A tour to South Plaza Island puts you face to face with Sea Lion pups, Land Iguanas, Sally Lightfoot Crabs, and various nesting sea birds. South Plaza Island is half of a pair of islets off the east coast of Santa Cruz. The channel between the two islands provides the perfect haven for California Sea Lion pups.
At A Glance
- Departure: 08:00 Puerto Ayora Hotel
- Group size: 16 – 20 passengers
- Format: Group Tour with Naturalist Guide
- Duration: ~7 Hours
- Transport: Bus, Motor Yacht, Zodiac, Water Taxi
- Bus To Baltra: 45 minutes
- Motor Yacht: 60 minutes each way
- Zodiac Ride: 5 minutes
- Water Taxi: 5 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy – Moderate (Exposure)
- Activities: Wildlife, Hiking, Snorkeling
- Possible Wildlife: Sea Lions, Land Iguanas, Red-Billed Tropic Birds
- Hike: 1 – 1.5 hours, lava terrain with slight incline
- Snorkel: 45 minutes from beach (optional)
- Included Onboard: Snorkel Gear, Towel & Snacks
In fact, South Plaza has one of the largest Sea Lion colonies in the entire Galapagos Archipelago. Often you can see bulls defending their harems in the azure waters of the channel.
On land, you can see Red and Yellow Land Iguanas, Swallow-tailed Gulls, Red-billed Tropicbirds, Audubon’s Shearwaters, Nazca and Blue-footed Boobies, Frigates and more.
On the return cruise you will stop for a snorkel just outside of the Ithabaca Canal, a refreshing way to end this interesting day tour.
Gear List
Day Tour Gear List
- Comfortable Closed-Toe Walking Shoes
- Sunscreen, Hat & sunglasses
- Swim gear, Change of Clothes & Light Jacket
- Camera & Memory Card
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medications