A brand new day found us in front of one of the little hidden treasure islands of the Galapagos archipelago, South Plaza Island. This small island, which is only some few hundred yards long, was once part of the ocean floor. The amount of wildlife in this paradise is remarkable. Early in the morning, before breakfast, we disembarked. We found a striking marine landscape dominated by a cacti forest surrounded by a surreal red carpet of plants where colorful Galapagos land iguanas (Conolophus subcristatus) were seen roaming free. On the island there are several Galapagos sea lion colonies as well. Some big sea lions were seen searching for the best position for napping while some juveniles were exploring or playing in the surroundings.
Further inland there was a spectacular cliff side where many sea bird species can be observed. Once we arrived at the highest point to walk along the cliff, we found the best site to watch sea birds in action. Galapagos shearwaters were skimming the ocean surface looking for food, Blue and Nazca boobies were also gliding along the cliffs plunge diving for food. Swallow tailed gulls were seen flying around or taking care of their hungry youngsters. Occasionally, frigate birds were seen gliding in the blue sky.
After this magical morning visit we went back to the ship to join a presentation. Naturalist Gustavo Castro talked about one of his favorite subjects, the Human History of the Galapagos Islands. After the presentation we had an amusing activity, swimming and jumping off the ship!
In the early afternoon some guests opted for kayaking along Santa Fe Island. In this remote location there is striking scenery where huge volcanic cliffs are filled with giant prickly pear cacti. Some other guests opted to go snorkeling and they had a blast, as waters were very calm today and many colorful reef fish species were seen, including many rays and a few sharks.
Once everyone was back onboard we put on our walking outfits to explore the trails of Santa Fe Island. The landing beach is home to many Galapagos sea lions that delighted all of us. The rocky inland trail led us to encounter some pale, brownish green land iguanas, the famous Santa Fe land iguana (Conolophus pallidus). This latter species, as its name implies, in only found on this small island, nowhere else in the Galapagos.
We finally came back onboard with the feeling that we were privileged to spend a whole day in this paradise visiting two small, but meaningful, islands that showed us the beauty of life.
