Today we started on the northeast end of Santa Cruz Island, in between two small uplifted formations known as South Plaza and North Plaza.
South Plaza is one of the smallest islands, but with so much to see. As soon as we landed we spotted many sea lions of all ages and sizes, swallowed tail gulls nesting, as well as marine and land iguanas greeting us.
This is also quite different from the other islands, for its impressive vivid colors due to 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, as they cannot have separate environments because of the small size of the island. So, they sometimes interact sexually, producing hybrids iguanas as a result. Along the cliff many different species of sea birds can be seen flying, trying to get fish, or 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 getting ready for it. This is definitely an island to enjoy photography, as the animals are so close and surrounded by colorful scenery. A small part of the island has been chosen by a group sea lions to form a bachelor area where only males go to heal their wounds (and their honor) after a big fight with another male.
Later in the day we navigated to Santa Fe Island to continue with activities. Kayakers departed, followed by deep water snorkelers to enjoy the amazing underwater world of the island. In the water we spotted many different species of fish, together with rays and even sea turtles in the Bay of Santa Fe Island. It was a great experience.
After this, we came back on board to get ready for our next outing. This time we went in search of Santa Fe land iguanas, the only other species of this group. Impressive cacti grow here, too. Some reach up to 30 feet high with large pads and prickly pears, which the iguanas feed on. Several species of land birds are found here. We spotted finches, mockingbirds, doves and even a couple of hawks circling the skies of the area. The sunny day brought out the colors of the water and the island.
