If you’re considering travelling to the Canary Island, you should know that the name ‘Canary Islands’ does not refer to the small yellow birds. The name Canary Islands is derived from the Latin term Insula Canaria, meaning dogs which were a species of Monk Seals. The Canary Islands are a cluster of islands off the coast of northwestern Africa and are rugged volcanic isles known for their black and white-sand beaches.