South Plaza Island
1 day
South Plaza, a natural gem off the coast of Santa Cruz, stands out for its wildlife and unique landscapes. Its cliffs are home to seabirds, and the ground, covered in endemic plants, changes color with the seasons. Among the tall cactus trees, land and marine iguanas live side by side, making this island a must-see in Galapagos.
ITINERARY
Schedule
From 07:50 to 17:00
Boarding time: 07:40
Activities
Hiking 80%
Snorkeling 20%
Navigation
Puerto Ayora – Itabaca Channel: 45 mins
Itabaca Channel – South Plaza: 1 h 30
South Plaza – Punta Carrion: 1 h
Punta Carrion – Itabaca Channel: 15 mins
Itabaca Channel – Puerto Ayora: 45 mins
Wildlife you may see
Swallows
Swallow-tailed gulls
Pelicans
Land iguanas
Tropical fish
Sea turtles
Included
Lunch, snack and water
Transportation
Professional bilingual guide
Snorkeling gear
Towels
What makes South Plaza special
South Plaza is one of the smallest visitor sites in the Galapagos, but also one of the most colorful. The ground is covered with sesuvium, a succulent plant that is green in the rainy season and turns red and orange in the dry season, and the island is dotted with tall prickly pear cactus trees.
- Land iguanas rest under the cactus trees and wait for the fruit to fall.
- A sea lion colony lives on the rocky shore near the landing.
- Cliffs with seabirds: swallow-tailed gulls, the only nocturnal gull in the world, plus tropicbirds, frigatebirds and boobies flying along the edge.
Good to know before you go
- The walk is easy, on a marked trail of around 1.5 km, and takes about 2 hours with stops.
- The boat ride from the Itabaca Channel takes about 1 h 30, so take motion-sickness tablets if you get seasick.
- After the hike there is a snorkeling stop at Punta Carrion, where you may see sea turtles and tropical fish.
Other day tours from Santa Cruz
Frequently asked questions
Is the South Plaza tour difficult?
No. The trail is short and mostly flat, with some uneven rocks. It is suitable for most ages and fitness levels.
What is the best time to visit South Plaza?
You can visit all year. In the dry season (June to November) the sesuvium turns red and the landscape is at its most colorful; in the warm season (December to May) the sea is calmer and the water is warmer for snorkeling.
South Plaza or North Seymour?
South Plaza is best for land iguanas, sea lions and the red landscape. North Seymour is best for blue-footed boobies and frigatebird colonies. If you have time, do both.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch, snacks, water, a bilingual guide, transport and snorkeling gear are included.