Day at Tortuga Bay

Today is a down day so we can catch up on writing, notes and a little exploring on our own. Weather in the Galapagos has been warm to hot with temps around 80F, but the humidity has been off the charts! Fortunately our hotel room has air conditioning (not a common thing here) so we can cool down the room and relax in the evenings. Running the AC while you’re not in the room is a no-no. There’s also been a few rain showers in the afternoon but nothing substantial.

Our hotel manager told us to skip the taxi, which costs $1.50 for anywhere downtown, and instead walk to Tortuga Bay park entrance. Only about 10-15 minutes so why not. Well one good reason why not is that it’s hot and humid!  We look like we’ve already been to the beach by the time we reach the park entrance.

Had to check in with this little old lady at the park entrance just in case we don’t make it out. Or maybe so they can track who visits and from where, not sure which. Anyway, she advised us that there are no music / speakers allowed, no smoking (yes, even outside in the park), no alcohol, no food, stay on the path, no swimming at the first beach, no touching any animals or flora, don’t put anything in or hang anything on the trees, and have a nice day!

The trail is a well-maintained paved walkway that winds through the forest-like surroundings with tons of little lizards darting back and forth along the path, daring you to step on them. Lots of cactus trees and scrub grass along the way. This trail runs for about 1.5km before ending at the “first” beach, a long, beautiful pristine white sand beach that is dotted with ocean iguanas. Because of the heavy rip tides here, swimming is prohibited.

Hard to see but this is a giant gorge that ran the length of the park entrance.

The trail to Tortuga Beach

First beach

Iguana tracks

Our beach is just beyond that point straight ahead

Beach Boss

Iguana races

Nap time

This area is known as a nesting beach for sea turtles. We found a couple of trails leading from the ocean to the dunes where a turtle had made its nest. Most of these were fenced off but some were pretty recent with just the turtle trail showing where the nest is. As good visitors we stayed clear of the nests and continued our trek to the swimming beach.

Turtle Tracks

We finally cleared the “first” beach and found the area where people are allowed to swim. Not a single piece of trash could be found anywhere around this beach. Incredibly clean and with poles and hooks to hang your belongings. No changing rooms so hope you wore your suit here!

Swimming beach, complete with hammerhead sharks

Had to try out the water just so we can say we swam in the Pacific Ocean, Galapagos side. The water was cool but not cold, refreshing and a bit shallow for quite a way out. Felt pretty good considering the hike there was 80F and 80% humidity! And as an added surprise, some folks were gathering close to shore to check something out. What could it be Mr. Wizard? Why, it’s a hammerhead shark, my little one! No joke, we joined in the group looking in the water and there it was, about a 3’ hammerhead shark just swimming along. How frickin stupid! Why would you wade around following a known aggressive shark. We didn’t. Once we saw what it was, it was out of the water for me and the misses. Unfortunately, by the time we got our cameras, it had left…and right legs of a slow swimmer so it was off. Not really. I think it was just cruising to get some of the little fish hanging close to shore. Pretty neat seeing a hammerhead shark up close and personal!

Time to head back to town and find a good spot for lunch but this time, we’re taking the water taxi instead of walking. Costs $10 per person, takes 25 minutes instead of an hour, and drops you off at the pier in town. Perfect.

Sea turtle

A few crabs

Adventures are over for today. Tomorrow is snorkeling with the turtles, seals, rays, and fishes then we’re closing out our time here in the Galapagos Islands. Our next stop is the small town of Cuenca, Ecuador. Cuenca is home to the Inca ruins mentioned earlier so that’s where our tour will take us.

Hasta la vista, baby!