Discover the dramatic beauty and rich wildlife of South Plaza Island and Carrion Point—two incredible Galápagos destinations in one unforgettable tour! Walk along the colorful cliffs of South Plaza, where vibrant red and orange sesuvium plants contrast against turquoise waters, and encounter a unique mix of land iguanas, marine iguanas, sea lions, and a variety of seabirds including swallow-tailed gulls and tropicbirds. Then, head to Carrion Point for a relaxing snorkel in a sheltered bay teeming with marine life such as reef sharks, rays, tropical fish, and occasionally sea turtles. This tour includes a certified naturalist guide, full snorkeling gear, and delicious onboard meals, offering the perfect balance of land exploration and underwater adventure.
TOUR DETAILS:
Departure time: 08:00 – 15:00 From: Puerto Ayora → Itabaca Channel. Duration: 7 hours. Navigation: 1 hours per route. Yacht capacity: 16 people. Activities: 80% Hiking and 20% Snorkeling.
TOUR COSTS:
$250 Standard Yacht. $280 Superior Yacht. $340 First Class Yacht. $400 Luxury Yacht. PLEASE WE KINDLY SUGGEST YOU CHECK OUR AVAILABILITY BEFORE BOOKING
ITINERARY
07:50
We begin this adventure with a bus ride to the Itabaca Canal (approximately 40 minutes) from our meeting point. This will be announced the day before the excursion.
08:45
Once we reach the canal, the boat’s zodiac will be waiting to take us to the yacht.
08:50
Next, we will begin sailing to South Plaza Island. This journey is about 1 hour to 1.5 hours depending on sea conditions and wind conditions.
10:00
We will anchor close to the island. To start the activity of the hiking.
10:10
Disembarkation will be via the yacht’s Zodiac boat. The boat will be dry, so closed-toe shoes are required.
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The island is characterized by being a rocky, relatively flat and low terrain, with an area of 11.9 hectares and a maximum altitude of 23 meters.
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The area is characterized by its unique landscape of steep cliffs and distinctive vegetation, especially the Sesuvium, which changes color depending on the season, from green to bright red.
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The sea lions are an endemic species that live in large colonies and can be observed on beaches and rocks along the coast. The breeding season, with the highest number of births in August and September, attracts visitors who want to witness the birth and care of the pups.
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Here you can find a large colony of Galapagos land iguanas, known for their bright yellow coloration and feeding primarily on plants, especially Opuntia cacti, both their fruits and flowers.
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Here you can also find marine iguanas, unique for being the only reptile that dives to feed on algae. In addition to their marine adaptation, marine iguanas dry themselves in the sun after diving and can be seen expelling salt from their noses when they sneeze.
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Hybrid iguanas can be found here since is the result of crosses between land and marine iguanas. These hybrid iguanas often have characteristics of both species, such as the appearance of a land iguana but with a longer tail adapted for swimming, like that of a marine iguana.
11:40
We’ll return on board to transfer to our next destination. Meanwhile, the crew will offer us refreshments.
12:00
We will then sail to our next point of visit, Punta Carrion.
12:45
We’ll take the boat’s zodiac again, which will take us to the bay where snorkeling is permitted.
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In this bay, we can observe colorful fish, sea lions, and reef sharks. The snorkeling area is 2 to 5 meters deep.
13:45
Afterwards, we will return on board to enjoy the exquisite lunch that the chef on board will have prepared for us.
14:45
Finally, we will sail back to the Itabaca Channel, where the bus that will take us back to Puerto Ayora will be waiting for us. We will be back aproximately by 15:30
• All activities indicated in the program. • Snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel) • Wetsuits (optional. You must try equipment 1 day before in our office) • Beach towels.