Finch Bay

NOTES: *Full day exploration options: Highlands Giant Tortoises with lunch (guided), Tortuga Bay

and Charles Darwin Research Station with lunch (guided).

**Airport assistance only in Quito and Guayaquil: Available only for flight designated for

programs. Please check with your account executive

*** Island Yacht Exploration: North Seymour, Bartolome, South Plaza, Santa Fe (guided)

Validity: January 01 thru December 31, 2019. Recommended Retail Price (RRP) per person quoted in

U.S. dollars and bases on double accommodation in Finch Bay Room

ITINERARY IN BRIEF

FINCH BAY COMPLETE 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS

 

 

DAY	SERVICES	OVERNIGHT	MEALS
Day 1	AM: Airport assistance in Quito/Guayaquil Arrive at Baltra Airport / Shared transfer in / Hotel accommodation	Finch Bay	L/D
Day 2	AM: Full day exploration or Island Yacht exploration	Finch Bay	B/L/D
Day 3	AM: Full day exploration or Island Yacht exploration	Finch Bay	B/L/D
Day 4	AM: Shared transfer out to Baltra airport.	Finch Bay	B

 

B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / BL = Box Lunch / D = Dinner                                            

 

 

Starting price $2204 per person

 

PRICES 2020 IN USD DOLLARS

 

CABIN	PRICE PER PERSON
Finch Bay Single Room	$2985
Finch Bay Double Room	$2204
Finch Bay Double Twin Room	$2204
Finch Bay Single Suite	$3543
Finch Bay Double Suite	$2484
Finch Bay Double Twin Suite	$2484

 

 

INCLUDED		ADDITIONAL TO CONSIDER
3 night accommodation in the selected room / All meals /1 full-day island yacht exploration (included lunch) / 1 full-days exploration (included lunch) / snorkel and kayak equipment / ground transfers in/out in Galapagos (shared service) / Airport assistance in Quito/Guayaquil / Internet – Wifi		Air transportation (international and domestic) to/from Galapagos and airport taxes (subject to change without previous notice) / Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US$ 100 subject to change without previous notice) / transit control card fee (US$ 20 subject to change without previous notice) / alcoholic beverages, gratuities/tips, laundry or valet services and additional  items / Optional activities with extra cost: kayaking, mountain biking, diving and surfing / travel insurance / any item not mentioned previously.

 

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

 

The Galapagos Islands rank among the world’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations. Although every inch of our world has something that makes it ‘unique,’ the islands are that much more sui generis than other places due to the archipelago’s isolation over millennia, which have allowed species to evolve amid the stark volcanic landscapes into new and apparently strange life forms that exist nowhere else on the planet. And on top of that, the creatures one encounters are virtually fearless of humans.

 

It’s a truly magical place. The award-winning Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel lies just steps from the beach in a secluded location, across the bay from Puerto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz. Guests cherish the hotel’s privacy, natural surroundings, swimming pool, fine dining and superb service.

 

 

DAY 1

AM: BALTRA ISLAND

AM: Baltra Island

 

Airport assistance in Quito/Guayaquil. Arrive at Baltra airport. Shared transfer in. Arrival day visit with lunch.

 

Overnight at Finch Bay

Meals included: lunch & dinner

 

DAY 2

AM: FULL DAY OR ISLAND YATCH EXPLORATION  

AM:  Full Day or Island Yatch Exploration

 

Overnight at Finch Bay

Meals included: breakfast, lunch & dinner

 

DAY 3

AM: FULL DAY OR ISLAND YATCH EXPLORATION     

AM:  Full Day or Island Yatch Exploration

 

Overnight at Finch Bay

Meals included: breakfast, lunch  & dinner

 

OPTIONS FOR FULL DAY OR ISLAND YATCH EXPLORATION ON DAY 2 & 3

Highlands giant tortoises with lunch (guided)

 

Depart the hotel towards the Highlands of Santa Cruz. From there a short drive across the farming area will lead us to El Manzanillo at the northern edge of the Giant Tortoise Reserve. El Manzanillo is located on the natural path tortoises take every year as they either migrate to higher moist locations during the garúa season (June-September), or when they descend to the warmer lowlands during the wet season. The Galapagos giant tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra) is the largest living tortoise species, weighing up to 250 kg (550 lb). It plays an important biological role as the top grazer in its habitat. In the wild, these gentle giants slowly barrel their way through the plant cover.

