Hotel Finch Bay

Galapagos Islands

Ecuador

The Resort

The charming Finch Bay - named after the famous Darwin's Finches abundant in the surroundings - is just steps from the beach on a private seaside location, surrounded by mangroves. Here guests can cherish the privacy, natural surroundings and superb service offered by the Finch Bay.

Located on Santa Cruz Island at Punta Estrada, across the bay from the town of Puerto Ayora, it is situated in a quiet location, with only pedestrian and bicycle circulation - there are no cars in the neighborhood.

This ecologically oriented hotel also boasts innovative garbage processing and recycling programs. The entire infrastructure as well as the activities are totally oriented to a concept of true ecotourism in a pristine natural environment.

Delicious healthy international and Galapagos inspired menus are prepared daily by our chef, using the freshest ingredients.

At the Finch Bay Hotel you will truly experience a place of superb natural beauty and intimate connection with nature like the Galapagos. At dusk, the orange colored skies are the backdrop for thousands of cattle egrets that fly overhead on their way from the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to their nesting area in the mangroves at the back of the hotel. Blue footed boobies and brown pelicans plunge into the ocean looking for their last bite before retiring for the night, while the night herons awaken and emerge from the mangroves to look for food along the beach.

The Accommodation

Finch Bay accommodates 42 guests with 21 twin-bedded rooms, each with private facilities, air conditioning and unlimited water supply, as the hotel has its own desalinization plant.

Facilities and Activities

Finch Bay is the only full-service Galapagos Eco-Hotel situated directly on a beach.

Eco-Hotel with International Service Standards
21 rooms with twin or king size beds (one cot for child)
17 rooms at ground level, 4 rooms on second floor
Modern design incorporating Galapagos' natural elements
Each room has wooden blinds, a black-out curtain, tile floors and a telephone.
All rooms are nonsmoking
Air conditioned rooms (via in-room remote control),
Each room has a private bath with hot water, hair dryers and soap and shampoo dispensers.
Beach towels available
On-site desalinization and purification plan
Ice machine
Laundry service
Private Outdoor Pool (open 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM)
Complimentary transfer to/from Baltra Island airport
Mangrove-rich coastline
Bar and Lounge
Outdoor Jacuzzi
Restaurant featuring International Cuisine (tastefully blended with local flavors). Buffet Breakfast. Both, fixed menus and a la carte menus for lunch and dinner
Vegetarian and special dietary requirements can be accommodated
Communications: telephone, fax, e-mail, Internet access.
Beautiful grounds for strolling
Beach-front access
No motorized vehicles
No paved roads
Day trips to nearby islands, via yacht, as per itinerary
Multisport Nature Active Options: Scuba Diving, Birdwatching, Ocean (Sea) Kayaking, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Wildlife Observation, Bay Tours.
Environmental Interpretation with Galapagos Naturalists

You choose your activities to create an unforgettable expedition in one of the most unique places in the world ... and most importantly, at your own pace.

Galapagos Naturalists accompany you on some activities, and bring the surrounding wonders to life with their extensive knowledge of the natural history, legends, geology, and other amazing features of the Archipelago. Adventure is a footstep away as you start the day with fabulous sunrises, under the warmth of the Equatorial sun. And each evening ends with unforgettable stargazing in Equatorial skies. Some activities are provided free of charge as part of the hotel's facilities, others are available at an additional cost.

Hike to Tortuga Bay
Visit of the Charles Darwin Station
Giant Tortoise Reserve
Las Grietas (ponds)
Lava tubes of Santa Cruz
Horseback riding

Bird watching
The short hike on the lava rocks to Las Grietas is a great introduction to the arid zone of Santa Cruz Island. Along the way you will see many land and lagoon birds. Las Grietas are deep cuts in the volcanic base of the Island where sea water percolates through and turns into clear blue water. Las Grietas are a refreshing place for swimming and snorkeling.

Sea kayaking
Immediately in front of the Finch Bay is a beautiful beach which serves as the launching point for our kayaking tours. Using two person ocean kayaks, the instructor will provide a demonstration in the shallow waters near the Finch Bay. Once guests are comfortable with their kayaks, the group paddles out to Divine Bay toward the Shark Channel. Guests can tie the kayaks to a buoy near Punta Estrada for snorkeling before continuing on into the nearby fissure to view tropical birds, sea lions, rays and possibly, white tip reef sharks.

Biking
From Finch Bay Hotel, we cross the bay where our transportation waits for the 8 kilometer drive to the town of Bellavista. The Hotel provides mountain bikes for the 15 kilometer ride on dirt and gravel road to the Garrapatero Beach. A security vehicle will follow the group to provide emergency assistance or to pick-up weary riders along the way. A tour leader will accompany the riders providing information along the way and assisting the riders as needed.
Route 1: Paradise Downhill Road (14 kilometers/8 miles): With an altitude of 250 meters (820 feet) above sea level this route ends at El Garrapatero, is a newly opened visitor site in the Galapagos for recreational use. Most of the ride is downhill on moderate terrain (gravel and small rocks).
Route 2: Bike Quest for Giant Tortoises. From the highlands of Santa Cruz ride about 14 kilometers (8 miles) on paved and dirt roads of medium difficulty. Arrive at the El Chato Tortoise Reserve and then take a 45-minute hike within the reserve. In addition to the giant tortoises, look for flycatchers, gallinules, rails, and Darwin's finches. Previous biking experience is suggested. Return to Puerto Ayora by private transportation.

Please note the Finch Bay Hotel also offers Land and Sail Package Holidays as well as Scuba Diving Packages.

Price per room (double occupancy)	Per night
USD	$ 225
EUR	€ 186
GBP	£ 126

(*) Price last updated on 28 January 2006. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a
quotation request .
Minimum 2 nights mandatory
rate includes breakfast and taxes