Where to Stay When Visiting the Galapagos Islands: The 6 Best Hotels

The Galapagos Islands showcase nature at its finest, with extraordinary creatures and fascinating landscapes. It’s no wonder why many wildlife lovers find themselves drawn to the magnificent archipelago. 

However, with so much emphasis placed on the destination’s outdoor scenery, many are left wondering where to stay on the Galapagos islands if they are not sleeping on a yacht or cruise ship. In this article, we share the best hotels on the archipelago, from plush exclusive-use villas to lavish oceanfront hotels. 

In doing so, we hope to make the process of planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands as easy as possible. 

Are There Hotels on the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos archipelago comprises four inhabited islands: Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela and Floreana. You will find plenty of wonderful hotels and accommodation options across these destinations. 

The remaining islands in the archipelago, such as Bartolomé and North Seymour, remain uninhabited. On these unspoilt paradises, the only residents you’ll find are the wildlife. 

While overnight stays are not permitted on these islands, you can absolutely take day trips and tours to these sites to explore all of their marvelous natural scenery and animals. 

Which Galapagos Islands Have the Most Hotels?

If you’re wondering where to stay in the Galapagos Islands, your choices are between San Cristobal, Isabela, Santa Cruz and Floreana. Most of the hotels lie within walking distance of the main piers on the islands, making it easy to reach the shoreline and cruise to other areas of the archipelago.

However, some of the inhabited landmasses have more accommodation options than others. Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz is the largest town in the Galapagos and home to the majority of the archipelago’s hotels. 

As the capital of the landmass, you’ll find a host of tourist amenities here including supermarkets, restaurants, shops and ATMs. This is why many see Santa Cruz as the best island to stay on in the Galapagos Islands.

The city of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal has the second-highest number of hotel options, followed by Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island and Puerto Velasco Ibarra on Floreana Island.

The Best Hotels in the Galapagos Islands

Finch Bay Hotel, Santa Cruz Island

For those of you seeking luxury hotels in the Galapagos Islands, look no further than Finch Bay. The boutique seafront accommodation completely immerses guests in the magnificent landscape outside its doors, with direct beach access, private balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows.

The hotel comprises 27 chic rooms, with contemporary art pieces and modern decor on display throughout. Thanks to the accommodation’s dreamy beachfront location, all sorts of snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming adventures lie just a few footsteps away at all times.

Finch Bay is one of the finest hotels in the Galapagos Islands and is perfect for travelers looking for a peaceful oasis to return to after days spent exploring and greeting the archipelago’s animals. You can relax and rejuvenate with a massage at the spa, a snooze on a hammock or a dip in the freshwater pool. 

You will also be able to enjoy exquisite meals during your stay. Finch Bay Hotel boasts an award-winning restaurant serving up classic Galapagos cuisine with flair.

Expect the likes of slow-roasted pork with a tangy vinaigrette sauce and lemon-marinated fish ceviche with pickled red onion and tomato in cilantro oil, all prepared using fresh, local ingredients, including vegetables from the on-site organic garden.  

With such exquisite meals on offer, it’s no wonder why it is regarded as one of the best restaurants in the Galapagos Islands. After spending the day exploring the archipelago, unwind with a nightcap by the waves before retreating to your room for a peaceful night's sleep. 

With crisp bed linens, black-out curtains and air conditioning, you are sure to wake up refreshed and ready for another day of adventure.

Golden Bay Hotel & Spa, San Cristobal Island

Golden Bay Hotel and Spa is another of the best places to stay in the Galapagos Islands. The boutique hotel serves up world-class luxury on the Playa de Oro (Golden Beach) on San Cristobal. 

Thanks to its enviable location, you will be able to see sea lions, iguanas, blue-footed boobies and many more of the islands’ most celebrated creatures residing along these shores. 

With so many creatures calling this coastline their home, it comes as no surprise that Playa de Oro is viewed by many as one of the best beaches in the Galapagos Islands. The hotel itself comprises just 21 rooms, allowing for an extremely tranquil stay. 

Priding itself on “luxury without ostentation”, you can expect the utmost comfort during your time at the hotel. 

Unwind in the on-site swimming pool, sip away at cocktails garnished with seasonal island flowers at the open-air bar and enjoy glorious panoramic views from the terrace. Come nightfall, retreat to your plush suite where you can drift off in the cool of the air conditioning.

Along with being one of the best places to stay in the Galapagos Islands, Golden Bay is very convenient to reach as it lies just a ten-minute drive from the airport and a five-minute walk from the center of Puerto Baqzuerizo Moreno.

Iguana Crossing Hotel, Isabela Island

Looking for the best place to stay in the Galapagos Islands? You cannot go wrong with the Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel on Isabela. This reasonably-priced accommodation boasts incredible views as it overlooks the island’s magnificent coastline. 

Make the most of the hotel’s sensational seafront vistas while cooling off in the pool, soaking up the sun on a lounger or gazing over the terrace. However, the beautiful scenery at Iguana Crossing Hotel is not just limited to the coastline. 

