If you’re looking for the best beaches in Ecuador, look no further! Our list includes some of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos Islands.
If you’re looking for the best beaches in Ecuador, look no further! Our list includes some of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos Islands.
Garrapatero Cove and beach, located on the eastern side of Santa Cruz Island, are considered to have the finest sand in all Galapagos! Enjoy activities like birdwatching, swimming, and kayaking. Or take a short trip on a tandem; relax on the beach; or walk to a brackish lagoon—home to stilts, plovers, pintails, and flamingos.
Las Grietas are a fascinating rock formation of two cliffs separated by an ocean water chasm. They are found along a walkway from the hotel through a mangrove and opuntia cactus-filled landscape, passing by old salt mines. The Grietas is a lovely place for swimming and snorkeling since the water here is stunningly clear and calm. That attracts numerous marine species and offers a great place to cool off on a hot day.
Explore the otherworldly landscapes formed by volcanic activity, some as recent as 100 years ago. Hikes in Galapagos vary from island to island and give visitors a chance to learn first-hand about geology. And, of course, to get selfie distance away from fearless iconic island wildlife.
Our innovative island-hopping concept allows you to discover the best of the two most beautiful islands in the Galapagos: Santa Cruz and Isabela. By staying at the Finch Bay Galapagos hotel and our partner, Scalesia Lodge. On each island, stay at the best hotels with the most comfortable accommodations, including a stunning inter-island flight and waking up ready for new inspiring views and adventures. This trip perfectly illustrates the archipelago’s incredible diversity of flora and fauna.
Our kayaking program takes place in Divine Bay, a beautiful location with protected waters that make for a pleasant trip. We leave when the tide is high from Playa de Los Alemanes (German Beach), located by Finch Bay – one of the advantages of staying at the only beach-front hotel in Santa Cruz! Paddling around the waters of the Marine Reserve is a great way to get some exercise and spot unique endemic wildlife. Birds rest on the cliffs that form the edges of the islands. Sea lions and their pups lie meters away on the beaches.
Giant tortoise reserve located in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. The area is teeming with life: woodpeckers, mockingbirds, flycatchers, ducks, and gallinules make this an exciting morning visit. The Galapagos giant tortoise is the largest living tortoise species, weighing up to 250 kg (550 lb). These gentle giants can be seen grazing on the surrounding vegetation, wallowing in muddy banks, or in a small red-colored pond (impressively colored by surface red pondweeds).
Wildlife observation is the main reason why so many people choose to visit the archipelago. Nowhere else can we observe animals so closely and calmly. Galapagos’ iconic wildlife provides a fantastic opportunity to see their daily lives. As we journey through the islands’ haunting volcanic landscapes, we find inspiration in the unique endemic species that have evolved in unexpected ways. And, from your base at the hotel, you can encounter many of the Galapagos’ BIG15.
Pristine waters, lush flora and fauna, and unique wild and marine life make the Galapagos Islands one of the best snorkeling spots in the world. Beginners and experienced snorkelers will quickly fall in love with snorkeling in Galapagos. The Marine Reserve showcases numerous unusual colored fish species, enormous sea turtles, and harmless sharks. And sharing the water with playful sea lions is, of course, an unforgettable experience.
This stunning white sand beach is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the Galapagos archipelago. The beach is reached via a marked and cobblestoned two-kilometer path, open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM. There is excellent birdwatching along the way, with plenty of Darwin’s finches and other sea birds. And for active visitors, it is an ideal place to kayak and snorkel! Beyond the immediate stretch of the beach, there is a calmer spot, perfect for swimming, splashing around, tanning, and relaxing in the shade of the surrounding mangrove trees.
The Galapagos Islands are ranked among the world’s top 5 best SCUBA diving experiences. We offer our guests the best when it comes to discovering the Galapagos. Additionally, we provide numerous diving packages that depart right here from the one-and-only beachfront property on the island! In terms of the aquatic life that divers can see and swim around them, includes sea turtles, Galapagos sharks, hammerheads, rays, and much more!
Visit one of the island’s lava tunnels, significant geological formations that take us back in time and remind us of the island’s volcanic origins!
