Finch Bay, The Galapagos

rooms

The hotel can accomodate up to 53 guests and offers two room categories. Finch Bay Rooms and Finch Bay Suites offer comfortable interior and exterior spaces that compliment the hotel’s natural, peaceful setting. Top Ecuadorian designer Julio Vinueza chose a neutral palette for the rooms, adding black-out curtains, crisp bed linens, and air-conditioning to ensure a good night’s rest.

The 21 Finch Bay Rooms are arrayed in a ring around the property, connected by an attractive wooden walkway through the hotel’s landscaped gardens. All have balconies with hammocks, perfect for a read or a snooze after a day discovering the islands. Measuring a comfortable 20 m2 (217 ft2), rooms are available as single or double options.

Finch Bay Suites are split into two sets: four to the west of the property and two to the east. All are slightly elevated, giving them unparalleled views across the bay. Their balconies are the ideal place to relax after a day exploring, while the bedrooms and bathrooms are ample, at 32 m2 (344 ft2). Four of the suites are interconnected, making them a great choices for families or friends travelling together.

facilities & activities

The hotel is blessed with a wonderful location just in front of a beautiful sandy beach. The outdoor pool with stunning ocean views, is often visited by the local herons and pelicans - adding a new dimension to your relaxation time! As well as an inviting lounge space, there is a TV room and most tempting of all, a fully-equipped spa, nestled in a beachside grove. Treatments incorporate local mineral and plant-based elements and can be booked 13:00-21:00 daily with extended opening times for the gym and yoga deck from 06:00. Private yoga lessons with knowledgeable local instructors can be arranged upon request (24 hours in advance).

There is a water-taxi service running between the hotel and Puerto Ayora and there's plenty to see on Santa Cruz island itself. From the beguiling resident wildlife which includes sea lions, marine iguanas, giant tortoises, finches and Galapagos fur seals to something more adrenalin-inducting such as scuba-diving, hiking, kayaking and mountain-biking, the team at Finch Bay are happy to organise or make suggestions. 

Where Finch Bay excels is in the range of programmes and day exursions on offer; guests can join daily boat excursions (fees apply) to see the Galapagos’ Central Islands aboard their very own Sea Lion Yacht – one of only 12 yachts in the Galapagos that offers day tours to the Galapagos National Park in the company of certified Naturalist Guides. Limited to 20 guests these are charming, intimate excursions that give you real insight into the fascinating local wildlife and their habitats.

Excursions include:

Bartolome Island (Tuesdays and Saturdays) - one of the most fascinating and otherworldly islands in the Galapagos, where you can expect to see Galapagos Penguins, Blue-footed Boobies and Galapagos Sea Lions.

South Plaza Island (Wednesdays and Fridays) - with crystalline waters, volcanic shorelines, and mesmerising colours you can spot Galapagos Penguins, Blue-footed Boobies, Land Iguanas and Frigatebirds (Great and Magnificent).

North Seymour and Las Bachas Beach (Mondays for Las Bachas/North Seymour and Sundays for North Seymour/Las Bachas) - teeming with history and nature everywhere you look, this is the place to see American Flamingos, Blue-footed Boobies and Marine Iguanas

Santa Fe Island (Thursdays) - offering pristine landscapes with endemic and iconic fauna, Santa Fe is home to the Galapagos Hawk, Blue-footed Boobies and Santa Fe Land Iguana.

All excursions are guided and include snorkeling activities, lunch and complimentary towel use. Prices on request.

dining

The airy restaurant-bar serves both local and international dishes, with plenty of seafood on the menu. The elegant setting, stellar service and noteworthy wine list ensures a wonderful dining experience. All dietary preferences and needs can be accommodated and ingredients are fresh and organic, with a focus on natural herbs and vegetables grown in the hotel's own garden. 

There is a buffet breakfast from 06:15 to 10:00 and a la carte lunches and appetizers are served from 11:00-18:00. Dinner is an à la carte affair or you can opt for a three-course set meal, available from 18:30 to 22:00.

From romantic poolside dinners to ceviche cookery classes with the chef, the hotel will happily create a one-of-a-kind experience for you, perhaps for a special occasion!

family

Children are welcome here and families are in good hands with the friendly staff who are happy to help with any request. Four of the ocean view rooms are connecting and the pool is great for children. Of course the main attraction for guests of all ages is the wildlife - with plentiful opportunities for animal encounters this is a holiday that is both educational and fun. Snorkelling with sea lions and sea turtles and coming face to face with ancient giant tortoises are the main attractions!

location

Positioned on the south side of Santa Cruz Island, in the heart of the Galapagos archipelago, your room is mere steps from one of the prettiest beaches on the Island. Close contact with the local wildlife is inevitable: the hotel is surrounded by a protected National Park whose feathered and scaly residents like to drop in from time to time!

The hotel is located on the other side of the harbour from the town of Puerto Ayora, accessible by one of the frequent water-taxi services - perfect for a visit to the Charles Darwin Centre, bustling fish market and local bars and restaurants.