South Plaza Island Tour

Tour Highlights

• Departure Location: Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island.
• Tour Duration: Full-day adventure (approx. 8 hours).
• Included: Certified naturalist guide, round-trip boat transfer, lunch/snacks, and drinks.
  

Itinerary

Morning Departure & Boat Ride

Your day begins with a morning boat ride from Santa Cruz Island, heading towards South Plaza Island, which is located just off the eastern coast of Santa Cruz. The boat journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, during which you’ll enjoy beautiful ocean views and may spot various seabirds or even dolphins along the way.

Arrival at South Plaza & Guided Hike

Upon arrival, disembark on South Plaza Island, a small island that packs a punch when it comes to wildlife and scenery. You’ll set out on a guided hike along a well-defined trail (approx. 2 hours), exploring the island’s striking landscape:

• Land iguanas: South Plaza is home to a large population of land iguanas, which you’ll see basking in the sun or feeding on the island’s vibrant vegetation, including prickly pear cacti.
• Opuntia cactus forests: These towering cacti dominate the landscape and provide food and shelter for the iguanas and a variety of bird species.
• Colorful vegetation: The ground is often covered in bright red and green sesuvium, a succulent plant that changes color with the seasons, creating a striking contrast against the blue sea and the rocky cliffs.

Wildlife Encounters & Scenic Views

As you continue your hike, you’ll reach the cliffside on the island’s southern shore, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the ocean and neighboring islands. Here, you’ll observe:

• Sea lions: A large sea lion colony rests on the rocks below the cliffs. You’ll hear their calls and see them basking in the sun or swimming playfully in the water.
• Swallow-tailed gulls: These elegant birds nest along the cliffs and are often seen gliding effortlessly above the waves.
• Tropicbirds, Nazca boobies, and blue-footed boobies: These seabirds can often be spotted nesting or flying above the cliffs, providing excellent birdwatching and photography opportunities.

The cliffside path offers stunning photo opportunities of the rugged coastline, vibrant plant life, and crystal-clear waters below.

Boat Ride & Snorkeling at Punta Carrion

After your hike, you’ll return to the boat for a short ride to Punta Carrion, located near the channel between Baltra Island and Santa Cruz Island. This snorkeling spot is known for its clear waters and rich marine life, providing the perfect opportunity to cool off and explore the underwater world. With snorkeling gear provided, you’ll have the chance to:

• Swim with tropical fish, eagle rays, and reef sharks.
• Spot sea turtles and stingrays gliding gracefully beneath the surface.
• Enjoy a relaxing swim in the calm, clear waters as you take in the beauty of the Galápagos marine ecosystem.

Lunch on Board & Return to Santa Cruz

After snorkeling, a freshly prepared lunch will be served on board as you relax and take in the views of the surrounding islands. The boat will then head back to Santa Cruz Island, where you’ll arrive in the late afternoon, concluding your adventure-filled day.

What to Bring

• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Swimwear and towel
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Waterproof camera or GoPro (optional)
• Reusable water bottle
• Light jacket for boat ride 
  

Why Choose This Tour?

South Plaza Island offers a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and photographers. From the vibrant red sesuvium carpeting the ground to the towering Opuntia cacti, the island’s scenery is as captivating as its wildlife. Whether you’re captivated by the iconic land iguanas or mesmerized by the dramatic cliffs teeming with seabirds, this tour provides an intimate and unforgettable glimpse into the extraordinary biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands.