Two Galapagos blue footed booby birds on nest with travelers walking on path nearby

Starboard exterior of Cachalote Explorer small ship cruising in calm seas on a sunny day in the Galapagos.

Galapagos frigate bird with red pouch extended in mating display

Zodiac cruise with travelers on calm waters offshore from a Galapagos Island

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Cachalote Explorer Galapagos Cruises

1/10

$3000^USD

Starting At

6-8

Days

Jan

Feb

Mar

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May

Jun

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Aug

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Dec

Overview
Itinerary
Rates & Dates
Accommodations
Testimonials
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Travel Guides

South America Galapagos Islands Cruise

Cachalote Explorer Galapagos Cruises

A Galapagos cruise aboard the Cachalote Explorer is an intimate adventure. With the capacity for 16 guests in 8 cabins, each with their own private bathroom, shower and air-conditioning, M/V Cachalote Explorer provides the perfect home away from home while motoring between the Galapagos Islands.

Cachalote Explorer operates two main 8-day Galapagos cruise itineraries, which can be combined into an all-encompassing 15-day cruise, or shortened to a 6-day portion of each 8-day. View the itinerary section for more details and contact our Galapagos small ship cruise experts for the inside scoop on which route is best for you. AdventureSmith Explorations’ award-winning crew has personal experience sailing in the Galapagos Islands and can recommend the best options to suit your travel interests and timeline.

Cruise the Galapagos with an experienced captain, dedicated crew members and an English-speaking naturalist guide attending to every detail, while relaxing aboard the tastefully decorated motor vessel on the sun deck and in the salon and lounge.

At only 88 feet, the Cachalote Explorer is well suited to anchor in small coves and gain access to all the best visitor sites, some of which are closed to bigger cruise ships. Cachalote Explorer is outfitted with kayaks and snorkeling gear. Daily hikes and shore excursions offer close exploration of the islands’ famed giant tortoises, Darwin finches, marine iguanas, reef sharks and more. Sail up close to nature and experience the rugged beauty of the Galapagos Islands aboard the stable and smooth Cachalote Explorer.

Snorkeling, kayaking and hiking all occur from one home base: the 16-passenger Cachalote Explorer. With bilingual guides, spacious accommodations, a comfortable sun deck and large common areas, the M/V Cachalote Explorer provides a stable and smooth tour of the Galapagos Islands.

The 8-day Fernandina itinerary navigates from the central islands to the younger, western islands of the Galapagos. Highlights include snorkeling at Chinese Hat; walking the red-sand beaches of Rabida; exploring volcanoes, the town of Puerto Villamil, a flamingo lagoon, and a Galapagos penguin breeding site on Isabela Island; learning about geological uplifts at Urbina Bay; lunching near the pirate graffiti at Tagus Cove; spotting Galapagos hawks on Fernandina; swimming with colorful fish at Punta Vicente Roca; exploring tidal pools on Santiago; and birding on North Seymour. Guests may also book the 6-day Isabela itinerary that follows days 3-8 of the 8-day Fernandina itinerary.

The 8-day Tower itinerary explores the northern, central, and southern Galapagos Islands. Highlights include seeing yellow, spiked land iguanas on Santa Fe; snorkeling near sea lions, marine iguanas and pelicans on San Cristobal; lounging with sea lions on the beach of Gardner Bay; witnessing the blowhole and waved albatross at Suarez Point; learning about buccaneers and whalers on Floreana; sending a post card at Post Office Bay; feeling the lava textures of Sullivan Bay; birding on Genovesa; and spotting short-eared owls at El Barranco. Guests may also book the 6-day Hood itinerary that follows days 3-8 of the 8-day Tower itinerary.

Every Cachalote Explorer itinerary offers amazing visitor sites and experiences. However, you can set your own agenda by booking this yacht as one of our private Galapagos yacht charters for your group of 16 or fewer.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Galapagos cruises and Galapagos trips.

