Darwin's Arch and Darwin's Island are named in honor of English scientist Charles Darwin, who explored the Galapagos on the HMS Beagle during September and October of 1835. At the time of his visit the island was marked on the British Admiralty charts as Culpepper Island. It is not likely that Darwin ever saw the island. In fact the first landing was not until 1964, by helicopter.
The island that bears Darwin's name is the remains of an extinct volcano that reaches 165 m (541 ft) above sea level. The island is uninhabitated and is not open to land visits. The only visitors are those who come to dive, and the distance from the main island means only a limited number of liveaboards make the trip. But for those who make the trip, the marine life at Darwin Island is diverse, and abundant. Whale sharks are present from June to November, as well as hammerhead, Galapagos, silky and blacktip sharks. In addition there are green turtles, manta rays and dolphins.
The iconic arch that is so well known to visitors is no more. Unfortunately the top (lintel?) of Darwin's Arch collapsed from erosion on 17 May 2021 at 11:20 am local, leaving two columns. It was witnessed by divers on the Galapagos Agressor III liveaboard. Some have taken to calling the remaining landmark the "Pillars of Evolution." Hercules, eat your heart out.
A youtube video of diving Darwins Arch posted by Behind the Mask on 29 March 2018.