The accommodation lies nestled amongst fascinating endemic vegetation and the path used by Galapagos marine iguanas to cross from the wetlands to the beach. Sit back, relax and enjoy the view during your stay, as one scaly creature after the next makes their commute to the ocean. 

You’ll also find the bedrooms are chic, with floor-to-ceiling windows, terraces and plush bathrooms. In the realm of amenities, there is an outdoor jacuzzi boasting panoramic views over the ocean and nearby volcano, in-room or beachside massage available and a restaurant serving up local and international cuisine.

For those of you looking to find eco-friendly Galapagos Islands, it is worth noting that the foundations of Iguana Crossing Hotel lie within sustainable technology, with each installation having been carefully designed using ecological principles. It is the only eco hotel in the archipelago.

Casa Baronesa Waterfront Villa, Isabela Island

If you’re on the lookout for the best places to stay on the Galapagos Islands for privacy and freedom, Casa Baronesa Waterfront Villa may be the perfect spot for you. The lavish four-bedroomed property serves up island luxury, with gorgeous sea views and a plush, understated design. 

You’ll have the choice to rent the whole villa on an exclusive-use basis or just the oceanfront rooms or master suites. Expect a magnificent stay no matter which option you go for, with floor-to-ceiling windows, rustic wood beams and cozy fireplaces. 

Enjoy direct beach access from the front deck and sweeping views over the nearby shores throughout the property. With such glorious surrounding scenery, Casa Baronesa Waterfront Villa makes a great place to stay for any and all occasions, whether that be a honeymoon, family reunion or getaway with friends.

Large groups planning to stay in the home can rest assured that everyone will have room to spread out and have their own space across the expansive property and spacious bedrooms. The sleek communal areas are perfect for when you wish to reconvene and open directly out onto the nearby coastline.

The beach itself is nothing short of breathtaking, with turquoise waters and pristine shores. You might even be able to spot a few of the animal residents taking a dip, with sea lions often seen on this coastline. 

Along with greeting the local wildlife, you will be able to tick off many of the best things to do on Isabela Island while staying in your own private paradise, including visiting the Galapagos Tortoise Breeding Center and going to Poza de Los Flamingos.

Angermeyer Waterfront Inn, Santa Cruz Island

Angermeyer Waterfront Inn is one of the best hotels in the Galapagos Islands. The high-end accommodation lies right on the waterfront across the bay in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz. 

With a state-of-the-art design, the entire establishment has been refurbished using materials such as lava rocks and driftwood. The resulting sight is a plush accommodation that fits in perfectly with its unspoilt natural surroundings. 

When it comes to the interior, you will find beamed ceilings and bright, airy bedrooms. Marine iguanas and sea lions are regular visitors to Angermeyer Waterfront Inn, with the creatures often seen around the property.

This quirky accommodation is a top choice for those looking for the best places to stay in the Galapagos Islands for wildlife. Enjoy the surreal experience of sitting down to breakfast in the company of marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and Darwin finches on the sun terrace who often drop by the area.

You may also be able to go snorkeling in complete tranquility during your stay at the private waterfront where you will be sharing the waters with minimal other humans. Keep your eyes peeled for the fascinating local marine life including sea lions, rays, sea turtles and exotic fish.

Casa Opuntia, San Cristobal Island

Another wonderful vacation hotel in the Galapagos is Casa Opuntia. The recently-refurbished accommodation is located by the oceanfront boardwalk on San Cristobal Island, very close to Playa de Oro Beach. 

The whitewashed hotel lies in a highly-sought after location, situated across from some of the top sea kayaking routes in the Galapagos along with two sensational surfing breaks. Bedrooms are spacious and comfortable, with air-conditioning, sea views and an understated design. 

During your stay, you will be able to enjoy full use of an outdoor swimming pool, plunge pool and jacuzzi. The hotel restaurant also boasts a unique accolade as it is commonly said to be the best garden restaurant in the archipelago.

Sit down to exquisite meals in the waterside eatery, before taking a moment to soak up the last of the day’s rays and breathe in the fresh coastal breeze. Then, head to the bar for a freshly-prepared cocktail.

Sustainability lies at the heart of Casa Opuntia. It is firmly committed to a carbon neutrality project and using the best eco-friendly practices on offer in the hopes of conserving the glorious natural scenery and wildlife that makes the archipelago so special.

Summary

Organizing a trip to the most biodiverse places in the world can seem a daunting task. All sorts of questions are likely to surface, regarding the currency, the best time to go and how long to stay for. 

However, one of the most common queries to crop up is where to stay while visiting the Galapagos Islands. While you won’t find an abundance of hotels lining the streets of every island, there is certainly a fantastic range of upscale accommodations to be found on the archipelago

Wherever you choose to stay in the Galapagos Islands, prepare to embark on an unforgettable adventure in one of the most unique and unspoilt areas of the world.

If you’re looking to go to the Galapagos Islands and wondering where to start, get in touch with our experts here at Touring Galapagos. We can help you find the perfect cruise and tour package to befit your personal needs and interests, including everything from Galapagos island hopping adventures to tours of Ecuadorian cocoa farms.