Cotton-white sands, deep blue waters, and pristine shorelines make this a dreamy destination for true nature lovers. Tortuga Bay is a protected area, which means the turtles, iguanas, and birds own the beach, and you are just a guest – walking the pristine sands is allowed, but no swimming or water sports are permitted to make sure the animals aren’t disturbed.

For those who want to dip their toes in the water, try surfing or use a kayak, there’s a separate cove where water use is allowed – though you’ll be sharing the waters with white-tip reef sharks.

The bay is only accessible via a 20-minute water-taxi ride or a 2.5-kilometer walk from nearby Puerto Ayora town – more than worth it for the sweeping wild beauty you’ll find when you get here.