Black Turtle Cove is a remote inlet located on the western side of Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos archipelago of Ecuador. It is a tranquil and secluded area, with a small beach, mangrove forests and a lagoon, surrounded by cliffs and hills. The area is part of the Galapagos Marine Reserve, making it a popular destination for snorkeling, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
The cove is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, rays, reef sharks, sea lions, and a variety of birds. It is also known for its abundance of juvenile fish and invertebrates, which makes it a great spot for snorkeling. The mangrove forests are also a great spot for bird watching, as they are home to a variety of species, including brown pelicans, blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and great egrets.
Black Turtle Cove has a long history of human activity. The first recorded visit to the area was in 1535, when the Spanish explorer Fray Tomás de Berlanga arrived in the Galapagos Islands. In the 19th century, the cove was used as a refuge for pirates and whalers, and in the early 20th century, it was home to a small fishing village.
Today, Black Turtle Cove is a popular tourist destination and is part of the Galapagos National Park. Visitors can explore the mangrove forests, go snorkeling, kayaking, and enjoy wildlife viewing. The area is also a great spot for photography, as its secluded location provides some of the best views of the Galapagos Islands.
Experience Black Turtle Cove with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Black Turtle Cove. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.
Black Turtle Cove in Ecuador has a warm and humid climate year-round, with temperatures ranging from 20-30 degrees Celsius. During the summer months (December-March) the temperature is slightly higher, with higher humidity. In the winter months (June-September) the temperature is slightly cooler and the humidity is lower. Rainfall is fairly consistent throughout the year, with the heaviest rains occurring during the summer months. The coastal location of Black Turtle Cove also brings a humid, tropical breeze which provides a pleasant climate year-round.
Our weather forecast for Black Turtle Cove helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.
| Date | Icon | Temperature | Wind speed/gusts | Cloudiness/Visibility | Air humidity/pressure | Sunrise/Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec. 12th 2025 Dec. 12th 2025 | max: 25.2 °C min: 20.2 °C |
16.9 m/s 20.5 m/s |
70.0 % 24.1 m |
75.0 % 1,011 hPa |
05:50:51 17:59:48 |
|
| Dec. 13th 2025 Dec. 13th 2025 | max: 24.6 °C min: 20.7 °C |
13.0 m/s 14.4 m/s |
77.8 % 24.1 m |
74.8 % 1,012 hPa |
05:51:19 18:00:17 |
|
| Dec. 14th 2025 Dec. 14th 2025 | max: 25.1 °C min: 20.6 °C |
27.4 m/s 29.2 m/s |
40.9 % 24.1 m |
75.3 % 1,012 hPa |
05:51:47 18:00:46 |
|
| Dec. 15th 2025 Dec. 15th 2025 | max: 24.9 °C min: 20.5 °C |
26.6 m/s 26.3 m/s |
33.9 % 24.1 m |
71.0 % 1,012 hPa |
05:52:16 18:01:15 |
|
| Dec. 16th 2025 Dec. 16th 2025 | max: 25.1 °C min: 19.8 °C |
17.3 m/s 18.4 m/s |
50.4 % 24.1 m |
69.7 % 1,011 hPa |
05:52:45 18:01:44 |
|
| Dec. 17th 2025 Dec. 17th 2025 | max: 25.3 °C min: 20.2 °C |
15.1 m/s 16.6 m/s |
36.4 % 24.1 m |
72.8 % 1,011 hPa |
05:53:14 18:02:14 |
|
| Dec. 18th 2025 Dec. 18th 2025 | max: 25.2 °C min: 21.1 °C |
19.8 m/s 18.0 m/s |
55.5 % 24.1 m |
74.2 % 1,011 hPa |
05:53:43 18:02:43 |
|
| Dec. 19th 2025 Dec. 19th 2025 | max: 24.2 °C min: 21.2 °C |
10.8 m/s 13.0 m/s |
97.8 % 24.1 m |
77.1 % 1,012 hPa |
05:54:13 18:03:13 |
|
| Dec. 20th 2025 Dec. 20th 2025 | max: 23.7 °C min: 21.4 °C |
14.4 m/s 16.9 m/s |
80.2 % 24.1 m |
80.1 % 1,012 hPa |
05:54:42 18:03:43 |
|
| Dec. 21st 2025 Dec. 21st 2025 | max: 25.3 °C min: 20.9 °C |
14.4 m/s 16.2 m/s |
55.6 % 24.1 m |
77.8 % 1,011 hPa |
05:55:12 18:04:12 |
|
| Dec. 22nd 2025 Dec. 22nd 2025 | max: 25.3 °C min: 21.3 °C |
27.0 m/s 26.6 m/s |
28.7 % 24.1 m |
75.5 % 1,011 hPa |
05:55:42 18:04:42 |
|
| Dec. 23rd 2025 Dec. 23rd 2025 | max: 25.3 °C min: 21.1 °C |
22.3 m/s 24.1 m/s |
85.0 % 24.1 m |
76.3 % 1,011 hPa |
05:56:12 18:05:12 |
|
| Dec. 24th 2025 Dec. 24th 2025 | max: 25.1 °C min: 21.1 °C |
11.5 m/s 12.6 m/s |
81.9 % 24.1 m |
76.3 % 1,012 hPa |
05:56:41 18:05:41 |
|
| Dec. 25th 2025 Dec. 25th 2025 | max: 24.6 °C min: 21.1 °C |
16.9 m/s 14.0 m/s |
61.0 % 24.1 m |
77.1 % 1,012 hPa |
05:57:11 18:06:11 |
|
| Dec. 26th 2025 Dec. 26th 2025 | max: 24.8 °C min: 21.4 °C |
19.1 m/s 16.9 m/s |
69.6 % 24.1 m |
77.2 % 1,012 hPa |
05:57:41 18:06:40 |
Would you like to travel to Black Turtle Cove on a cruise ship or would you just like to know when a certain ship will dock there? Here you will find an overview of the cruise ships that will be calling at the port of Black Turtle Cove.
| Date | Ship | Passaengers (min - max) | Arrival | Departure | Details |
|---|
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