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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

97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.

  • The Galápagos trip was very sympathetic to the environment and local habitat.

    AD, Dublin

  • "The Galápagos Islands and the amazing Machu Picchu ruins.  A real once in a lifetime experience."

    MCP Richmond

  • So many (highlights) it's hard to single some out. The Galapagos are a joy from start to finish.

    JC, Littlehampton

  • The wildlife in the Galápagos was so totally unbothered by our presence.

    SB, Leyland

  • Without a doubt, the Galapagos Islands were amazing. We feel very privileged.

    SM, South Croydon

  • The Galapagos tour was our highlight because of the proximity and abundance of the wildlife.

    AB, St Neots

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

    FM, Manchester

  • The Galápagos offer amazing access to stunning wild-life and a great week living on a boat.

    PJ, London

  •  Impossible to choose between the Galápagos and Easter Island - both are magical, special places.

    SM, Wandsworth

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

    LF, Alderley Edge

  • Highlight?: Probably a sea lion playing underneath me and showing off whilst I was snorkelling.  Beautiful.  

    DD, Uxbridge

  • 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 her to accompany him resulting in amazing underwater views that she would not have had. The whole trip was memorable for both of us... We just loved the Galapagos.

    AL

  • Our time on the Galápagos Islands was unique to us, the wildlife was fabulous, we enjoyed every minute of it.

    BT, Ware

  • Highlights?: Snorkelling with green turtles sea lions and penguins

    PW, Twickenham

  • The close proximity of the wildlife in the Galapagos is amazing.

    DW, Stevenage

  • 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 view over Pinnacle Rock and then being on the beach by the rock afterwards. Seeing a white tipped shark from the beach was something I never expected.

    NR, Swindon

  • The Galapagos blew me away. was even better than I expected. it never felt crowded and the guides and crew made us feel as thought we were special. 

    , Surbiton

  • The highlight was always going to be the Galápagos and it lived up to our expectations. It is a unique place and unlike our last visit we came away with hundreds of photographs to remind us of the trip.

    NW, Wells

  • A truly wonderful and privileged experience!

    RD, Ashford

  • Visiting the Galápagos islands and coming so close to so many special species of animals and birds was a memorable experience.

    JB, Chiswick

  • The Galápagos Islands were out of this world.

    DJ, Chesterfield

  • 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, was amazing.

    KH, Weybridge

  • The Galápagos Islands were something else- quite outstanding for the wonderful wildlife and abundant sea life while snorkelling.

    CP

  • The Galápagos were above expectation – the best thing we have done.

    DL, Dulwich

  • Being able to visit the Galápagos with a reputable company was a highlight - the boat was fantastic and everything about the holiday was first rate.

    KF, Norfolk

  • The trip around the Galápagos was spectacular and I have never experienced anything like it before.

    LB, Enfield

  • The Galápagos Islands are a wonderland. If I say that of all places I have visited in the world only the Grand Canyon is their equal in impact and living up to expectation you will have an idea of how they affected both of us.

    DW Lingfield

  • The attention to environmental concerns on the Galápagos was first rate.  The national park is a pristine environment and every effort is being made to keep it that way.

    PT, Peterborough

  • The range of wildlife to be seen in the Galapagos stood out but there were so many highlights.

    TH, Colchester

  • Galapagos Islands wildlife, guide and boat. To be so close to birds and animals is a privilege and to see such pristine beaches and scenery is lovely.

    SJ, Winchelsea
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Our specialists have been expertly crafting award-winning tailor-made holidays to Latin America for 40 years. We would be delighted to create a truly personalised trip which perfectly matches your wishes and requirements.

Hannah Donaldson
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.

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Real Latin America Experts

  • Kathryn Rhodes
    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.

  • Ben Line
    Ben Line - Travel Expert

    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

  • Mary Anne Nelson
    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.

  • Lina Fuller
    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.

  • Sophie Barber
    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.

  • Chris Rendell Dunn
    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.

Meet the team