Itinerary

Tower Itinerary

This 8-day round-trip Baltra cruise visits the northern, eastern and southern islands of Baltra, Santa Cruz, South Plaza, Santa Fe, San Cristobal, Espanola, Floreana, Santiago and Genovesa. Explore the northern, central, and southern Galapagos Islands, known for their unique birdlife and geology.

Day 1

WED - Embark Baltra to Highlands & Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz)

Upon arrival in Baltra meet the expedition leader and begin the day’s activities. At the Highlands of Santa Cruz, Galapagos giant tortoises can be seen in the wild. Visit the Charles Darwin Station, a research facility and National Park Information center. The Charles Darwin Station has a giant tortoise and land iguana breeding program and interpretation center. Embark the Cachalote Explorer.

Accommodations

Cachalote Explorer

Meals

lunch, dinner

Day 2

THU - South Plaza & Santa Fe

The Plazas consists of two very small islands that were uplifted from the sea, separated by a channel. Only South Plaza has a visitor site. The highlights include tall opuntia cactus, land and marine iguanas, rocky oceanview cliffs that are a nesting site for red-billed tropic birds and gulls and a sea lion bachelor colony. Santa Fe is a smaller island of nine square miles. The visitor site at Santa Fe is located on the northeast end of the island. Highlights include Santa Fe land iguanas, a pelican nesting site, sea lion colony, mockingbirds and palo santo trees.

Accommodations

Cachalote Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3

FRI - Cerro Brujo, La Galapaguera & El Junco (San Cristobal)

San Cristóbal is the easternmost island of Galapagos and also one of the oldest. Cerro Brujo is a white-sand beach on the west side of San Cristóbal. Highlights here include: Sally Lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas, sea lions, the Chatham mockingbird and lava lizards. The La Galapaguera lagoon is the only fresh water reservoir in Galapagos and has great views from its altitude of 2300 feet in the highlands of San Cristóbal. Rainwater has collected in the caldera for hundreds of years and formed this lagoon. Galapaguera is a good area to see tortoises in their natural environment

Accommodations

Cachalote Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4

SAT - Gardner Bay, Gardner & Osborn Islets, Punta Suarez (Espanola)

Española is the oldest of the Southern Islands and is the southernmost in the archipelago. Because of its remote location, a unique range of endemic species evolved here. Located on the northeast of the island, Gardner Bay has a long and beautiful white-sand beach inhabited by sea lion colonies. Gardner and Osborn Islets are snorkeling sites where visitors will see an abundance of tropical fish, reef sharks and turtles. The wildlife at Punta Suarez is plentiful and varied. Along the cliff, enjoy the blowhole where seawater is forced about 65 feet into the air. The highlights are the waved albatross (April-Dec) that are only found on Hood, Galapagos hawks, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies and Española lava lizards.

Accommodations

Cachalote Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5

SUN - Punta Cormorant, Devil's Crown & Post Office Bay (Floreana)

Floreana is best known for its colorful history of buccaneers, whalers, convicts and early colonists. Punta Cormorant has two contrasting beaches and a large inland lagoon where pink flamingoes can be seen. Devil’s Crown is a snorkeling site located just off Punta Cormorant. The site is a completely submerged volcano that has eroded to create the appearance of a jagged crown. Post office bay is one of the few sites visited for its human history. Visit the wooden mail barrel where letters are dropped off and picked up, and remains of the Norwegian fishing village.

Accommodations

Cachalote Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6

MON - Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz) & Sullivan Bay (Santiago)

Dragon Hill is located on the northwestern side of Santa Cruz Island. Some highlights include small lagoons with flamingos, palo santo trees and opuntia cactus. Santiago Island is located between Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands. This Island offers a wide variety of seabirds, marine iguanas and fur seals. Sullivan Bay is of great geological interest. Highlights include the 100-year-old lava flow field, pahoehoe formations and lava bubbles.

