Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Guide
Plaza Sur Island, a jewel in the Galapagos archipelago, isn't a city in the traditional sense, but rather a small, uninhabited island teeming with unique wildlife and dramatic landscapes. This is a destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable experience. Forget bustling streets and city lights; here, the focus is on observing the incredible biodiversity that makes the Galapagos so special. Imagine yourself walking amongst land iguanas, their vibrant yellow skin contrasting against the volcanic rock. Blue-footed boobies perform their comical mating dances, while swallow-tailed gulls soar overhead. The island's small size allows for an intimate encounter with its inhabitants, making it a truly immersive and awe-inspiring destination. Prepare to be captivated by the raw beauty and unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities that Plaza Sur offers.
Food & Cuisine
There are no restaurants or food vendors on Plaza Sur Island. All meals and refreshments are provided as part of your tour package. Typically, you'll enjoy meals onboard your cruise ship or at designated picnic areas on other islands. Be sure to pack snacks and water for your time on Plaza Sur, as there are no opportunities to purchase them there.
Nightlife
Nightlife on Plaza Sur Island is defined by the sounds of the ocean and the stars overhead. As an uninhabited island, there are no bars, clubs, or other entertainment venues. After your daytime exploration, you'll return to your cruise ship or accommodation on another island. The real entertainment here is the unparalleled stargazing opportunities, far from the light pollution of any city.
Best Time to Visit
The Galapagos Islands, including Plaza Sur, are a year-round destination. However, the best time to visit depends on your priorities. The dry season (June to November) offers cooler temperatures, calmer seas, and increased wildlife activity, particularly for seabirds. The wet season (December to May) brings warmer temperatures, occasional rain showers, and lush vegetation. Both seasons offer unique advantages for wildlife viewing.
Transportation
As an uninhabited island, there is no public transportation on Plaza Sur. Access is exclusively by boat, typically as part of a Galapagos cruise or day tour. These tours usually include transportation to and from the island, as well as guided walks led by knowledgeable naturalists. Be prepared for wet landings, where you'll disembark directly onto the beach.
Airport
The closest airports to Plaza Sur Island are Baltra Airport (GPS) on Baltra Island and San Cristobal Airport (SCY) on San Cristobal Island. Baltra Airport is the most common arrival point for international flights. From Baltra, you'll typically take a bus and ferry to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, where many Galapagos cruises begin. The journey from Baltra Airport to Puerto Ayora takes approximately 1-2 hours. From San Cristobal Airport, you can connect to cruises departing from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Attractions
Diving around Bartolomé Island
Embark on a diving adventure around Bartolomé Island to discover the rich marine biodiversity. Encounter sea turtles, penguins, marine iguanas, and various fish species in their natural habitat. The underwater volcanic formations add to the allure, making it an unforgettable experience for certified divers.
Pinnacle Rock
Marvel at the iconic Pinnacle Rock, a towering volcanic formation rising dramatically from the sea. This landmark is a prime spot for snorkeling and diving, offering encounters with sea turtles, penguins, and colorful fish. The rock's unique shape and the surrounding marine life make it a photographer's dream.
Bartolomé Island Beach (Sullivan Bay)
Relax on the golden sands of Bartolomé Island's beach, also known as Sullivan Bay. This tranquil spot is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and observing marine iguanas basking in the sun. The clear waters invite snorkeling, providing opportunities to witness the vibrant underwater world of the Galapagos.
Bartolomé Summit
Ascend the wooden staircase to the summit of Bartolomé for panoramic views of Pinnacle Rock, Sullivan Bay, and the surrounding volcanic landscape. The hike is moderately challenging but offers unparalleled photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the island's unique geology and ecosystem. It's a must-do for any visitor.
Snorkeling around Bartolomé Island
Explore the underwater wonders surrounding Bartolomé Island through snorkeling. The clear waters teem with marine life, including sea turtles, penguins, white-tipped reef sharks, and colorful fish. Snorkeling offers a close-up view of the Galapagos' unique ecosystem and is suitable for various skill levels.
Bartolomé Summit
Ascend the wooden staircase to the summit of Bartolomé for panoramic views of Pinnacle Rock, Sullivan Bay, and the surrounding volcanic landscape. The hike is moderately challenging but offers unparalleled photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the island's unique geology and ecosystem. It's a must-do for any visitor.
