Besides land iguanas, South Plaza has one of the most significant sea lion colonies in the archipelago.

South Plaza Island is one of two small adjacent islets uplifted from beneath the sea by faulting or tectonic activity.

This is the southern partner of two small crescent-shaped islands that lie just a few hundred meters off the east coast of Santa Cruz Island. South Plaza Island is one of the most minor yet richest islands in the archipelago. Only  426 feet, it was formed from uplifted seabed, giving it a titled tabletop quality. Our landing is in the channel between North and South Plaza Island, where the island tilts toward the water.

The approach makes for a lavishly, colorful sight! The turquoise waters of the channel contrast brilliantly with the black lava of the shoreline. The rocks have grown thick with green seaweed in places, speckled with bright orange Sally lightfoot crabs. Further up the shore of South Plaza Island, a carpet of scarlet ice plant (Sesuvium) serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus. Yellow-gray land iguanas sit beneath, waiting patiently for pears to drop.

The trail on South Plaza Island gradually follows the tilt of the island to the cliffs that overlook the ocean to the south, where swallow-tailed gulls nest. Red-billed tropicbirds, Nazca, and blue-footed boobies ride the windy currents. An overlook is an excellent place for spotting abundant marine life, including manta rays. Surf pounds an inlet at the western corner of the island, where a colony of male sea lions makes their home at what is referred to as a bachelor's site. The oils from their fur leave the surrounding rocks looking polished and shiny.