ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS
WHERE ADVENTURE AWAITS
CACHALOTE EXPLORER
Originally built in Vancouver, Canada in 1988, the spacious Cachalote Explorer was later converted into a passenger vessel, offering an ideal way to explore the Galápagos Islands. Accommodating up to 16 guests in 8 air-conditioned cabins—each with a private bathroom and hot and cold showers—the yacht also features a comfortable salon, dining area, and expansive deck space for relaxing, dining, and socializing.
Designed for the rugged waters of the Canadian West Coast, this charming First-Class yacht provides a stable, smooth, and comfortable ride as you experience the wonders of the Galápagos on a small ship expedition.
The Cachalote Explorer offers 6, 8, and 15-day Galápagos itineraries approved by the Galápagos National Park, each showcasing the archipelago’s extraordinary landscapes and unique wildlife. The two 8-day itineraries can be combined for a comprehensive 15-day adventure—highly recommended for those seeking a deeper, more intimate safari-style live-aboard cruise experience.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Category: Standard First Class
Capacity: 16 Passengers
Cabins: 8 with private en-suite bathrooms
Length: 88 ft Beam: 24ft
Cruising range: 8 knots
Type: Motor Vessel, Steel hull
WiFi: Free - Starlink
Meals: All meals, snacks, non-alcoholic drinks included (*alcoholic drinks and bottled drinks not included)
Marine equipment: snorkels, masks, short wet-suites, kayaks, life jackets
CABINS
Cachalote Explorer offers 8 well-appointed and comfortable cabins, each with their own private en-suite bathroom offering both hot and cold water showers. Each cabin is air-conditioned to provide you with a refreshing and enjoyable stay.
Cabin 1: Triple room | lower queen / lower twin / upper twin
Cabin 2: Double room | lower queen / upper twin
Cabin 3: Double room | lower twin / upper twin
Cabin 4: Double room | lower double / upper twin
Cabin 5: Double room | 1 queen
Cabin 6: Double room | 1 queen
Cabin 7: Double room | lower double / upper twin
Cabin 8: Double room | 2 twins
SPECIFICATIONS
MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
1 main Caterpillar Engine, 3 Generators (110v), 2 reverse osmosis water makers, sewage treatment plant, 3 Isuzu generators for 110v and 220v, autopilot system.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
VHF (DSC) & HF (DSC) radios. EPIRB, SART, Hunter satellite tracking device, 2 GPS’s, 2 radars, depth sounder, flares, basic first aid kits, 2 tenders with outboards, fin keels for extra stability, flotation rings, life rafts with surplus capacity for all passengers and crew, fire alarm system, UV light insect traps, outboard propeller cage, safety signage, protocols and drills.
CREW
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1 – Captain
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1 – multilingual naturalist guide
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1 – chef
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2 – engineers
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1 – barman
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4 – sailors
All crew are fully trained and certified in accordance with Ecuadorian Maritime Laws and International Maritime Organization Laws.
MEALS
Cachalote Explorer offers guests a full dining experience with breakfast, lunch, and dinner served daily, along with a variety of snacks and beverages available throughout the day. For your convenience, there is a tea, coffee, and water station available at all times. We take great pride in sourcing fresh ingredients from local farmers and artisans, ensuring that each meal is not only delicious but also a reflection of the Galapagos’ rich culinary heritage. We happily accommodate all dietary needs and restrictions, but kindly request advance notice to ensure we meet your preferences.
CACHALOTE EXPLORER'S ITINERARIES
FERNANDINA ITINERARY | 8 DAYS
HIGHLIGHTS
Santa Cruz Island: Tortoise Reserve, Charles Darwin Research Station, Los Gemelos, Town of Puerto Ayora, wildlife viewing, sightseeing. Sombrero Chino Island: Beautiful beaches and snorkeling site, hiking, wildlife viewing, sightseeing. Rabida Island: Stunning red beaches, flamingo lagoon, snorkeling, hiking, wildlife viewing, sightseeing. Isabela Island: Town of Puerto Villamil, Sierra Negra Caldera, tortoise breeding center, flamingo lagoon, Punta Moreno, Elizabeth Bay, Urbina Bay, Tagus Cove, Punta Vincente Roca, Minas de Azufre, snorkeling, hiking, wildlife viewing, sightseeing. Fernandina Island: Punta Espinoza, snorkeling, hiking, wildlife viewing, sightseeing. Santiago Island: Pta. Egas, Bartolome, snorkeling, hiking, wildlife viewing, sightseeing. Bartolome Island: Pinnacle Rock, snorkeling, hiking, wildlife viewing, sightseeing. North Seymour Island: Bird colonies, wildlife viewing, sightseeing. Baltra Island: Arrival and Departure.
WILDLIFE
Land life: - Tortoises - Penguins - Land & marine iguanas - Lava lizards - Galapagos Snake (non-venomous) - Various birds: finches, frigates, albatross, boobies, vermilion fly catcher, flamingos, Galapagos Hawk, flightless cormorant, pintail ducks, swallow-tailed gulls Sea life: - Tropical fish - Rays - Sea lions - Fur seals - Dolphins - Sea turtles - Marine Iguanas - Sharks (typically small reef sharks) - Penguins - Reefs and crustaceans
ACTIVITIES
- Walking - Hiking - Swimming - Snorkeling - Kayaking
MEALS
- Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner - Snacks - Teas, coffees, water, juices *We are happy to accommodate any dietary needs and restrictions provided notice is given.
TOWER ITINERARY | 8 DAYS
HIGHLIGHTS
Santa Cruz Island: Tortoise Reserve, Charles Darwin Research Station, Los Gemelos, Town of Puerto Ayora, Dragon Hill (Cerro Dragon), flamingo lagoon, Black Turtle Cove, wildlife viewing, sightseeing. South Plazas Island: Visit colony of bachelor sea lions and various endemic birds, hiking, wildlife viewing, sightseeing. Santa Fe Island: Hiking, snorkeling, wildlife viewing, sightseeing. San Cristobal Island: Cerro Brujo, walk to nearby lagoon, circumnavigating Kicker Rock, snorkeling, town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Highlands of San Cristobal, El Junco crater lake, La Galapaguera, tortoise breeding centre, wildlife viewing, hiking, sightseeing. Española Island: Gardner Bay, Punta Suarez, natural blow hole, snorkeling, courtship of Waved Albatross (April – Dec.), wildlife viewing, sightseeing. Floreana Island: Town of Punta Cormorant, walk trail to two beaches, flamingo lagoon, snorkeling around the Devil’s Crown, Post Office Bay, remnants of old Norwegian tuna canning location, hiking, wildlife viewing, sightseeing. Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay, 100 year old pahoehoe lava flows, snorkeling, hiking, wildlife viewing, sightseeing. Genovesa (Tower) Island: Walk through a nesting boobie colony, snorkeling (with possibility to see scalloped hammerhead sharks), ascend Prince Phillips Steps, hiking through trail and palo santo trees, wildlife viewing, sightseeing. Baltra Island: Arrival and Departure.
WILDLIFE
Land life: - Tortoises - Penguins - Land & marine iguanas - Lava lizards - Galapagos Snake (non-venomous) - Various birds: finches, frigates, albatross, boobies, vermilion fly catcher, flamingos, Galapagos Hawk, flighless cormorant, swallow-tailed gulls Sea life: - Tropical fish - Rays - Sea lions - Fur seals - Dolphins - Sea turtles - Marine Iguanas - Sharks (typically small reef sharks) - Penguins - Reefs and crustaceans
ACTIVITIES
- Walking - Hiking - Swimming - Snorkeling - Kayaking
MEALS
- Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner - Snacks - Teas, coffees, water, juices *We are happy to accommodate any dietary needs and restrictions provided notice is given.
ISABELA ITINERARY | 6 DAYS
HIGHLIGHTS
Isabela Island: Town of Puerto Villamil, Sierra Negra Caldera, tortoise breeding center, flamingo lagoon, Punta Moreno, Elizabeth Bay, Urbina Bay, Tagus Cove, Punta Vincente Roca, snorkeling, hiking, wildlife viewing, sightseeing. Fernandina Island: Punta Espinoza, snorkeling, hiking, wildlife viewing, sightseeing. Santiago Island: Pta. Egas, Bartolome, snorkeling, hiking, wildlife viewing, sightseeing. Bartolome Island: Pinnacle Rock, snorkeling, hiking, wildlife viewing, sightseeing. North Seymour Island: Bird colonies, wildlife viewing, sightseeing. Baltra Island: Departure.
WILDLIFE
Land life: - Tortoises - Penguins - Land & marine iguanas - Lava lizards - Galapagos Snake (non-venomous) - Various birds: finches, frigates, albatross, boobies, vermilion fly catcher, flamingos, Galapagos Hawk, flightless cormorant, pintail ducks, swallow-tailed gulls Sea life: - Tropical fish - Rays - Sea lions - Fur seals - Dolphins - Sea turtles - Marine Iguanas - Sharks (typically small reef sharks) - Penguins - Reefs and crustaceans
ACTIVITIES
- Walking - Hiking - Swimming - Snorkeling - Kayaking
MEALS
- Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner - Snacks - Teas, coffees, water, juices *We are happy to accommodate any dietary needs and restrictions provided notice is given.
HOOD ITINERARY | 6 DAYS
HIGHLIGHTS
San Cristobal Island: Cerro Brujo, walk to nearby lagoon, circumnavigating Kicker Rock, snorkeling, town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Highlands of San Cristobal, El Junco crater lake, La Galapaguera, tortoise breeding centre, wildlife viewing, hiking, sightseeing. Española Island: Gardner Bay, Punta Suarez, natural blow hole, snorkeling, courtship of Waved Albatross (April – Dec.), wildlife viewing, sightseeing. Floreana Island: Town of Punta Cormorant, walk trail to two beaches, flamingo lagoon, snorkeling around the Devil’s Crown, Post Office Bay, remnants of old Norwegian tuna canning location, hiking, wildlife viewing, sightseeing. Santa Cruz Island: Dragon Hill (Cerro Dragon), flamingo lagoon, wildlife viewing, hiking, sightseeing. Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay, 100 year old pahoehoe lava flows, snorkeling, hiking, wildlife viewing, sightseeing. Genovesa (Tower) Island: Walk through a nesting boobie colony, snorkeling (with possibility to see scalloped hammerhead sharks), ascend Prince Phillips Steps, hiking through trail and palo santo trees, wildlife viewing, sightseeing. Baltra Island: Arrival and Departure.
WILDLIFE
Land life: - Tortoises - Penguins - Land & marine iguanas - Lava lizards - Galapagos Snake (non-venomous) - Various birds: finches, frigates, albatross, boobies, vermilion fly catcher, flamingos, Galapagos Hawk, flighless cormorant, swallow-tailed gulls Sea life: - Tropical fish - Rays - Sea lions - Fur seals - Dolphins - Sea turtles - Marine Iguanas - Sharks (typically small reef sharks) - Penguins - Reefs and crustaceans
ACTIVITIES
- Walking - Hiking - Swimming - Snorkeling - Kayaking
MEALS
- Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner - Snacks - Teas, coffees, water, juices *We are happy to accommodate any dietary needs and restrictions provided notice is given.