Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel

Generally speaking, the Galapagos isn’t known for its hotels. There aren’t many luxury or high-design options here, and most hotels have basic accommodations with simple decor. So arriving at Finch Bay and seeing clusters of modern buildings surrounding tranquil gardens and a beautiful pool feels like a breath of fresh air. The hotel is an architectural stunner, with a slightly midcentury modern feel. Decor throughout does not disappoint, especially in the stunning lobby. The long, narrow room is flooded with natural light, thanks to a wall of accordion doors that are kept open throughout the day. Gray walls are sleek, and light wood tones and white wainscoting soften the look by bringing a warm, beachy vibe to the space. Several seating areas are arranged throughout the room, creating intimate spaces where people gather throughout the day. Abstract tortoise artwork gives a nod to the hotel’s locality, and Ecuador travel guides pepper the artisanal coffee tables. The lobby at Finch Bay is one of those awesomely designed hotel spaces that you’ll continue to think about long after you’ve checked out.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted with tropical drinks and cold scented towels. Staff members lead guests through a personalized check-in process and offer detailed information about the hotel and its surroundings. Finch Bay staff members make it their mission to become personally acquainted with all hotel guests. Seeing staff greet guests by name isn’t out of the ordinary here — something we witnessed when one employee called out “Hi, Emma. How was your day?” to a passing toddler. But the friendliness doesn’t only exist between the staff and the guests; there also seems to be a camaraderie between the guests themselves. Many visitors bond over shared excursions, or ask each other for advice about which island to visit or what restaurant to try. Finch Bay clientele is composed primarily of Americans, but also includes a smattering of Europeans as well. Steep nightly rates dissuade backpackers and solo travelers, so the majority of people here are families and middle-aged couples. 

Finch Bay is located on a rocky peninsula that extends from the island of Santa Cruz into the Puerto Ayora harbor. The hotel is not accessible by land, so guests will have to take a water taxi from the dock in town across the harbor to the hotel’s waterfront entrance. From here, the actual hotel property is about a five-minute walk. Finch Bay has its own clearly marked water taxis, and transportation to and from town is free for all guests. Many travelers like Finch Bay’s location for its seclusion and tranquility. Being removed from the bustling town of Puerto Ayora provides guests with privacy and a peaceful atmosphere. The only downside of this location is that guests will have to take the water taxi any time they need to go in to town, whether to shop, dine, or sightsee.  

Finch Bay has sole bragging rights as the only beachfront property in Puerto Ayora. The beach in front of the hotel is stunning, and has calm water, great for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Parts of the beach are inhabited by nesting iguanas, so it’s important to pay attention to the hotel’s posted signs and roped off areas. All beaches in the Galapagos are public and free to use, and the one in front of Finch Bay happens to be pretty popular with locals, so it can get crowded on weekends. 

The small town of Puerto Ayora is the main city on the island of Santa Cruz — the most populous island in the Galapagos, with about 12,000 residents. Puerto Ayora is a busy place, with tons of lodging options, restaurants, and tourist-oriented services, but some travelers may find its gift-shop laden streets a bit inauthentic. 

Santa Cruz is one of the Galapagos’ most accessible destinations. Daily flights from mainland Ecuador land on Baltra Island (GPS), a small land mass across the channel from Santa Cruz. From the airport, Puerto Ayora is about an hour -- first, a five-minute free airport bus ride to the ferry, a 10-minute ferry ride, and then a 45-minute drive (via bus or taxi). Many travelers choose to start or end their trips on Santa Cruz, due to the island’s accessibility. Some can’t-miss sights include the Charles Darwin Research Station, Tortuga Bay, Las Grietas (a 20-minute walk from the hotel), and the island’s many lava tunnels.  

Excellent aesthetics continue in Finch Bay’s rooms, which look like they were pulled from the pages of a Crate and Barrel catalogue. The predominant color throughout the rooms is white. Carried out in the walls, furniture, bedding, and window treatments, the crisp white look makes rooms feel bright and airy. But spaces aren’t monotone by any means. Subtle pops of navy, gray, and green add visual interest, while light wood tones bring warmth. Rooms have an understated Galapagos flair, thanks to the bold locally inspired artwork that hangs on the walls and the tortoise accent pillows that decorate the beds.