 

The shape of their carapaces varies from island to island. On Santa Cruz, year round, tortoises can be seen grazing on the surrounding vegetation, or wallowing in muddy banks or in a small red-colored pond (impressively colored by surface red pond-weeds). The area is teeming with life: chirping vegetarian-, small-tree, large-tree and woodpecker mockingbirds and flycatchers, as well as ducks, herons and gallinules make this an exciting morning visit. On the return to Puerto Ayora, visit one of the island’s lava tunnels, significant geological formations that take us back in time and allow us to remember how lava flows formed the islands. Lunch at El Manzanillo.

 

Tortuga Bay and Charles Darwin Research Station with lunch (guided)

 

Tortuga Bay is located to the southwest of Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island. Its name means “turtle”, and the island received this moniker because it is the sea turtles favorite place to lay their eggs. The stunning white sand beach is considered by many the most beautiful in the Galapagos archipelago. The beach is reached via a marked and cobbled two kilometer path that starts at the west end of Charles Binford Street; guests must sign in and out at the National Park control point at the beginning of the path– 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. And for active visitors, it is a great place to kayak, snorkel and surf!

 

The headquarters of the Galapagos National Park Service and The Charles Darwin Research Station are located side by side on the outskirts of Puerto Ayora. There is an interpretation center open to the public and also one may view the tortoise rearing program. Those guests who do not have the opportunity to explore the highlands of Santa Cruz and see tortoises in their natural habitat will have the chance to see tortoises here. And for those who have already seen them in the wild, a visit to the Centre will expand their knowledge of this tortoise.

 

Island Yatch exploration options (guided)

 

North Seymour Island

North Seymour 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 among the ledges and rocks. A tiny forest of silver-grey Palo Santo trees stands just above the landing, usually without leaves, waiting for the rains to burst into bloom. This island is teaming with life!

 

Bartolome Island

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. Galapagos 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.

 

South Plaza Island

South Plaza is a small island full of fascinating wildlife, both along its shore and along its dramatic, wind-swept cliffs: sea lions, land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, Opuntia cacti and vegetation that changes colors according to the season. South Plaza is one of Galapagos’ most impressive visiting sites.

 

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.

 

DAY 4

AM: BALTRA ISLAND

AM:  Baltra Island

Shared transfer out to Baltra Airport

 

Meals included: breakfast

 

 

End of services

 

 

 

ITINERARY IN BRIEF

FINCH BAY COMPLETE 5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS

 

 

DAY	SERVICES	OVERNIGHT	MEALS
Day 1	AM: Airport assistance in Quito/Guayaquil Arrive at Baltra Airport / Shared transfer in / Hotel accommodation	Finch Bay	L/D
Day 2	AM: Full day exploration or Island Yacht exploration	Finch Bay	B/L/D
Day 3	AM: Full day exploration or Island Yacht exploration	Finch Bay	B/L/D
Day 4	AM: Full day exploration or Island Yacht exploration.	Finch Bay	B/L/D
Day 5	AM: Shared transfer out to Baltra airport.	Finch Bay	B

 

B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / BL = Box Lunch / D = Dinner                                            

 

Starting price $2846 per person

 

PRICES 2020 IN USD DOLLARS

 

CABIN	PRICE PER PERSON
Finch Bay Single Room	$3866
Finch Bay Double Room	$2846
Finch Bay Double Twin Room	$2846
Finch Bay Single Suite	$4596
Finch Bay Double Suite	$3213
Finch Bay Double Twin Suite	$3213

 

 

INCLUDED		ADDITIONAL TO CONSIDER
3 night accommodation in the selected room / All meals /1 full-day island yacht exploration (included lunch) / 1 full-days exploration (included lunch) / snorkel and kayak equipment / ground transfers in/out in Galapagos (shared service) / Airport assistance in Quito/Guayaquil / Internet – Wifi		Air transportation (international and domestic) to/from Galapagos and airport taxes (subject to change without previous notice) / Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US$ 100 subject to change without previous notice) / transit control card fee (US$ 20 subject to change without previous notice) / alcoholic beverages, gratuities/tips, laundry or valet services and additional  items / Optional activities with extra cost: kayaking, mountain biking, diving and surfing / travel insurance / any item not mentioned previously.

