Itinerary / Map
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WEDNESDAY:
Arrival by plane to Baltra Island Airport and then a short bus ride takes you to cross the Itabaca Channel, which separates Baltra from Santa Cruz Island. On the other side, a bus will take guests to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to visit the Giant Tortoises Reserve in their natural habitat, a unique experience! A stop is made at the Twin Pit Craters, great depressions of volcanic material, formed by a long process of slow sinking of the ground, where exceptional Scalesia trees, ferns, mosses and orchids can be seen in the surroundings. Box lunch is provided and then on to the Finch Bay Eco Hotel to enjoy its multiple attractions: pool, Jacuzzi, the white coral beach in front of the hotel or relax in your personal hammock. In the evening, dinner includes the flavors of local and international gastronomy, one more attraction of the Finch Bay Eco Hotel. Day excursions by yacht to nearby Islands
Before departure, a bountiful buffet breakfast is served, including a variety of fruit, cereals, eggs, Ecuadorian tamales, milk, yogurt, fresh fruit juices, breads and more. For the excursions, please take solar protection, cap or hat, bathing suit, long-sleeved shirt, snorkeling gear, cameras and appropriate shoes for wet landing and hikes on lava terrain (sneakers or similar) with thick soles. Lunch is served on board. Upon return, there will be time to relax in the hotel’s surroundings before dinner.
THURSDAY - SANTA FE ISLAND:
Santa Fe offers one of the more beautiful and sheltered coves in the islands. Its turquoise lagoon is protected by a peninsula of tiny islets forming an ideal anchorage. The island lies to the southeast of Santa Cruz within sight of Puerto Ayora. Like North Seymour, Santa Fe has been uplifted seismically, and you can see underwater lava formations.
A wet landing on a sandy white beach brings us into contact with one of the many sea lion harems. Bulls vie for the right of Beach Master, while smaller males mask as females to make stealthy mating moves. Galapagos hawks are often easily approached, perched atop salt bushes. The giant prickly pear cactus found here live up to their name, with tree-sized trunks!
Our goal is to spot one of the large species of land iguana native to Santa Fe. Beige to chocolate brown in color with dragon-like spines, these huge iguanas truly resemble dinosaurs. An indigenous species of rice rat also inhabits the thicket, and lucky hikers can spot harmless Galapagos snakes. After the hike, there is nothing more inviting than a swim in the calm waters of the bay, great snorkeling opportunity, great diverse of marine life.
Time table for reference only, please reconfirm information at front desk or with your local guide.
- 06h30 Breakfast is ready
- 07h45 Departure from the Hotel Finch Bay
- 16h00 Return to the hotel approx.
FRIDAY - TORTUGA BAY:
Tortuga Bay is located to the southwest of Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island. Its name means turtle, since it is the favorite place for sea turtles to lay their eggs. Tortuga Bay with a beautiful while sand beach is considered the most beautiful of the Galápagos Archipelago. Tortuga Bay is reached via a marked and cobbled path of two kilometers that starts at the west end of Charles Binford Street; at the beginning of the path guests must sign in and out – it is open from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM daily. There is excellent bird watching along the path, with plenty of Darwin’s Finches and other sea birds.
There are two beaches at Tortuga Bay, the one on the west is perfect for swimming, snorkeling or relaxing as the water is calmer, and on the other one, separated by mangroves, is great for surfing. Sea lions, marine iguanas, pelicans, and more marine birds are commonly found along the beach
Enjoy this paradise and relax along this breathtaking beach.
Return to the hotel around midday
Time table for reference only, please reconfirm information at front desk or with your local guide.
- Departure from the hotel is at 9:00 AM and return at midday
SATURDAY - BARTOLOME:
Bartolome is famous for Pinnacle Rock, a towering spearheaded obelisk that rises from the ocean’s edge and is the best known landmark in the islands. Galápagos penguins—the only species of penguin found north of the equator—walk precariously along narrow volcanic ledges at its base. Sea lions snooze on rocky platforms, ready to slide into the water to play with passing snorkelers. Just below the surface, shoals of tropical fish dodge in and out of the rocks past urchins, sea stars and anemones. A perfectly crescent, pink-and-white sandy beach lies just to the east of the pinnacle. Sea turtles use the beach as a nesting site and can sometimes be found wading in the shallow water near the shore, or resting in the sand to recover from the arduous task of digging nests, laying eggs and covering them over.
Penguins dot the nearby rocks of the next landing site, less than a kilometer along the eastern shore. Here the submerged walls of a tiny volcanic crater give the impression of a fountain pool. The first dry landing is the entrance to a 600-meter (2000-foot) pathway complete with stairs and boardwalks leading to Bartolome’s summit. The route is not difficult and presents a museum of vulcanology; a site left untouched after its last eruption, where cones stand in various stages of erosion and lava tubes form bobsled-like runs from the summit. At the top you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Santiago Island and James Bay to the west, and far below, Pinnacle Rock and our beach, where the crystal blue waters of the bay cradle your yacht.
