The US army occupied this island during World War II and built the first landing strip for jets which is presently used for daily flights to and from the islands. The main plants on this barren island are cacti, Palo Santo trees and grasses.

Here we find an endemic species of Land Iguana, sea lions and a forest of impressively tall Opuntia cati “trees”. Also the Galapagos Mockingbird, Magnificent Frigate, Brown Pelican and several species of Darwin’s Finches are common sights.

Nowhere else is the geological history of the archipelago better portrayed than here. The most impressive volcanic scenary may be viewed from the top of Bartolome: varied lava formations, volcanic peaks an the moon-like landscape. The Galapagos penguin can be seen here

At Punta Espinoza Flightless Cormorants, Pelicans Sea Lions, Sally Light Foot Crabs and an abundance of Marine Iguanas can be seen along the shores of one of world’s most active volcanoes.

At Point Cormorant we visit a flamingo lagoon where other species of shore birds may also be seen. We snorkel at the Devil’s Crown, a submerged volcanic cone and at Post Office Bay, one leave letters like whalers did in the 18th century, in a wooden barrel mailbox.

Punta Suarez offers the visitor quite a display of wildlife: Marine Iguanas with copper red patches. Swallow Tailed Gulls, the endemic Long Billed Mocking-Bird, Finches, Masked and Blue Footed Boobies, Oystercatchers, Sea Lions and Lava Lizards. This is the only island where the Waved Albatross is to be seen during the breeding season, April to December. Gardner Bay (Off of Hood island) Gardner bay is spectacular beach where one can swim with sea lions and is a great opportunity for snorkeling off the islets in the bay.

At Puerto Egas you will see Galapagos Fur Seals in pools cut into lava cliffs and there is a good chance of soptting the Galapagos Hawk, the Galapagos Dove and Vermilion Flycatcher. Tucked behind Espumilla Beach are salt-water lagoons where Flamingoes and White Cheeked Pintail Ducks may be seen.

Its volcanic rocks are covered by Opuntia cacti, Palo Santo trees and low scrubby bushes. Sea Lions abound on the red sand beach, behind which is a flamingo lagoon. Several species of Darwin’s Finches may be seen here.

The island measures about 18 by 12 kilometers and is one of the three small islands in the northern group of the Archipelago together with Pinta and Genovesa. Marchena is a large shield volcano, of which only the upper 343 meters (100 feet) are above sea-level. Marchena is rather desolate and does not have fresh water which is probably the reason why Marchena has never been settled. Its flora and fauna have not been disturbed by feral animals of introduced plants. Marchena is off-limits to tourist and is therefore seldom visited. Tortoises have apparently never inhabited the island.

The largest colony of Magnificent Frigate Birds is found here, as well as nesting Blue Footed Boobies and Swallow Tailed Gulls. Land iguanas and sea lions can also be seen here.

The island, also known as Abington Island, is an elongated shield rising from a northwest trending submarine ridge, located to the Northwest from Marchena. This seldom visited island once had a thriving tortoise population. At present, only one surviving member of this race, a male named “Lonesome George” is held at the Charles Darwin Research Station. For years it was hoped to find a mate of the same race for Geoge but this effort was given up. Efforts to encourage George to mate with other races of tortoise have failed. At present it seems that, when George dies, so will the Pinta race of giant tortoises.

The easternmost island of Galapagos is also one of the oldest. Eroded volcanic peaks in the northern part of the island and rich vegetation in the southern portion characterize the island. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno The principal town is the provincial capital and the second largest settlement area in the islands.
Wildlife: • Blue Footed Boobies • Masked Boobies • Frigate Birds • Pintail Ducks • Common Gallinules • Pelicans • Various Sea birds • Sea Lions

The Charles Darwin Research Station and headquarters of the Galapagos National Park may be visited at Puerto Ayora, the Islands’ most populated human settlement. The highlands offer the lush humid zone with its vegetation of Miconia bushes, Scalesia and inactive volcanic cones. Santa Cruz has more endemic plants than any other island in the Galapagos. The Galapagos tortoises can be seen in their natural habitat here. Dragon Hill (Cerro Dragon - North Santa Cruz) Here one finds the land iguana, frigate bird, flamingos and other shore birds.

This island was formed by uplifted lava and is covered by Opuntia cacti growing over low patches of Sesuvium. Here, Land Iguanas, Sea Lions, Swallow-Tailed Gulls, Red Billed Tropic Birds, Audubon’s Shearwaters and more can be seen.

Here one finds Red Footed and Masked Boobie colonies, Lava Gulls, Night Herons, Mockingbirds, Frigate Birds and Finches surrounding the white coral sands of Darwin’s Bay. To the East of the Prince Philip landing, one may observe Red Billed Tropic Birds, nesting Boobies and a colony of Storm Petrels.

Tagus Cove Tagus Cove was once a favorite anchorage for whalers & pirates. Here the trail leads to a high point for an impressive view of the crater lake and the lava flows of Darwin Volcano. Take a boat ride along the cliffs to observe the Galapagos Penguin & the Flightless Cormorant Urbina Bay With its dramatic landscape formed by uplifted corals. See Flightless cormorants, marine iguanas & sometimes giant tortoises. Punta Moreno Another sight of interest with lava fields & pioneer plants. Occasionally you’ll find flamingos in oasis-like green lagoons as well as the flightless cormorant and marine iguana.