Finch Bay Hotel

Please Note: The below itinerary is a sample of what is on offer at Finch Bay. Please speak to your consultation for further information.

The Galapagos Archipelago is a one-of-a-kind wildlife destination. Here, visitors revisit history as they experience life before man, walking alongside hulking giant tortoises, ever-curious sea lion pups, and dynamic volcanic landscapes. Travellers are drawn to this secluded utopia by the enormous variety of life that the islands hold. However, the islands also cover an immense area – in fact, over 138,000 km2 – astounding visitors from all around the world . The Finch Bay Hotel occupies a prime position next to the only public beach in the town of Puerto Ayora, on the south side of Santa Cruz Island. 

The Galapagos Islands offer you the best chance to connect with nature’s most pristine side. Explore a National Park teeming with remarkable volcanic landscapes, endemic species, and extraordinary opportunities to connect with nature at a deeper level! With this comprehensive package, you’ll get to see the best of Galapagos from the comfort of the only National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World in the archipelago.

Get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime with this Galapagos expedition package!

Included:

-Shared transfer service to/from Seymour Airport in Baltra to/from the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel
- 4 nights of accommodation in a Finch Bay Room
- Daily Breakfasts
- 2 full-day yacht explorations to a nearby island in the Galapagos National Park
- Visit to Divine Bay (Kayak included)
- Ceviche cooking classes
- Use of hotel facilities
- Free Wi-Fi

Day 1: Arrival to Galapagos 

Upon arrival at the airport on Baltra Island, we travel across the Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island where a bus takes us to Santa Cruz Island to Puerto Ayora, the Galápagos’ most populous town, where we board the hotel’s fiber glass boat (called a “panga”) for the short hop across to the “German Neighborhood”. This part of Puerto Ayora can only be reached by boat and there are no cars. A short walk along a path takes us to the hotel. Welcome to the Finch Bay Eco Hotel! Check in and in the afternoon, enjoy a cooking class.

Ecuador’s gastronomy is as diverse as the stunning vegetation and singular animals that change across each of the country’s regions. The Finch Bay treats guests to lessons on one of Ecuador’s signature dishes: ceviche! Take a trip to our organic orchard Chakrita for herbs, then choose which variety to learn fish, octopus, shrimp, mixed or vegetarian. Our Executive or Sous Chef will take you to the pergola by our pool to begin class. Serve your ceviche the Ecuadorian way: with a beer, plantain chips and popcorn. You will get the ultimate memento: the authentic recipe, signed by our Chef.

Not Included: Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee ($100 USD per person) and INGALA Transit Control Card ($20 USD per person). Both are subject to change without prior notice. 

The Finch Bay Hotel occupies a prime position next to the only public beach in the town of Puerto Ayora, on the south side of Santa Cruz Island. The earliest risers at the Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel can wade out into the calm waters of the beach and spot yellow warblers darting among the mangroves. With subtle architecture that mimics the surrounding volcanic rocks and attractive wooden walkways leaving the environment undisturbed, the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World TM hotel has a distinct sense of place.

Our Finch Bay Rooms and Finch Bay Suites offer comfortable interior and exterior spaces that unite guests with the hotel’s natural, peaceful setting. Top Ecuadorian designer Julio Vinueza chose a neutral palette for the Finch’s accommodations, adding black-out curtains, crisp bed linens, and air-conditioning for a good night’s rest.

The hotel’s 6 Finch Bay Suites all offer direct ocean views and private balconies with hammocks and furnishings designed to provide you with your own space for appreciating the privileged backdrop, while 21 Finch Bay Rooms afford shared porches or balconies with their own hammocks.

All rooms and suites have private baths with hot-water showers, hair dryers and other amenities (such as biodegradable soap and shampoo) and all are smoke-free.

