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With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder it offers explorers an abundance of things to do in the Galapagos-from swimming with Sea Turtles in Divine Bay to see all three species of resident boobies. For history buffs, there is comparing WWII images with current ones on Baltra Island, learning about the penal […]

There are many reasons why Ecuador is a suitable place to visit, but its beaches are among the best in the world. With crystal-clear water, soft white sand, and stunning views, these beaches offer something for everyone. The best beaches in Ecuador provide a unique opportunity to experience unparalleled beauty and adventure in one place, from snorkeling alongside sea turtles […]

The Galapagos Islands, and the Finch Bay Hotel in particular, present a unique experience for a family to travel, have fun, and learn together. There’s something for everyone, regardless of age, and an unforgettable experience to be shared. Explore unique landscapes as part of exciting and memorable excursions, both on land and at sea. Fill […]

[toc] Well over 300 solar panels were installed at the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel in Puerto Ayora, on the Galapagos Island of Santa Cruz. The management team at Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel recently announced the installation of 364 solar panels. The hotel powered by solar energy is expected to produce up to 50,000 KW per year, contributing to a […]

Let’s answer this question by taking a look at the many options to explore the Islands. Below we’ll provide you with a very brief introduction to the Galapagos Islands, and then discuss options for land-based experiences, sea-based expeditions, and the best option overall: the award-winning Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel.   Introduction to the Galapagos Islands […]

There’s always so much to see and do in the Galapagos Islands! This natural paradise is teeming with incredible landscapes, beaches, vegetation, animals, and so much more! Nevertheless, most of the breathtaking action happens out there, in the Galapagos National Park! To access the park, you need to be accompanied by a certified naturalist guide […]

Pristine waters, lush flora and fauna, unique wild and marine life, all make the Galapagos Islands one of the best snorkeling spots in the world. Whether exploring the Galapagos Islands on your own or enjoying a stay with us, you’ll want this Galapagos snorkeling guide as your companion to ensure you take in all the […]

As the world starts to adjust to a new normality, we have adapted the way we do most of our everyday activities. Today, after 67 years of leading the tourism industry in Ecuador and South America, we face our biggest challenge yet: restarting operations while maintaining both our client’s and staff’s health and safety.

Love can come in many ways, shapes, and forms, but most of all, we want to be able to show our loved ones, no matter the occasion, just how much they mean to us with romantic gestures and declarations of love. A quick getaway or romantic few weeks at the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel, located […]

The Galapagos Islands offer endless opportunities to see incredible things and visit fascinating places, which is why we often want to make the most of our visit to these Enchanted Isles. The vast Marine Reserve is very alluring to any explorer, but land-based tours can provide an experience just as exquisite, and are more accessible […]

The Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel was presented with the title of World’s Leading Green Hotel for 2019 by the World Travel Awards™ at their 26th annual ceremony, held earlier this month on December 3rd. The WTA recognizes and praises excellence in the tourism industry and to be a garden green hotel. Located in the center […]

This Day Tour is offered on Wednesdays* and Fridays.* *Please note: This blog will examine the Wednesdays schedule of this Day Tour. Approximate travel times and schedules stay roughly the same for both days, the only difference being that Wednesday schedules return directly to Puerto Ayora (arrival time approx. 4:20 p.m.) while Friday schedules return to Itabaca Channel, […]

This tour is offered on Tuesdays and Saturdays. —- Visiting the Galapagos is, without a doubt, an experience that’s unlike anything else. Whether it’s aboard an Expedition Vessel or from a hotel on one of the inhabited islands, there’s a number of ways visitors can take advantage of all the exploration options that are available in […]

This Day Tour is offered on: Mondays:* Las Bachas, followed by North Seymour | Sundays*: North Seymour, followed by Las Bachas* *Please note: This blog will examine the Sunday schedule of this Day Tour. Approximate travel times and schedules stay roughly the same for both days, albeit with the order switched. —- The Galapagos Islands can […]

