Finch Bay is the hotel to choose if you want the Galápagos with comfort and a sense of retreat. It sits at Punta Estrada on the south side of the bay, beside the town's public beach, and reaching it from the harbour is a short ride by water taxi, which gives arrival a little drama. The setting is the point: sea lions on the sand, marine iguanas on the rocks and mangroves behind. The hotel has a pool with a bar, a spa, a restaurant that makes use of its own vegetable garden and local seafood, and a library and garden for slow afternoons. Rooms range from garden-view doubles and twins to ocean-view and deluxe categories, all with air conditioning, a safe and free bottled water. Breakfast is included. The hotel also runs its own day tours by yacht to islands such as North Seymour, Bartolomé, South Plaza and Santa Fe, with small groups, which saves you the work of comparing operators.
Location and getting around
Finch Bay is on the quiet side of the bay, so the small town of Puerto Ayora is across the water rather than outside the door. A water taxi takes you across in a few minutes, and the harbour-front restaurants, the pier and the Darwin Research Station are all reachable on foot from the landing.
The trail to Las Grietas starts nearby, and Playa de los Alemanes is a minute from the lobby, which makes this an excellent base for swimmers and walkers. Tortuga Bay is on the opposite edge of town and needs a taxi or a longer walk. From the Baltra airport the road and channel crossing take roughly an hour and a half.
Rooms and who it suits
The Standard and Premium rooms face the garden, while Superior and Deluxe rooms look toward the ocean, with suites for families that sleep three or four. Interiors are modern and calm, with premium bedding, blackout drapes and bathrobes. It suits couples, honeymooners and travellers who value quiet over nightlife, as well as anyone who wants a polished, well-run base for day trips.
The hotel recommends staying several nights to get the most from the island, and its own boat day is an easy way to see the nearby islands without a cruise.
Good to know
Check-in is in the afternoon and there is no after-hours check-in, so plan your flights and transfers accordingly, and the airport shuttle carries a surcharge. There is no on-site parking, payment is by card, and there is a smaller front desk window at night. The property is on stairs and across a few buildings, with no elevator, which is worth noting for guests with limited mobility. Rates are at the top of the Puerto Ayora range and rise in the high season, but guests value the beach, the service and the setting.
Why stay here
- ✓Beachfront by Playa de los Alemanes
- ✓Outdoor pool with poolside bar
- ✓Full-service spa
- ✓Restaurant using garden produce
- ✓Breakfast included
- ✓Free WiFi and air conditioning
- ✓Hotel-run day boat trips
- ✓Water taxi to town
Good questions
Is Finch Bay in the town of Puerto Ayora?+
It is on the opposite side of the bay at Punta Estrada, a short water taxi ride from the town pier. The hotel sits beside the public beach and has its own entrance.
Does the hotel offer island day trips?+
Yes, it runs its own yacht tours in small groups to islands such as North Seymour, Bartolomé, South Plaza and Santa Fe. Check availability and prices with the hotel.
Is breakfast included?+
Yes, a full breakfast is included in the room rate. The restaurant also serves other meals using produce from the hotel garden and local seafood.
