The north end of the island (Saddleback Ridge) is composed of andesitic intrusions of late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous rock.

The southeastern tip is composed of andesitic lavas and lapilli stones of late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous.

The parallel gravel bars are a result of post-glacial isostatic uplift of the area after the Pleistocene ice caps' retreat.

[2] The island has been identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International because it supports a breeding colony of about 100 pairs of south polar skuas.

The path begins on the south side of Menguante Cove, runs westwards along the beach to Cámara Base, then turns north along the head of Menguante Cove, and eventually ascends northeastwards to the top of Xenia Hill.

Also, the iconic Pegman from Google was replaced with a Penguin, due to the island's use as a breeding colony by them.