This Day Tour is offered on Thursdays. —- Santa Cruz Island is the perfect home base for exploring some of the most beautiful and unique islands in the Galapagos. Whether it’s aboard an Expedition vessel or from a hotel, the island of Santa Fe is a precious gem that lovers of flora and fauna will absolutely […]

With so much to see and do on Santa Cruz Island, it’s no wonder the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotels offers a grand variety of Galapagos programs and guided tours. However, our guests often find themselves wondering what they can do on their own around the hotel. In this blog, we list the top activities we […]

We felt it necessary to end this last month of June with a bang by hosting a wonderful “Dinner Duet” (Cena a 4 manos) alongside Chef Rodrigo Pacheco, who hails from Bocavaldivia Restaurant in Puerto Cayo Manabi (located on Ecuador’s coast). Follow along in this blog as we tell you all about the wonderful magic […]

The Galapagos has something for every taste, and at Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel you can enjoy it all! From superb cuisine to relaxing by the pool, cocktail in hand. From wildlife observation to the exploration of the islands’ unique landscape. You don’t have to choose just one! You can do it all and get a […]

When you live and work in a natural paradise such as the Galapagos Islands, there are many things to consider. But when you work at the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel – one of the world’s leading GREEN hotels – you know things are done differently. We strive to be a leading example of sustainability and […]

The Augmented Reality Museum of Pre-Columbian Art (Museo de Arte Precolombino de Realidad Aumentada – MAPRAE) in Puerto Ayora is the first of its kind in Galapagos. It was opened in 2016 and currently showcases over 50 archaeological pieces of work in conjunction with augmented reality. It is located right next door in the nearby […]

Nature, when untouched, has the ability to immediately capture our attention with little to no effort. Everything that goes on in the loving and caring hands of Mother Nature has a way of capturing our human curiosity and imagination so easily. For many, it’s a world that’s worth continuously spying in on with both a […]

Dr. Stephen Maturin: “Marine iguanas can’t swim, they’re land animals.” Boy: “Well these ones can.” Dr. Stephen Maturin: “My God, two new species in as many minutes…” ~Master & Commander~ Galapagos marine iguanas – they’re dark, bold and look like miniature Godzillas that crawl around on their bellies. They’re also seen practically everywhere throughout the […]

Stargazing in the Galapagos! Think about this for a second. Few things make us marvel at our own existence more than staring into the night sky. The vastness that surrounds us reminds us of just how small we are, helping us appreciate the planet we live in a little more. However, when we live in […]

Yes! We are talking about of one of the most beautiful places in the world, the Enchanted Islands. A unique spot on the planet. Wonder and magic are found at every corner and will surprise you from beginning to end. When you stay at the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel, our goal is for you to […]

Snorkeling in Galapagos is sure to be one of the most magical experiences you’ll have during your time in the archipelago. The biggest reason why? Because of the vast amount of fauna you’ll have surrounding you, almost as if you’d summoned them for yourself! Being a source of curiosity for other creatures is almost like […]

There are two different seasons that occur throughout the Galapagos Islands: hot season and dry season, the biggest difference being that the former is filled with sunny days and the latter with somewhat windier days. Nevertheless, these two distinct seasons in Galapagos are huge factors in contributing to the vegetation that goes on display throughout […]

When do Galapagos giant tortoise eggs start hatching? Galapagos Giant Tortoise Eggs are starting to hatch throughout this month of December (and will continue to hatch up until April), and it’s much to the delight of our guests that are lucky enough to spot them in the wild! If guests wish to raise their odds […]

The Santa Fe land iguana in Galapagos is a member of our prestigious BIG15 group of iconic species in Galapagos. It is endemic to the island of Santa Fe which is viewable on our Sea Lion Yacht, making it a superb reason to hop aboard it at the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel and head on […]

A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to be part of a great experience preparing traditional Galapagos food; and not only for me as a chef, but for the entire Finch Bay team. We were hired to cook a VIP dinner here in the Galapagos Islands for Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno, his wife, his […]

