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DestinationsEcuadorGalápagos IslandsCachalote Explorer

Cachalote Explorer

Cachalote Explorer Galápagos Cruise

The Cachalote Explorer is a steel-hulled motor yacht originally built for the rough waters of the Canadian West coast before being converted to a Galápagos vessel, and she is an adorable yacht! The exceptional re-design provides a smooth and stable ride while exploring the Galápagos islands. With a friendly crew and guide, a trip to the Galápagos onboard the Cachalote Explorer is a joy! 

Trip Features
  • Up to 17 Days
  • Starting at $5,000 per person
  • PHYSICAL RATING
    Moderate
  • ACTIVITIES
    Hiking, Snorkeling, Land & Water Activities, Zodiac Rides
  • HIGHLIGHTS
    Wildlife, Scenery, Natural Wonders

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A large tortoise is grazing on grass in the foreground. In the background, a man and a woman stand under a tree; the woman is taking a photo with her phone while the man looks on. The scene is set in a sunny, grassy area with trees.
The "Cachalote Explorer" sails on a calm sea under a partly cloudy sky. Several passengers can be seen on its deck, enjoying the views. This white and blue ship appears to be used for exploration or touring purposes, perfect for a Galapagos cruise.
Three people stand on a rocky coastline, observing a bird perched on an outcrop. The vast ocean stretches out under the clear sky, with gentle waves hitting the rocks. The sun casts a warm glow on the landscape, creating a serene and contemplative scene.
A group of sea lions lying close together on a sandy beach. Their bodies are tightly packed, and they appear to be resting or sleeping. The sea lions' fur ranges in color from light brown to dark brown.
Two albatrosses are pictured in this image. The bird on the left faces forward, showing its yellow beak and white feathers, while the bird on the right is turned slightly to the side, featuring a similar yellow beak and white feathers. They are set against a blurred natural background.

Cachalote Explorer Itinerary

The Cachalote Explorer offers a variety of different cruise lengths to suit your needs. All Galápagos cruises offer similar touring experiences: guided naturalists walks, water activities, and plentiful wildlife viewing. Our Galápagos tour packages include a pre and post night in Quito or Guayaquil, with flexibility to add extension tours.

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International Arrival Day

Today is your international arrival into Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador. Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Those with more time can opt to arrive early and take guided excursions in the city and surrounding areas.

Galápagos Arrival Day

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galápagos. Meet the crew at the Galápagos airport and transfer with your group to the yacht. Enjoy a welcome briefing, lunch and afternoon activity. Settle onboard tonight with dinner and your evening briefing as you watch the sunset over the Pacific.

Galápagos Islands Tour (2-13) Days

Explore the Galápagos Islands! The number of days depends on your selected cruise duration. Enjoy daily guided morning and afternoon excursions, all meals and snacks onboard, and evening briefings. Possible tour activities include guided naturalist walks, snorkeling, sea kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, panga (zodiac) rides, and taking in scenery from the observation deck. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound and the abundance of different species is astounding. Photography enthusiasts will come home with amazing wildlife and landscape photos. Most islands you visit will be uninhabited, but you may visit small towns and interact with locals.

Galápagos Departure Day

After your final breakfast and excursion, disembark your cruise and return to the airport for the trip back to Quito or Guayaquil. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy an evening at leisure.

International Departure Day

Your guide transfers you to the airport for your international flight home. Travelers with more time will begin extension tours.

Let us customize a Galápagos travel plan for you!

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1-877-784-5400
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More About the Cachalote Explorer

The spacious open floor plan of the interior salon and dining area boasts large picture windows, ensuring great ocean views from all vantage points, whether listening in to the evening briefing or dining on the delicious meals whipped up by the talented chef. There is plenty of room on the sundeck for everyone to enjoy the expansive views of the blue ocean, colorful sunsets, the constellations of the night sky and, last but not least, the amazing wildlife and Galápagos Island scenery!

The "Cachalote Explorer" sails on a calm sea under a partly cloudy sky. Several passengers can be seen on its deck, enjoying the views. This white and blue ship appears to be used for exploration or touring purposes, perfect for a Galapagos cruise.
A boat's dining area on the Cachalote Explorer Galapagos cruise features a round wooden table set with blue and white plates, blue napkins, and glassware. The space is adorned with wooden walls, large windows showing a marina view, wall decorations, and a mix of chairs and a bench for seating.
An outdoor deck of a boat overlooking the water and distant shoreline. The deck features a round wooden table with six chairs, a pair of binoculars, an open book, a closed book, and a camera placed on the table. Enjoy your scenic views on the Cachalote Explorer Galapagos cruise under partly cloudy skies.
The interior of the boat on the Cachalote Explorer Galapagos cruise features a polished wooden finish, a large L-shaped leather sofa, a flat-screen TV, a bookshelf, and a table with four chairs set for dining. Windows offer views of the ocean outside, and the room is well-lit with overhead lighting.
A spacious boat interior with warm wooden paneling features a large sectional brown leather sofa, two circular dining tables with blue place settings, chairs, and nautical decor. Windows on both sides provide plenty of natural light. A door at the far end leads outside to the Cachalote Explorer Galapagos cruise deck.
Ship Highlights
  • Size/Type
    88 ft. Monohulled Yacht
  • Guest Capacity
    16
  • Features
    Triples, Compact Cabins, Great Value $
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Cabin Details

Each of the eight cabins are air-conditioned with portholes and a private bathroom. The cabins are compact, but have all the necessities. You’ll only sleep in the cabin, anyway! The rest of the time you’ll be enjoy the gorgeous common areas and sundeck.

