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The barren South Plaza landscape

South Plaza Island - Galapagos Travel Guide

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Just next to Santa Cruz islands, the Plaza Islands are distinct for their native populations of flora and fauna, but only South Plaza Island has a landing site. As you cross the jet black lava rock, you will witness one of the largest populations of land iguanas in the Galapagos Islands and perhaps one of the most unique, where male marine iguanas have bred with female land iguanas to create the only hybrid land/marine iguanas in the archipelago. The remaining land iguanas, though smaller in size than other island populations, feature vibrant yellows and reds and enjoy the local delicacies of Opuntia cacti and the indigenous Sesuvium that highlights the landscape. Visitors will also sea several big groups of sea lions, including one significant bachelor colony.

South Plaza Island Tour Ideas

Sea lion coming in from a swim
Western Islands
San Cristobal Airport to Baltra
8 Days from $3,093
This cruise to the Western Islands of the Galapagos allows you to witness exciting and unique plants, animals, and landscapes. Swim, hike, and explore on this 8-day tour on the Aida Maria.
A pair of friendly sea lions
Island Circumnavigation
15-Day Galapagos Cruise
15 Days from $5,792
Travel around the Galapagos on this 15-day cruise. Learn about the plants and wildlife, swim in the Pacific Ocean, shop in Puerto Ayora, and visit the Charles Darwin Station on your trip aboard the Aida Maria.
marine iguana espanola
Eastern Islands
8 Days from $3,865
Swallow-tailed gulls, marine iguanas, and giant tortoises await you on this trip to the Eastern Galapagos Islands. Enjoy hiking, exploring tide pools, and searching for Galapagos penguins during your 8-day vacation aboard the Angelito.
Colorful South Plaza Island
Southern Islands
4 Days from $1,765
Explore the Southern Galapagos Islands on this 4-day cruise. Look for the Galapagos albatross, land iguanas, and sea lions. You also may see spotted eagle rays, golden rays, white-tipped reef sharks, and young Galapagos sharks. Enjoy exploring the islands and learning from your guides during your tour aboard the small ship Angelito.

South Plaza Islands Traveler Stories

Beautiful Emerald Valley
Santa Fe and South Plaza Islands
Galapagos Tortoise, El Chato Reserve
Kevin's Galapagos Trip

Other Galapagos Island Guides

More Galapagos Island Guides: Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, Chinese Hat, Rabida, Genovesa, Baltra, Bartolome, Santa Fe, Espanola, South Plazas, North Seymour, Mosquera, Daphne Islands, and Wolf & Darwin Islands. 

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