Insular territory characterized by rugged topography, frequently cloudy and lashed by heavy and torrential rains, where they have been identified 235 species of plants, 400 of insects (65 endemic), 5 of reptiles (2 Terrestrial endemic), 3 of turtles, 100 of birds (13 residents, 3 endemic and endangered), 50 arthropods (7 are endemic), 57 crustaceans, 600 marine molluscs and 250 species of marine fish. In its waters proliferate the white tip sharks, hammerhead sharks, yellowfin tuna, parrot fish, stingrays and trevallies.

 

Among the most distinctive trees are: the copey, “palo de hierro” (ironwood)  and endemic palm. Everywhere are ferns, bromeliads, rivers, streams and waterfalls, cliffs and islets.

 

In December 1997, it was declared by UNESCO as a Natural Heritage Site of Humanity; in May 1998: as Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar site) and in December 2002: as a Cultural Historic Site by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCJD).