FINCH BAY IS A GUARDIAN OF THE GALAPAGOS’ GRANDEUR
At Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel, being a Guardian of the Galápagos’ Grandeur means not just sharing its awe-inspiring beauty with the world but also safeguarding this natural paradise for future generations.
Every expedition and stay invites guests to explore the islands’ remarkable biodiversity, while joining us in our commitment to preserving its pristine environment and supporting the wellbeing of its local communities.
Your role
Our Impact
girls of the Science Club: "Chicas con Agallas" receive support
active projects: whale shark and pink iguana protection
solar panels
Our Sustainability Pillars
Educational Programs
Employee Training
We empower our team with comprehensive training on sustainable practices and responsible tourism, ensuring their actions actively contribute to the protection of the environment.
Dual Education Program: 10 employees are enrolled in this program to enhance their skills and expertise.
Explorer Awareness
We engage our explorers in our mission by inspiring them to respect and protect the natural environment, transforming each visit into a meaningful and responsible experience.
This initiative connects young islanders with the extraordinary biodiversity that surrounds them, inspiring the next generation of Galápagos guardians.
Science Club: "Chicas con Agallas" - Gills Club
In partnership with San Francisco de Quito University (USFQ) and Galapagos Science Center, this program empowers 12 girls (8–12 years old) each year through science and environmental education. It fosters interest in scientific careers, promotes problem-solving in conservation, and equips them with skills to overcome barriers.
Promoting Local Economy and Talent
Local Hiring
- Local Hiring: 89% of employees are Galapagueños — reflecting our deep commitment to the island community and its future.
Local Purchasing
Supporting the local economy is at the heart of our operations.
- 40% of our food and beverage supplies come from local producers and communities.
- We maintain long-term relationships with suppliers, with an average partnership duration of 12 years.
Empowering Local Entrepreneurs in Galápagos
We believe in the power of local entrepreneurs to drive sustainable tourism in the Galápagos Islands. Through partnerships and training programs, we are empowering the next generation of leaders to drive positive change.
- 30 local entrepreneurs have been trained through our collaboration with the Santa Cruz Business Forum.
Conservation
Through strategic partnerships, we support groundbreaking scientific research and active conservation efforts. Together, we work to ensure the islands’ unique ecosystems remain resilient, pristine and captivating for generations to come.
In 2024–2025, Finch Bay contributed USD 85,000 directly to conservation projects in the Galápagos — funding field research, species monitoring, and habitat protection across the archipelago.
"Closing the Migratory Route of the Whale Shark" Project
In partnership with USFQ, this project is focused on understanding the migratory patterns of whale sharks in Galápagos.
- Analyzing the connection between southern Galápagos and Darwin Island.
- Using photo identification and satellite tagging to study the distribution of adult female whale sharks.
- Identifying critical conservation areas.
- Training students in research techniques.
For more information: Galápagos Takes Measures to Protect Whale Sharks.
"Conservation of the Pink Iguana on Wolf Volcano" Project
In collaboration with our partner JOCOTOCO, we are implementing measures on Isabela Island to control invasive species threatening native flora and fauna. This project includes:
- Identifying and monitoring invasive species.
- Developing eradication strategies and habitat restoration.
- Engaging the local community to foster environmental education and raise awareness of conservation issues.
Environmental Best Practices in Hotel Management
Carbon Footprint Reduction
We measure and reduce our carbon footprint annually:
- In 2025, our 462 photovoltaic solar panels generate 39% of the hotel’s total energy — a significant step toward reducing our dependence on conventional energy sources and lowering our carbon footprint across all operations.
Waste Management
All waste generated is collected, sorted, and managed through certified environmental handlers.
- We provide continuous training for our staff to maintain high standards in waste management.
- Our Circular Logistics project optimizes the waste management process by closing loops in the supply chain.
- Finch Bay is actively involved in the Fabricio Valverde Recycling Center in Santa Cruz, where we are working with the local government to remove 20,000 tires from the islands.
Elimination of Plastic Bottles
We are committed to reducing plastic waste and protecting the pristine environments of Galápagos:
- Since 2020, Finch Bay has avoided using 84,240 single-use plastic bottles — part of Metropolitan Touring’s broader effort that has prevented more than 700,000 bottles from entering the waste stream across all operations.
- We provide biodegradable soaps and shampoos in refillable bottles to minimize plastic use and reduce waste.
YOUR STAY WITH US IS CARBON NEUTRAL
When you stay at Finch Bay Hotel, all carbon produced is offset through our Carbon Neutral program, administered by Fundación Futuro. In 2025, Finch Bay contributed 649.6 tCO₂e to Metropolitan Touring’s total measured emissions of 15,287 tCO₂e — all independently verified by SGS under the INTE/ISO 14064-1:2019 standard and fully offset through nature-based conservation programs in Ecuador’s Chocó bioregion.
In 2025, Finch Bay contributed 1067.11 tCO₂e to Metropolitan Touring’s total measured emissions.
Your stay with us is carbon neutral
When you stay at Finch Bay Hotel, all carbon produced is offset through our Carbon Neutral program, administered by Fundación Futuro.
Our Partners
A host of strategic allies bolster our efforts and drive meaningful impact
Sustainability News
Sea Lion Yacht Experience: South Plaza Island
This Day Tour is offered on Wednesdays* and Fridays. Please note: This blog will examine the Wednesdays schedule of this Day Tour.
Snorkeling at Sullivan Bay
Snorkeling, an activity you must do at Sullivan Bay. Practicing surface diving or snorkeling in Galápagos can sometimes scare visitors who are familiar with shallow, warm Caribbean waters, but in Galápagos, it is a bit more challenging.
Galapagos food: the beginning of a culinary tradition
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?
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