Overview
Beachside base on Santa Cruz
Overlooking a secluded beach on the south side of Santa Cruz Island, the heart of the Galapagos, Finch Bay Eco Resort is a great land base for exploring the archipelago.
There are 21 rooms as well as six suites that enjoy direct ocean views from their balconies. The restaurant, bar, spa and swimming pool are at the heart of the hotel, all surrounded by protected national park where wildlife abounds.
There’s plenty to experience on Santa Cruz – meet giant tortoises in the highlands, snorkel in clear waters from the beach, visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre – or go island hopping on Finch Bay’s very own yacht.
Facts
At a glance
-
Six suites and 21 rooms
-
Restaurant and bar
-
Swimming pool
-
Spa
Experiences
-
Yacht day trips
Finch Bay offers day trips to neighbouring islands Santa Fe, North Seymour, South Plaza and Bartolome on its very own Sea Lion Yacht accompanied by certified Naturalist Guides where you’ll encounter incredible wildlife on hikes and in the water.
-
Giant tortoise reserve
Up in the highlands of Santa Cruz, visit a giant tortoise reserve. In the wild, tortoises can be seen grazing on the surrounding vegetation or wallowing in muddy banks or in ponds.
-
Snorkelling
Beginners and experienced snorkelers alike will quickly fall in love with snorkelling in Galapagos. The Marine Reserve showcases numerous unusual coloured fish species, enormous sea turtles, and harmless sharks. And sharing the water with playful sea lions is, of course, an unforgettable experience.
-
Kayaking
Paddling around the waters of the Marine Reserve is a great way both to get some exercise and spot unique endemic wildlife. Birds rest on the cliffs that form the edges of the islands while sea lions and their pups lie meters away on the beaches.
-
Cycling
Explore Santa Cruz on two wheels. Beautiful views, little traffic and unique animals on either side of the path, with paths leading down to fabulous beaches.
-
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre
To deepen and broaden your knowledge, make your way to the headquarters of the Galapagos National Park Service and the recently renovated Charles Darwin Research Station, located in Puerto Ayora. You’ll find a fascinating interpretation centre and can wander through the tortoise rearing program facilities.
Footprint
Finch Bay strives to be as sustainable as possible, leaving a small footprint while improving and safeguarding its surroundings for future generations, through techniques such as rainwater collection, a range of energy-saving measures, recycling and daily beach cleaning. In the restaurant, locally sourced or homegrown produce is used as much as possible.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
-
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
-
Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
-
Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
-
Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.