Scuba Diving 

The waters of Galapagos are a Natural Heritage Site, and world known for top notch diving. In Galapagos, the water realm brings the diver right up front with the healthiest marine life of the planet, as well as unique encounters with big animals like rays, sea turtles, sharks, and an array of tropical and subtropical species of fish. The diving is generally not for beginners, but the different sites offer varied options. Some diving is done within Academy Bay, while other options include minimal traveling in order to reach other islands and their dive sites. Please inquire at the hotel lounge for more details. Diving will provide you with an incredible new perspective of Galapagos. It will leave you totally enchanted.

Birdwatching  With the aid of binoculars, or in most cases without them, you will notice that the many natural features of the hotel host many species of Galapagos birds. The trails within the hotel grounds are easy to follow and pretty much self-guided. Don't be surprised if after one outing your list of recorded species is above twenty, with little time invested. Perhaps, the not-so-attractive birds will reveal the greatest natural history: the Darwin's Finches. Being the most interesting bird species in the Galapagos, the finches deserve great attention. The key element for successful observation relies in their beaks. Watch carefully, and you will notice there's a great deal of beak size and depth variation. This feature is similar to the use of different tools for different purposes. In finch world, different beaks can break different seeds. Differentiation has become the factory for new species to develop.

Hiking, Strolling, Trekking & Walking 

Many hiking options can give our guests a wonderful way to experience Galapagos. An easy option can be a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, to see the giant tortoise conservation program, and afterwards a great stroll along the streets of Puerto Ayora. For those that want a longer walk within the National Park, a great option is Tortuga Bay and its breathtaking long white sandy beach. A guided adventure up in the highlands can be a more challenging visit since the distance covered will be greater, and hiking conditions a bit more strenuous. More active, longer, and detailed trekking programs can be customized. The hotel staff can give you all the advice needed for enjoying this great activity even more. Please inquire.

Ocean Kayaking  The great location of our hotel allows our secluded beach to be the most appropriate area for ocean (sea) kayaking. We use the Ocean Kayak brand, with model Malibu Two. Each kayak holds two participants, and the bay is the perfect location for learning or practicing. Those with more experience can explore the nearby shores and discover the wonders of being right at the water line, next to boobies, herons, mangroves, and more. Besides great physical effort, there's a lot of teamwork added to the kayaking experience. More kayaking details can be found at the lounge.

Bay Discovery Tour 

Academy Bay is not the common bay. It is part of a collapsed wall of a giant submarine volcano, where flora and fauna abound within its shores. Watch brown pelicans, magnificent frigatebirds, egrets, herons, boobies, sea lions, rays, turtles, and sharks, coastal & arid zone vegetation. It is a great and relaxed program where the wildlife of Galapagos blooms in every corner of the bay. The hotel can assist you at booking this outing.

Equatorial Stargazing 

After an incredible day, nothing can be more rewarding than watching a starry night at the Equator. Not only the Galapagos' skies lack what is known as "light pollution", due to the small population that lives here, but the equatorial skies allow views of southern and northern constellations at the same time. To make this even more successful, the hotel has prepared a great multimedia show and explanation of how skywatching works, and their Stargazing Laser Pointer adds a new dimension to understanding amazing stories. An evening of fun encounters with the stars.

Puerto Ayora  Since 1978, Galapagos Islands is an insular province of Ecuador. Its provincial capital is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno in San Cristóbal Island. The majority of the inhabitants, and of course most tourist trade, happens at Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz Island. It is here where the headquarters of the Galapagos National Park and Charles Darwin research Station are located.

The town is quite an interesting one, where great attention has been devoted to avoid interference between development, conservation and tourism. Visitors from all over the world enjoy their time here, as many options are available, including those of pure leisure value. Right off the municipal dock, there is the main park with benches facing beautiful Academy Bay. Then, as you stroll along Puerto Ayora several souvenir shops carry a wide variety of merchandise: from natural history books to t-shirts, from personal needs to woodcarvings, and from Internet cafes to ice cream parlors. Most needs can be purchased locally. An ATM machine is also available at Banco del Pacífico. Nightlife can be a great way to add excitement to your day, and some bars and pubs provide such entertainment.

Of course you want to spend as much as time possible at the hotel and its tranquility, but if you feel like visiting Puerto Ayora we can assist you at a moment's notice. Please ask the hotel staff for assistance and details.

Reservations

Galapagos Islands Boats, Cruises and Yacht Charters