South Plaza

South Plaza is 2 small crescent-shaped islands that lie just a few hundred meters off the east coast of Santa Cruz. The northern island is used for scientific purposes only.

South Plaza is one of the smaller, yet richest islands in the archipelago. Only 130 meters wide (426 feet), it was formed from uplifted seabed giving it a tiled tabletop quality. Our landing is in the channel between North and South Plaza, where the island tilts toward the water. This approach makes for a lavishly colorful sight! The turquoise waters of the channel contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline.

The rocks have grown thick with green prickly-pear cactus. Yellow-gray land iguanas sit beneath, waiting patiently for pears to drop. The trail gradually follows the tilt of the island to the cliffs that overlook the ocean to the south, where swallowed-tailed gulls nest. Red-billed tropic birds, masked and blue-footed boobies ride the windy currents. The overlook is a great place for spotting large marine life, including manta rays.

Surf pounds an inlet at the western corner of the island, where a colony of sea lion bachelors make their home. This would account for the surface of the rocks, polished by the oils of their fur. The shoreline of Las Plazas is excellent for snorkeling in a sea lion colony of nearly one thousand.

Your guide will find the right spot to swim with youngsters away from areas claimed by the surly bulls.