Pinzón Island

Pinzón Island, also known as Duncan Island, is a small island located in the Galápagos archipelago of Ecuador. This remote volcanic island covers an area of 18 square kilometers and is an essential part of the Galápagos National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pinzón Island is situated in the central part of the archipelago, roughly equidistant from Santa Cruz and Isabela islands, two of the largest islands in the Galápagos.

The island is named after the Pinzón brothers, captains of the Pinta and Niña caravels, who sailed with Christopher Columbus on his first voyage to the Americas. Unlike some of the larger Galápagos islands, Pinzón is uninhabited by humans, which has helped preserve its unique ecosystem.

Pinzón Island is of significant ecological importance due to its population of endemic species, including the Pinzón giant tortoise. This species has been the focus of intensive conservation efforts, particularly after the tortoise population was severely impacted by introduced rats. A successful rat eradication program, initiated in 2012, has led to the remarkable recovery of the native flora and fauna, allowing the tortoises to breed naturally on the island for the first time in over a century.

The island's rugged terrain, consisting of a central volcanic crater and steep slopes, is a haven for various other species such as land iguanas and a multitude of birds, including Darwin's finches. The surrounding waters are equally rich in marine life, offering opportunities for snorkeling and diving, where one might encounter sea lions, marine iguanas, and an array of colorful fish species.