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Cachalote Explorer

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  • Ecuador – Galapagos – Accommodation – Cachalote Explorer – Cabin 1_a
  • Ecuador – Galapagos – Accommodation – Cachalote Explorer – CABIN 5, & 6-a
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  • Ecuador – Galapagos – Accommodation – Cachalote Explorer – C.E.Salon_4
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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.

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • We loved snorkelling with marine iguanas, turtles, and the lovely playful sealions.

    FM, Manchester Mar 2026
  • One of us had not snorkelled for a very long time and was hesitant in deep water. Martin the Naturalist on MV Eclipse helped her overcome her fears and enabled…

    AL May 2015
  • Isolation on the Islands a feeling of being in the Galapagos by invitation of the inhabitants - the wildlife. A truly wonderful and privileged experience.

    SD, Rochester Jun 2013
  • Most Memorable Moment?: The obvious answer is the whole thing!  If I had to choose, I'd say the experience of arriving at the top of the Prince Phillip Steps on…

    DM, Nottingham Jun 2018
  • Highlights?: Snorkelling with green turtles sea lions and penguins

    PW, Twickenham Sep 2018
  • A couple of days in the Galapagos when we didn't see any other people. Intimacy of swimming with sealions, turtles & being chased in the water by a flightless cormorant!

    TC, St Albans Oct 2016
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Our Expert's Opinion

Sophie
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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Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Juliet
    Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

  • Sallly
    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.

  • Mary
    Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Expert

    Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.

  • Charlotte
    Charlotte Daubeney - Travel Expert

    Charlotte's fascination with Latin America began with a family holiday to Belize. She went on to study Spanish in school and at university before spending a year living in Santiago, Chile.

  • Kathryn
    Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

    Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

  • Chris
    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.

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