Today we started on the northeast end of Santa Cruz Island, in between two small uplifted formations known as South and North Plazas. South Plaza is one of the smallest islands but we had so much to see. As soon as we landed we spotted many sea lions of all ages and sizes, swallow tail gulls nesting, and marine and land iguanas greeting us.
This is also quite different from the other islands for its impressive vivid colors due to the plants called carpetweed, which are red or green depending on the time of the year and rainfall. Land iguanas live here together with marine iguanas because they cannot have separate environments due to the size of the island. Sometimes interact sexually, producing hybrid iguanas as a result. Along the cliff many different species of sea birds can be seen flying, trying to get fish, and others just resting on the edge.
This is the beginning of the hot, rainy season which means that soon the land iguanas will start nesting and they seem to be preparing for it. This is without a doubt an island to enjoy photography as the animals are so close and we are surrounded by colorful scenery. A small part of the island has been chosen by a group of sea lions to form a bachelor area where only males go to heal their wounds and their egos after a big fight with other males.
Later on in the day we navigated to Santa Fe Island to continue with activities. Deep water snorkelers enjoyed the amazing underwater world of the island. In the water we spotted many different spices of fish along with rays and even sea turtles were found in the Bay of Santa Fe Island. It was a great experience!
After this we came back on board to get ready to go back out for the next outing. This time ashore in search of the Santa Fe land iguana, the only other species of this group. Impressive cacti grow here too, some reaching up to 30 feet high with large pads and prickly pears from which the iguanas feed. Several species of land birds are found here. We spotted finches, mocking birds, doves and even a couple of hawks circling the skies of the area. It was a sunny day and the light enhanced the colors of the water and the island.
