From: £1,809
From: $2,409
Fly from the mainland to Baltra, where you pay your park entry fee and a Finch Bay representative is waiting to take you to the hotel.
It’s a bus a bus, short ferry ride and then a trip en route to Finch Bay, most likely the Highlands, to see tortoises in their natural environment.
Once we get to the port of Puerto Ayora, we board a small motor taxi and ride a minute to a jetty. From here, we get back on land and walk a short 5-minute walk to the hotel, isolated in its spectacular location.
Check-in, settle in and enjoy the afternoon.
Finch Bay has many activities for you to enjoy.
Guests taking ‘All Inclusive’ tours can enjoy the following, free of charge:
The following islands can be visited from Finch Bay:
The exact islands visited during the guest stay are dependent on the regulations of the Galapagos National Park and the availability of various vessels contracted by Finch Bay.
Below are some of the day tours included in the all-inclusive packages.
Depart the hotel towards the Highlands of Santa Cruz. From there a short drive across the farming area will lead us to El Manzanillo at the northern edge of the Giant Tortoise Reserve. El Manzanillo is located on the natural path tortoises take every year as they either migrate to higher moist locations during the garúa season (June-September), or when they 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. In the wild, these gentle giants slowly barrel their way through the plant cover. 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 in a small red-coloured pond (impressively coloured by surface red pond-weeds).
The area is teeming with life. On the return to Puerto Ayora, visit one of the island’s lava tunnels, significant geological formations that take us back in time and allow us to remember how lava flows formed the islands. Lunch at El Manzanillo.
Tortuga Bay is located to the southwest of Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island. Its name means “turtle”, and 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 06.00-18.30 daily.
There is excellent bird-watching along the path, 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. There is an interpretation centre open to the public and also 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 was lifted from the ocean floor by a seismic event, and its origins as a seabed give the island its low, flat profile. Cliffs only a few metres 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 teeming with life!
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.
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 Galapagos’ most impressive visiting sites.
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 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.
Other options may be purchased at Finch Bay Eco Hotel, such as introductory diving courses, dive trips to top Galapagos sites, horse back riding, guided bicycle tours, guided kayak tours and guided beach outings.
Finch Bay offers longer trips than this example.
Today you could leave the hotel and fly back to Ecuador, stay longer, join up with a cruise or head to another island.
Contact us for more help and advice / options.
The hotel has six Finch Bay Suites and 21 Finch Bay Rooms.
All are decorated in calming earth colours, with black-out curtains that aid a good night’s rest. 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 and have air-conditioning.
Finch Bay Suites all offer direct ocean views as well as private balconies with hammocks and furnishings designed to provide you with your own space for appreciating this privileged environment.
Finch Bay Rooms provide shared porches or balconies with their own hammocks.
Note: Two pairs of Finch Bay Suites (Twin + Double) are interconnected. Ideal for families.
The hotel has its own desalinisation plant. This ecologically-oriented hotel also boasts innovative garbage processing and recycling programs.
The restaurant and lounge are open to the sea breeze.
Breakfast is served from 6:30am to 10:00am; lunch from 12:30 to 15:00; and dinner from 19:00 until 21:30.
Laundry service available at the hotel at extra cost.
Any extra services booked can be paid for by credit card or cash. Traveller’s cheques are not accepted.
This is can be as active or relaxing as you like – there are all inclusive packages as well as room only.
On all inclusive packages, there are full-day island yacht and/or land trips, that include lunch.
Or simply relax by the pool and nearby beach.
Snorkelling last 1-2 hours usually, depending on water temperatures.
All activities are within the scope of people that like to be active. No previous experience is necessary for any of the activities, however, as none are designed to be overly strenuous.
Divers please enquire for more information.
We can cater for many special dietary requirements on this tour. Please let us know at the time of booking.
Many of the meals are included in this tour at the hotel.
Delicious, healthy international and Galapagos-inspired dishes are prepared daily by the hotel’s qualified Executive Chef, using the freshest ingredients – including many from its organic vegetable garden.
Eating at Finch Bay means dining at one of if not the best restaurant in the entire archipelago.
Staff are “Galapagueños”, most of the guides, captains and staff members were born and raised in the Galapagos Islands.
They know the area well and are prepared to show you the islands only like a native can do it.
Naturalist, English-speaking guides have studied and been trained at Charles Darwin Scientific Station, and have long years of experience guiding at the Galapagos Islands.
An unforgettable Galapagos adventure filled with snorkelling, kayaking, and close encounters with the islands’ incredible wildlife.
A beautifully curated Galapagos adventure filled with wildlife encounters, local warmth, and unforgettable natural diversity.
