fish. Snorkeling is a great way to get up close and personal with the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands.

Black Turtle Cove cruise port beaches

3 in our guide
L
Las Grietas Beach (illustrative photo)

Las Grietas Beach

Las Grietas Beach is another popular beach near Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz, Galapagos cruise port. It is a stunning beach with crystal clear waters and a variety of wildlife. The beach is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, and it is also a great place to relax and take in the beauty of the Galapagos Islands. The beach is also known for its unique rock formations, which make for a great photo opportunity.

P
Playa Mann Beach (illustrative photo)

Playa Mann Beach

Playa Mann Beach is a popular beach near Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz, Galapagos cruise port. It is a stunning beach with crystal clear waters and a variety of wildlife. The beach is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, and it is also a great place to relax and take in the beauty of the Galapagos Islands. The beach is also known for its unique rock formations, which make for a great photo opportunity. There is also a small beach bar and restaurant, which serves up delicious local cuisine.

T
Tortuga Bay Beach (illustrative photo)

Tortuga Bay Beach

Tortuga Bay Beach is one of the most popular beaches near Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz, Galapagos cruise port. It is a stunning white sand beach with crystal clear waters and a variety of wildlife. The beach is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, and it is also a great place to relax and take in the beauty of the Galapagos Islands.

// Black Turtle Cove fun facts

A Unique Ecosystem

Black Turtle Cove is home to a unique ecosystem, as the mangroves provide a great habitat for a variety of animals. The area is also home to a variety of plant life, including mangrove trees, which provide a great habitat for many of the animals in the area. The area is also home to a variety of fish, making it a great spot for fishing.

A Popular Spot for Snorkeling

Black Turtle Cove is a popular spot for snorkeling, as the waters are calm and the visibility is excellent. The area is also home to a variety of coral reefs, which provide a great opportunity to observe the colorful marine life. The cove is also a great spot for swimming, as the waters are warm and the area is relatively shallow.

Home to a Variety of Wildlife

Black Turtle Cove is home to a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, rays, sharks, and a variety of fish. It is also a great spot for bird watching, as many species of birds can be seen in the area. The mangroves provide a great habitat for many of these animals, making it a great place to observe them in their natural environment.

Black Turtle Cove cruise port shopping

3 in our guide
G
Galapagos Gift Shop (illustrative photo)

Galapagos Gift Shop

Galapagos Gift Shop is a great place to find souvenirs from your Galapagos cruise. Located near Black Turtle Cove, this shop offers a wide selection of souvenirs, from t-shirts and hats to postcards and magnets. They also have a variety of local artisan crafts, such as jewelry, pottery, and wood carvings. Prices are reasonable and the staff is friendly and helpful.

G
Galapagos Art Gallery (illustrative photo)

Galapagos Art Gallery

Galapagos Art Gallery is a great place to find unique souvenirs from your Galapagos cruise. Located near Black Turtle Cove, this gallery offers a wide selection of artwork from local artists. You can find paintings, sculptures, and photographs that capture the beauty of the Galapagos Islands. Prices are reasonable and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful.

G
Galapagos Souvenir Shop (illustrative photo)

Galapagos Souvenir Shop

Galapagos Souvenir Shop is a great place to find souvenirs from your Galapagos cruise. Located near Black Turtle Cove, this shop offers a wide selection of souvenirs, from t-shirts and hats to postcards and magnets. They also have a variety of local artisan crafts, such as jewelry, pottery, and wood carvings. Prices are reasonable and the staff is friendly and helpful.

// Black Turtle Cove Cruise Port Terminals

Which Black Turtle Cove cruise terminal will your ship use?

Your cruise line assigns the pier — here's what each one means for your day ashore.

3 piers in Black Turtle Cove
Pier 1 of 3

Puerto Ayora Cruise Terminal

Av. Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, Galapagos, Ecuador

Puerto Ayora Cruise Terminal is the main cruise ship terminal in Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz, Galapagos. It is located in the town of Puerto Ayora, the largest settlement in the Galapagos Islands. The terminal is equipped with modern facilities and offers a variety of services for cruise passengers, including a restaurant, a bar, a souvenir shop, and a tour desk. It is also the departure point for many of the island's most popular tours and excursions.

Cruise pier (illustrative photo for Puerto Ayora Cruise Terminal)
Pier 2 of 3

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Cruise Terminal

Av. Charles Darwin, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Santa Cruz, Galapagos, Ecuador

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Cruise Terminal is a smaller cruise ship terminal located in Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz, Galapagos. It is located in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the third largest settlement in the Galapagos Islands. The terminal is equipped with basic facilities and offers a variety of services for cruise passengers, including a restaurant, a bar, a souvenir shop, and a tour desk. It is also the departure point for many of the island's most popular tours and excursions.

Cruise pier (illustrative photo for Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Cruise Terminal)
Pier 3 of 3

Puerto Villamil Cruise Terminal

Av. Charles Darwin, Puerto Villamil, Santa Cruz, Galapagos, Ecuador

Puerto Villamil Cruise Terminal is a smaller cruise ship terminal located in Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz, Galapagos. It is located in the town of Puerto Villamil, the second largest settlement in the Galapagos Islands. The terminal is equipped with basic facilities and offers a variety of services for cruise passengers, including a restaurant, a bar, a souvenir shop, and a tour desk. It is also the departure point for many of the island's most popular tours and excursions.

Cruise pier (illustrative photo for Puerto Villamil Cruise Terminal)
Wi-Fi

Unfortunately, there is no public wifi access available in Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz, Galapagos cruise port. However, some of the nearby hotels and restaurants may offer wifi access to their guests.

