What makes the Cachalote Explorer feel different from modern catamarans?

Her heavy steel hull and fin keels give her a remarkably smooth ride through open channels. Instead of sterile modern decor, you will enjoy cozy wooden interiors, a spacious dining salon, and multiple shaded and open deck areas perfect for whale watching or stargazing at night.

How family-friendly are the staterooms on board?

Several cabins offer flexible bed arrangements with double lower beds and single upper bunks, making it easy to travel with kids or close friends without paying extra for separate rooms.

What active adventures will fill your days ashore and in the water?

You will spend your active days hiking across volcanic lava fields, snorkeling alongside sea lions and sea turtles, sea kayaking quiet bays, and taking panga rides near dramatic cliffs.

How does traveling on the Cachalote support sustainable tourism?

Your trip directly supports our local Ecuadorian crew, captains, and guides, ensuring your tourism dollars empower island communities and help preserve these wild ecosystems.

How do you choose the right route and lock in your cabin?

You can choose from 6, 8, or extended 15-day itineraries covering eastern highlights like Genovesa and Española, or remote western volcanic sites around Isabela and Fernandina. Departure dates sell out quickly for this boutique vessel, so reach out to our LATAM travel curators anytime, and we will take care of every detail, including your internal flights!

Galapagos Cachalote Explorer Cruise

6 to 8 Days

Galapagos Cruises

From USD 3,300 p.p.

Request a Quote Book Now

Welcome Aboard the Cachalote Explorer Motor Yacht

You will step into a world of rugged reliability and intimate sea exploration aboard this charming, 16-guest premium motor yacht, originally constructed with a robust steel hull engineered to handle the rough waves of the Canadian West Coast. Standing out as a deeply stable and authentic choice within our handpicked collection of Galápagos cruises, it trades the flashy, hyper-modern aesthetic of corporate mega-ships for a classic maritime character and an exceptionally smooth sailing experience. The vessel embraces a highly relaxed, community-centered atmosphere, offering an incredible value-for-money option for true nature lovers. Its beautifully appointed interior social spaces boast expansive, panoramic salon windows, providing a bright and wonderfully cozy hub where like-minded adventurers can naturally bond over fresh local fusion dishes and share stories of their daily island encounters.

You will find a private and remarkably restful sanctuary in one of the eight fully air-conditioned staterooms, which are thoughtfully distributed across both the lower and upper decks. Each cabin features an independent climate control unit, handy 110V power outlets, ample storage space, and its own private en-suite bathroom complete with refreshing hot and cold water showers. Embracing wonderful versatility for families or close friends, several layouts include clever configurations with lower queen mattresses and upper single berths, alongside specialized triple setups. Beyond the quiet comfort of your private cabin, the yacht warmly invites you to connect using the free onboard Starlink Wi-Fi, sip a customized cocktail at the indoor bar, or head up to the sweeping open sun decks and bow observation platforms to relax on cushioned seats while watching whales breach against the volcanic horizon.

The Cachalote Explorer Cruise: Daily Excursions and Activities

Each day aboard the Cachalote Explorer brings thrilling, purposeful excursions, maintaining an unhurried and highly rewarding pace. Led by a deeply knowledgeable, certified naturalist guide, outings easily accommodate all fitness levels as you snorkel beside playful sea lions using complimentary wetsuits, paddle stable single passenger kayaks through hidden volcanic coves, or hike across rugged lava fields to spot giant tortoises in their lush natural habitat.

Snorkeling

Dinghy Ride

Hiking

Highlights of the Cachalote Explorer Cruise

Unmatched Canadian Marine Stability
Originally engineered for the demanding, rough waters of the Canadian West Coast, this steel-hulled vessel ensures a significantly smoother and safer navigation experience across open Galapagos channels.
Top-Rated Expert Guiding Framework
Consistently praised by international travelers for its highly knowledgeable certified naturalists and incredibly attentive crew, maximizing your daily active hikes and kayaking safaris.
Immersive Deep-Archipelago Full Tracks
Venture deeper into the islands with highly optimized 6 to 15-day routes that hit the furthest edges—including Fernandina and Genovesa—for ultimate endemic wildlife viewing.
Versatile Multi-Share Cabin Options
Perfect for single adventurers or unique group dynamics, featuring clever multi-share layouts and select spacious upper-deck configurations that allow premium accommodation without rigid constraints.

Cachalote Explorer Cruise Rates

Rates for 2026

Duration	Cabin 1 & 2 (Per Person)	Cabins 3,4,5,6,7 (Per Person)	Cabin 8 (Per Person)	Full Charter (Vessel)
6 Days / 5 Nights	$4,100 USD	$3,850 USD	$3,300 USD	$60,000 USD
8 Days / 7 Nights	$5,400 USD	$5,000 USD	$4,400 USD	$79,000 USD
15 Days / 14 Nights	$9,900 USD	$9,450 USD	$8,250 USD	$147,000 USD

Rates for 2027

Duration	Cabin 1 & 2 (Per Person)	Cabins 3,4,5,6,7 (Per Person)	Cabin 8 (Per Person)	Full Charter (Vessel)
6 Days / 5 Nights	$4,200 USD	$3,950 USD	$3,380 USD	$61,500 USD
8 Days / 7 Nights	$5,530 USD	$5,130 USD	$4,530 USD	$81,000 USD
15 Days / 14 Nights	$10,290 USD	$9,590 USD	$8,440 USD	$150,000 USD

Book Now

Check out Live Cachalote Explorer Cruise Availability

Cachaolet Explorer Cruise in Pictures

Sun Deck

Cozy cabin with for a couple aboard the Cachalote Explorer

Double Cabin

Triple Cabin

Small cabin for shared passaengers that want solo travel.