When we think of the Galapagos, we usually think of white-sand beaches teeming with wildlife. And sure enough: This is what the Galapagos are! However, there are many other sides to the archipelago aside from beaches: black-lava shores, beautiful cliffs, landscapes dotted by cacti, craters and, of course, there’s the amazing highlands of Galapagos. The […]

The Santa Cruz Fish Market is a lively place in Puerto Ayora, and it’s not all that far from the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel – the only beach-front property on the island. Walking there makes for a pleasant and amusing stroll along the bay in Puerto Ayora, and guests often have their senses stimulated by […]

When I came to the archipelago for the first time, the first question I had for the local people and my team of warrior cooks at the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel was: What is the most meaningful, classical or popular dish or dishes from the Galapagos Islands? Everybody told me different stories about their favorite […]

When you are a kid, very few things can beat a trip to the beach. Spending days lying under the sun, swimming in the ocean, and making sandcastles is enough to make any kid (young or old) happy for a very long time. Add to that the tame and unafraid wildlife, the numerous activities from […]

Travel by Yacht to Santa Fe Island with Finch Bay Hotel Santa Cruz is the perfect base from which to explore some of the Galapagos’ most beautiful and unique islands. Be it either through a Galapagos cruise or a land-based option, Santa Fe Island is a sweet, little gem that lovers of both flora and […]

Exploring the Galapagos Islands through a land-based option doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stay on just one island. While an expedition vessel might give you the opportunity to travel to some of the furthest islands that are home to unique species, you don’t necessarily have to go on long journeys to see some of […]

Visiting the Galapagos is the experience of a lifetime. Whether you decide to see it aboard a cruise or by land, there are many ways guests and visitors can make the most of it. A cruise is certainly the way to go if you want to visit the most remote visitor sites, but if you […]

The islands can be visited in many ways, be it through an amazing Galapagos cruise that follows well-thought-out itineraries or through a land-based option. The latter is the perfect choice for those prone to sea-sickness or who wish to have the freedom to manage their time as they see fit. Few places in the archipelago […]

I have a passion for cooking and making people happy with food. Creating memorable experiences through which guests will remember our country, the Galapagos Islands, and the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel is what moves me to be more creative every day. Working in such a magical place brings forth many challenges, not only environmentally, but […]

A plethora of tiny birds peppers the colorful shores of the Galapagos beaches, skittering to and fro while ducking their heads into the moist sand or cool blue waters. As a guest, it’s not all that uncommon to step foot on the islands throughout the enchanted and happen upon the numerous shorebirds of the Galapagos. […]

The Galapagos Islands are ranked among the top 5 best SCUBA diving experiences in the world. And there’s no better place in Galapagos to jump into said SCUBA diving experiences than at the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel. We offer our guests the best-of-the-best when it comes to discovering the Galapagos. Additionally, we offer numerous diving […]

Classic migration patterns do exist for the Galapagos giant tortoise, except that they’re obviously on a much smaller scale. It’s more like a smaller, slower version of what birds do, except on land. And it’s specifically during this time of year that giant tortoises gradually begin to make their way up into the highlands of […]

The world received some sad news in the year 2012 when the last La Pinta Island giant tortoise, known as Lonesome George, passed away. Efforts to recover the species had been made but no other individual of the species was found and reproduction strategies with other similar species didn’t follow through. After his demise, Lonesome […]

There are many ways to enjoy the Galapagos Islands. Be it through land or sea, or a combination of both, make sure you have all the information you need in order to choose the best way of experiencing the archipelago. Investigating the destination you will be visiting and anticipating the excitement that will come is […]

Los gemelos The amazing island of Santa Cruz is home to many surprising beauties that are worth the visit and that will give you a more comprehensive view of the archipelago. Its natural and social history makes it the unique place that it is and you will undoubtedly want to come back over and over […]

Sierra Negra is Isabela Island’s biggest and most active volcano. It is also the second-largest volcanic caldera in the world while being the largest volcanic caldera in the tropics. In the eastern region of the Galapagos, Isabela Island is the only place that allows guests to see an island resulting from the explosion of various […]

