This location and the prevailing westerly winds bring frequent rainstorms to the island.

Because of this, numerous marine vertebrates such as fur seals, sea lions and penguins come to the island to feed and reproduce.

Guafo Island is characterized by a high biodiversity that includes the largest breeding colony of South American fur seals (Arctophoca australis) on Chilean coasts,[1] a large population of South American sea lions (Otaria byronia), and a reproductively active population of marine otters (Lontra felina), a critically endangered species.

[2] Among seabird highlights is the largest breeding colony of sooty shearwater (Puffinusgriseus) in the world (Reyes-Arriagada et al. 2007[3]) as well as important nesting sites of Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) and occasional sightings of Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti).

The lighthouse was built in 1907 by[4] George Slight and its rotating four-man crews who serve four months on station is the only permanent population in the island.