Charles / Santa Maria Island

(Local Name: Floreana) Floreana is the southeastern-most island and one of the smaller of the major islands. Rising to 640 m (2000 ft) the island is home to several vegetation zones. An artesian spring, which supplies the island with fresh water, led to the early colonization of the island in the 19th C. The long history of colonization has had a negative effect on the flora and fauna, including the extinction of the Floreana race of giant tortoises. Flamingos may sometimes be seen in Flamingo Bay or sea turtles near Cormorant Point.