Santa Fé & South Plaza

Explore Two Iconic Islands Where Sea Lions, Iguanas & Nature Rule

Santa Fé & South Plazas Tour

Discover two of the most wildlife-rich islands in the Galápagos on this full-day South Plaza and Santa Fe Island Tour from Santa Cruz. Explore dramatic coastal cliffs, observe nesting seabirds, encounter Galápagos Land Iguanas and search for the endemic Santa Fe Land Iguana found nowhere else on Earth.

Walk through towering giant cactus forests, relax among sea lion colonies and snorkel in crystal-clear waters where playful Galápagos Sea Lions, sea turtles and colorful reef fish are frequently encountered.

Combining exceptional wildlife viewing, scenic hiking and unforgettable snorkeling, this Galápagos day tour offers one of the most diverse nature experiences available in the archipelago.

Best time to Go:

Year Around

Focus:

Marine Birds, Endemic Species & Unique Ecosystems

Availability:

Wednesday & Thursday from 7:30 to 16:00

Duration:

8 Hours

Small Groups

Only 16 guests

Experience Level:

Requires Walking on uneven Terrain & longer Hikes

What is included:

See here

South Plaza & Santa Fe Day Tour Itinerary: What to Expect

Journey Through the Galápagos Archipelago

Your day begins in Puerto Ayora, where you’ll meet your guide and travel across the lush highlands of Santa Cruz toward the Itabaca Channel. Along the way, the landscape transforms dramatically—from green scalesia forests and farmland to the arid coastal environments that characterize much of the Galápagos.

Upon arrival at the channel, you’ll board the excursion yacht and begin your journey through the central islands of the archipelago. As the vessel navigates toward South Plaza Island, your guide will introduce the day’s activities while sharing insights into the volcanic history, wildlife and ecosystems that make the Galápagos so extraordinary.

The navigation itself is part of the experience. Seabirds frequently glide alongside the yacht, while dolphins are occasionally spotted in the surrounding waters. With volcanic islands rising from the ocean in every direction, the journey offers a spectacular introduction to the landscapes and wildlife that await.

South Plaza Island Wildlife Walk

Your first visitor site is South Plaza Island, one of the most wildlife-rich islands in the Galápagos. Although relatively small, the island supports an extraordinary concentration of animals and offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife observation in the archipelago.

Formed by geological uplift that raised the seafloor above the ocean surface, South Plaza features dramatic cliffs, rugged coastlines and unique vegetation adapted to the island’s dry environment. As you follow the trail, you’ll encounter large colonies of Galápagos Sea Lions resting along the shoreline while seabirds nest on the cliffs and soar overhead.

South Plaza is particularly famous for its birdlife. Swallow-tailed Gulls, Red-billed Tropicbirds, Frigatebirds, Blue-footed Boobies, Masked Boobies and the rare Lava Gull can often be observed throughout the walk. The island is also home to Galápagos Land Iguanas, which are frequently seen resting beneath cactus trees or moving through the vegetation. South Plaza is especially unique because it is the only island in the Galápagos where hybrid iguanas, resulting from the crossbreeding of marine and land iguanas, have ever been recorded.

Combined with spectacular coastal scenery, abundant wildlife and fascinating geological history, South Plaza offers one of the most rewarding wildlife walks in the Galápagos.

Santa Fe Island Hike & Snorkeling Experience

After returning to the yacht, you’ll enjoy lunch on board while navigating toward Santa Fe Island, one of the oldest islands in the Galápagos archipelago.

Santa Fe is renowned for its giant Opuntia cactus forest, unique geological history and the endemic Santa Fe Land Iguana, a species found nowhere else on Earth. Walking along the island trail, you’ll pass through dry forest habitat surrounded by towering cactus trees that dominate the landscape. The trail provides excellent opportunities to observe the island’s distinctive wildlife, including land iguanas, Galápagos Doves, Lava Lizards and a variety of endemic plants.

Following the hike, the adventure continues beneath the surface. Santa Fe’s protected bay offers excellent snorkeling conditions and is one of the best locations in the central Galápagos to encounter playful Galápagos Sea Lions in the water. Young sea lions are often curious and frequently approach snorkelers, creating unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Depending on conditions, additional marine life may include sea turtles, rays, reef fish, marine iguanas and white-tip reef sharks. The combination of exceptional wildlife on land and underwater makes Santa Fe one of the most diverse and rewarding destinations in the archipelago. After snorkeling, you’ll return to the yacht and begin the journey back to Puerto Ayora.

Why Choose the South Plaza & Santa Fe Tour

This is one of the most wildlife-rich experiences in the Galápagos, combining dramatic coastal landscapes, endemic species, giant cactus forests and some of the best sea lion encounters in the archipelago.

What makes this tour special:

Visit two completely different islands in a single day — each with its own landscapes, wildlife and ecosystems
Exceptional birdwatching opportunities — observe Swallow-tailed Gulls, Red-billed Tropicbirds, Frigatebirds, Blue-footed Boobies and more
Search for unique iguana species — including Galápagos Land Iguanas, the endemic Santa Fe Land Iguana and the only known population of hybrid iguanas in the Galápagos
Snorkel alongside playful Galápagos Sea Lions — one of the most memorable wildlife encounters in the Galápagos

Who this tour is perfect for:

Wildlife enthusiasts — seeking the greatest variety of species in a single day trip
Birdwatchers — interested in observing nesting seabirds and coastal bird colonies
Nature photographers — looking for close wildlife encounters and diverse landscapes
Repeat Galápagos visitors — wanting to discover islands beyond the most famous visitor sites

Inclusions

What can I discover?

Packing List

Sun Protection & Glases

Equator Sunshine Extravaganza: UV Rays Here Pack a Sizzling Punch, Don’t Mess with them!

Swim Wear/Rashguard

Dive in Style: Don’t Forget Your Aquatic Fashion Statements!

Camera/Go Pro

Capture your underwater adventures and take home the best souvenir possible

Rain Jacket (Optional)

A rain jacket during the rainy season and for early morning Garúa is recommended.

Good Walking Shoes

Choose stable walking or hiking shoes. The path is uneven.

Refillable Water Bottle

Bring a refillable Water Bottle to stay hydrate.

Reservation

Galapagos Islands

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