 

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

 

The Galapagos Islands rank among the world’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations. Although every inch of our world has something that makes it ‘unique’, the islands are that much more sui generis than other places due to the archipelago’s isolation over millennia, which have allowed species to evolve amid the stark volcanic landscapes into new and apparently strange life forms that exist nowhere else on the planet.  And on top of that, the creatures one encounters are virtually fearless of humans.

 

It’s a truly magical place. The award-winning Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel lies just steps from the beach in a secluded location, across the bay from Puerto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz. Guests cherish the hotel’s privacy, natural surroundings, swimming pool, fine dining and superb service.

 

DAY 1

AM: BALTRA ISLAND

AM: Baltra Island

 

Airport assistance in Quito/Guayaquil. Arrive at Baltra airport. Shared transfer in. Arrival day visit with lunch.

 

Overnight at Finch Bay

Meals included: lunch  & dinner

 

DAY 2

AM: FULL DAY OR ISLAND YATCH EXPLORATION 

AM:  Full Day or Island Yatch Exploration

 

Overnight at Finch Bay

Meals included: breakfast, lunch  & dinner

 

DAY 3

AM: FULL DAY OR ISLAND YATCH EXPLORATION     

AM:  Full Day or Island Yatch Exploration

 

Overnight at Finch Bay

Meals included: breakfast, lunch  & dinner

 

DAY 4

AM: FULL DAY OR ISLAND YATCH EXPLORATION     

AM:  Full Day or Island Yatch Exploration

 

Overnight at Finch Bay

Meals included: breakfast, lunch  & dinner

 

OPTIONS FOR FULL DAY OR ISLAND YATCH EXPLORATION ON DAY 2 & 3

Highlands giant tortoises with lunch (guided)

 

Depart the hotel towards the Highlands of Santa Cruz. From there a short drive across the farming area will lead us to El Manzanillo at the northern edge of the Giant Tortoise Reserve. El Manzanillo is located on the natural path tortoises take every year as they either migrate to higher moist locations during the garúa season (June-September), or when they descend to the warmer lowlands during the wet season. The Galapagos giant tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra) is the largest living tortoise species, weighing up to 250 kg (550 lb). It plays an important biological role as the top grazer in its habitat. In the wild, these gentle giants slowly barrel their way through the plant cover.

 

The shape of their carapaces varies from island to island. On Santa Cruz, year round, tortoises can be seen grazing on the surrounding vegetation, or wallowing in muddy banks or in a small red-colored pond (impressively colored by surface red pond-weeds). The area is teeming with life: chirping vegetarian-, small-tree, large-tree and woodpecker mockingbirds and flycatchers, as well as ducks, herons and gallinules make this an exciting morning visit. On the return to Puerto Ayora, visit one of the island’s lava tunnels, significant geological formations that take us back in time and allow us to remember how lava flows formed the islands. Lunch at El Manzanillo.

 

Tortuga Bay and Charles Darwin Research Station with lunch (guided)

 

Tortuga Bay is located to the southwest of Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island. Its name means “turtle”, and the island received this moniker because it is sea turtles favorite place to lay their eggs. The stunning white sand beach is considered by many the most beautiful in the Galapagos archipelago. The beach is reached via a marked and cobbled two kilometer path that starts at the west end of Charles Binford Street; guests must sign in and out at the National Park control point at the beginning of the path– 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. And for active visitors, it is a great place to kayak, snorkel and surf!

 

The headquarters of the Galapagos National Park Service and The Charles Darwin Research Station are located side by side on the outskirts of Puerto Ayora. There is an interpretation center open to the public and also one may view the tortoise rearing program. Those guests who do not have the opportunity to explore the highlands of Santa Cruz and see tortoises in their natural habitat will have the chance to see tortoises here. And for those who have already seen them in the wild, a visit to the Centre will expand their knowledge of this tortoise.