Time table for reference only, please reconfirm information at front desk or with your local guide.
- 06h00 Breakast ready
- 06h45 Depart Eco-Hotel Finch Bay
- Return at 17:30 approx.
SUNDAY:
Optional Activities stay at Santa Cruz Island and enjoy the activities of your choice. Hike to Las Grietas for snorkeling and bird watching (without extra cost) or take a guided excursion (at extra cost), such as cruise of the bay, mountain bike in the highlands of Santa Cruz, Discover Scuba Diving, etc.
MONDAY - NORTH SEYMOUR:
AM: North Seymour, Island was lifted from the ocean floor by a seismic event, and its origins as a seabed give the island its low, flat profile. Cliffs only a few meters high form the shoreline, where swallow-tailed gulls sit perched in ledges. A tiny forest of silver-grey Palo Santo trees stand just above the landing, usually without leaves, waiting for the rain to bring them into bloom.
This island is teaming with life! You might have to give way to a passing sea lion or marine iguana; blue-footed booby nests sit beside the trail where mating pairs perform their courtship dance. Further along, the rocky shore displays white sand, and large flocks of pelicans mass for a dive-bomb feeding frenzy, rendering a tableau for us from ages long past. The trail turns inland to reveal the largest nesting site in the Galapagos of the “magnificent frigate bird.” These huge, dark acrobats have two-meter wingspans, and males, with puffed up scarlet throat sacks, sit precariously perched in low bushes to watch over their equally large chicks. This is a walking excursion and involves un even rocky terrain. Dry landing.
PM: Las Bachas beach, a sandy white-coral beach that is a major egg-laying site for sea turtles. On the shore, there are many marine iguanas and in the lagoon, flamingos are commonly seen. This beach is also a good place for swimming and snorkeling. Best time for a walk along the beach or just relax and enjoy the magnificence Galapagos Islands. Wet landing
Time table for reference only, please reconfirm information at front desk or with your local guide
- 06h30 Breakfast is ready
- 07h45 Departure from the Finch Bay Hotel
- 16:30 Return to the hotel approx.
TUESDAY - SOUTH PLAZA ISLAND:
This is the southern part of two small crescent-shaped islands that lie just a few hundred meters off the east coast of Santa Cruz. The northern island is used for scientific purposes only. South Plaza is one of the smallest yet richest islands in the archipelago. Only 130 meters wide (426 feet), it was formed from uplifted seabed, giving it a titled tabletop quality. Our landing is in the channel between North and South Plaza, where the island tilts toward the water.
The approach makes for a lavishly colorful sight! The turquoise waters of the channel contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline. The rocks have grown thick with green seaweed in places, speckled with bright orange “Sally light foot” crabs. Further up the shore a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus. Yellow-gray land iguanas sit beneath, waiting patiently for pears to drop.
The trail gradually follows the tilt of the island to the cliffs that overlook the ocean to the south, where swallow-tailed gulls nest. Red-billed tropic birds, masked and blue-footed boobies ride the windy currents. The overlook is a great place for spotting large marine life, including manta rays. Surf pounds an inlet at the western corner of the island, where a colony of sea lion bachelors make their home, accounting for the surface of the rocks, polished by the oils of their fur.
Your guide will find the right spot to snorkel, whether on Plazas Island or Punta Carrion:
The shoreline of Las Plazas makes for excellent snorkeling in a sea lion colony of nearly a thousand. Punta Carrion is a small bay where you can snorkel from the boat to see a variety of fish, rays and possibly white tip reef sharks. Dry landing.
Time table for reference only, please reconfirm information at front desk or with your local guide.
- 06h30 breakfast ready
- 08h15 Departure from the Hotel Finch Bay to the public pier to take a bus to Ithabaca Chanel, then set sail on aboard your yacht to Plazas Islands.
- 16:30 Return approx. to the hotel.
WEDNESDAY - CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION:
Leave the hotel early in the morning for a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, home to many giant tortoises. Then, overland transfer to the airport in Baltra to take the flight back to the continent.
Included
- Transfer in/out + All Meals + Highlands Tour+ Charles Darwin Research Station + *Day Yacht Excursions To Islands + Visit To Twin Pit Craters + Use of Snorkeling equipment
- * 4D/ 3N (2 Day Yacht Excursions), 5D/4N (3 Day Yacht Excursions), 8D/ 7N (4 Day Yacht Excursions)
Not included
- Air transportation to/from Galápagos.
- Transit Control Card for Galapagos US$ 10 per person
- Galápagos National Park entrance fee (US$ 100 subject to change without previous notice).
- Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverage, gratuities, gifts and additional items.
- Sea Kayak
Recomendations and important notes
Our recommendations for the best possible experience:
- Please bring your camera
- Bathing suit
- Comfortable walking shoes and sandals.