With its own private beach and swimming pool, the luxury hotel Finch Bay also operates exclusive tours around Santa Cruz as part of its all inclusive packages in the Galapagos Islands.
As well as its tours, nature comes to you. Egrets live in the hotel mangroves. Brown Pelicans plunge into the ocean in front of you, hunting fish, and Night Herons emerge at dusk, looking for tidbits.
Attention to detail is the key at this prime resort. Finch Bay controls all the details to make sure your holiday is as relaxing and enjoyable as possible.
From: $3063 per person
Duration
8 days
From: $2515 per person
Duration
8 days
These magical islands comprise of 50 volcanic islands of varying shapes and sizes, which lie 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador.
Here, unlike anywhere else on Earth, you can enjoy a thousand close encounters with a weird and wonderful variety of ‘friendly locals’, including giant tortoises, fur seals, sea iguanas, frigate birds and blue-footed boobies.
Read our Galapagos Islands Guide and more about diving.
In 1535, Tomás de Berlanga, Bishop of Panama, floated into this archipelago and named it Galapagos after the giant tortoises he encountered. Pirates used the islands for refuge and to bury their stolen treasure after that.
The islands’ most celebrated visitor was Charles Darwin, who arrived aboard the HMS Beagle in 1835. The rare life forms he encountered helped him formulate his theory of evolution, which he published in The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
It wasn’t until 1959 when it became part of Ecuador’s national park system that this fragile ecosystem with its rare and endemic species came under protection.
In 1979 the Galapagos archipelago was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Good kit is vital for every trip.
Book with Andean Trails and get 15% off Páramo’s fantastic ethical and high performance outdoor gear.
Galapagos is warm and humid, and you will need t-shirts (moisture wick-away or breathable t-shirts can be very useful, it can get very hot in the day), shorts, lightweight skirt or trousers and bathing suits.
One or two cotton shirts can be used to protect you from sunburn, especially when snorkelling (not very elegant worn in the water over a swimsuit, but practical – and Galapagos is NOT an elegant place!).
You may want to change into different clothes for the evening, but don’t take anything dressy or smart – there really is a very relaxed atmosphere in island hotels.
Pack something warm and windproof for being the inter-island speedboats – and a waterproof for the Highlands.
Strong sandals, trainers, or light hiking boots are ideal footwear – you may like to have something suitable for easy walks and another for tougher terrain – your guide will advise you daily what the walking will be like.
Do take a hat!
Seasickness tablets if you think you will have problems – i.e. Sturgeon, or Mareol if you buy them in Quito. The sea can be choppy, so it is recommended to take them as a precaution.
The Galapagos Islands are a very fragile environment and the arrival of more and more inhabitants to the islands, as well as tourist have an impact.
Please try to minimise your impact by:
Pleasantly warm during the day, but can be quite chilly during the morning or at night when you might want a jacket or a fleece, plus a waterproof.
You may want to dress up a little more in the evening here, depending on where you are staying, and what sort of restaurant you like.
Conditions here are similar to Galapagos – hot and humid. T-shirts and shorts in the day, and like Quito, something smarter for eating out in restaurants at night.
There is no real ‘best’ time to visit Galapagos on holiday as there is always wonderful wildlife and weather to enjoy. Read our blog for more.
Most animals – tortoises, sharks, sea lions and boobies – are found year round and many of the species here are non-migratory.
The Galapagos Islands are located right on the equator so air and water temperatures do not vary by much.
Having said that, there are two recognised seasons, and each months brings natural marvels for the visitor to enjoy.
Below is our quick guide to the weather and wildlife you can find on the Galapagos Islands.
Calm, clear warm waters, great for snorkelling, often without a wetsuit.
Great weather, with February and March being the hottest and sunniest months with blue skies and sunshine.
Occasional heavy bursts of rain in the afternoons.
Sea temperatures: 22-25°C / 72-77°F
Land temperatures: 21-32°C / 72-90°F
It’s a great time for marine life in the cooler seas. Snorkellers may want a wetsuit.
August and September the coolest when you may need a jacket in the evenings and the sea can be choppy.
There can be mist on the islands in the mornings (garua) which usually burns off by midday leaving overcast skies or a sunny afternoon.
Sea temperatures: 15-22°C / 60-72°F
Land temperatures: 18-24°C / 65-75°F
An unforgettable Galapagos adventure filled with snorkelling, kayaking, and close encounters with the islands’ incredible wildlife.
A beautifully curated Galapagos adventure filled with wildlife encounters, local warmth, and unforgettable natural diversity.
