Cachalote Explorer – 8 Days

The Cachalote Explorer is a remarkable addition to the Galápagos fleet — a former Canadian fishing vessel beautifully transformed into a first-class expedition yacht. Its thoughtful refit combines excellent stability with spacious communal areas, a generous saloon, and inviting outdoor decks for sunbathing, stargazing, or simply relaxing between excursions.

8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS ITINERARY

Day 1 – Santa Cruz Island

• Arrival at Baltra Airport and transfer to the yacht.
• Explore the Highlands of Santa Cruz, where giant Galápagos tortoises roam freely in their natural habitat.
• Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, a conservation facility with breeding programs for giant tortoises and land iguanas, as well as an educational interpretation center.

Day 2 – Sombrero Chino & Rábida Islands

• Sombrero Chino (Chinese Hat) Island: This small volcanic island off the southeast tip of Santiago is named after its distinctive shape. Wildlife includes sea lions, marine iguanas, and Galápagos penguins.
• Rábida Island: Famous for its striking red-sand beaches and flamingo lagoon. Observe pelican nesting sites, a bachelor sea lion colony, and enjoy snorkeling at the beach’s end.

Day 3 – Isabela Island

• Puerto Villamil: A charming coastal town with white sandy beaches. Visit the Tortoise Breeding Center and flamingo lagoon.
• Sierra Negra Volcano: Hike to the 10 km-wide caldera and admire recent lava flows, lush highland vegetation, and parasitic cones.
• Optional visits may include Tintoreras Islets or the Humedales (wetlands).

Day 4 – Isabela Island

• Punta Moreno: Scenic coastal site with stunning views of Alcedo, Sierra Negra, and Cerro Azul volcanoes. Marvel at lava flows, pristine landscapes, and unique arid-zone vegetation.
• Elizabeth Bay: Accessible only by dinghy, this bay is home to penguins, Galápagos sea turtles, rays, and mangrove-lined waterways.

Day 5 – Isabela Island

• Urbina Bay: Explore this uplifted coral site, home to colorful land iguanas and giant tortoises at the base of Alcedo and Darwin volcanoes.
• Tagus Cove: A natural harbor where early whalers and pirates left inscriptions on the rocks. Hike to Darwin’s Crater, a salt-water lake with panoramic views.

Day 6 – Fernandina & Isabela Islands

• Punta Espinoza (Fernandina): Observe large colonies of marine iguanas and unique species such as flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, Galápagos hawks, and more.
• Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela): Explore the cliffs and partially submerged caves by dinghy, spotting Nasca boobies, blue-footed boobies, and flightless cormorants along the shoreline.

Day 7 – Santiago & Bartolomé Islands

• Puerto Egas (Santiago/James Island): Walk along the rocky coast to see tide pools, fur seals, marine iguanas, oystercatchers, and Sugar Loaf Volcano.
• Bartolomé Island: Hike to the summit for panoramic views of Pinnacle Rock, watch sea lions and penguins nearby, and enjoy swimming and snorkeling at the sandy beach.

Day 8 – North Seymour & Departure

• North Seymour Island: This flat island formed through tectonic uplift is home to Palo Santo trees and large bird colonies, including blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and magnificent frigatebirds.
• Transfer to Baltra Airport for departure.

 

ACCOMMODATIONS:
The Cachalote Explorer offers 8 beautifully designed cabins, each accommodating 2 guests with a choice of double, twin, or bunk-style beds. All cabins are equally spacious, feature modern décor and amenities, and are priced the same. They are distributed across two decks: upper deck and lower deck, giving guests the option to choose their preferred location.

Each cabin includes:

• Free Wi-Fi Internet
• Private en-suite bathroom with hot and cold water shower
• Full air-conditioning
• Towels and basic toiletries

Cabins are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests wishing to secure an upper deck cabin are advised to book early and confirm availability.

INCLUSIONS:
The package includes the following:

• Accommodation
• All meals
• Fresh water
• Excursions
• Professional guide
• Snorkeling equipment

EXCLUSIONS:
The following items are not included in the package:

• Airfare
• Mandatory Fees & Travel Insurance
  Upon arrival to the Galápagos Islands, visitors must pay the Galápagos National Park Entrance Fee: US$200 per adult and US$100 per child (6–11 years), in cash.
• Before check-in for your flight in Quito or Guayaquil, the Migratory Control Card is also required: US$20 per person, in cash.
• Gratuities and tips
• Alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks
• Personal travel insurance: For a carefree journey, we highly recommend travel insurance covering trip cancellation, flight delays, medical assistance, and baggage protection.

  TECNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

• Category: 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