Galapagos – Isla Plaza Sur (South Plaza Island)

After our visit to Santa Fe Island, lunch, and a post lunch break we headed off to the east of Santa Cruz to the small island of Plaza Sur. We had to make several detours because of the Avian Flu outbreak on Genovesa Island. The island itself is tiny at 3/4 of a square mile. Don’t be fooled; there’s a lot to see and unique to this island.

We did a dry landing on a cement dock.

And proceeded with our nature walk. First thing I noticed were all the tall and stately cactus.

Plaza Sur is also known for another thing. Because of the size of the island, this is where one kind find what they call “Hybrid Iguanas“. That is where Male Land Iguanas have mated with Female Marine Iguanas creating a Hybrid. These were first noticed in 1977 by Howard Snell, a Biology Professor Volunteering with the Peace Corps. We were told to keep our eyes peeled.

The Marine Iguanas are black-grey, with webbed feet. Are we saw those first as we disembarked. And then we saw all the Land Iguanas. Because of the size of the island; these were on the smaller size, though quite colorful.

This fellow was hilarious. Having no fear of hoo-mans, he decided to cross the path. And of course, we could not approach wildlife here. We stood still and he strolled…and I do mean strolled past us.

The island features some dramatic cliffs.

Which of course means more wildlife. Like Swallow-Tailed Gulls, which are nocturnal feeders.

And since they are year ’round breeders; we even saw a couple of chicks with their parents.

And of course with all the volcanic rock; those Sally Lightfoot Crab really stood out.

They call this the “Light House”.

Not sure if these were actually “Hybrids”….I forgot to ask.

But we saw them on the walk back to the dock.

Speaking of dock, as we boarded the zodiac, this little fella’ cut in line and tried to get a “free ride”.

It made for a humorous moment….especially since you can’t approach or touch wildlife here.

Finally, after a short “discussion”, the little understood that there were no free rides being given out today. You can tell it was a bit disappointed!

Back on board everyone had some time to relax. After a shower and a short break I headed to the deck and had myself some liquid refreshment.

And a nice sunset…..

And then dinner was served.

This Prawn Bisque was really good. Not fishy in the least, creamy, nice oceany flavors, a hint of sweetness.

For some reason, I enjoyed the cous cous.

And the Missus enjoyed dessert.

We had our usual briefing. And retired to our cabin. About an hour or so later, there was an announcement to head to the aft deck. We headed on out and saw these sharks following the Evolve, looking for handouts I guess!

This was a wonderful exclamation point for an awesome first day which started on Santa Fe Island. Little did we know that each day would be full of wildlife and adventures!