FINCH BAY HOTEL

    Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island
    Galapagos Islands

Experience the Galapagos of your dreams in this in-depth Galapagos Adventure that puts you in close contact with the natural world, while enjoying a relaxing stay at the Finch Bay Hotel on Santa Cruz Island.
Whether your interests lie in observing the natural wildlife of the Galapagos, enjoying world-class diving, mountain biking, exploring lava fields, relaxing on the beach, or a bit of everything, your stay at the Finch Bay Hotel offers you the freedom to select the activities of your choice:

• Hike to Tortuga Bay
• Swim
• Snorkel
• Enjoy the sun at the beach or the pool side
• Photograph and observe the wildlife
• Stroll around the village of Puerto Ayora
• Enjoy day cruises to nearby islands
• Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station
• World-class scuba diving
• Adventure mountain biking
• Stargazing and much more.

You don’t even have to go far from your hotel, as just a relaxing walk within the grounds can be a revealing introduction to the outstanding variety of Darwin’s Finches, famed for their role in Darwin’s evolutionary theories. The world-renowned Charles Darwin Research Station, with the famous giant Galapagos tortoises after which the islands are named, is only a short distance away. Naturalist-led day cruises to nearby islands offer further glimpses into this evolutionary paradise.

Spend a full week as you combine relaxation at the Finch Bay Hotel, the only hotel by the beach in Santa Cruz Island, with action-packed days as you thoroughly explore this paradise at your own pace and mood. Shorter hotel packages are available. This is also the perfect venue to complement your Galápagos Cruise exploration with a pre or post cruise land stay in the islands.

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.

FINCH BAY HOTEL
The ex-hotel Delfin has been fully renovated and transformed into the Finch Bay Hotel, with important changes to upgrade its facilities and landscaping. The hotel’s new look features environmentally friendly materials and use of natural light with large windows, beachfront access, large pool and outdoor Jacuzzi.

The charming Finch Bay Hotel - 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, the hotel is situated in a quiet location, with only pedestrian and bicycle circulation - there are no cars in the neighborhood.

Finch Bay Hotel 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. 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 pistine natural environment

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

Finch Bay is easily accessible. After a two-hour flight from Ecuador’s mainland, guests arrive to the airport of Baltra in the Galapagos and then take overland transportation to Puerto Ayora and the Finch Bay Hotel.

THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

• Home to two UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites - the National Park on land and the Galapagos Marine Reserve.
• A World Biosphere Reserve
• A Whale and Shark sanctuary
• The Galapagos Marine Reserve is the second largest in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
• The Galapagos was rated as the Best Diving Location in the World by over 6,000 readers of Rodale’s Scuba Diving Magazine.

The unique Galapagos archipelago emerged six million years ago as a result of volcanic activity in the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. This alluring and complex ecosystem is located 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) off the coast of Ecuador. This is the land where Charles Darwin developed a theory that would forever change conventional thinking.

Metropolitan Touring is the pioneer of eco-tourism in the Galapagos, and is pleased to offer the unique opportunity for visitors to embark on adventure-filled days, in close contact with the natural world, at the Finch Bay Hotel. The Galapagos archipelago is an enchanted place, its very nature is powerful and inspiring; peaceful and magical, and above all, unique. The ideal spot for an unforgettable vacation.

ACTIVITIES
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.

WILDLIFE OBSERVATION
Some of the most unusual and fascinating species in the world, both terrestrial and marine, are found in the Galapagos Islands. Here most of the surface (96%) is a National Park, surrounded by a protected Marine Reserve, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On Santa Cruz Island, the giant tortoises can be seen at the Charles Darwin Research Station (including famous Lonesome George, the only remaining tortoise from Pinta Island) and also in the wild, in the Highlands of this island.

BIRD WATCHING
A total of 140 species of birds have been registered in Galapagos. About half of the resident birds cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. The hotel’s natural surroundings provide an excellent setting for bird watching. On its premises you can observe shore and lagoon birds such as ducks, stilts, herons, warblers, pelicans and frigates all easily approachable, just like all the Galapagos’ wildlife. Eight species of Darwin’s Finches are found on Santa Cruz Island; most of which can be observed in the Hotel’s gardens and surroundings. Charles Darwin found enough evidence to support his theory of evolution by studying the different beaks of these finches.

SNORKELING AND DIVING
Galapagos is considered a world premier destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The protected waters of its Marine Reserve have been well preserved, nearly untouched by external sources. Here the crossroads of marine currents has resulted in a unique marine ecosystem. The Hotel Finch Bay provides snorkeling gear for free, and Scuba diving programs are available for a fee.

