Finch Bay Hotel

Stays of Distinction

SUMMARY

5 Days

Ecuador, Galapagos Islands

Experience the epitome of luxury and natural beauty at Finch Bay Hotel, a deluxe retreat in the Galapagos Islands. Not only is this hotel a great alternative for land base programs, it is also perfect for pre or post- cruise stay.

Finch Bay Hotel awaits in a tranquil enclave, only steps away from the beach. Nestled across the bay from Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, this acclaimed retreat provides a haven of privacy. Relax in serenity, enjoying leisurely moments by the enticing swimming pool, rejuvenated by the island’s gentle breeze.
Additionally, indulge in an exquisite culinary journey, as the hotel’s fine dining experiences showcase the finest local and international flavors. Delight in delectable dishes crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, thoughtfully prepared to tantalize your taste buds.
Furthermore at Finch Bay Hotel, the service is impeccable. The dedicated staff warmly attends to your every need, ensuring you feel genuinely welcome.

Embrace the spirit of the Galapagos Islands at Finch Bay Hotel, where luxury, tranquility, and the mesmerizing beauty intertwine. Make this haven your home away from home, where you create lasting memories and bring your dreams to life amidst the unparalleled wonders of the Galapagos archipelago.

So, if you’re considering a tailor-made tour of Galapagos, don’t miss the opportunity to include the Finch Bay Hotel in your holiday. Consult our knowledgeable travel specialists, who will help you craft a memorable journey through this enchanting region.

HIGHLIGHTS

Relax and enjoy at one of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World.
The hotel offers various packages combining day trips to Galapagos sites. It also offers excellent scuba diving programs.
Delicious healthy international, and Galapagos-inspired menus are prepared daily by Finch Bay’s famous chef, using the freshest ingredients.
Located steps from the beach in a secluded location between mangroves.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Galapagos Islands/Santa Cruz Isl.

You will arrive at Baltra airport and be transferred towards the Highlands of Santa Cruz. From there, a short drive across the farming area will lead you to El Manzanillo at the northern edge of the Giant Tortoise Reserve. El Manzanillo is located on the natural path tortoises take yearly as they either migrate to higher moist locations during the garúa season (June-September) or descend to the warmer lowlands during the wet season. The Galapagos giant tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra) is the largest living tortoise species, weighing up to 250 kg (550 lb). It plays an important biological role as the top grazer in its habitat. These gentle giants slowly barrel their way through the plant cover in the wild. The shape of their carapaces varies from island to island. On Santa Cruz, year-round, tortoises can be seen grazing on the surrounding vegetation or wallowing in muddy banks or a small red-coloured pond (impressively coloured by surface red pond-weeds).

The area is teeming with life: chirping vegetarian-, small-tree, large-tree, and woodpecker mockingbirds and flycatchers, as well as ducks, herons, and gallinules, make this an exciting morning visit. On the return to Puerto Ayora, visit one of the island’s lava tunnels. These geological formations take us back in time and allow us to remember how lava flows formed the islands.

Day 2 Santa Cruz Isl.

This morning, after breakfast, enjoy a full day of exploration.
Explorations include yacht rides. Choose from a wide variety of activities:
Tortuga Bay and Charles Darwin Research Station with lunch (guided)
Tortuga Bay is located to the Southwest of Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island. Its name means “turtle,” the island received this moniker because it is sea turtles’ favourite place to lay their eggs. The stunning white sand beach is considered by many the most beautiful in the Galapagos archipelago. The beach is reached via a marked and cobbled two kilometre-path that starts at the west end of Charles Binford Street; guests must sign in and out at the National Park control point at the beginning of the path– it is open from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM daily. There is excellent bird-watching along the trail, with plenty of Darwin’s finches and other sea birds. And for active visitors, it is a great place to kayak, snorkel and surf!
The headquarters of the Galapagos National Park Service and The Charles Darwin Research Station are located side by side on the outskirts of Puerto Ayora. An interpretation center is open to the public, and one may view the tortoise rearing program. Those guests who do not have the opportunity to explore the highlands of Santa Cruz and see tortoises in their natural habitat will have the chance to see tortoises here. And for those who have already seen them in the wild, a visit to the Centre will expand their knowledge of this unique, iconic Galapagos animal.

North Seymour Yacht Exploration
A seismic event lifted North Seymour from the ocean floor, and its origins as a seabed give the island its low, flat profile. Cliffs only a few meters high form the shoreline, where swallow-tailed gulls sit among the ledges and rocks. 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. This island is teaming with life!

Day 3 Santa Cruz Isl.

This morning, after breakfast, enjoy a full day of exploration.
Explorations include yacht rides. Choose from a wide variety of activities.
Bartolome Island Yacht Exploration
Bartolome is famous for Pinnacle Rock, a towering, 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.

Day 4 Santa Cruz Isl.

This morning, after breakfast, enjoy a full day of exploration.
Explorations include yacht rides. Choose from a wide variety of activities.

South Plaza Island Yacht Exploration
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 colours according to the season. South Plaza is one of the Galapagos’ most impressive visiting sites.

Santa Fe Island Yacht Exploration
Santa Fe offers one of the islands’ more beautiful and sheltered coves. Its turquoise lagoon is protected by a peninsula of tiny islets forming an ideal anchorage. The island lies to the Southeast of Santa Cruz within sight of Puerto Ayora. Like North Seymour, Santa Fe has been uplifted seismically, and you can see underwater lava formations.

Day 5 Santa Cruz Isl.

After breakfast, leave the Finch Bay Hotel. On the way to Baltra, stop at the Twin Pit Craters, great geological depressions of volcanic material formed by a long process of slow sinking of the ground, where exceptional Scalesia trees, Ferns, Mosses, and Orchids can be seen in the surroundings. Then, overland transfer to the airport in Baltra to take the flight back to the continent.