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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.

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • No-one should consider a Galápagos cruise of less then 8 days. We both had a holiday of a lifetime.

    LF
  • The cabin upgrade was definitely worth the extra money, much more space and good sized windows!  

    LF, Alderley Edge
  • The sealions were brilliant fun and the pups so cute, and so close. All the wildlife was great and seeing it all up close as nothing is afraid of humans,…

    KH, Weybridge
  • 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
  • Galapagos was incredible. We loved it. The guides were all excellent and we especially enjoyed having guides with a naturalist qualification.

    LE, Poole
  • Most Memorable Moment: Swimming with sea lions, following hundreds of dolphins on the boat, diving with penguins

    KH, London
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Our Expert's Opinion

The Cachalote offered a real sea-faring experience with a traditional nautical feel as well as being great value for money. Cabins are compact but the itineraries on offer mean you'll spend most of your time exploring the islands and discovering fearless wildlife. What I particularly liked about the Cachalote was the camaraderie on board and the feeling that everything was there for the experience and excitement of being in the Galapagos.

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

  • Carrie
    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.

  • 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.

  • Lina
    Lina Fuller - Travel Expert

    Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

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