The Northern Islands of the Galapagos
Genovesa
Genovesa is relatively flat, with a large central volcano which has become a giant open caldera (Spanish for cauldron). The caldera is filled with ocean water which is over 200 feet deep. The island is shped like a giant teardrop, and the inside curve forms a bay which is called Darwin Bay. Darwin Bay is actually also a caldera but it's underwater. This caldera is almost 600 feet deep! There are picturesque cliffs surrounding Darwin Bay, which rise almost 100 feet.
Darwin Bay has a beautiful white coral beach lined with salt bushes Cryptocarpus pyriformis. There are tidal pools hiding behind lava ridges along the bay as well, making an ideal environment for lagoon birds such as heron. Sea Lions like the lagoons too, and you might catch a glimpse of them playing.
Prince Philip's Steps is just south of Darwin Bay, on top of a cliff. You will climb a trail up the side of a hill, over a lava flow, past frigate nests, to the top of a small cliff 82 feet tall. It was named after Prince Philip, from the UK.
Pinta
Pinta includes within its boundaries an old collapsed volcano and a younger volcano. There have been no known eruptions on Pinta. Pinta is where Lonesome George came from. Lonesome George is a very old giant tortoise who is the last survivor of his species. He now lives at Darwin Station, waiting for someone to find him a girlfriend.
Wolf
Wolf isn't officially open to the pubic either, but you can land a boat here, too, if you like. There is an old abandoned lighthouse, but the climb to the top is perilous. There are tons and tons of seabirds here, just like on Darwin, which is considered the sister island of Wolf. There are also Fur Sea Lions here, on hte north side of the island. The Vampire FInch lives on Wolf, drinking the blood of the poor Nazca boobies. Like wolf, this is a good place to come for scuba diving.
Marchena
Marchena is the tip top of a submerged volcano, and very deserted. It's only about 44 square miles total area. The volcano still erupts occaisonally. Marchena isn't officially open to tourists, but you can land a boat there if you want. There is a black sand beach for landing.
Darwin
Darwin is also flat, and surrounded by cliffs. There is a natural stone arch in the water off the island of Darwin, making a very picturesque and symbolic gate to the Galapagos Islands. There are boobies and terns on this island, so bird watchers will have a good time spotting several species of both types of birds.
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