Sea Lion Colony Viewing
Mosquera Islet is a haven for sea lions. Observe these playful creatures in their natural habitat as they bask in the sun, swim in the turquoise waters, and interact with each other. It's an unforgettable experience for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing their natural behavior.
Snorkeling at Mosquera Islet
The waters surrounding Mosquera Islet teem with marine life, making it an ideal location for snorkeling. Explore the underwater world and discover colorful fish, sea turtles, and other fascinating creatures. The clear waters and shallow depths make it suitable for snorkelers of all skill levels. Don't forget your underwater camera to capture the beauty beneath the surface.
Mosquera Islet Visitor Site
Mosquera Islet is a small, flat island located between Baltra and North Seymour Islands. It's renowned for its pristine white sand beach, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and sunbathing. The islet is also home to a large population of sea lions, offering incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. Snorkeling is also popular in the surrounding waters, where you can observe diverse marine life.
Mosquera Islet Visitor Site
Mosquera Islet is a small, flat island located between Baltra and North Seymour Islands. It's renowned for its pristine white sand beach, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and sunbathing. The islet is also home to a large population of sea lions, offering incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. Snorkeling is also popular in the surrounding waters, where you can observe diverse marine life.
Daphne Major Island Research Site
Daphne Major is a small island renowned for its pivotal role in evolutionary biology research, particularly the work of Peter and Rosemary Grant on Darwin's finches. While tourist access is highly restricted, the island's stark volcanic landscape and unique birdlife offer a glimpse into the processes of natural selection. Visiting requires special permits and is usually limited to researchers and educational groups.
Daphne Major Island Research Site
Daphne Major is a small island renowned for its pivotal role in evolutionary biology research, particularly the work of Peter and Rosemary Grant on Darwin's finches. While tourist access is highly restricted, the island's stark volcanic landscape and unique birdlife offer a glimpse into the processes of natural selection. Visiting requires special permits and is usually limited to researchers and educational groups.
Swallow-tailed Gulls
Plaza Sur Island is a nesting site for Swallow-tailed Gulls, the only nocturnal gull species in the world. Observe these elegant birds with their distinctive red eye-rings and graceful flight. Their presence adds to the island's unique biodiversity, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Witness their nesting behavior and appreciate their adaptation to the Galapagos environment.
Land Iguanas
Plaza Sur Island is renowned for its vibrant population of land iguanas. These prehistoric-looking reptiles bask in the sun, offering incredible photo opportunities. Observe their unique coloration and behavior as they roam freely across the island's terrain. A must-see for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike, providing an unforgettable Galapagos experience.
Land Iguanas
Plaza Sur Island is renowned for its vibrant population of land iguanas. These prehistoric-looking reptiles bask in the sun, offering incredible photo opportunities. Observe their unique coloration and behavior as they roam freely across the island's terrain. A must-see for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike, providing an unforgettable Galapagos experience.
Opuntia Cactus Forest
Plaza Sur Island features a unique Opuntia cactus forest, showcasing the island's arid landscape. These towering cacti provide a habitat for land iguanas and other wildlife. Explore the unusual flora and appreciate the resilience of life in this volcanic environment. The contrast between the cacti and the surrounding ocean creates a stunning visual spectacle.
Red-billed Tropicbirds
Plaza Sur Island is a nesting site for Red-billed Tropicbirds. Admire these elegant seabirds with their long, red tails and graceful flight. Observe their nesting behavior and appreciate their vibrant plumage. Their presence adds to the island's rich avian diversity, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Sea Lions
Plaza Sur Island is home to playful sea lions. Watch them frolic in the turquoise waters and lounge on the rocky shores. These charismatic creatures are accustomed to human presence, offering close encounters and memorable photo opportunities. Observe their social interactions and enjoy their playful antics, a highlight of any Galapagos visit.
Day Trips
San Cristobal Island is the easternmost island in the Galapagos and offers a mix of wildlife encounters and historical sites. Visit Interpretation Center to learn about the Galapagos' natural and human history, or explore Kicker Rock (León Dormido), a volcanic formation popular for snorkeling and diving. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is the capital of the Galapagos province.
