Black Turtle Cove Cruise Port
Galapagos
About Black Turtle Cove Cruise Port
Port Overview
Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz, Galapagos, anchors offshore with zodiacs through mangrove channels. Travelers spot white-tip sharks and green turtles in the lagoon. Birdwatching includes lava herons. No landings; tours last 1-2 hours. No facilities; provisions from ship. Peak season December to May; wet season brings warmer waters. Photography captures mangrove wildlife. Dining limited to ship. Souvenirs include Galapagos maps.
South America
Galapagos
87°F / 73°F
avg high / low in March
🚢 Itineraries
103
cruise itineraries
🎯 Excursions
56
available excursions
🛡️ Safety Score
8.5 / 10
#47 of 189 in South America
Quick Links
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Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz, Galapagos
Cruise Port Location
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.
What to Do
Black Turtle Cove Top Activities & Attractions
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.
Black Turtle Cove Fun Facts
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 Excursions
Black Turtle Cove Popular Shore Tours
Explore the best excursions and tours near Black Turtle Cove cruise port. From guided sightseeing to adventure activities, find the perfect way to make the most of your time at this cruise port.
Cruise Port Schedule
Black Turtle Cove Cruise Port Ships & Passenger Count
How many people will be in Black Turtle Cove cruise port during your visit? Which other ships will be docked? Use the date selector below to find cruise port traffic for Black Turtle Cove on any date.
No ships scheduled
No cruise ships are in port at Black Turtle Cove on Friday, March 20, 2026.
Black Turtle Cove Cruise Terminals
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Cruise Terminal
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.
Explore Black Turtle Cove Cruise Port
Black Turtle Cove is a popular cruise port in Santa Cruz, Galapagos. It is known for its incredible wildlife, including sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mangrove forest, where they can observe the unique wildlife in its natural habitat. Kayaking and snorkeling are also popular activities, allowing visitors to explore the crystal-clear waters and observe the vibrant marine life. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of opportunities to relax on the beach and take in the stunning views.
Black Turtle Cove is located on the north side of Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos Islands. The cove is a protected mangrove estuary, and is a popular spot for snorkeling and kayaking. The nearby beaches are mostly made up of black volcanic sand, and are surrounded by lush vegetation. The beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the unique wildlife of the Galapagos. There are also several small islands nearby, which are great for exploring and bird watching. The beaches are also a great spot for spotting sea turtles, rays, and other marine life.
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.
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.
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, Santa Cruz, Galapagos is not known for shopping. It is a protected mangrove estuary and a popular spot for wildlife viewing. It is home to a variety of species, including sea turtles, rays, sharks, and a variety of bird species.
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.
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.
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 Weather Forecast
Average Monthly Weather
March
Typical Weather
Average High
Average Low
Rainfall
Daily average
2.1 in monthly total
Black Turtle Cove Cruise Port FAQ
Quick answers about Black Turtle Cove cruise port covering location, safety, weather, excursions, and more.
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.
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.
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.
In March, Black Turtle Cove cruise port has average high temperatures of 87°F (30°C) and average lows of 73°F (23°C).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz, Galapagos cruise port is located at Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, Ecuador.
There are no cruise ships scheduled at Black Turtle Cove today. Use the Cruise Port Traffic tool above to check the cruise schedule for Black Turtle Cove on any past or future date.