A small, tidy, brightly lit cabin room with a double bed below a single bunk bed. The beds have blue covers and white pillows. To the right is another single bed. The room features wood accents, grey carpet, and small windows with grey curtains—perfect for your Cachalote Explorer Galapagos cruise.
A small, tidy cabin with white walls features a bunk bed setup. The lower bed is a double with a book on it, and the upper bed is a single, accessed by a wooden ladder. A nightstand with drawers and a light aqua table stand next to a curtained window, perfect for relaxing on your Cachalote Explorer Galapagos cruise.
A compact, well-lit cabin on the Cachalote Explorer Galapagos cruise features white walls and includes a single bed on the right, a double bed below, and a twin bunk bed above with a wooden ladder. The beds have blue covers and white pillows. There is a small closet and a window on the left wall.
A small, compact bathroom with a stainless steel sink, white toilet, and a mirror above the sink. Wooden accents trim the fixtures and mirror. Towels hang on a rack, and there is a port-hole window on the right wall allowing natural light into this Cachalote Explorer Galapagos cruise space.

Cachalote Explorer

Cabin 1 & 2

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PHONE  + 1-877-784-5400
A cozy room with wooden furniture featuring a bunk bed. The top bunk has a blue mattress and pillow, while the bottom bunk has a white pillow and blue blanket. The room includes two round porthole windows, a desk with drawers, and an adjoining bathroom—perfect for your Cachalote Explorer Galapagos cruise.
A cozy cabin room on the Cachalote Explorer Galapagos cruise features a bunk bed with a lower double bed and an upper single bed. Both beds have navy blue bedding. The wooden walls include two round porthole windows that let in natural light. A small desk with drawers and a framed picture complete the space.
A small, compact bathroom with a stainless steel sink, white toilet, and a mirror above the sink. Wooden accents trim the fixtures and mirror. Towels hang on a rack, and there is a port-hole window on the right wall allowing natural light into this Cachalote Explorer Galapagos cruise space.

Cachalote Explorer

Cabins 3, 4, & 7

Speak with our team to learn more about cabin options.

PHONE  + 1-877-784-5400
The small, well-lit cabin on the Cachalote Explorer Galapagos cruise features a double bed with a dark blue blanket, two white pillows, and wooden cabinets. The room has two circular porthole windows, three framed pictures on the wall, and a private bathroom in the corner.
A compact, well-lit cabin features a neatly made double bed with a blue blanket and white pillows. The room has porthole windows, framed pictures on the wall, and a small desk attached to the wall near the bed. A bathroom can be seen in an adjacent area on the Cachalote Explorer Galapagos cruise.
A small, compact bathroom with a stainless steel sink, white toilet, and a mirror above the sink. Wooden accents trim the fixtures and mirror. Towels hang on a rack, and there is a port-hole window on the right wall allowing natural light into this Cachalote Explorer Galapagos cruise space.

Cachalote Explorer

Cabins 5 & 6

Speak with our team to learn more about cabin options.

PHONE  + 1-877-784-5400
A small cabin on the Cachalote Explorer Galapagos cruise features two wooden bunk beds, each with navy blue bedding and white pillows. The cabin includes two round porthole windows beside each bunk and wooden shelving to the right. White walls contribute to a clean and simple nautical look.
A compact modern bathroom with white walls and fixtures, featuring a small sink with a cabinet, a mirror above, a toilet, and a shower with a white curtain. The design is inspired by the elegance of the Cachalote Explorer Galapagos cruise. There are towel bars and a small wooden shelf mounted on the wall.

Cachalote Explorer

Cabin 8

Speak with our team to learn more about cabin options.

PHONE  + 1-877-784-5400

TRIP FAQs

We have so much to share with you! How does this all work? Start with the frequently asked questions below, and if you want to talk to us directly, simply reach out by phone or form.

Talk to a Travel Expert
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You have the flexibility to choose your own travel dates on most of our trips. Certain trips, such as cruises, have fixed schedules. Availability on these trips is always changing so please contact us with your preferred travel time and we can find the perfect itinerary for you.

The first step is to get in touch with a Southern Explorations travel planner for date availability and information on activities, accommodations and other travel aspirations you may have. Give us a call at 1.877.784.5400, fill out this form or email info@southernexplorations.com.

Yes! All of our posted itineraries can be considered a starting point and were happy to tailor a trip to your exact desires. There may be some elements of a trip, such as a cruise or all-inclusive lodge stay, that cannot be modified but we can always adjust the tours around those components.

We provide full service tours so in general our trips include all guided activities with professional English-speaking guides, accommodations, transportation, airport transfers, entrance fees and permits, select meals, and pre-departure services. You will be responsible for international airfare while we will book all in-country airfare. Contact one of our expert travel planners for even more details on this specific tour.

We have more detailed information about each destination in the Plan Your Trip section of this website. Our team of friendly travel planners is also available to walk you through various options and to work with you on the perfect trip!

Plan Your Trip to the Galápagos Islands

Browse our in-depth travel guide of the Galápagos Islands to learn more about the destination

Learn More About the Galápagos Islands

Testimonials

Our Galápagos experience with Southern Explorations was fantastic. Everything with our trip went flawless from the shuttle pickups to the food and service on our ship to the daily excursions. I would be hard pressed to name one thing that went wrong or could be improved.

Glenn L.

Trip Extensions

Set sail with these amazing add-ons

Want to add something special or connect this trip to a larger itinerary? Browse these most-added trip extensions, or contact our travel experts to find the best accommodations, tours and activities to fulfill your dream getaway!

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PHONE

USA/Canada

+1 877-784-5400

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001-206-784-8111

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