Plazas Sur is a small uplifted island close to the east coast of Santa Cruz. It can be gloriously colorful from May to December with leaves of the endemic Succulent Sesuvium Edmonstonei, or Galapagos carpetweed as it´s commonly known, turning bright red. A large sea lion colony (one of the largest in Galapagos) resides on Plazas Sur.
Monday – Tuesday – Wednesday –Thursday – Saturday - Sunday
Around 8:00 a.m.
7 - 8 hours
Shared
Mondays – Wednesdays – Thursdays - Saturdays
Around 8:00 a.m.
7 - 8 hours
Shared
We will depart from Puerto Ayora for a 45-minute journey to the Itabaca channel, where we will board a boat to sail to South Plaza.
South Plaza is a small island located at the east of Santa Cruz. It has a 0.13 km square area and a maximum height of 23 meters. In spite of its small size, this island is known for its variety of species that inhabit it, and its unmistakable flora, made up especially of the endemic plant Sesuvium, which turns red at different times of the year.
We will disembark to take a trail that goes throughout the island and allows us to observe local fauna. This island has an important colony of land iguanas that feeds on Opuntia cactus, which can be seen throughout the entire island. Other fauna that can be seen are iguanas, tropical birds, seagulls with bifurcated tails, sea lions, lava lizards, sea turtles, blue-footed boobies, among others.
After this visit, we will board the boat again to enjoy lunch, and make our way to Punta Carrion, where we will enjoy snorkeling in these peaceful waters, inhabited by rays, blue sharks, a great variety of tropical fish and sea turtles. After this activity, we will return to Puerto Ayora.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling (superficial diving) and wildlife observation.
Wildlife: Blue-footed boobies, frigates, sea lions, marine iguanas, land iguanas, seagulls, tropical birds, blue sharks, zayapas, sea turtles, rays, tropical fish, among others.
Departure Location: Hotel pick up or Meeting Point (depends on provider at the moment of booking).
Return Location: Hotel pick up or Meeting Point (depends on provider at the moment of booking).
To participate in this tour, you must be at san Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) one day prior to departure.
The itinerary might change due to regulations of the Galapagos National park or weather conditions.
Please consider that in order to protect the environment of the Galapagos Islands, the Government of Ecuador has banned the use of shopping plastic bags, plastic straws and polyethylene containers in the Archipelago. Visitors to the islands are not allowed to bring these objects with them. This measure is effective as of May 2018.
We thank you for collaboration in protecting the Galapagos pristine ecosystem.