While staying with us at the Finch Bay in Puerto Ayora… You could read a book by the freshwater swimming pool, or contemplate life among the mangroves… You could feel the rush of adrenalin riding the surf, or the rush of the wind riding a bike downhill towards the shore… You could be amazed with child-like awe at the array of iconic creatures and other-worldly landscapes… You could open up new realms of discovery just by putting your head underwater while snorkelling from our beach or from our private yacht. You could do all these things and many more.

The earliest risers at the Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel can wade out into the calm waters of the beach and spot yellow warblers darting among the mangroves.  Today's activity include  a day tour aboard our Sea Lion Yacht in the Galapagos National Park (Lunch onboard) 

Marvel at the beauty of the Galapagos’ Central Islands aboard our 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. In addition to offering exclusive Day Tours, each of which is limited to 20 guests, you’ll embark on a Galapagos Day Tour that’s endorsed by National Geographic!  You'll have a choice of islands including South Plaza, Bartolome, North Seymour or Santa fe Islands.

North Seymour

North Seymour is teeming with life! Cliffs that are only a few meters high form the shoreline and serve as the spot where swallow-tailed gulls sit among the ledges and rocks accompanied by playful sea lions. A tiny forest of silver-grey Palo Santo trees stands just above the landing, usually without leaves, waiting for the rains to burst into bloom. Available on Mondays (Las Bachas/North Seymour) and Sundays (North Seymour/Las Bachas)

BARTOLOME ISLAND

Bartolome is famous for Pinnacle Rock, a towering and spearheaded obelisk that rises from the ocean’s edge and is the best-known landmark in the islands. Galapagos penguins — the only species of penguin found north of the equator — walk precariously along narrow volcanic ledges at its base. Sea lions snooze on rocky platforms, ready to slide into the water to play with passing snorkelers. Available on Tuesdays and Saturdays

SOUTH PLAZA ISLAND

South Plaza is a small island full of fascinating wildlife, both along its shore and along its dramatic, wind-swept cliffs: sea lions, land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, Opuntia cacti and vegetation that changes colors according to the season. South Plaza is one of Galapagos’ most impressive visiting sites. Available on Wednesdays and Fridays

SANTA FE ISLAND

Santa Fe offers one of the more beautiful and sheltered coves in the islands. Its turquoise lagoon is protected by a peninsula of tiny islets that form an ideal anchorage spot. The island lies to the southeast of Santa Cruz and sits within sight of Puerto Ayora. Like North Seymour, Santa Fe has been uplifted seismically, and you can see underwater lava formations out in the open.

Today you'll get the chance to have a guided kayak visit to Divine Bay.  Paddling around the waters of the Marine Reserve is a great way both to get some exercise and spot unique endemic wildlife. Birds rest on the cliffs that form the edges of the islands. Sea lions and their pups lie meters away on the beaches. 

You may also want to visit Tortuga Becah. Just 45-60 minutes by foot to this world-renowned Galapagos highlight. This stunning white sand beach, located a healthy walk from our hotel, is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the Galapagos archipelago. It’s the perfect location for swimming, relaxing, kayaking, snorkeling and even surfing! 

Another option could be to visit the famous Charles Darwin research centre. You can walk to the archipelago’s scientific centre in 15 minutes. To deepen and broaden your knowledge, make your way to the headquarters of the Galapagos National Park Service and the recently renovated Charles Darwin Research Station, located in Puerto Ayora. You’ll find a fascinating interpretation centre and can wander through the tortoise rearing program facilities.

On your last day here, you may choose to enjoy the spa and hotel amenities. Indulge your mind, body, and soul in one of the most important geological and energetic hotspots in the world. Allow the Finch Bay Hotel Spa to imbue your sense of touch and smell with the unique elements and aromas of the Galapagos. 

or you may want to experience Las Grietas. Las Grietas are a fascinating rock formation of two cliffs separated by an ocean water chasm. They are reached along a walkway and path from the hotel through a mangrove and opuntia cactus-filled landscape, passing by old salt mines. The Grietas are a lovely place for a snorkel, since the water here is stunningly clear and calm. 

Afterwards, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.