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Cachalote Explorer

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Cachalote Explorer is a converted fishing boat, renovated in 2018, offering economical cruises in the Galapagos for those who prefer a small vessel.

The Galápagos expedition cruiser Cachalote Explorer was originally constructed in Canada in 1988 as a fishing boat, and externally its tubby frame still recalls its original purpose, offering guests a real nautical experience. Inside, the eight cabins, renovated in 2018, are spacious and bright, with sailor-blue décor and porthole windows with en suite bathroom and air-conditioning. There’s a large dining area cum-saloon. It’s a great budget choice for you if you are looking for an friendly, informal and intimate experience in the archipelago, and the opportunity to get to know your like-minded fellow guests.

What our clients say

Without a doubt, the Galapagos Islands were amazing. We feel very privileged.
SM, South Croydon Feb 2016
The wildlife on the islands (obviously the major reason for the trip) was spectacular and wonderful to experience. I’m please to have made the trip and would certainly recommend the…
PM, Chesterfield Jun 2010
It's very difficult to pick out one thing. Seeing the animals everywhere we went was amazing. We fell in love with the sea-lions. I loved the walk up to the…
NR, Swindon Dec 2019
The trip around the Galápagos was spectacular and I have never experienced anything like it before.
LB, Enfield Oct 2012
Galapagos was incredible. We loved it. The guides were all excellent and we especially enjoyed having guides with a naturalist qualification.
LE, Poole Jul 2019
We loved snorkelling with marine iguanas, turtles, and the lovely playful sealions.
FM, Manchester Feb 2026

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Our Expert's Opinion

Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

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Meet our team

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Sally Dodge - Travel Expert

A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.
Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert

A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.
Hannah Donaldson - Travel Expert

Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is a much valued Travel Expert in our Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tours sales team.
Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert

Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.
Chris Rendell-Dunn - Travel Expert

Anglo-Peruvian Chris grew up in Lima and spent much of his adult life in between London and Cusco as a tour leader, before settling permanently in our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours sales team.