South Plazas & Carrion Point: land iguanas, sea lions and snorkeling in one day
The full-day South Plazas & Carrion Point tour from Santa Cruz combines one of the most colorful walks in the Galápagos with a snorkeling stop. On South Plazas you walk through a forest of prickly-pear cactus among land iguanas and sea lions, then slip into the calm waters of Carrion Point, where you may see sharks, sea turtles and rays. A certified bilingual naturalist guide leads the day.
What makes this tour special?
South Plazas is a small island off the east coast of Santa Cruz, about two million years old, that rose from the sea floor through faulting. This origin gives it a tilted, tabletop shape that slopes gently toward the water on one side and ends in steep, wind-swept cliffs on the other. Its landscape is unique in the archipelago: prickly-pear cactus trees (Opuntia) stand over a carpet of ice plant (Sesuvium) that turns bright red and orange, and the wildlife is easy to watch at close range.
South Plazas: the island walk
We arrive with a dry landing while sea lions welcome us on the shore. The trail winds through the Opuntia cactus forest, so keep your eyes on both the path and the scenery. Small, yellow-gray land iguanas wait beneath the cacti for fallen fruit. The trail climbs gently to the windy southern cliffs, where red-billed tropicbirds, swallow-tailed gulls, brown pelicans and frigatebirds ride the air currents. The path follows the edge of the ridge for a few hundred meters. Along the way we pass the well-known “bachelor” sea lion colony, a group of mostly older males that have lost their territories and rest near the cliff edge, and that surprisingly climb the rocky steps.
Carrion Point: snorkeling
On the east coast of Santa Cruz, a headland forms a sheltered cove with calm, clear water. There is no landing here: you enter the water directly from the boat to discover Galápagos marine life. With some luck you may spot white-tip sharks, sea turtles, rays and a wide variety of fish. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed and depend on the season, the weather and the natural behavior of the animals. Lunch is served on board.
Wildlife you may see
- On land: land iguanas, sea lions (including the bachelor colony), swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropicbirds, brown pelicans, frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies and Nazca boobies.
- In the water: white-tip sharks, green sea turtles, rays and tropical fish.
Your day, step by step
- Meet the group in Puerto Ayora and take the land transfer to the Itabaca Channel.
- Board the boat and sail to South Plazas.
- South Plazas: dry landing, guided walk through the Opuntia forest and along the cliffs, and the bachelor sea lion colony.
- Carrion Point: snorkeling in the sheltered cove, with lunch on board.
- Return to the Itabaca Channel and transfer to Puerto Ayora.
The sequence of activities can change with weather, sea conditions, safety considerations or Galápagos National Park instructions.
What’s included
- Round-trip transportation between Puerto Ayora and the Itabaca Channel
- Round-trip navigation on an authorized tourist vessel
- Certified bilingual naturalist guide (English-Spanish)
- Visits, walks and activities as per the itinerary
- Snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel)
- Wetsuits and fins (if the size is provided at least 72 hours before the trip)
- Lunch on board
- Coffee and tea station, snacks and drinking water
- Towels
- Local tax
What’s not included
- International flights to/from Ecuador
- Round-trip flights to the Galápagos Islands (Quito or Guayaquil)
- Galápagos National Park entrance fee (USD 200 per person)
- Transit Control Card (TCT) (USD 20 per person)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Additional services not listed
Practical information
Duration: full day.
Physical level: the walk climbs gradually over uneven volcanic terrain and follows the cliff edge for a few hundred meters. Snorkeling is recommended; you should feel comfortable entering the water and swimming.
What to bring: comfortable walking shoes, beach sandals, swimsuit, towel, hat and sunglasses, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, a light jacket, a dry bag and a camera.
Frequently asked questions
Will I see sharks while snorkeling?
Carrion Point is known for white-tip sharks, sea turtles and rays, but sightings depend on the day and are never guaranteed. Your guide will explain how to behave in the water before you enter.
Can I touch the sea lions or iguanas?
No. Galápagos National Park rules require keeping your distance from wildlife and staying on the marked trail. Your guide will explain the rules before the walk.
How do I book?
Book online or message us on WhatsApp at +593 98 976 7063 (US: +1 423 833 4470) and we will gladly confirm availability and guide you through the booking.