Accommodations

Cachalote Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7

TUE - El Barranco & Darwin Bay (Genovesa)

Genovesa is an eroded flat volcanic island, with a natural harbor, which is actually the submerged caldera of this volcanic island. At El Barranco there is a good possibility of seeing the unique short-eared owl. During the panga rides along the cliffs, fur seals and several species of seabirds can be spotted. The steep cliffs of Darwin Bay dominate the island. This area is home to thousands of frigate birds, red-footed boobies, Noddy terns, lava gulls, tropicbirds, doves, storm petrels and Darwin’s finches.

Accommodations

Cachalote Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8

WED - Daphne Major & Disembark Baltra

Daphne Major is a small tuff cone island where many species of birds nest. Famous for a 20-year study of Darwin’s Finches conducted by Peter and Rosemary Grant. During the circumnavigation you will see blue-footed boobies, nazca boobies, red-billed tropicbirds and other sea life. After this visit, disembark on Baltra Island and take the return flight from the Galapagos Islands.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Details

Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodation; meals; excursions led by professional naturalist guide; use of snorkel equipment; wetsuit; use of kayaks; all transportation between visitor sites and ship; tea, coffee, water and natural juices (2025); welcome cocktail.

Exclusions

Air tickets to/from Galapagos Islands (handling fee of $50 per person for tickets not issued in conjunction with this cruise); Galapagos National Park fee (US $200 cash per adult and $100 for children under 12 years old); Transit Control Card (US $20); Isabela Municipal dock fee (US$10 per person); bottled beverages on board; insurance of any kind; tips to crew and guide; and items of a personal nature; possible fuel surcharge (estimated $75 per person, per departure).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 91 days – $500 service fee
90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

Most flights to the Galapagos will depart Quito or Guayaquil between 6:00am and 11:00am on Day 1 and return between 2:00pm and 6:00pm on the final day. We highly recommend travelers arrive to Ecuador two days prior to their Galapagos cruise. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page. Note: Your passport must be valid 6 months after your Ecuador trip concludes.

Internal Flights

Flights from mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil) to the Galapagos are not included in the cruise price, but are arranged for you by AdventureSmith Explorations through your ship. Your Adventure Specialist will book these flights for you on the scheduled Galapagos flight for your particular departure. Airfares vary by departure; your Adventure Specialist will detail these for you in their proposal and on your invoice. On flights from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands, baggage weight limits are currently 50 pounds for checked items, and 17 pounds for carry-on plus a small personal item. Subject to change.

Activities

There are numerous opportunities to hike, kayak, swim and snorkel. The underwater experience is an integral part of any Galapagos cruise. We encourage all travelers to try snorkeling. Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, floating vest and net bag) are provided. Wetsuits are available, either free of charge or to rent for a fee (see Inclusions and Exclusions), and are recommended from June to December.

Daily excursions from the boat to the islands will be made in pangas (dinghies). Trip members will hike from the landing point to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours round-trip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are “wet,” requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at a 50% supplement of the per person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, a Roommate Share Program will guarantee double occupancy rates for boat cabins even if we are unable to match you with a roommate.

Families & Children

Children under 12 years old receive a 50% discount when traveling with 1 adult. One child per adult at discounted rate. Not applicable over Christmas and New Year’s departures. There is no minimum age for children.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

We strongly recommend that you travel to Galapagos Province with travel insurance that contains medical coverage. Be certain to bring your insurance plan ID documents with you when you travel.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. Due to the active nature of volcanoes in the Western Galapagos, alternate excursions may be offered. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Fernandina Itinerary

This 8-day round-trip Baltra cruise visits Baltra, Santa Cruz, Chinese Hat, Rabida, Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, Bartolome and North Seymour islands. Explore the central and western Galapagos Islands, known for their young, active geology and exciting human history.

