South Plaza is a narrow strip of uplifted seafloor just off the east coast of Santa Cruz, and for its size it holds an astonishing amount of wildlife. A dry landing at a small dock leads onto a short trail through a forest of giant prickly pear cactus, whose trunks have grown tall because there are few tortoises here to graze them. Yellow land iguanas, one of the island's hallmarks, rest under the cactus and eat the fallen pads. The cliffs on the southern edge are a nesting and roosting ground for swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropicbirds and shearwaters, and the shore has a sea lion colony, including a bachelor group of old males. The ground turns red and orange in the dry season as succulents change colour. Because the island is close to Puerto Ayora, South Plaza fits easily into a day trip, often paired with a snorkel stop or another nearby site. It is short, rewarding and relatively gentle for visitors who do not want a long walk.
The cactus forest is the key to the island. On most Galápagos islands, tortoises and iguanas keep the prickly pear low, but here the plants have grown into small trees that give shade and food to the iguanas. A guide will point out hybrid iguanas, an unusual cross between land and marine iguana seen in the area, if one is around.
The trail loops around the island's summit and ends at the cliff edge where seabirds ride the updrafts and the sea crashes below. The sea lion colony near the landing is a pleasure for photographers.
Visiting
There is no ticket office for the island itself, because it is a protected national park site reached by licensed boat tours. Tours are scheduled by operators, and South Plaza is usually combined with another stop on the same day. Confirm what is included before you go. Wear closed shoes with grip, a hat, sunscreen and bring water, because there is almost no shade on the trail.
The path crosses some uneven rock, but it is short and suitable for most visitors with reasonable mobility. Dry landings can be wet on the ladder, so be careful when you step off the boat.
Rules and costs
You must be accompanied by a licensed naturalist guide, stay on the trail and keep a safe distance from the animals, especially nesting birds and sea lion pups. The national park entry fee, paid in cash on arrival at the island airport, applies to every visit, and operators add their own charges for boat tours. For current options, use the Ecuador tourism page linked here or ask your hotel to arrange a licensed operator. It is an easy complement to a Santa Fe or Bartolomé day for wildlife without long crossings.
What to expect
The experience
A licensed boat trip from Puerto Ayora with a dry landing and a short guided loop through the cactus forest to the seabird cliffs.
Best time
Morning, when it is cooler and the iguanas and sea lions are most active.
How long
A couple of hours ashore as part of a half or full day on the water, depending on the operator.
Tips
Wear grippy shoes, a hat and sunscreen, bring water, and keep clear of nesting birds and sea lion pups.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Wildlife lovers who want dense wildlife on a short, easy trail.
- Families
- A short, gentle trail with big, calm iguanas and sea lions, ideal for children who like animals.
- Couples
- Dramatic cliffs and quiet sea views make for a lovely morning on the water.
- Pair with
- Santa Fe or Bartolomé on another date, and Tortuga Bay on a rest day.
- Time needed
- Half a day at least; most boat trips combine it with another stop.
Good questions
What makes South Plaza special?+
It is a small island packed with wildlife: yellow land iguanas under giant prickly pear, a sea lion colony and seabirds nesting on the cliffs.
Can I visit independently?+
No. Visitor sites in the national park must be reached with a licensed boat tour and accompanied by a naturalist guide.
Is the trail hard?+
No, it is short and fairly gentle, but the ground is uneven and sunny, so wear closed shoes and take water.
Is the park entry fee included in a boat tour?+
Usually not. The national park entry fee is paid in cash on arrival at the island airport and is separate from operator charges.
Can I combine it with another island?+
Often yes. Operators commonly pair South Plaza with a snorkel stop or another nearby site, so ask your hotel or operator what is on offer.