Twin Cabin

Living Room

Capitan Cabin

Cachalote Explorer Cruise Itnerary

Cachalote Explorer Itinerary Fernandina (8 Days / 7 Nights)

DAY 1: Wednesday - AM: Arrival at Baltra Airport - PM: Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
AM: Upon arrival, you will have to pay your Galapagos National Park entrance fee, and your luggage will be inspected to make sure no foreign substances are introduced.
PM: Highlands of Santa Cruz: Galapagos giant tortoises can be seen in the wild in the highlands of Santa Cruz. Charles Darwin Station: Visit the Charles Darwin Station, a research facility and National Park Information center. The Charles Darwin Station has a giant tortoise and land iguana breeding program and interpretation center.
- Activity:Arrival, Hiking.
- Meal:Lunch, Dinner.
- Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.
DAY 2: Thursday - AM: Chinese Hat - PM: Rabida Island
AM: Chinese hat is a small volcanic island just off the southeast tip of Santiago. The name of the island describes the shape of the island. Fauna includes Sea lions, marine iguanas, and the Galapagos penguin.
PM: Rabida is a small island with a dark red coral sand beach. Highlights include the lagoon with flamingoes, pelican nesting site, sea lion bachelor colony, and a snorkeling site at the end of the beach.
- Activity:Hiking, Birdwatching.
- Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.
DAY 3: Friday - AM: Sierra Negra - PM: Villamil Port
AM: Sierra Negra Volcano has a caldera with a diameter of 10km. View recent lava flows, moist highland vegetation, and parasitic cones.
PM: Puerto Villamil is a charming small town on a white sand beach. Highlights include the Tortoise Breeding Station and the flamingo lagoon. Other visits (depending on conditions) are to the Tintoreras or Los Humedales.
- Activity:Hiking.
- Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.
DAY 4: Monday - AM: Moreno Point - PM: Elizabeth Bay
AM: Moreno Point is located on the central southwestern coast of Isabela Island. The site has spectacular views of volcanoes Alcedo, Sierra Negra, and Cerro Azul. Some highlights include impressive lava flows, desolate and pristine landscapes, and varied and unusual arid zone vegetation.
PM: This spot is only accessible by dinghy. It is possible to see penguins on the small islets in the bay. The end of the bay is long and narrow, surrounded by three species of mangroves. Galapagos Sea Turtles and rays can usually be seen in the water.
- Activity:Hiking.
- Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.
DAY 5: Sunday - AM: Urbina Bay - PM: Tagus Cove
AM: Urbina Bay is located on the central-west coast of Isabela Island at the foothills of Alcedo and Darwin volcanoes. Highlights include the colorful land iguanas, Galapagos Giant tortoises, and the coral uplifting from 1954.
PM: Tagus Cove is a natural harbor where, centuries ago, whalers and pirates left their ship’s names painted or carved on the rocks. A walk uphill to Darwin’s Crater saltwater lake will provide an excellent view.
- Activity:Hiking.
- Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Accommodation:Double or Single cabins.
DAY 6 : Monday - AM: Espinoza Point - Vicente Roca Point
AM: Espinoza Point is a place famous for its large colonies of marine iguanas and as the habitat of unique species like the flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin, Galapagos hawk, and Galapagos snake, among others.
PM: Vicente Roca Point: This site is visited by dinghy rides along the cliffs or the partially sunken cave at the water’s edge. Nasca boobies, blue-footed boobies, and flightless cormorants inhabit the shoreline.
- Activity:Hiking.
- Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Accommodation:Double or Single cabins.
DAY 7 : Tuesday - AM: Egas Port - PM: Bartholomew
AM: A walk along the rocky coast line that will you show you a view of some of Galapagos’ best tide pools. Some highlights include: Sugar loaf volcano, fur seals, oystercatchers, a marine iguana colony, and an old salt mine
PM: A hike will take you to the highest point on Bartolome for a spectacular view. Sea lions and penguins can be seen around Pinnacle Rock. There is a sandy beach with great swimming and snorkeling.
- Activity:Hiking, Snorkeling.
- Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Accommodation:Double or Single cabins.
DAY 8: Wednesday - AM: North Seymour Island - PM: Transfer to Baltra Airport
AM: This flat piece of land originated after an uplifting event thousands of years ago. The island is home to endemic Palo Santo trees, colonies of blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and magnificent frigate birds.
PM: Transfer to Baltra Airport
- Activity:Hiking, Departure.
- Meal:Breakfast.
- Accommodation:Double or Single cabins.

