The only beach-front hotel on Santa Cruz in the Galapagos, this secluded eco-hotel is a luxurious base for exploring the island’s extraordinary wildlife – complete with a spa, alfresco restaurant and swimming pool
Location
Finch Bay hotel sits in a tucked-away bay near to the main harbour of Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz. Reachable by the hotel’s water taxi, it’s the only beach-front hotel on the island and offers a uniquely luxurious stay in the Galapagos. You will be immersed in the archipelago’s wildlife as soon as you arrive – sea lions lounge on the decking as you disembark the water taxi, while the short walk from the dock to the hotel is teeming with iguanas, lava lizards and Darwin’s famous finches. The small beach is bookended by lush greenery, and you’ll find locals and tourists swimming at all hours of the day. Las Greitas – a saltwater hole nestled between towering lava cliffs – is a 10-minute walk away and a unique swimming spot.
For those adventuring further afield, the hotel’s Sea Lion Yacht can be booked for day trips around the Galapagos National Park. On Bartolome Island, you’ll see penguins, blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas, while on Santa Fe you’ll tick off animals like the Galapagos hawk, Santa Fe land iguana and the Nazca Boobies. Expeditions on Santa Cruz with expert guides are also available at an extra cost. The El Chato tortoise reserve in the Highlands is a must-visit. Here, the Galapagos’ giant tortoises lazily graze on the land – and there’s a lava tunnel to explore, too.
The vibe
The design of Finch Bay brings the outside in – nature and wildlife are the main draw for Galapagos visitors, after all. The large lounge is airy and light, with artwork featuring the archipelago’s famous animals and coastal-inspired design touches (think embroidered cushions with animal designs and blue striped decor). The open-plan lounge flows seamlessly into the indoor restaurant and the alfresco bar, dining tables and swimming pool out the front – and the hotel’s concrete exterior blends comfortably into its lava rock environment.
It’s quiet in the morning with most guests out on day trips, but the pool gets busy in the late afternoon. A mix of adventurous older couples…
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