All rooms are equipped with spacious desks and closets, but TVs are noticeably missing. Rooms also have individual air-conditioning units, which are a nice amenity during the hot season, if not exactly eco-friendly. The hotel provides all guests with a free Galapagos guide book, but guests who book excursions through the hotel also receive free reusable water bottles. Bathrooms are small and fairly nondescript. The all white color palette continues in the bathrooms, which have glass enclosed shower stalls, vanities with single sinks, and eco-friendly toiletries. 

There are two room types at Finch Bay: Garden View Rooms and Finch Bay Suites. Garden View Rooms are the entry-level category. Most have two twin beds, but some have one queen-size bed. As their name suggests, Garden View Rooms have views of the property’s meticulously kept gardens. One pitfall is that some Garden View Rooms have shared balconies, and guests must pass through them in order to reach certain rooms. It’s not usually a problem, but can be slightly awkward when you walk past someone snoozing in their hammock or disrobing from their wetsuit. The Finch Bay Suites are larger than their Garden View Counterparts, but feel more like standard guest rooms than suites. These rooms have private balconies with ocean views. Finch Bay Suites have two queen-size beds, but still feel too small to accommodate a family of four. Families who need more space can request connecting rooms.

Finch Bay has the nicest features of any Galapagos hotel. Its pool, beach, private yacht, and concierge service are not only top-notch, they’re not really found at too many other hotels in the area. 

Finch Bay’s stunning pool sits in the center of the property. Surrounded by a massive sundeck, the pool is a popular spot for guests to hang out. Guests can relax on cushioned lounge chairs or beneath shaded cabanas. The sleek outdoor furniture and white umbrellas give the pool a slight Miami vibe, but the atmosphere is family-friendly and completely peaceful. The pool bar is open throughout the day and serves creative cocktails in a relaxed, open-air setting. 

Just past the pool is the beautiful beach. With calm, clear water and soft sand, the beach is typically crowded with guests and locals. Since all beaches in the Galapagos are public, the hotel cannot set up lounge chairs or cabanas on the sand. Plus, the beach is an iguana nesting ground, so it’s important to heed posted warnings and watch out for roped off sections on the sand. The hotel has kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear available for guests to rent.  

The concierge at Finch Bay can arrange all kinds of tours and activities for guests. This type of service isn’t found at many Galapagos hotels, but Finch makes it easy for guests to explore Santa Cruz and the surrounding islands. Every morning, hotel staff members stand around with clipboards as they send groups of guests on various tours and excursions — a scene that vaguely resembles camp counselors directing kids to various activities at summer camp. The hotel has all kinds of activity packages for guests to choose from that range from adventurous exploration, to family-friendly fun, to laid-back relaxation. Finch Bay also has its own private yacht that can escort guests on snorkel and scuba diving tours or chartered day trips to neighboring islands. 

Wi-Fi is free for all guests and works fairly well throughout the hotel, but the best connection is in the lobby. There’s also a small business center in the lobby that has its own desktop computer, printer, fax machine, and the hotel’s only TV. 

Finch Bay’s on-site restaurant serves breakfast and dinner in a casual setting behind the lobby. Breakfast is free for all guests, and is served buffet style. Each morning, the restaurant serves a different assortment of cereals, yogurt, fresh fruit, and pastries, along with eggs and omelets, and Ecuadorian specialities like "pan de yuca" and "humitas." The dinner menu is a la carte, and features a wide array of international dishes — all of which are tasty. Locally sourced ingredients are used whenever possible, and nearly all of the restaurant’s produce comes directly from the hotel’s on-site organic garden. Guests with an all-inclusive dining package can choose from a limited menu that changes daily. 

The Finch Bay Eco Hotel has a variety of packages available for guests. Though these vary, they are usually for either three or four nights, and include either breakfast or all meals (but no alcohol). All packages include snorkel equipment (some add on kayak equipment), and a shared transfer from the airport in Baltra to the hotel. Certain packages include full-day guided tours or yacht explorations.