Three Santa Cruz Must-Visit Beaches Santa Cruz is home to some beautiful spots you certainly have to visit during your stay at Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel. Even though you will be staying at the only beach-front hotel of the island, these three other locations should be on your Santa Cruz must-visit beaches. Garrapatero Beach Garrapatero […]

The Galapagos Honeymoon of Your Dreams All the guests are gone, the family went back home, the glasses are empty, the party is over but the true celebration has just begun. Plane tickets, bathing suits, camera… everything is ready for your Galapagos honeymoon! Picture this… Clear waters teeming with marine life surround you as you […]

A common question when on Santa Cruz Island: What are the best places to eat in Puerto Ayora? Though Ecuador is not yet widely chosen as a gastronomic destination, everyone who visits the country marvels at the immense variety of ingredients, the richness of flavors and the culinary options particular to each region. An homage […]

Las Grietas means “the crevasses”, a pretty simple name for one of the Galapagos Islands‘ most enchanting locations – a series of three elongated, almost rectangular pools that cut through towering lava cliffs. To call it a simple “swimming hole” would do it a bit of injustice, considering its fantastic natural beauty. Taking a plunge […]

We’ve probably always wondered what the difference is exactly between a seal and a sea lion, and it doesn’t help that the latter doesn’t have a mane around its neck to help with distinguishing the two in the Galapagos. Both animals do share one common characteristic: they are both pinnipeds, which means they both have […]

In 2014, Pedro Andrés Veintimilla and José Merlo founded an innovative agricultural project, now known as the Chakrita Lab. The start-up takes its name from the concept of the Andean chakra, a plot of land used to produce the food necessary to sustain a community. Chakrita Lab is a modern experiment in bringing agriculture to […]

Traveling to the Galapagos Islands takes some planning since the 18 islands created from volcano eruptions are located in remote areas off Ecuador’s coast. Even so, there are convenient options for flying to Galapagos directly. There are two main airports to consider when you are flying to Galapagos. Finding Your Way to the Galapagos Islands […]

The Galapagos tortoises are native to seven of the Galapagos Islands, a volcanic archipelago that is about 620 miles west of the mainland of Ecuador. The islands were named by Spanish explorers in the late 16th century. Because of the giant tortoises found there, they were named Insulae de los Galapagos, which means Islands of […]

In comparison to the remarkable underwater scenes and towering cacti forests that stretch across the Galapagos Islands, the dull little bird that pecks its way around the archipelago is really quite unremarkable in appearance; nevertheless, this bird has played an extremely important role in society’s understanding of evolution and man’s position in the world. Galapagos […]

The Galapagos Archipelago is celebrated worldwide for its unique plant and animal species; however, the miraculous marine life that surrounds these islands is often overlooked. The processes that have so enthralled the scientific community since the arrival of the H.S. Beagle are also clearly represented in those species that live below the ocean waves, not […]

Santa Fe Island Santa Fe offers one of the most beautiful and sheltered coves in the archipelago. 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, and […]

Santa Fe Land Iguanas, a member of Galapagos Big 15 As its name indicates, the Santa Fe land iguana (Conolophus pallidus) lives only on Santa Fe, a small island southeast of Santa Cruz. It’s one of the three endemic land iguana species on the Galapagos. According to research on this particular species, its populations on […]

13 reasons why the Finch Bay is an Eco Hotel in the Galapagos Islands. * Finch Bay’s staff and operation are fully committed to strictly follow Galapagos National Park’s conservation rules and policies. * Because of its sustainable practices, Finch Bay was selected as a Pilot Project when the Smart Voyager Certification started in the […]

Despite the isolated nature and relatively small land mass, the Galapagos Islands are home to many species. These islands led Charles Darwin to his theory of evolution because there were so many unusual endemic species that can only be found in the Galapagos. Each one displays a unique feature that shows that it has adapted […]