Safety

Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz, Galapagos is a very safe cruise port. The Galapagos National Park Service and the Ecuadorian Navy monitor the area and enforce strict regulations to protect the wildlife and environment. There are no reports of crime in the area, and visitors are advised to take the same precautions as they would in any other tourist destination.

Port address

Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, Ecuador

Black Turtle Cove cruise port car rental
Galapagos Car RentalGalapagos Rent a CarGalapagos Car Rental & Tours

Piers are assigned by the cruise line — check your ship's docking notice the morning you arrive.

// Weather

Black Turtle Cove Cruise Port Weather

Galapagos·30-year historical averages
Sep averages · Black Turtle Cove
72°
Avg · °F
Warm, mostly dry
High
80°F
Low
65°F
Rain
0.3 in
Excursions that suit this weather
// Year-round in Black Turtle Cove

Average monthly temperature and rainfall. This month is highlighted.

Avg temp °FRainfall in
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDECMONTHLY NORMALS · °F AND IN
// Black Turtle Cove cruise ship schedule

Black Turtle Cove Cruise Port Traffic Today

No cruise ships are scheduled in Black Turtle Cove today, Saturday, September 19, 2026. Check the schedule for another date to see when ships are next due alongside.

Schedule updated

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// Questions

Black Turtle Cove cruise port, answered

The things cruisers ask most before a day ashore in Black Turtle Cove.

Where is Black Turtle Cove cruise port located?

Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz, Galapagos cruise port is located in South America. Black Turtle Cove is located on the north side of Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos Islands. It is a protected mangrove estuary and is one of the best places to observe wildlife in the Galapagos. The cove is accessible only by boat and is a popular spot for snorkeling and kayaking. It is also a popular cruise port for tourists visiting the Galapagos Islands.

Is Black Turtle Cove a good cruise port to visit?

Yes, Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz, Galapagos is a great cruise port. It is a protected mangrove estuary that is home to a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, rays, and sharks. It is a popular spot for snorkeling and kayaking, and the calm waters make it an ideal spot for a relaxing cruise.

How safe is Black Turtle Cove cruise port for passengers?

Black Turtle Cove cruise port has a safety score of 8.5 out of 10, ranking #47 of 189 ports in South America. Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz, Galapagos is a very safe cruise port. The Galapagos National Park Service and the Ecuadorian Navy monitor the area and enforce strict regulations to protect the wildlife and environment. There are no reports of crime in the area, and visitors are advised to take the same precautions as they would in any other tourist destination.

What is the weather like at Black Turtle Cove cruise port in September?

In September, Black Turtle Cove cruise port has average high temperatures of 80°F (27°C) and average lows of 65°F (18°C).

How many excursions are available at Black Turtle Cove cruise port?

There are currently 56 excursions and tours available at Black Turtle Cove cruise port, covering everything from guided sightseeing and cultural experiences to water sports and adventure activities. Book in advance to secure your preferred experience.

What are the top things to do at Black Turtle Cove cruise port?

Black Turtle Cove cruise port offers 3 featured activities and attractions. Popular highlights include: Hiking, Kayaking, Snorkeling. Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz, Galapagos is known for its incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. It is a protected mangrove estuary, and is home to a variety of species of birds, reptiles, and mammals. Visitors can take a boat tour of the area to observe the wildlife in its natural habitat, including sea turtles, rays, and sharks. The area is also known for its excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities, with crystal clear waters and abundant marine life. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are also popular activities in the area, allowing visitors to explore the mangrove estuary and its many coves and inlets.

Can I rent a car at Black Turtle Cove cruise port?

1. Galapagos Car Rental: Located just a few minutes away from Black Turtle Cove, Galapagos Car Rental offers a variety of vehicles for rent, including 4x4s, sedans, and minivans. They also offer a variety of packages and discounts for cruise passengers.2. Galapagos Rent a Car: Located just a few minutes away from Black Turtle Cove, Galapagos Rent a Car offers a variety of vehicles for rent, including 4x4s, sedans, and minivans. They also offer a variety of packages and discounts for cruise passengers.3. Galapagos Car Rental & Tours: Located just a few minutes away from Black Turtle Cove, Galapagos Car Rental & Tours offers a variety of vehicles for rent, including 4x4s, sedans, and minivans. They also offer a variety of packages and discounts for cruise passengers, as well as guided tours of the Galapagos Islands.4. Galapagos Car Rental & Tours: Located just a few minutes away from Black Turtle Cove, Galapagos Car Rental & Tours offers a variety of vehicles for rent, including 4x4s, sedans, and minivans. They also offer a variety of packages and discounts for cruise passengers, as well as guided tours of the Galapagos Islands.5. Galapagos Car Rental & Tours: Located just a few minutes away from Black Turtle Cove, Galapagos Car Rental & Tours offers a variety of vehicles for rent, including 4x4s, sedans, and minivans. They also offer a variety of packages and discounts for cruise passengers, as well as guided tours of the Galapagos Islands.

What is the WiFi situation at Black Turtle Cove cruise port?

Unfortunately, there is no public wifi access available in Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz, Galapagos cruise port. However, some of the nearby hotels and restaurants may offer wifi access to their guests.

Where is the cruise terminal at Black Turtle Cove cruise port?

Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz, Galapagos cruise port is located at Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, Ecuador.

What is the Black Turtle Cove Cruise Port cruise schedule?

There are no cruise ships scheduled at Black Turtle Cove today. Use the cruise ship schedule above to check Black Turtle Cove on any past or future date.

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