To deepen and broaden your knowledge, make your way to the Galapagos National Park Service headquarters and the recently renovated Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. You’ll find a fascinating interpretation center and can wander through the tortoise-rearing program facilities. Here, we observe giant tortoises and learn how they vary from island to island. We also explore some volcanic terrain that hugs the coastline and forms the foundation for many unique wildlife habitats while learning about many endemic and native species in the Galapagos.
Take it easy, rest on a pool lounger or a hammock, and dig your bare toes into the sand steps away from your room. Sip a cocktail at the bar, savor fine dining at our renowned restaurant, end the day with a massage and then watch as the stars illuminate the night sky with its Equatorial constellations.
Explore the town of Puerto Ayora. There is something to entertain everyone with its small cafes, boutiques, and nightclubs. Check out everyday life for locals at the farmer’s market on Saturdays or visit the fisherman’s wharf any day of the week.
The Galapagos Islands and Finch Bay present an enviable stage for a family to travel, have fun, and learn together. There’s something for everyone, regardless of age, unique experiences to be shared: from swimming with sea lions to understanding geology, from an afternoon by the pool to encounters with giant tortoises.
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 your days with exploration and adventure while giving yourself some moments of well-deserved relaxation. Imagine out-of-this-world Galapagos family activities and read on to learn about our top reasons why the Finch Bay Hotel is an ideal destination.
Sometimes, it is not easy to find common ground between family members of different age groups, but luckily, the Galapagos Islands is a destination with something for everyone. No family is too big or small to create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime in one of the most magical places on Earth. The Galapagos Islands give you the chance to explore all that the archipelago has to offer.
The best way to get to learn about an animal is by observing it in its natural habitat, and there’s no better place to do that than the Galapagos Islands. With so many species of animals, it’s easy to find one (or a few!) that everyone in the family will love to observe.
One family favorite is the giant tortoise. These gentle giants are found all over the islands where they can often be seen grazing in open areas or taking a mud bath.
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From swimming with sea lions to exploring diverse island terrain, from an afternoon by the pool to encounters with giant tortoises, there’s something for everyone, no matter one’s age.
Fill your days with exploration and adventure, but also take some time to relax. It’s an out-of-this-world Galapagos family vacation that you won’t want to miss!
With crystal-clear blue waters and amazing sites, it’s easy to find a place everyone will enjoy. The Finch Bay sits on the edge of a protected marine reserve, making it the perfect location for taking part in a couple of great Galapagos family activities…
Scuba diving and snorkeling are ideal ways to explore the array of marine life just below the surface. Furthermore, Finch Bay’s expedition leader can help you schedule these and other fun excursions. The waters around Santa Cruz Island are teeming with marine life, also there are many terrific spots for snorkeling, including Turtle Cove and Devil’s Crown.
Another popular activity is to take a boat tour around the islands; this is a great way to see many different animals in their natural habitat, including iguanas, sea lions, frigatebirds, and more!
Consider heading over to Garrapatero Beach (and cove). Located on the eastern side of Santa Cruz Island, Garrapatero is considered to have the finest sand in all Galapagos! Enjoy a soothing dip in the waters; take a short trip on a tandem sit-on-top kayak; lie on the beach; or take a short walk to a nearby brackish lagoon, home of stilts, plovers, pintails, and flamingos.
Some additional things to keep in mind:
Galapagos is also ideal for various land-based activities, including hiking, biking, bird watching, and observing different species in their natural habitat. Explore landscapes formed by volcanic activity, some as recently as 100 years ago. Hikes vary from island to island, allowing visitors to learn about geology and snap a selfie against the backdrop of the island’s iconic wildlife.
Head to Galapagos National Park and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here you can learn about the work being done to protect and preserve the unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. You can also see some giant tortoises that are bred in captivity until they’re ready to be released into the wild. The research station is open every day, plus admission is free.
Explore the town of Puerto Ayora and its charming cafés, restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and even nightclubs! Catch a glimpse of island life at the local farmers’ market on Saturdays or visit Fisherman’s Wharf any day of the week.
The Finch Bay Hotel is located in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. It has direct access to the Los Alemanes Beach and offers guests a variety of activities. Stretch out, relax by the pool or in a hammock, and dig your toes into the sand just steps from your room.
