Buccaneer Cove

About the site

Buccaneer Cove

Buccaneer Cove, on the northwest coast of Santiago, was a favorite hideout of the pirates and buccaneers who sailed the Pacific in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. In its sheltered water they careened their ships, collected fresh water and took giant tortoises on board as a living supply of meat for their long voyages. Later, the whalers followed.

Today the cove is visited by panga, with no landing. The ride follows steep cliffs of red and black volcanic tuff, eroded by wind and sea into caves, arches and striking shapes. Blue-footed and Nazca boobies, brown noddies, swallow-tailed gulls, pelicans and herons nest on the ledges, Galápagos hawks often patrol the cliff tops, and fur seals and sea lions haul out on the rocks below.

Snorkeling from the panga along the cliffs is often possible, with sea turtles, rays, sea lions and schools of reef fish.

The visit is easy and suits every traveler, and it is often combined on the same day with Espumilla Beach or Puerto Egas, both on James Bay.

Highlights

• Birdwatching
• Rich Marine Life
• Astounding Rock Formations