South Plaza and Santa Fe
We are in the geographical center of the Galapagos.
South Plaza is one of the smallest islands but there is so much to see. As soon as we set foot on it we are welcomed by sea lions of all ages and sizes, some males fighting for dominance and others just playing in the tide pools or resting on the rocks.
This is also quite different from the other island – it’s full of impressive, vivid colors due to plants called portulaca, which are red or green (dependent on the time of the year and water). Land iguanas live here together with marine iguanas. They cannot have separate environments due to the size of the island, so they sometimes interact sexually, producing hybrids as a result. Along the cliffs many different species of sea birds can be seen flying and trying to get fish, while others just rest on the ledges and rocks where some even nest at any time of the year.
Soon the land iguanas will start nesting and they seem to be getting ready for it. This is without a doubt an island where guests can enjoy photography, as the animals are so close and surrounded by so much color.
A small part of the island has been chosen by a group of sea lions to form a bachelor club, where only males go to relax and enjoy peace away from territorial males.
Our navigation took us next to the island of Santa Fe where other activities await. First a round of kayaks departed, followed by some snorkelers heading out to enjoy the amazing underwater world of the island.
Some schools of fish, together with rays and even a turtle, came to say hello to the snorkelers that were happy to give them a look and take a picture. Amazing water, color and temperature.
After this we come back on board to get ready to go back out for next expedition, this time on the island itself to search for Santa Fe land iguanas, the only other species of this group. Impressive cacti grow here too. Some reach up to 30 feet high with large paddles and fruits from which the iguanas get water.
Several species of land birds are found here too. Mockingbirds, finches, doves and also the top predator of the islands, the Galapagos hawk. One was very close to a group of baby sea lions on the beach, as if trying to kill one.
The color of the water in this bay is something additional to all the fantastic wildlife of the site. This was another fantastic day in the Galapagos Islands.
