Named after the first president of Ecuador, Floreana Island is the sixth largest island in the Galapagos, and one of the first to be inhabited. Floreana is best known for its past history of pirates, whalers and colonists. Post Office Bay, where 18th century whalers used a barrel as an unofficial mail drop, can be visited today. The idea behind the barrel was that British whalers or passer-bys to the island would pick up the letters and hand-deliver them in England. Letters and postcards without stamps can still be dropped in the barrel in this present day; however don’t expect a speedy delivery. Floreana Island has two main visitor attractions Punta Cormorant and Devil’s Crown. Punta Cormorant is the site of a sandy tropical beach. While exploring the surrounding areas of the beach, visitors will most likely witness majestic sea lions frolicking in the olive-green waters. The color of the sea surrounding the island is due to the large portion of olivine crystals, glassy volcanic minerals. Flamingos are often seen feeding in the lagoon in this part of the island. One will also witness numerous unique species of birds while trekking the island, especially around the lagoon. Pintails, stilts, shore birds and wading birds are just a few of the bountiful array of birds available for observing. Devils Crown, located a short distance from the island, is an eroded volcanic cone that’s a perfect scuba diving site. It is a popular roosting site for many sea birds such as boobies, pelicans, red-billed tropicbirds and frigates. The center of the volcanic cone is a pristine snorkeling location with interesting coral formations full of sea lions and colorful tropical fish. The marine life in and around Devil’s Crown is breathtaking.