Galapagos Habitat Eco Luxury Hotel
The Galapagos Habitat (formerly the Red Mangrove) Eco Luxury Hotel is situated in a grove of wild red mangrove perched on the sea’s edge of the Galapagos island of Santa Cruz. The private deck and restaurant have excellent views of Academy Bay. It’s peacefully removed from the hustle and bustle of town yet only a stone’s throw to “downtown” Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station. Guests relax on the waterfront terrace, often in the company of iguanas and soaring frigatebirds. The hotel offers a variety of rooms, each either with an oceanfront or mangrove view.
Galapagos Habitat Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Galapagos Habitat review includes a detailed description and photo gallery. Our adventure travel experts can help compare the Galapagos Habitat with other Galapagos luxury hotels and lodges. Choose the Galapagos Habitat for the perfect proximity to Puerto Ayora’s waterfront tourist district, as the hotel is far enough from town to offer some solitude but close enough to walk to bustling shops and restaurants. This property is a favorite for custom Galapagos trips; browse AdventureSmith’s curated listing of Galapagos luxury trips to find other top accommodations.
The Galapagos Habitat is operating under new management and this fun and quirky Galapagos lodge has benefited greatly from this change. New paint, bathroom fixtures, beds and linens are an appreciated upgrade, but the most dramatic change is the improved customer service by the attentive and well-trained staff. The Almar restaurant is excellent and has become popular with both travelers and locals seeking a delicious meal with an ocean view. Sunset happy hour on the deck is not to be missed. The Galapagos National Park Visitor Center and Charles Darwin Research Station are close by and guests can use the hotel bikes in addition to walking. The Galapagos Habitat oozes the charm and culture of Puerto Ayora and is a favorite hotel in town.
A true nature-oriented hotel, the unique architecture and design of Galapagos Habitat allows the hotel to blend into the mangrove forest and seafront. This eco-hotel’s location also allows for observation of the mangrove ecosystem in action as well as provides the best view of Puerto Ayora’s bay. The new ocean-side deck has been upgraded with shade structures, areas for sitting and comfortable lounge chairs. Part of the deck is partitioned off for use by sea lions only. It even has lounge chairs for the lobos, which is a creative solution that allows guests to view these residents up close without confrontation, creating an “official sea lion resting area.”
Sustainability at Galapagos Habitat Eco Luxury Hotel
This eco-hotel is dedicated to sustainability and conservation on the Galapagos Islands. With its own water filtration system to avoid use of bottled water, black water filtration to limit waste, low water usage appliances and many other sustainability measures, the Galapagos Habitat is working to lead the charge with the Galapagos Green Initiative.
Dining at Galapagos Habitat Eco Luxury Hotel
Guests watch the Galapagos sunrise and sunset on the deck of the restaurant, Isla Grill & Almar, and enjoy the inviting outdoor lounge concept. Isla Grill & Almar specializes in a variety of fresh seafood and meats cooked with an Argentinean and Galapagos-Ecuadorian flare. The restaurant sources ingredients from local farmers, fishermen and ranches, and respects sustainable fishing and obligations to the Galapagos National Park. An American breakfast is included in the lodge rates.
Galapagos Habitat staff are always on hand with a warm smile and the bar and lounge is the perfect place to relax and enjoy time on this unique island. The bar has local and international beers, quality wines and liquors.
Accommodations at Galapagos Habitat Eco Luxury Hotel
The “unique architecture design” of Galapagos Habitat means that no two rooms are the same. All are clean and comfortable with lots of character. The ocean view suites sell quickly and must be booked in advance. There is a large family suite which can accommodate a family of 4-5 people and has outstanding views. Many of the rooms are upstairs and there is no elevator. Guests are recommended to request a room on the ground floor if they have mobility issues. The 17 guest rooms are divided into two areas, seaside or inside the mangrove, all equipped with air conditioning, cable TV, private bathroom and hot water. All Galapagos Habitat accommodations have either an ocean or mangrove view. Each room has been remodeled with new interior designs and bedding, and guests can enjoy amenities like luxury bath products and even a mini fridge. Free wifi is offered throughout the hotel.
Suite Accommodations
Galapagos Habitat’s suites are the definition of a luxury accommodation. Suite rooms have ocean views and a private balcony and rooms offer comfortable bedding and luxury linens. The family suite can accommodate 4-5 people.
Superior Accommodations
Superior accommodations are great for families looking to stay with their children. Superior rooms offer views of Academy Bay. These rooms are able to accommodate up to three people with an option for a sofa bed if needed.
Standard Accommodations
Galapagos Habitat Standard options are great for the solo traveler or those looking for a bit more privacy. With the beautiful Mangrove view, these rooms are perfect to get a closer look at the unique ecosystem.