Permitted Uses:    Interpretive Group Tour with a Naturalist Guide
Photography and filming   Guided walks    Associated Activities authorized by the GNPS in the itineraries of Authorized Vessels

The visitors site of Plaza Sur Island is located east of Santa Cruz Island, and forms part of two islands known as Islas Plazas. The landing is on the north coast of the island in a channel that separates it from Plaza Norte Island. Plaza Sur has an area of 13 hectares and a height of 25m.  The succulent plant, Sesuvium edmonstonei and Portulaca oleracea, are common in Plaza Sur, the second is the favorite food of the land iguanas. There are about 1,000 sea lions Zalophus wollebaeki that inhabit this island. On the cliffs located in the south - east of the island, there is a group of lone sea lions, mixed juvenile and adult old and retired

Click on the illustration to enlarge.

Land iguanas on Plaza Sur, are smaller than those at other sites. They nest during the hot season. Throughout the island are several hybrid iguanas, a result of crossing a male marine iguana and a female land iguana. These iguanas are unique, recognizable at first glance by their black or gray color, with a land iguana's crest, but face and tail of the marine iguana. During consecutive dry years, the iguana population may decrease due to lack of food and water.

In 1961, seven goats were exterminated from the island. 

Special Indications 

• Do not allow visitors to approach the edge of the ravine. The results can be tragic. 

• The landing dock serves as a resting place for sea lions. Approach them clapping strongly to remove them from the site. Do not allow visitors to approach male sea lions.

• The white rocks that continue past the pier are very slippery, inform visitors to walk with care. 

• It is strictly forbidden to swim from the dock to the shore of Plaza Sur, male lions are constantly patrolling their territories and swim there can be extremely dangerous.

• Do not get within two meters of the swallow-tailed gulls nests.