Day 1

WED - Embark Baltra to Highlands & Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz)

Upon arrival at the Baltra airport, meet the expedition staff and transfer to the Cachalote Explorer. After briefing and lunch, begin the first island visit with a tour of the Santa Cruz Highlands and be delighted by the island’s variety of life and geology. Next take a 10-minute walk from Puerto Ayora’s town center to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here, learn about natural history of the Galapagos, issues concerning the islands and see the tortoise breeding and rearing project at work.

Accommodations

Cachalote Explorer

Meals

lunch, dinner

Day 2

THU - Sombrero Chino & Rabida

Sombrero Chino (Chinese Hat) is a small volcanic island just off the southeast tip of Santiago. The name of the island describes the shape of the island. Fauna includes Sea lions, marine iguanas and the Galapagos penguin. Rabida is a small island with a dark red coral sand beach. Highlights include the lagoon with flamingoes, a pelican nesting site, sea lion bachelor colony and a snorkeling site at the end of the beach.

Accommodations

Cachalote Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3

FRI - Puerto Villamil & Sierra Negra (Isabela)

Isabela is the largest of the Galapagos Islands formed by five active volcanoes fused together. Wolf Volcano is the highest point in the entire Galapagos at 5,600 feet. Puerto Villamil is a charming small town on a white-sand beach. Highlights include the Tortoise Breeding Station and the flamingo lagoon. The Sierra Negra Volcano has a caldera with a diameter of 6.2 miles. View recent lava flows, moist highland vegetation and parasitic cones. Other visits here (depending on conditions) may be the Tintoreras or Los Humedales.

Accommodations

Cachalote Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4

SAT - Punta Moreno & Elizabeth Bay (Isabela)

Punta Moreno, located in the central southwestern coast of Isabela Island, is a place where the forces of the Galapagos have joined to create a work of art. The site has spectacular views of volcanoes Alcedo, Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul. Some highlights include impressive lava flows, desolate and pristine landscape, and varied and unusual arid zone vegetation.

This afternoon, visit the marine visitor site at Elizabeth Bay on the west coast of Isabela, at the Perry Isthmus (no landings are permitted). Las Marielas is the small islets just outside the bay and home to the largest concentration of Galapagos penguins living in the islands. This is one of the island’s breeding sites for penguins, and Galapagos sea turtles and rays can usually be seen in the water.

Accommodations

Cachalote Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5

SUN - Urbina Bay & Tagus Cove (Isabela)

Urbina Bay is located at the central-west coast of Isabela Island, at the foothills of Alcedo and Darwin volcanoes. Highlights here include the colorful land iguanas, Galapagos giant tortoises and the coral uplifting from 1954. Tagus Cove is a natural harbor where centuries ago whalers and pirates left their ship’s names painted or carved on the rocks. A walk uphill to the Darwin’s Crater salt-water lake will provide an excellent view.

Accommodations

Cachalote Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6

MON - Punta Espinosa (Fernandina) & Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela)

Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island is a place famous for its large colonies of marine iguanas and as the habitat of unique species like the flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin, Galapagos hawk and Galapagos snake, among others. Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island is visited by panga rides along the cliffs or the partially sunken cave at the water’s edge. Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies and flightless cormorants inhabit the shoreline.

Accommodations

Cachalote Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7

TUE - Puerto Egas (Santiago) & Bartolome

Visit Santiago Island, located between Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands, where a walk here along the rocky coastline offers a view of some of the Galapagos Islands’ best tide pools. Some highlights include Sugar Loaf Volcano, fur seals, oystercatchers, a marine iguana colony and an old salt mine. In the afternoon, hike to the highest point on Bartolome Island for a spectacular view. Sea lions and penguins can be seen around Pinnacle Rock. There is also a sandy beach with great swimming and snorkeling.

