South Plaza is
a small island off the east coast of Santa Cruz
with an area of only 0.13 km˛ and a maximum
altitude of 25 meters. The island was formed by
lava up-streaming from the bottom of the ocean.
Despite its small size it is home to a large
number of species and it is famous for its
extraordinary flora. That is why this island is
very popular with visitors.
On the steep banks it is possible to see a great
number of birds such as nesting tropic birds and
fork-tailed seagulls. A circular trail leads to
the 25 meter cliff. From here
you have a great
view over the seabirds that are nesting here
like pelicans, frigate birds, red-billed
tropicbirds, Audubonīs shearwaters, masked
boobies as well as swallow-tailed gulls.
Very popular is also the sea lion colony on the
coast. You can watch sea lions pups play or the
fighting of the bulls. Swimming and snorkeling
with them is possible too and out to the sea you
might encounter a manta ray.
Watch the steep banks or just stroll along the
base of the cliff is an extremely pleasurable
experience.
Very attractive on the island are the beautiful
prickly pear cactus trees and of course the big
colony of land iguanas.
Also typical are the
Opuntia cactus forests that can be found on the
whole island and which are the main nourishment
of the iguanas. Depending
on the season, the Sesuvium ground vegetation
changes its color from intense green in the
rainy season to orange and purple in the dry
season.
