Plazas

The Plazas Islands are twin islands located off the east coast of Santa Cruz. North Plaza is closed due to scientific research and South Plaza is the visitor site. Both islands were formed by geological uplift. The islands tilt to the north. The island's southern portion having a greater degree of uplift contain cliffs with spectacular views.

Visiting South Plaza begins with a dry landing. The rocky trail circumnavigates the island displaying the combination of dry and coastal vegetation zone. The island is home to enormous Prickly Pear Cacti and the endemic succulent Sesuvian. These succulents with almond-shaped leaves are green during the rainy season December-May. Then become red during the dry season giving the island an unusual appearance.

South Plaza has one of the largest populations of Land Iguanas in the Galapagos. The Iguanas seem to be everywhere once you land. These larger than average Yellow-Brown Land Iguanas feed on the fruit and pads of the Prickly Pear Cactus.

Years ago visitors would bring oranges ashore to feed the Iguanas. The fruit soon became a favorite and the Iguanas would run to greet new visitors climbing on laps and begging for a taste of their new favorite treat. The National Park Service has since made bring food on to the islands and feeding birds or animals against Park Rules in order to maintain the natural balance and diet of the island's fauna.

South Plaza is also home to Marine Iguanas living along the coast and a Hybrid Iguana whose fathers are Marine Iguanas and Mothers are Land Iguanas. As the walk continues along the sea cliffs Swallow-Tailed Gulls, Frigatebirds, Audubon Shearwaters, Red-Billed Tropicbirds, Brown Pelicans, Blue-Footed and Masked Boobies are frequently seen. Beneath along the shore a colony of Bachelor Sea Lions can be seen.