Set off the east coast of Santa Cruz in the Galapagos Islands, the Plazas Islands are a phenomenal haven of wildlife. Formed from lava bubbling up from the ocean floor, the ancient islands are home to prickly pear cactus trees, and brightly coloured Sesuvium, which changes from green to orange to purple, depending on the season. Visitors can marvel at the strange animals such as Red and Yellow Land Iguanas and Sally Lightfoot Crabs. The channel’s shallow waters provide a wonderful nursery for seal pups, which can be seen frolicking in the waves and playing on the shores. See famously impressive birdlife including Swallow-tailed Gulls, Red-billed Tropicbirds, Audubon’s Shearwaters, Nazca and Blue-footed Boobies, Frigates, and a variety of nesting seabirds. Tours and hikes are around two hours and suitable for all ages.