Prickly Pear Cactus, South Plaza, Galapagos

Isla Plaza Sur, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador (August 2023)

This image was taken during the Gems of Galapagos trip organised by Natures Images and led by Mark Sisson and Pablo Cersosimo (Wild South Photography). An eight-day cruise was undertaken aboard the catamaran Nemo II following the south itinerary:

Day 1 Baltra (midday start), North Seymour (pm)
Day 2 San Cristobal: Lobos Island - Kicker Rock (am), Brujo Hill (pm)
Day 3 Floreana: Champion Islet - Cormorant Point (am), Post Office Bay - The Baroness Viewpoint (pm)
Day 4 Espanola: Osborn Islet - Gardner Island - Gardner Bay (am), Suarez Point (pm)
Day 5 Santa Cruz: Highlands (am), Charles Darwin Station (pm)
Day 6 South Plaza (am), Santa Fe (pm)
Day 7 Bartolome (am), Chinese Hat (pm)
Day 8 Daphne Major - Baltra (8:30 am end)

Status is classified as Least Concern. There six species of Prickly Pear Cacti which are endemic to the Galapagos Islands. For more information on this species of cactus see the following links:
Prickly pear cactus Opuntia spp / Galapagos Conservation Trust

Shooting Time 06:59
Tv(Shutter Speed) 1/1250
Av(Aperture Value) 4.5
Exposure Compensation +2/3
ISO Speed 320

Latitude 00 34 59.4 S
Longitude 90 09 54.0 W
Altitude 8.20m