Approximately 2 - 2.5 hours by boat Santa Cruz Island is the most populous island in the Galapagos and offers a diverse range of attractions. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see giant tortoises, explore the highlands with its lush vegetation and lava tunnels, or relax on the beautiful beaches of Tortuga Bay. Puerto Ayora is the main town and offers restaurants, shops, and other amenities.
Approximately 1.5 - 2 hours by boat North Seymour is a small, flat island teeming with birdlife. It's a fantastic place to see blue-footed boobies performing their mating dance, magnificent frigatebirds with their inflated red throat pouches, and land iguanas. The island offers easy walking trails and excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.
Approximately 1 - 1.5 hours by boat Isabela Island is the largest island in the Galapagos and boasts a dramatic volcanic landscape. Visit the Sierra Negra volcano, one of the largest calderas in the world, or explore the Tintoreras, a series of small islets teeming with wildlife, including white-tip reef sharks, penguins, and marine iguanas. Puerto Villamil is a charming town with a relaxed atmosphere.
Approximately 2 - 2.5 hours by boat Santa Cruz Island is the most populous island in the Galapagos and offers a diverse range of activities. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the islands' unique ecosystem and see giant tortoises. Explore the highlands for a chance to see tortoises in their natural habitat, or relax on the beautiful beaches of Tortuga Bay, known for its white sand and marine iguanas.
Approximately 1-2 hours by boat from Daphne Major Island Santa Fé Island is home to the Santa Fé land iguana, a species unique to this island. The island also features a beautiful bay with clear turquoise waters, perfect for snorkeling and swimming. You can also hike among the giant Opuntia cacti that dominate the landscape.
Approximately 1.5-2 hours by boat from Mosquera Islet. North Seymour Island is a small, flat island teeming with wildlife. It's a great place to observe blue-footed boobies performing their mating dances, frigatebirds with their inflated red pouches, and land iguanas. The island offers easy walking trails and excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.
Approximately 1-1.5 hours by boat from Daphne Major Island Puerto Ayora is the largest town in the Galapagos Islands and the main hub for tourism. It offers a blend of natural wonders and urban amenities. You can visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the islands' unique ecosystem and see giant tortoises up close. The town also boasts a vibrant waterfront with shops, restaurants, and bars.
Approximately 1-2 hours by boat from Mosquera Islet. South Plaza Island is a small island known for its diverse flora and fauna. It's home to land iguanas, sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls, and red-billed tropicbirds. The island's vegetation changes color dramatically throughout the year, creating a unique and picturesque landscape.
Approximately 1-1.5 hours by boat from Mosquera Islet. Bartolomé Island is famous for its iconic Pinnacle Rock, a towering volcanic formation that's a symbol of the Galapagos. A climb to the summit of the island offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands and turquoise waters. Snorkeling is also popular here, with opportunities to see penguins and other marine life.
Approximately 2-2.5 hours by boat from Mosquera Islet. North Seymour is a small, flat island teeming with wildlife. It's a fantastic place to observe blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, land iguanas, and sea lions in their natural habitat. The island's relatively small size makes it easy to explore in a few hours, offering a concentrated dose of Galapagos wildlife viewing.
Approximately 1-1.5 hours by boat from Mosquera Islet. South Plaza Island is a small island known for its unique vegetation and diverse wildlife. See land iguanas, sea lions, and a variety of bird species. The island's landscape is characterized by vibrant red sesuvium plants and prickly pear cacti.
Approximately 1-1.5 hours by boat from Daphne Major Island Bartolomé Island is famous for its iconic Pinnacle Rock, a towering volcanic formation. Climb to the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding islands and turquoise waters. The island also offers excellent snorkeling opportunities, where you can swim with sea turtles, penguins, and colorful fish.
Approximately 1-2 hours by boat from Daphne Major Island San Cristobal Island
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Santa Cruz Island
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North Seymour Island
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Isabela Island
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Santa Cruz Island
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Santa Fé Island
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North Seymour Island
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Puerto Ayora
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South Plaza Island
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Bartolomé Island
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North Seymour Island
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South Plaza Island
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Bartolomé Island
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