Cachalote Explorer – 6 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.

6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS ITINERARY

You will arrive at Baltra Airport. From there, you will travel to Isabela via Santa Cruz, so we recommend arriving at least one day in advance.

• How to Get There from Santa Cruz to Isabela:
  • By Ferry: Daily departures from Santa Cruz at 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
  • By Plane: Domestic flights available from Baltra Airport to Isabela.

Day 1 – Isabela Islands: Sierra Negra Volcano

Meeting Point: Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island
Time: 11:00 AM
Guide: One of the crew members will be waiting for you at the meeting point to welcome you aboard the Cachalote Yacht.

• Lunch on board.
• PM: Guided hike along natural trails to the rim of a massive crater, with unique panoramic views of one of Galápagos’ largest and most active volcanoes

Day 2 – Isabela Island (Albemarle)

• Punta Moreno: Explore the southwestern coast with breathtaking views of Alcedo, Sierra Negra, and Cerro Azul volcanoes. Highlights include dramatic lava flows, pristine landscapes, and unusual arid-zone vegetation.
• Elizabeth Bay: Accessible only by dinghy, this bay is home to penguins on small islets, mangrove-lined waterways, Galápagos sea turtles, and rays.

Day 3 – Isabela Island (Albemarle)

• Urbina Bay: Visit the uplifted coral formations from 1954, and spot colorful land iguanas and giant Galápagos tortoises at the foothills of Alcedo and Darwin volcanoes.
• Tagus Cove: Explore this historic natural harbor, once frequented by whalers and pirates, and hike to Darwin’s Crater for a panoramic view over a salt-water lake.

Day 4 – Fernandina & Isabela Islands

• Punta Espinoza (Fernandina): Observe large colonies of marine iguanas and rare species such as flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, Galápagos hawks, and Galápagos snakes.
• 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 5 – Santiago & Bartolomé Islands

• Puerto Egas (Santiago): Walk along the rocky coastline to see tide pools, Sugarloaf Volcano, fur seals, marine iguana colonies, oystercatchers, and an old salt mine.
• Bartolomé Island: Hike to the summit for a panoramic view of Pinnacle Rock, observe sea lions and penguins, and enjoy swimming and snorkeling at the sandy beach.

Day 6 – North Seymour & Baltra

• North Seymour Island: Explore this flat island formed by geological uplift, 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:

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

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.
• Entrance to Isabela Island Park: US$10 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