My second day trip in the Galapagos Islands was to South Plaza (Plaza Sur) Island – a sea lion retreat a one hour and fifteen minutes sailing away from the Itabaca Channel dock on Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival we took to dinghies to get ashore. Sea lions were playing all around us in the waters as we approached the dock – the sea was literally “boiling” with sea lions. There was also a welcoming committee on the small jetty, and they were not too keen on letting us onto their territory 🙂 After a while we were able to sneak off the boat. In addition to the huge sea lion colony the island is inhabited by yellow/brown land iguanas snacking on cactus and black marine iguanas chilling in the sun. I have now witnessed how fast an iguana actually is. I had no idea that’s what was sprinting across the trail further up, as we were crossing the island on foot, lengthwise. Not a long walk, but still long enough to wonder how the sea lions got up even there – I guess they are resourceful :), and some very smelly creatures – a couple is OK, a whole colony fumigates. Further east on the island there are tall cliffs with birds living on the cliff walls. When you look closely, it’s hard to spot them, you’ll see there’s hundreds of them. As in the rest of the Galapagos the animals are not very afraid of their human guests – they’ll let you know when you get too close. I loved experiencing the wildlife, but was also stunned by the colours of the terrain!
I went with a tour company named Santa Fe, which was run by the same people that owned the hostel I stayed at, meaning I was the first on the bus going around town picking up the others and taking us to the dock. The yacht is not of the biggest and fanciest, but it works. Trying not to get as unwell as I did on the last boat trip I decided to stay on out in the fresh air on the top deck, which was kind of challenging in the big waves. A few times I was clinging to the table and chair hoping for the best 🙂 Still it was a lot better than being confined to the trapped air inside the boat, and best of all no seasickness! On this trip we were dropped off at the dock in Puerto Ayora, making it a short walk home. Basic breakfast and lunch is served on board.
Staying outside in rough seas is a great tip! Thanks for linking up this week, #wkendtravelinspiration!
There was no way I was able to stay inside in that old boat smell!
I’ve always wanted to go to Galapagos – beautiful photos
Thanks! Me too! Finally I did 🙂 Highly recommended!
What an amazing adventure to have! I am quite envious indeed! #MondayEscapes
Galapagos was amazing! If you like wildlife, this is the place! Hope you decide to go someday 🙂
We were at the Galapagos last November but only managed to do a day trip to North Seymour. I’m glad I was able to do this virtual tour of South Plaza. Those animals were just so incredible to watch. We didn’t have the best yacht either but it got us to the island to see the animals which are the stars. It looks like South Plaza is a bit more hilly than Seymour.
I was able to do South Plaza and Bartolome. Wish I could have done more! The animals were great! I saw a blog post on North Seymour, was it yours maybe…? Looked great! SP was on sea level on one side. On the other side it was tall cliffs. Didn’t feel like walking up a hill crossing the island though.
What an amazing pictures and adventures! I remember shooting a picture of a sea lion striking an utmost fabulous pose as it was blocking the exit. Cute things.
Thanks! Cute, unless you trespass into their territory 🙂
Indeed… He hissed at me 🙊
Wow! I’d be out of there!
So much wildlife crammed into one little island!!
They all found their own little space 🙂
heheh….wonder if we might get the same shot of people sunbathing!
No people in bikinis on these islands 🙂 Luckily!