South Plaza Island Tour
The iguanas' red garden
The experience
South Plaza is a small island with a surprising density of life. Its carpet of sesuvium — green in the wet season, deep red in the dry — and its cliffs full of seabirds make it one of the most photogenic settings in Galápagos.
Golden land iguanas live here alongside the largest colony of male sea lions in the archipelago and, on the cliffs, swallow-tailed gulls, tropicbirds and boobies patrolling the wind.
A landscape that changes colour
The sesuvium carpet turns from green to scarlet with the season, beneath giant opuntia cacti.
Hybrid iguanas
Plaza is one of the few places where hybrids of marine and land iguana have been recorded.
Bird cliff
Swallow-tailed gulls, tropicbirds and shearwaters nest on the southern cliff.
How is the day spent?
A day on this tour
Indicative itinerary — it may change with the tide, the weather and National Park rules.
Transfer and sailing
Departure for the Itabaca Channel and sailing to South Plaza (±2 hours).
Walking the trail
Guided route among land iguanas, sesuvium and opuntias out to the bird cliff.
Lunch on board
Lunch as we sail to the snorkelling site.
Snorkelling
Snorkelling session nearby (Punta Carrión or elsewhere, depending on conditions).
Return
Back to the Itabaca Channel and transfer to Puerto Ayora.
What's included?
- Certified naturalist guide (Spanish/English)
- Lunch on board and snacks
- Snorkelling gear
- Towels provided
- Transfer to the boarding point
Not included
- Soft drinks and extras on board
- Galápagos National Park entrance fee and TCT card (current rates on request)
- Tips (optional)
What to pack
- Biodegradable sunscreen
- Cap and sunglasses
- Swimwear and a change of clothes
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera or phone in a waterproof case
- Seasickness tablets (strongly recommended)
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