Learn to prepare ceviche with the chef, a truly unique experience. Sip a cocktail at the bar while also indulging in a delicious meal at our renowned restaurant. End the day with a massage, and watch the stars illuminate the night sky.
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No Galapagos family vacation is complete without some downtime for the adults, and the Finch Bay Hotel has plenty of options for relaxation.
The hotel’s stunning swimming pool includes a shallow area for children, and the poolside bar is where you can enjoy a refreshing drink. If you’re looking for something a little more active, there is a yoga room and a fully equipped gym. And, of course, no family vacation is complete without some time spent on the beach. Finch Bay has direct access to a beautiful sandy beach where you can relax in the sun, build sandcastles, and paddle in the waves.
The Galapagos Islands offer a family adventure like no other. You’re guaranteed an incredible time with plenty of activities.
The Finch Bay Hotel should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for unforgettable Galapagos family activities. The hotel’s convenient location, activities, and family-friendly accommodations make it the perfect place to create lasting memories that everyone will treasure for years to come.
So, what are you waiting for? Come explore the Galapagos Islands with us today!
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 to everyone. How to sort through all the options and get only the best? Opt for the one place that combines all land exploration alternatives into carefully curated-programs: an Expedition Hotel.
If the hotel you’re staying at can arrange all the best land activities for you and put them together in an itinerary tailored to your preferences, you can just wake up every day and go straight to exploring, confident that you’ll truly experience this singular archipelago. This way, you won’t have to spend precious vacation time looking for deals in town, which not only will cover only so much, but do not bear the quality seal of an Expedition Hotel.
A land-based holiday at the luxurious Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel offers both unparalleled accommodation with the best service on the islands, and the best Galapagos day tours to the most fauna-populated visitor points on our very own private yacht -the Sea Lion. It comes complete with our five-star crew, all of the amenities (including snorkeling gear), a full buffet lunch, and comfortable sofa chairs everywhere. You can wake up at the Finch Bay, have an exceptional breakfast, and then meet up with your personal bilingual guide to go on your daily adventure. The Sea Lion Yacht day tours take you to Bartolome Island, North Seymour Island, South Plaza Island, and Santa Fe Island. Each one offers different Galapagos wildlife and an otherworldly experience.
Bartolome Island is depicted in every iconic photo of the Galapagos Islands, showing the rising barren peak of Pinnacle Rock and a magnificent overview of the islands. Rising spectacularly from the depths of the crystalline waters right off the edge of Bartolome, Pinnacle Rock is a majestic host to the endemic Galapagos penguins, which huddle along the jagged volcanic rocks at its base. If you decide to go snorkeling, the marine life is breathtaking and, if you’re lucky, the penguins will put on a show for you as they duck in and out of the volcanic reef chasing enormous schools of fish. Overhead, you may see a Galapagos hawk, magnificent and great frigatebirds, or a blue-footed booby, as they search for food.
North Seymour Island is, quite literally, every bird watchers’ dream. The magnificent and great frigatebirds, along with blue-footed and Nazca boobies, instantly greet you as you step off the panga (dinghy) onto the island, screaming overhead. The walking trail takes you over the rocky terrain, where, around every corner, a different Galapagos endemic animal will surprise you; maybe a bird nesting in the shrubby trees or relaxing in the shade under towering cactuses. You’ll be surprised by coquettish Galapagos land iguanas munching on a prickly pear or the male magnificent frigatebirds showing off their bulging red throat pouches to the females flying overhead. The coastal hike ends at a sandy beach complimented by turquoise waters, where Galapagos sea lions gather alongside the occasional sunbathing marine iguana.
South Plaza Island is a small wind-swept island that seems like it was placed on Earth specifically for the Galapagos land iguanas. The sights mainly include Prickly Pear Cactuses and small lava lizards bounding between lava rocks. But the real bosses are the land iguanas, who defend their territory fiercely. The island gently rises and eventually reveals a sudden drop into the roaring sea below, where countless seabirds, including Nazca and blue-footed boobies, hang out. They are carried through the sky by the strong winds as they duck and dive for food. Lazy Galapagos sea lions sun themselves along the edges of plunging cliffs -how on earth did they get there? South Plaza Island is also a great place to see the conservation efforts that involve cactus planting, reminding us that we are in a national park paradise.
