This is one of the most popular islands visited due to the variety of animals seen here. It is small and flat, with no visible volcanic crater or vent. The two visitor sites are Punta Suarez on the western tip and Gardner Bay on the eastern side.

Punta Suarez: This rocky point of land sustains one of the most impressive and varied colonies of sea birds in Galapagos.

Already after the slightly tricky wet landing you will be greeted by sea lions basking in the sun and approached by the endemic Hood mockingbird, and especially in the afternoon see the red-billed tropicbirds flying over.

Walking on the edge of the cliffs you will have a spectacular view of the blowhole, a tunnel connected with the sea that spurts a shower of water 15 to 30 meters high, depending on the intensity of the surf. You can see waved albatross (March-Dec), blue-footed and masked boobies, marine iguanas and lava lizards. The marine iguanas on Hood Island are one of the largest in Galapagos and are brightly coloured throughout the year. The lava lizards are also above average size.

Gardener Bay: Located on the eastern shore and offers the islands most magnificent beach. You can walk between sea lions and enjoy fabulous swimming or snorkelling in the bay. Snorkelers will find beautiful fish and sometimes turtles and sharks. Best snorkelling is off Tortuga Rock.

A trail leads from Gardener Bay to Punta Suarez, on the western tip of the island. Along the way you''ll pass the nesting site of almost the entire world population of waved albatross (estimated at over 10,000 couples), huge birds with a 6-foot wingspan. Best time to see them is March to December. Depending on their nesting season, these birds, which can spend years at sea without touching land, can be seen performing their unique, perfectly choreographed mating ritual.