Day Nine - Santa Fe & Plaza Sur
The small island of Santa Fe is very much unadulterated and natural and quickly became one of my favorite stops. It is home to the endemic land iguana, among a great variety of wildlife, which are easily seen during the dry season, from June to December. The lack of vegetation during this span both leaves the iguanas exposed, as well as forcing them out and about to feed. It's common to see a group of iguanas waiting beneath a cactus plant, waiting for leaves to drop or snacking on some dead fish along the shore.
(Click to Enlarge)
(Click to Enlarge)
(Click to Enlarge)The waters off from Santa Fe were incredibly clear and made for fantstic swimming and snorkeling. There were many playful sea lions and perfectly clear water and a good assortment of sea life. Each new day on the boat has brought snorkeling and this final day was indeed the best yet.
While enjoying lunch, we traveled back north to Plaza Island, which lies off the coast of Santa Cruz. Named Plaza due to its flatness, it's a very small island covered with a plant called Galapaog Carpet, which is a succulent weed ranging in color from green to yellow to red, depending on the climate. During the dry months, it turns red, which acts as a kind of sun repellent.
(Click to Enlarge)
(Click to Enlarge)
(Click to Enlarge)Plaza Island has many sea iguanas and land iguanas and their paths cross frequently, leading to a otherwise rare hybrid of the two. The hybrid igauna is particularly fierce and dangerous, as it has the size of a land iguana coupled with the teeth and claws of a sea iguana. Unlike land iguanas, it has the ability to climb trees and cactuses for food, instead of waiting for leaves to fall.
After exploring the island for a few hours, we boarded the boat and began a very rocky trek back to San Cristobal. Most of those on board were quite ill by the time we arrived. I was once again fortunate to not be affected.