 

Island Yatch exploration options (guided)

 

North Seymour Island

North Seymour 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 among the ledges and rocks. A tiny forest of silver-grey Palo Santo trees stands just above the landing, usually without leaves, waiting for the rains to burst into bloom. This island is teaming with life!

 

Bartolome Island

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. Galapagos 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.

 

South Plaza Island

South Plaza is a small island full of fascinating wildlife, both along its shore and along its dramatic, wind-swept cliffs: sea lions, land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, Opuntia cacti and vegetation that changes colors according to the season. South Plaza is one of Galapagos’ most impressive visiting sites.

 

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.

 

DAY 4

AM: BALTRA ISLAND

AM:  Baltra Island

Shared transfer out to Baltra Airport

 

Meals included: breakfast

ROOMS DISTRIBUTION

The Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel, with capacity for 54 guests, was fully renovated in 2009, with improvement of guests´ facilities and public areas. The hotel now boats six Finch Bay Suites, each has an ample private terrace with a perfect ocean view, where hammocks can be hung to leisurely enjoy the unspoiled environments of the Galapagos. Four suites with two Queens beds and the other two suites have one King-size bed, all with top-quality bedding. Four of these suites have a communicating door –great for family travel! Suites are equipped with in-room safe, ironing board, air conditioning, reading lights, wireless internet connection, night table and desk, plus a small sitting room. Closets are ample and there is a space for luggage storage.

 

The Finch Bay Suites and the additional 21 Finch Bay Rooms are decorated in exciting shaded of earth colors, with bamboo and black-out curtains; private baths have showers, hair dryers and other amenities. All rooms and suites at the Finch Bay Eco Hotel are smoke-free.

 

Finch Bay Suites

The hotel’s Finch Bay Suites are the newest additions to its architecture. They’re split into two sets, with four to the west of the property and two to the east. All of them are slightly elevated – although artfully mimetic with their walls lined with dark volcanic stones and discreet wooden handrails – giving them unparalleled views across the bay and the ocean.

 

Their balconies are the ideal place to relax after a day of exploring, while the bedrooms and bathrooms are ample, at 32 m2 (344 sq ft). Four of the suites are interconnected, making them great choices for families or friends travelling together.

 

Finch Bay Rooms

The hotel’s 21 Finch Bay Rooms are arrayed in a ring around the property, connected by an attractive wooden walkway through the hotel’s recently re-landscaped gardens. All of the rooms have balconies with hammocks, perfect for a read or a snooze after a day discovering the islands.

FINCH BAY BOOKING POLICIES

 

FIT

15% non-refundable deposit is needed for us to confirm any reservation Full payment is needed 60 days prior to the date our services are due to begin   Peak Season A non-refundable deposit of 25% is needed to confirm Total payment 120 days prior to the date our services are due to begin

 

FINCH BAY CANCELLATION POLICIES

 

FIT

All cancellations must be done in writing. If cancellation is received between the date of booking until 61 days prior the date our services are due to begin, we will charge (15%) as a cancellation fee. This deposit cannot be transferred to another booking. If cancellation is received between 60 and 0 days prior the date our services are due to begin, we will charge 100% as a cancellation fee.   Peak Season If cancellation is received between the date of booking until 121 days prior the date our services are due to begin, we will charge 25% as a cancelation fee. If cancellation is received between 120 and 0 days prior the date our services are due to begin, we will charge 100% cancellation fee.   Special Cancellation Policies (applies only for Metropolitan Touring Galapagos products) in the case of a cancellation, deposits made as part of a booking are non-refundable and not transferable to another departure.   In the case of a cancellation due to medical reasons, we require a medical certificate.  With this, we will provide a credit note of a value of 50% of the booking for the guest. This credit note is valid for another departure for one year from the cancellation date. This credit note will not be issued for departures during Peak Season.   In the case of cancellation due to death, we require a certificate. With this, we will provide a credit note of a value of 50% of the booking for a future departure by a friend or family member. This credit note is valid for another departure for one year from the cancellation date. This credit note will not be used for departures during Peak season.