Other Activity Options

The Hotel has a menu of other activity options available.  If guests decide not to take one of the island excursions they are welcome to participate in other activities.  Some of these activities are self-guided and there is no additional charge.  Other activities are guided or staff supported.  Guests wishing to choose a guided or supported activity will be charged the full price of the activity.  Other activities include:

SNORKELING AND DIVING

Galapagos is considered a world premier destination for scuba diving and snorkeling.  The protected waters of its Marine Reserve have been well preserved, nearly untouched by external sources.   Here the crossroads of marine currents has resulted in a unique marine ecosystem. The Hotel Finch Bay provides snorkeling gear for free, and Scuba diving programs are available for a fee. Click here for more information on diving in the Galapagos.

 

SEA KAYAKING
Right behind the Finch Bay Hotel is Devine Bay, an excellent location to explore by single kayak. Here you get an up close look at sharks, sea turtles, rays, fish, and a variety of marine birds.  Beginners can practice kayaking at the hotel’s secluded beach before heading out to sea.
 

HIKE TO TORTUGA BAY

A 30-minute hike to a white-sand beach, considered the nicest of the archipelago, a peaceful spot for the nature lover. Tortuga Bay’s name comes from the sea turtles that go there to lay their eggs. Other species found here are pelicans, Darwin’s finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, doves, and marine iguanas. Excellent bird watching can be found along the way.  Right at the shoreline is great chance to observe migrant shore birds.

 

Tortuga Bay is a wonderful place for meditating, connecting, writing, reading, sunbathing or just relaxing and taking a long nap. You can spend hours watching birds flying across the beach, crabs moving along the shore and iguanas basking in the sun.  The trail gate opens at 5:30 AM for jogging enthusiasts and early birders.

  

BIKING

Mountain bikes and helmets are available  for a fee for Finch Bay Hotel guests. To begin your adventure, private transportation will take bikes and guests to the highlands of Santa Cruz.  There are two main routes:

Route 1:  Paradise Downhill Road (14 kilometers/8 miles), altitude of 250 meters (820 ft.) above sea level towards El Garrapatero, is a newly opened visitor site in the Galapagos for recreational use (guests need not be accompanied by a guide) with a gorgeous coral-lined beach.  Most of the ride is downhill on moderate terrain (gravel and small rocks).  Right behind the beach there is an amazing brackish water pond where pintail ducks, common stilts, and even flamingos can be observed.  Previous mountain biking experience is recommended. Guests return to Puerto Ayora by private transportation.

Route 2:  Bike Quest for Giant Tortoises.  From the highlands of Santa Cruz ride about 14 kilometers (8 miles) on paved and dirt roads of medium difficulty.  Arrive at the El Chato Tortoise Reserve and then take a 45-minute hike within the reserve.   In addition to the giant tortoises, look for flycatchers, gallinules, rails, and Darwin’s finches. Previous biking experience is suggested. Return to Puerto Ayora by private transportation.

 

GIANT TORTOISE RESERVE

Hiking or biking from Puerto Ayora to the Reserve takes about two hours through dense and low growing vegetation. Here you can observe the Galapagos giant tortoises (in season) in their natural habitat.  Also, once in the highlands, you can visit Los Gemelos Pit Craters, just off the road towards the Baltra airport. 

LAS GRIETAS

To the back of the Finch Bay Hotel is a trail leading to beautiful, deep ponds formed by the filtering of underground sea water through lava crevices and half-submerged cliffs.  This is a popular place for swimming and snorkeling.

THE LAVA TUBES OF BELLAVISTA
These intriguing natural lava caves are located in the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island. This visit is a great introduction to the geology of the Galapagos and its volcanic origins. Learn how stalactites and stalagmites form, and understand the violent and fierce volcanic past of the islands.

HORSEBACK RIDING
Enjoy horseback riding along paths on the hillsides of Santa Cruz with their spectacular scenery and unique wildlife all around. One of the least known regions of the Galapagos, the Highlands offer a new and different world for curious visitors.