South Plaza Island Galapagos
A small, lava-formed island renowned for its vibrant red vegetation, unique hybrid iguanas, and abundant sea lion and bird colonies.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant red vegetation
South Plaza Island Galapagos
Best Time
Vibrant red vegetation
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A small, lava-formed island renowned for its vibrant red vegetation, unique hybrid iguanas, and abundant sea lion and bird colonies.
"Incredible, otherworldly island only accessible by boat. Fabulous colours and wildlife."
Book Guided Tours
South Plaza Island is only accessible via organized boat tours. Book in advance!
Respect Wildlife
Maintain distance from animals. Never feed them! They are used to humans but need space.
Quick Facts
Rating
5 · 76 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Land Iguanas
Throughout the island
Witness these bright yellow iguanas thriving amongst the cacti, a unique sight found only here.
Sea Lion Colony
Cliffs and shores
Observe large colonies of sea lions basking on the rocks and playing in the turquoise waters.
Vibrant Red Vegetation
Island floor
The island is carpeted in striking red sesuvium, creating a stunning contrast with the blue sea and yellow iguanas.
Diverse Birdlife
Cliffs and sky
Spot nesting seabirds like Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Island Access & Timing
Wildlife Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Guided Tours
South Plaza Island is only accessible via organized boat tours. Book in advance! 
Respect Wildlife
Maintain distance from animals. Never feed them! They are used to humans but need space.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be hiking on uneven terrain. Sturdy walking shoes are a must.
Bring Your Camera
Incredible photo opportunities with unique wildlife and landscapes.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Guided Tours
South Plaza Island is only accessible via organized boat tours. Book in advance!
Respect Wildlife
Maintain distance from animals. Never feed them! They are used to humans but need space.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be hiking on uneven terrain. Sturdy walking shoes are a must.
Bring Your Camera
Incredible photo opportunities with unique wildlife and landscapes.
Sun Protection
The equatorial sun is strong. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about South Plaza Island's stunning beauty and incredible wildlife encounters. The vibrant red vegetation, unique hybrid iguanas, and abundant sea lions and seabirds create an unforgettable experience. Some note the island's small size, but its ecological richness makes it a highly rewarding stop on any Galapagos itinerary.
"We arrived by panga boats and enjoyed an afternoon hike to the cliffs at South Plaza Island. It was amazing to be so close to the birds and iguanas that live here. We even passed several birds nesting on their eggs along the path. It was about a 30 minute hike to reach the cliffs but worth it. There were sea birds circling above and sea lions scrambling up the rocky cliffs to bask in the sun at the top. The island vegetation was an interesting mix of prickly pear cactus, scubby trees and grasses as well as the vibrant red Galapagos carpet. We were privileged to hike with an experienced naturalist from HX expeditions. It was lovely to see the sun setting on the rocks as we headed back to our boat."
Barb Hauck-Mah (barbhmphilly)
"Very beautiful island, which serves as nursing place for a lot of birds and for sea lions. We came at the beginning of December, and the vegetation was bright red, making the place seem to have all the colours of the rainbow: blue sky, turquoise water, white beaches, shine silver stones, grey rocks, red bushes, green cactus, yellow iguanas, black sea lions, I wish I had taken a better camera.
The scenery changes per season as the coulour of the vegetation, but I understand is lovely to visit all year."
Juan Sebastián Moncayo O.
"Incredible, otherworldly island only accessible by boat. Fabulous colours and wildlife. I left stunned by its beauty."
Jules
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
South Plaza Island is accessible only by boat, typically as part of a guided day tour from Santa Cruz Island. These tours often include transportation to the boat and a naturalist guide.
Island hopping is popular, with ferries and small planes connecting the main inhabited islands. For day trips to smaller islands like South Plaza, organized boat tours are the standard. +1
No, flights to the Galapagos Islands (Baltra or San Cristobal airports) typically connect through Quito or Guayaquil in mainland Ecuador. +1
The boat journey to South Plaza Island from Santa Cruz usually takes around 1 to 2 hours, depending on the departure point and sea conditions.
No, independent visits are not permitted. Access is strictly controlled and requires booking a guided tour with a licensed operator.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While there isn't a separate entrance fee specifically for South Plaza Island, the cost is usually included in your Galapagos National Park entrance fee (around $100 USD cash per person) and the tour operator's package.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your Galapagos tours, including those visiting South Plaza Island, well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Tours typically include boat transportation, a guided hike with a naturalist, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Some may include lunch.
Tours generally operate during daylight hours. Most day trips depart in the morning and return in the late afternoon.
No, you cannot purchase tickets on arrival. All visits must be pre-booked through a tour operator.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire island offers incredible photo opportunities. Focus on the cliffs for seabirds and sea lions, and the interior for land iguanas and the unique red vegetation.
You can photograph land iguanas, sea lions, Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and marine iguanas.
Yes, wildlife on South Plaza is accustomed to human presence, allowing for very close and intimate photography, but always maintain a respectful distance.
A telephoto lens is great for wildlife, but a versatile zoom lens is also useful for landscapes. A wide-angle lens can capture the dramatic scenery.
Drones are generally prohibited within Galapagos National Park to protect wildlife and the environment. Always check current regulations.
🎫 🌿 Wildlife & Nature
South Plaza is famous for its hybrid iguanas (a cross between marine and land iguanas), large colonies of sea lions, and diverse seabirds like boobies and gulls.
Sea lions are present year-round, but their activity and the number of pups can vary. They are a constant and engaging presence on the island.
The red color comes from the sesuvium plant, which turns vibrant red during the dry season, creating a stunning visual spectacle against the arid landscape.
While the wildlife is abundant, it is not considered dangerous if respected. The main 'danger' is getting too close and disturbing the animals.
South Plaza is open to visitors and known for its wildlife, while North Plaza is a smaller, uninhabited island primarily used for research purposes.
Social
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