South Plaza Island, Galápagos
One of twins, teeming with life
What you need to know about South Plaza Island, Galápagos
Whilst her twin, North Plaza, is closed to visitors, South Plaza is one of the best visitor sites in the Galápagos thanks to the large number of species present on her small area.
The Plazas were the result of a geological uplift, and because this was uneven they both have cliffs on their south sides and low lying shores on their northern coasts.
The most noticeable (and noisiest) of South Plaza's residents are her Galápagos Sea Lions, who have a large colony here. Less obvious are her land iguanas (the smallest in the islands), many marine iguanas and large numbers and varieties of seabirds.
Inland is a mix of scrubby vegetation and giant opuntia cactus forest, providing food for the iguanas. As you follow the circular hiking trail you will come to the summit of the cliffs here where you'll be among countless nesting seabirds.
Interesting facts about South Plaza
South Plaza only covers 150,000sq yards, and is only 70ft above sea level
South Plaza is home to many Sesuvium plants that form a red carpet on top of the lava
the South Plaza vegetation changes color from bright green to orange and purple depending on season
South Plaza was formed by lava up streaming from the bottom of the ocean.