- Sun protection (sun block, cap, sunglasses) even if it is overcast
- Wear light cloths
- Do not forget to bring your bottle of water.
Important Notes:
- Timing is subject to change and may use for reference purposes only.
- Snorkeling opportunity available
- Dry landing: guests step from the dinghy directly onto rocks or a dock.
- Wet landing: as the dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, guests step into knee-deep water and wade ashore.
- Daily excursions by yacht are subject to change due to climatic or oceanic conditions, regulations of the Galápagos National Park and always taking in consideration our guest's safety and well-being.
- Transfers in/out between Baltra Airport and Finch Bay Hotel are included for programs only.
- Vessels available: M/Y Yacht Sea Finch or M/Y Sea Lion
- The island visited during the day tour depends on the approved itinerary for each vessel by the Galapagos National Park Service
- Galápagos Itineraries are subject to change due to weather conditions, logistical reasons, guests´ safety or Galápagos National Park Regulations.
- All rates are subject to change without prior notice.
Multisport optional activities at the Finch Bay
Many options for multisport activities are available for those guests not wishing to take a yacht excursion to visit nearby islands (some with additional charge).
- Mountain Bike Excursions
- Introduction to diving (Discover Scuba Diving)
- Snorkeling
- Bird watching
- Hike to Las Grietas
- Bay Tour
- Stargazing and much more…
Packing checklist
- Small backpack (waterproof)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sneakers with rubber soles
- Shorts
- Long pants
- T-shirts
- Long and Short sleeved shirts
- Wind breaker
- Bathing suit -wetsuit for snorkeling in cold months
- Socks
- Underwear
- Hat or cap
- Toilette kit (biodegradable shampoo please)
- Sun block
- Sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Camera & camcorder
- Any medicine you may be taking
- Book/ Notebook
Map
View Galapagos Tours: Finch Bay Eco Hotel 7 Night Program Wednesdays in a larger map
Finch Bay Eco Hotel & Yachts information
Located amid superb natural beauty the Finch Bay Eco Hotel is the perfect complement to your Galápagos Expedition.
The charming Finch Bay - named after the famous Darwin's Finches abundant in the area and its surroundings - is just steps from the beach on a private seaside location, surrounded by mangroves.
Here guests can cherish the privacy, great natural surroundings and superb service offered by the Hotel. Located on Santa Cruz Island at Punta Estrada, across the bay from the town of Puerto Ayora, it is situated in a quiet location, with only pedestrian and bicycle circulation - there are no cars in the neighborhood.
Finch Bay Eco Hotel Facilities
Finch Bay is the only full-service Galapagos Eco-Hotel situated directly on a beach.
- Eco-Hotel with International Service Standards
- 6 ocean-view suites and 21 rooms with twin or king size beds (one cot for child)
- Of the 21 rooms: 17 rooms at ground level, 4 rooms on second floor
- Modern design incorporating Galapagos' natural elements
- Each room has wooden blinds, a black-out curtain, tile floors and a telephone.
- All rooms are nonsmoking
- Air conditioned rooms (via in-room remote control),
- Each room has a private bath with hot water, hair dryers and soap and shampoo dispensers.
- Beach towels available
- On-site desalinization and purification plant
- Ice machine
- Laundry service
- Private Outdoor Pool (open 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM)
- Mangrove-rich coastline
- Bar and Lounge
- Restaurant featuring International Cuisine (tastefully blended with local flavors). Buffet Breakfast. Both, fixed menus and a la carte menus for lunch and dinner
- Vegetarian and special dietary requirements can be accommodated
- Communications: telephone, fax, e-mail, Internet access.
- Beautiful grounds for strolling
- Beach-front access
- No motorized vehicles
- No paved roads
- Day trips to nearby islands, via yacht, as per itinerary
- Multisport Nature Active Options: Scuba Diving, Bird watching, Hiking, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Wildlife Observation, Bay Tours, Stargazing.
Environmental Interpretation with Galapagos Naturalists
Finch Bay Eco Hotel - Type of rooms
6 Ocean View Suites
21 Garden View Rooms
Finch Bay Eco Hotel daily Yacht Expeditions
SEA LION YACHT
Built: in 1987 by Van der Hoeven Yachts of Holland
Remodeling: 2009 in Guayaquil, Ecuador
Capacity: 16 guests
Tonnage: 60.57 tons.
Length: 74 feet / 22.5 meters
Width: 17 feet / 5.2 meters
Motors: 2 x 275 HP Caterpillar, Model C-7
Crew: 4 plus 2 naturalist guides
SEA FINCH YACHT
Built: 1988 by Hatteras (United States)
Remodeling: 2006 in Guayaquil, Ecuador
Capacity: 20 guests
Tonnage: 30 tons.
Length: 58 feet / 17.67 meters
Width: 15 feet / 4.57 meters
Motors: 2 Detroit Diesel 8V71
Crew: 4 plus 1 naturalist guide
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