Bahía Tortuga is one of the few places you can explore on this island without a tour guide.  It’s an easy hour’s walk from Puerto Ayora along a paved walkway through the scrubland and the only requirement is that you sign in and out with the park official at the entrance.

The bay consists of two stunningly beautiful beaches – one that’s considered unsafe for all but expert surfers and the second which is a lovely tree-lined and calm inlet.  The place was alive with marine iguanas and birdlife, including some fearless finches intent on sharing skipper’s crisps!

People have reported good snorkelling here, but unfortunately the visibility was very poor on the day we went.