This afternoon we relaxed for a few hours on board the Beluga and kept out of the extreme heat of the day.  4pm we boarded the pangas for our transfer to South Plaza island for another adventurous hike.  Of course the sea lions were waiting to greet us.  Some lounged on our landing area, another one found a shady nook to sleep and the babies played in the water. There were some very beautiful doves and a Galapagos Heron on the rocks.

 Tour guide Juan escorted his harem up the rocks to begin our hike. It’s a very dry island with colourful moss and low lying plants of red, yellow and orange. There are many spotted lizards, marine iguanas, large land iguanas,  colourful finch and a pair of nesting doves. The iguanas don’t seem to mind their visitors getting up close to them. Iguanas like to eat cactus flowers. Not an easy task, they have to stretch up high to reach them.

We continue along the path, past lounging sea lions, colourful flowering cactus, finch eating the cactus flowers, more colourful land iguanas and some posing sea lion.  Eva sat down beside one in hopes of getting an up close photo.  He didn’t like her invading her space and was quite verbal about it.

 The rocks are covered in colourful moss, it almost looks like a carpet. We continue hiking up to the top of the island where the cliffs are high and the deep blue sea crashes against the wall of rock. This is a nesting ground for many birds.  They perch precariously on the edge. To our delight we finally view a Blue Footed Boobie. The view of the sea and the surrounding area is magnificent .

 As the sun begins to set so we head back down the path towards the waters edge.. We say goodbye to the lounging sea lions, herons and sally light foot crabs. Our ship awaits our return.
We enjoyed a fabulous dinner and afterwards Juan showed us his photos and videos from the day and reviewed the agenda for the following day. It’s been a long, busy day. Everyone is in the cabins ready for bed by 9pm