Cachalote Explorer: 8-Day Itinerary Fernandina Map

Cachalote Explorer Itinerary Hood (6 Days / 5 Nights) Cachalote Explorer Itinerary Isabela (6 Days / 5 Nights) Cachalote Explorer Itinerary Tower (8 Days / 7 Nights)

Cachalote Explorer Boat Specifications

Class	First-class yacht.
Capacity	16 Passengers.
Construction year	1988
Type	Passenger’s vessel.
Length	26.2 m. / 88 ft.
Width	7.3 m. / 24 ft.
Cabins	8 Double cabins with private bathrooms.
Snorkel equipment & wetsuits	Snorkeling equipment included and wetsuits (available for rent).
Operational arrival flights	AVIANCA – AV1632 (UIO – GYE – GPS) AVIANCA – AV1630 (UIO – GYE – GPS)
Operational departure flights	AVIANCA – AV1633 (GPS – GYE – UIO)

Cachalote Explorer Deck plan

Inclusions

Airport transfers in Galapagos (when your flights arrive on the same day as start date of the cruise and when your flight leaves the same day as the end date of your cruise)
Single or double accommodation. For triple accommodation, under request/ availability.
All activities as described with a bilingual naturalist guide
24/7 Dutch, English & Spanish assistance
Water, tea, coffee unlimited
All meals on board of the cruise from lunch on day 1 to breakfast on last cruise day
Wet Suites
Snorkeling Gear

Exclusions

Flights from/to Galapagos (we can also arrange the flights for you)
Galapagos National Park entrance fee: $200 p.p.
Migratory Control Card: $20 p.p.
Isabela dock fee $10 p.p. (if the itinerary includes Isabela island)
Transportation between Baltra Airport – cruise terminal fee ($5 p.p.) each way
Water taxis (from and to the shore)
Alcoholic drinks
Personal expenses
Optional tips for the guide
Personal travel insurance

Cachalote Explorer Catamaran FAQs

What makes the Cachalote Explorer feel different from modern catamarans?
Her heavy steel hull and fin keels give her a remarkably smooth ride through open channels. Instead of sterile modern decor, you will enjoy cozy wooden interiors, a spacious dining salon, and multiple shaded and open deck areas perfect for whale watching or stargazing at night.
How family-friendly are the staterooms on board?
Several cabins offer flexible bed arrangements with double lower beds and single upper bunks, making it easy to travel with kids or close friends without paying extra for separate rooms.
What active adventures will fill your days ashore and in the water?
You will spend your active days hiking across volcanic lava fields, snorkeling alongside sea lions and sea turtles, sea kayaking quiet bays, and taking panga rides near dramatic cliffs.
How does traveling on the Cachalote support sustainable tourism?
Your trip directly supports our local Ecuadorian crew, captains, and guides, ensuring your tourism dollars empower island communities and help preserve these wild ecosystems.
How do you choose the right route and lock in your cabin?
You can choose from 6, 8, or extended 15-day itineraries covering eastern highlights like Genovesa and Española, or remote western volcanic sites around Isabela and Fernandina. Departure dates sell out quickly for this boutique vessel, so reach out to our LATAM travel curators anytime, and we will take care of every detail, including your internal flights!

Additional information

To enter Ecuador, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your intended departure from the country.
Prices are subject to seasonal surcharges during Christmas, New Year’s, and Semana Santa.
It is suggested to have current travel insurance, including personal medical insurance. Please inform us of any known medical conditions you have.
Rebecca Adventure Travel and the respective cruise operator reserve the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, availabilities, National Park regulations or notifications, and unforeseeable circumstances.
All cruises are subject to availability. Cruises have fixed departures, so before booking the cruise and flight tickets, please check dates and itineraries with us. Since the Galápagos is a destination in high demand, the availability changes every day. Rebecca Adventure Travel will try to fix your dates with the options we have available during the time of booking.
Keep in mind that some cruises are required to arrange the flight tickets directly with them; they will charge an extra fee. Please check with us, and we will share the complete information before proceeding with your flight ticket arrangement.

Advantages of Booking with Rebecca Adventure Travel

Impactful Travel: Develop meaningful connections that provide mutual enrichment for both travelers and host cultures.
Empowering Locals: Support family-owned accommodations, involving local communities and contributing to local economies.
Sustainable Travel: Preserve cultures and environments for future generations with our Huella Positiva.
Travel With Trust: We are here for you every step of the way with solid insurance, certifications, and rebooking facilities.
Personalized Travel Curator: Ensures your trip meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
When you book a tour with us you agree to our terms and conditions.

Exact Code: 18CRCACH

Let's Craft Your Perfect Trip Together!

Excited to turn your travel dreams into an unforgettable adventure?
Chat with one of our knowledgeable destination experts today to get personalized insights and the best tips for your perfect trip.

Don't wait—reach out now and let's start planning your dream getaway!

✓ Travel with Trust

✓ Sustainable Travel

✓ Personalized Travel Curator