Santa Fe Island is the only one where you can see the unique and endemic Santa Fe land iguana, so it’s not an island to miss. The wet landing on the sandy beach is instantly notable for the Galapagos sea lions who sun themselves on the beach. This is the perfect island to get a close-up photo of the sea lions or go snorkeling off the pearly white beach. And, like most of the islands in Galapagos, endemic birds such as frigatebirds, the Galapagos hawk, and blue-footed boobies are permanent fixtures.
Remember that staying in Santa Cruz Island at the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel also offers you the chance to see many fascinating visitor sites on Santa Cruz: The highlands, where you can see the incredible Galapagos giant tortoises; the pristine Tortuga Bay, where you can kayak with turtles and sunbathe on the stunning beach; and the Darwin Foundation. You can do this all while returning to an exquisite location to rest and feast in the afternoons and evenings.
Each Galapagos Day Tour has been specifically designed to give you the opportunity to see the 11 land-based animals on the Galapagos BIG15 List and a few more.
The blue-footed booby looks like an oversized duck with bright blue feet. Their intricate foot-stepping mating rituals and amazing coloring make them the center of attention on any island. They are usually seen in pairs with their bills down and tails up, facing each other and prancing meticulously with their blue feet. In contrast, their fuzzy white chicks, who often look too big to still be at home, are usually seen huddling in their parents’ mounded nests that are characteristically identified by the ring of white guano around them.
You can find blue-footed boobies on our North Seymour, Bartolome, South Plaza, and Santa Fe Island tours.
The Nazca booby is one of the largest boobies in the world and has naturally selected to be rid of the comical colored feet of its cousins. It is often seen nesting on cliffs and is easily identified by its long, bright-yellow beak together with its black and white feathers.
You can spot the Nazca booby on our North Seymour and South Plaza Island tours.
Make sure you look carefully at the jet-black volcanic rocks lining the beaches. With a bit of luck, you’ll see a statuesque, dark, oversized crested lizard staring back at you. As they can only handle 30-40 minutes in the cool waters, they spend most of their time sunbathing in the hot equatorial sun. And although they look unperturbed, these non-vocalizing reptiles have learned to recognize the mockingbirds’ alarm cry to signal a hawk approaching and always scuttle to safety.
Some have learned to coexist with their terrestrial cousins and have even bred hybrid iguanas that are characterized by their lightly striped skin.
You will see the marine iguana on our North Seymour, Bartolome, South Plaza, and Santa Fe Island tours.
Under the shade of the Prickly Pear cacti, the yellowish, bulbous land iguanas wait for the drop of a prickly pear. Its spines are no competition for their tough skin, and its juicy flesh is essential for their hydration and survival. Although these creatures appear to be unlikely ornamental decorations, if you approach them, they’ll step out as if to defend their territory when necessary.
The Galapagos land iguana can be seen on our North Seymour and South Plaza Island tours.
Sea lions have become the mischievous puppies of the islands, and are always ready to entertain at every boat dock, beach and fish market. They can be found relaxing on park benches or blocking ramps leading to docks. They have no qualms about mixing with the human population and competing for attention. These grey, smooth-skinned mammals enjoy sardines, but as committed piscivores, they enjoy other water-living creatures such as crustaceans and octopus.
Galapagos sea lions can be seen on our North Seymour, Bartolome, South Plaza, and Santa Fe Island tours.
The most impressive feature of the frigatebirds is the enlarged red throat pouches that the males have to contend with during mating season. Sitting in the shrubbery with their beaks pointed straight up, they look like they have been stuffed into an uncomfortable Christmas turtleneck and are just itching to take it off, but only a suitable female partner can do this. Their young ones are raised in stick nests built along rocky ledges and trees. They are incubated and cared for by both parents.
You can observe the Great and Magnificent Frigatebirds on our North Seymour, Bartolome, South Plaza, and Santa Fe Island tours.
These little guys are both cautious and curious about the humans that come and visit them every day. As one of the smallest penguins in the world, their presence can be hard to detect as they are normally found huddled among the islands’ volcanic rocks to protect themselves from the strong sun rays. However, they can usually be seen relaxing in pairs at the shaded water’s edge. The best way to interact with them is to snorkel as they duck and dive among the enormous schools of fish found in the Galapagos’ crystalline waters.
