Finch Bay

While the level of service here does not compare to that at the other top Galapageño hotels, Finch Bay’s location make it a good choice for travelers eager to stay on land.

Finch Bay boasts 18 spacious rooms and is the only hotel with a semi-private beach on the islands. (Though the beach is officially open to the public, the hotel’s tucked-away location means that accessing the beach requires either a long hike behind the cliffs or a water taxi ride.) The property’s large, beachclub-style pool is open to local members and can get crowded on hot days.

While the Galápagos are nearly overflowing with natural wonder, the few towns on the islands can feel lackluster and overrun with a backpacking crowd, so the main advantage to Finch Bay’s location near town is its proximity to the port, which is particularly convenient for setting off on daily excursions. Its location near the waterfront also offers a unique experience not found at the hotels in the highlands. However, the service is less extensive here than at the alternative resorts.

Finch Bay is well-suited for families, as its beach is protected and swimmable, and the nearby town offers ample chances to get off the resort. However, given the downsides to its location, Finch Bay is perhaps best fit into itineraries that might not have other options.