SOUTH PLAZA ISLAND
There are two Plaza Islands lying in the eastern tip of Santa Cruz, the southern of these is the one of the most concentrated wildlife and is open to public. Several Prickly Pear cacti are found on the path while marine birds such as frigates and blue-footed boobies fly high in the sky. There is a colony of land iguanas here as well as marine iguanas, with a bit of luck you may also see the hybrid between those species.
- Starts: 07h30 AM
- End: 16h30 PM aprox
Ready to discover the Dragons of Galápagos around this island?
We start the journey with private transportation from Puerto Ayora to the Itabaca Channel, where the yacht is going to be ready to start sailing. The navigation time is around 60 minutes to our destination the Island of South Plaza, a small islet of 13 hectares located east of Santa Cruz. Its twin, North Plaza Island is a place reserved only for scientific studies.
There is a channel between these two islets, which is home to one of the largest colonies of sea lions in the archipelago. Due to the intense competition for territories, the males of South Plaza Island are exceptionally large and aggressive. There is a colony of male wolves on the cliff; Single wolves who have lost their territory and choose this place to rest and recover before returning to fight for females.
The trail begins at the pier close to an important colony of land iguanas that are the smallest of the entire archipelago. They feed on many kinds of plants, but during the dry season they only survive thanks to the fruits and flowers of the cactus Opuntia, very abundant on the islet. South Plaza Island is also an ideal place to observe the hybrid iguana that hopefully peeks on the surface. The trail goes close to the shore until it also goes to a cliff where you can easily observe Tropic birds and lava gulls, from the top you can also see activity in the sea of several species such as the Galapagos Mullets and Blacktip Sharks.
At the end of the exploration trek, you return aboard the boat to recharge energy with some snacks and refreshing drinks. After this, you will head towards Punta Carrión where you can perform the activity of snorkeling to observe the marine life that is made up in abundance by many reef fish, sharks, turtles, among other species.
At the end of the snorkel, you will return to the boat for the return navigation to Santa Cruz Island, in this navigation you can sometimes observe dolphins, whales and other species.
Enjoy the sailing explorer!
Included:
- Pick up and transportation
- English/spanish Galápagos Naturalist Guide
- Snacks and lunch
- Water, tea and coffee
- Full snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel, wetsuit and fins)
Not Included
- Alcohol Drinks
- Tips
Important Notes
The yachts have a maximum capacity of 16 passengers.
This tour is not recommended for children under 6 years old.
Snorkeling activities are moderate.
The itinerary of this tour is subject to change without notice due to climatic conditions or cancellations beyond our control.