Santa Cruz Island

Black Turtle Cove

Black Turtle Cove is located on the northern side of Santa Cruz Island and is accessible only by boat and with a certified guide. This shallow inlet is surrounded by dense mangroves, offering a natural sanctuary for a wide variety of marine life. The calm waters serve as a nursery for juvenile blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, sea turtles, golden cownose rays, and spotted eagle rays. Occasionally, even hammerhead sharks may be spotted. Above the water, pelicans and boobies hunt, diving gracefully into the sea.

Highlights:	2-hour panga (dinghy) ride through mangroves
Animals:	Juvenile hammerhead sharks, rays, sea turtles, pelicans, boobies
Difficulty:	Easy
Landing:	No landing

*Note: Activities may vary depending on the time of day, cruise itinerary, and National Park regulations.

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