Finch Bay Eco Hotel

Surrounded by a national park and overlooking a white sandy cove, the Finch Bay Eco Hotel offers comfortable, clean accommodations as well as close interactions with the Galapagos environment and wildlife. This modern and artful hotel is a lovely beachfront resort in Puerto Ayora that sits on the south side of Santa Cruz Island. Infrastructure and activities at Finch Bay Eco Hotel embody the concept of true ecotourism in the pristine natural environment of the Galapagos Islands.

Finch Bay Eco Hotel Review

AdventureSmith Explorations’ Finch Bay Eco Hotel review includes a detailed description and photo gallery. Our Galapagos experts have stayed at Finch Bay firsthand. Please read our Finch Bay review below then contact our experts to compare Finch Bay Eco Hotel with other adventure lodging and Galapagos land tours.

Choose the Finch Bay Eco Hotel for a relaxing retreat from the activities of the day while still being immersed in the unique environment of the Galapagos. Due to its exclusive location, the Finch Bay is an ideal home base for Galapagos luxury tours.

Common Areas

Throughout the Finch Bay Eco Hotel, the architecture mimics the Galapagos environment by using natural elements in a modern fashion. This, as well as being nestled in the mangroves, ensures comfortable interactions with the iconic nature of the Galapagos at every turn. Inviting seating areas are situated for watching the local bird life, including Darwin’s finches. Well-lit terraces offer perfect opportunities to enjoy an evening cocktail while listening to the ocean. Wooden walkways alleviate strain on the ecosystem and connect the hotel with the beach, common areas and rooms.  

The solar-heated freshwater swimming pool sits just above the beachfront with chaise lounges and umbrellas. The cozy, modern lounge is a great place to recap the day’s adventures and get out of the sun. Nearby is the hotel’s business center and library. Additionally, a spa features two massage rooms, a workout room, a large reception area, a yoga studio above and two hot tubs.

Sustainability

Finch Bay Eco Hotel took the top honor as the World’s Leading Green Hotel for 2014 and 2015 at the World Travel Awards and sets the standard for environmentally responsible hotels in the Galapagos Islands. The hotel employs its own water desalination treatment plant; utilizes energy-efficient light bulbs; uses solar panels to save 50-70% of the energy required to heat water; recycles; and uses compost in its onsite organic vegetable and herb garden.

The self-contained greenhouse provides the hotel kitchens with fresh produce while reducing the amount of food that needs to be imported to the remote Galapagos Islands. The seafood served at the restaurant is sustainably harvested, abiding by the strict rules of the Galapagos Marine Preserve. Their innovative Solar Ray, a solar/electric-powered skiff is the first eco-friendly means of transportation to be used by a lodge in the Galapagos.

Finch Bay Eco Resort also supports the local community by providing employment opportunities; funding beach cleanups; hosting conservation meetings; funding initiatives to process thousands of tons of organic and recyclable waste; and offering educational initiatives that include inviting Galapagueno students to learn about the ecosystem, inspiring new generations of conservationists. Everything Finch Bay Eco Hotel does is designed to inspire, encourage and enable people to protect their fragile ecosystem, which deserves recognition and a round of applause.

Dining

Galapagos Restaurant & Bar is a comfortable yet elegant open-air restaurant offering signature Finch Bay cocktails and fine dining made with sustainably harvested, local seafood and fresh ingredients from their onsite garden and greenhouse. Meals are prepared by drawing on influences from traditional Ecuadorian and international dishes while using modern techniques. Buffet breakfasts, casual lunches and elaborate dinners are enjoyed in close proximity to the waves of the ocean. Vegetarian and other dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Finch Bay Eco Hotel also has an extensive wine cellar.

Activities

The Finch Bay Eco Hotel offers the best of both worlds: the freedom to explore, relax and leisurely enjoy island life and partake in guided adventures by land and sea. This conveniently located hotel is close to Tortuga Bay beach, just a short walk to Charles Darwin Research Station, only seven minutes to shopping in Puerto Ayora, is walking distance to great snorkeling and is only 30 minutes away from the tortoise reserve, lava tunnels, epic view points and Twin Craters.

Within the hotel grounds many of the Galapagos Islands’ unique wildlife can be observed. Guests can go in search of aquatic wildlife via the Solar Ray, an innovative solar/electric-powered skiff. Other optional activities include biking, hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, scuba diving, snorkeling and surfing. Or, stay on the property and rejuvenate at the modern spa that offers light exercise equipment, hot tubs and massage in a quiet and serene environment.

Finch Bay Eco Hotel’s motor yacht Sea Lion offers visits to North Seymour, Bartolome, South Plaza and Santa Fe with highly-qualified bilingual naturalist guides. The Sea Lion motor yacht was built in 1987 by Van der Hoeven Yachts of Holland and was remodeled in 2009 in Ecuador. The Sea Lion accommodates 20 guests, four crew members and two guides. She has a length of 74 feet and 17 feet wide. Snorkeling is available on each itinerary with equipment provided (wetsuits must be rented). Packages are available to purchase from the hotel for these small group adventures.

Finch Bay Eco Hotel Accomodations

Recently renovated rooms and baths are designed with an open-air concept with modern clean lines. Décor is inspired by the ocean lifestyle and artwork is created by local artists. Finch Bay Eco Hotel rooms have wooden blinds, black-out curtains, air-conditioning and a telephone. Each room has a balcony with a hammock, lounge chairs, private bathroom with hot water and walk-in showers, hair dryers and biodegradable soap and shampoo. All rooms can either be outfitted with a king-sized bed or two double beds. Wifi is available throughout the grounds. Laundry service is offered, as are in-room massage services.