SEA KAYAKING
Right behind the Finch Bay Hotel is Devine Bay, an excellent location to explore by single kayak. Here you get an up close look at sharks, sea turtles, rays, fish, and a variety of marine birds. Beginners can practice kayaking at the hotel’s secluded beach before heading out to sea.

DAY TOURS TO NEARBY ISLANDS
Some of the most popular activities offered include day tours to the neighboring islands aboard the most comfortable motorboat in the Galapagos. Enjoy the amazing wildlife as you spend an adventure-filled day exploring some of the unique islands of the Galapagos. You depart in the morning and return to the hotel in the afternoon.

HIKE TO TORTUGA BAY
A 30-minute hike to a white-sand beach, considered the nicest of the archipelago, a peaceful spot for the nature lover. Tortuga Bay’s name comes from the sea turtles that go there to lay their eggs. Other species found here are pelicans, Darwin’s finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, doves, and marine iguanas. Excellent bird watching can be found along the way. Right at the shoreline is great chance to observe migrant shore birds.

Tortuga Bay is a wonderful place for meditating, connecting, writing, reading, sunbathing or just relaxing and taking a long nap. You can spend hours watching birds flying across the beach, crabs moving along the shore and iguanas basking in the sun. The trail gate opens at 5:30 AM for jogging enthusiasts and early birders.

VISIT THE CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION
The Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, conducts research for Galapagos conservation, focusing on two major areas: management of invasive species and restoration of the native biodiversity and ecosystems.

BIKING
Mountain bikes and helmets are available for a fee for Finch Bay Hotel guests. To begin your adventure, private transportation will take bikes and guests to the highlands of Santa Cruz. There are two main routes:

Route 1: Paradise Downhill Road (14 kilometers/8 miles), altitude of 250 meters (820 ft.) above sea level towards El Garrapatero, is a newly opened visitor site in the Galapagos for recreational use (guests need not be accompanied by a guide) with a gorgeous coral-lined beach. Most of the ride is downhill on moderate terrain (gravel and small rocks). Right behind the beach there is an amazing brackish water pond where pintail ducks, common stilts, and even flamingos can be observed. Previous mountain biking experience is recommended. Guests return to Puerto Ayora by private transportation.

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.

GIANT TORTOISE RESERVE
Hiking or biking from Puerto Ayora to the Reserve takes about two hours through dense and low growing vegetation. Here you can observe the Galapagos giant tortoises (in season) in their natural habitat. Also, once in the highlands, you can visit Los Gemelos Pit Craters, just off the road towards the Baltra airport.

LAS GRIETAS
To the back of the Finch Bay Hotel is a trail leading to beautiful, deep ponds formed by the filtering of underground sea water through lava crevices and half-submerged cliffs. This is a popular place for swimming and snorkeling.

THE LAVA TUBES OF BELLAVISTA
These intriguing natural lava caves are located in the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island. This visit is a great introduction to the geology of the Galapagos and its volcanic origins. Learn how stalactites and stalagmites form, and understand the violent and fierce volcanic past of the islands.

HORSEBACK RIDING
Enjoy horseback riding along paths on the hillsides of Santa Cruz with their spectacular scenery and unique wildlife all around. One of the least known regions of the Galapagos, the Highlands offer a new and different world for curious visitors.

GALAPAGOS NATIONAL PARK REGULATIONS
The Galapagos are a unique place that must be preserved. To preserve and maintain this world-treasure for future generations, the National Park has developed specific rules that must be carefully observed by all visitors to these islands.

• No plant, animal, or remains of such (including shells, bones, and pieces of wood), or other natural objects should be removed or disturbed.
• Be careful not to transport any live material to the islands, or from island to island.
• Do not take any food to the uninhabited islands.
• Do not touch or handle the animals.
• Do not feed the animals.
• Do not startle or chase any animal from its resting or nesting spot.
• Stay within the areas designated as visiting sites. Watch for trails and areas marked by the white wooden stakes.
• Do not leave any litter on the islands, or throw any off your boat.
• Do not deface the rocks.
• Do not buy souvenirs or objects made of plants or animals from the islands.
• Do not visit the islands unless accompanied by a licensed National Park guide.
• Restrict your visits to officially approved areas.
• Show your conservationist attitude.
  
  The Finch Bay Hotel Bird List