You can see the Galapagos penguin on our Bartolome Island tour.
The hawk lords over the Galapagos Islands from the sky. Surprisingly, this carnivorous bird differs in size and coloring from island to island but is generally quite stocky and dark brown. It loves to feed on invertebrates such as locusts but won’t pass up the opportunity to snatch a turtle hatchling or baby iguana. They are the only diurnal raptor in Galapagos Islands (the only daytime hunter), so they don’t have a lot of competition. Even so, the Galapagos Hawk population remains small, and scientists are still trying to figure out why.
You will find the Galapagos hawk on our Bartolome and Santa Fe Island tours.
The Santa Fe land iguana can only be found on Santa Fe Island and is easily recognizable by its pale-yellow hide. Its dorsal spines are larger, and its long-tapered snout is more pronounced. They can be up to 3 feet long and, interestingly enough, they contribute to the general wellbeing of enormous Opuntia Cacti found on the island –as the iguanas feed on their lowest hanging fruit, it forces the cacti to grow taller!
You can find the Santa Fe land iguana on our Santa Fe Island tour.
At first glance, the fur seal can be hard to distinguish from its larger cousin, the sea lion. However, if you look close enough, you’ll see that it has a small bear-like face with close-set eyes and wingnut ears that stick out from its head –dead giveaways of the fur seal! Their thick coat means they don’t have to sunbathe as much as their sea lion cousins, and while their enlarged front flippers may look somewhat comical, they pay them in good stead for catching fish. They prefer the few shady beaches in the archipelago and more private coastlines.
The Galapagos fur seal can be found on our North Seymour Island tour.
The gorgeous bright color of the flamingos in the Galapagos strongly contrasts against the briny marshlands that they frequent. Their stalk-like legs protect them from any danger as their powerful beak constantly forages and stirs up their favorite invertebrates and algae. They can often be seen marching up and down the edges of saltwater ponds, but they aren’t practicing for band camp. Instead, this is their mating ritual: if successful, a female will simply follow her chosen male. The only inelegant thing about them is their loud goose-like honk.
You can find the American flamingo on our North Seymour Island tour.
Each Galapagos Day Tour offers unique and astonishing sights that simply never disappoint. Whether it’s the scenery, underwater world, or close interactions with the many endemic species that make the Galapagos Islands their home, each of our packages and day tours is designed to ensure you experience the archipelago to its fullest. We invite you to explore our day tour options to find out which ones suit you.
Remember: The Galapagos Islands aren’t a zoo but rather a National Park. We recommend you book more than one day tour to ensure you enjoy every Galapagos species that you want to tick off your must-see list!
One of the most fascinating and otherworldly islands in the Galapagos.
Available on Tuesdays and Saturdays
Galapagos iconic species:
Get to know all the details in our blog Sea Lion Yacht Experience: Bartolome Island!
Price per person:
2023 USD 379* 2024 USD 391*
*Taxes not included
Crystalline waters, volcanic shorelines, and mesmerizing colors await!
Available on Wednesdays and Fridays
Galapagos iconic species:
Get to know all the details in our blog Sea Lion Yacht Experience: South Plaza Island!
Price per person:
2023 USD 379* 2024 USD 391*
*Taxes not included
Teeming with history and nature everywhere you look.
Available on Mondays (Las Bachas/North Seymour) and Sundays (North Seymour/Las Bachas)
Galapagos iconic species:
Get to know all the details in our blog Sea Lion Yacht Experience: North Seymour Island & Las Bachas Beach!
Price per person:
2023 USD 379* 2024 USD 391*
*Taxes not included
Pristine landscapes with endemic and iconic fauna.
Available on Thursdays
Galapagos iconic species:
Get to know all the details in our blog Sea Lion Yacht Experience: Santa Fe Island!
Price per person:
2023 USD 379* 2024 USD 391*
*Taxes not included
Are you interested in booking a Day Tour aboard our Sea Lion Yacht? Fill in the form and one of our Destination Experts will get in touch with you soon!