Accommodations

Cachalote Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8

WED - North Seymour & Disembark Baltra

The flat piece of land that is North Seymour Island originated after an uplifting event thousands of years ago. The island is home to endemic palo santo trees, colonies of blue-footed boobies, swallow tailed gulls and the magnificent frigate birds. After this final visit, disembark on Baltra and make the return flight from the Galapagos Islands.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Details

Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Exclusions

Air tickets to/from Galapagos Islands (handling fee of $50 per person for tickets not issued in conjunction with this cruise); Galapagos National Park fee (US $200 cash per adult and $100 for children under 12 years old); Transit Control Card (US $20); bottled beverages on board; Isabela Municipal dock fee (US $10 per person); insurance of any kind; tips to crew and guide; and items of a personal nature; possible fuel surcharge (estimated $75 per person, per departure).

Payment & Cancellation

Terms & Conditions

Arrival & Departure

Internal Flights

Activities

Room Configuration

Families & Children

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that you travel to Galapagos Province with travel insurance that contains medical coverage. Be certain to bring your insurance plan ID documents with you when you travel.

Itinerary Notes

Hood Itinerary

This 6-day San Cristobal to Baltra cruise follows days 3-8 of the Tower itinerary, visiting the islands of Espanola (also known as Hood), Floreana, Santa Cruz, Santiago and Genovesa. Explore the northern, central, and southern Galapagos Islands, known for their unique birdlife and geology.

Day 1

FRI - Embark San Cristobal to Cerro Brujo, La Galapaguera & El Junco

San Cristóbal is the easternmost island of Galapagos and one of the oldest islands in the Galapagos. Cerro Brujo is a white-sand beach on the west side of San Cristóbal. Here, expect to see Sally Lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas, sea lions, Chatham mockingbird and lava lizards. Next visit Galapaguera and El Junco. The lagoon is the only freshwater reservoir in the Galapagos and has great views from its altitude of 2,300 feet in the highlands of San Cristóbal. Rainwater has collected in the caldera for hundreds of years and formed this lagoon. Galapaguera is a good area to see tortoises in their natural environment. Later, embark the Cachalote Explorer.

Accommodations

Cachalote Explorer

Meals

lunch, dinner

Day 2

SAT - Gardner Bay, Gardner & Osborn Islets, Punta Suarez (Espanola)

Accommodations

Cachalote Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3

SUN - Punta Cormorant, Devil's Crown & Post Office Bay (Floreana)

Floreana is best known for its colorful history of buccaneers, whalers, convicts and early colonists. Punta Cormorant has two contrasting beaches and a large inland lagoon where pink flamingoes can be seen. Devil’s Crown is a snorkeling site located just off Punta Cormorant. The site is a completely submerged volcano that has eroded to create the appearance of a jagged crown. Post Office Bay is one of the few sites visited for its human history. Visit the wooden mail barrel where letters are dropped off and picked up, and see remains of the Norwegian fishing village.

Accommodations

Cachalote Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4

MON - Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz) & Sullivan Bay (Santiago)

Located in the northwestern side of Santa Cruz Island, Dragon Hill includes small lagoons with flamingos, palo santo trees and opuntia cactus. On Santiago Island, located between Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands, view a wide variety of seabirds, marine iguanas and fur seals. Sullivan Bay is of great geological interest with a 100-hundred-year-old lava flow field, pahoehoe formations and lava bubbles.

Accommodations

Cachalote Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5

TUE - El Barranco & Darwin Bay (Genovesa)

Accommodations

Cachalote Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6

WED - Daphne Major & Disembark Baltra

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Details

Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Exclusions

Air tickets to/from Galapagos Islands (handling fee of $50 per person for tickets not issued in conjunction with this cruise); Galapagos National Park fee (US $200 cash per adult and $100 for children under 12 years old); Transit Control Card (US $20); bottled beverages on board; Isabela Municipal dock fee (US $10 per person); insurance of any kind; tips to crew and guide; and items of a personal nature; possible fuel surcharge (estimated $55 per person, per departure).

Payment & Cancellation

Terms & Conditions

Arrival & Departure

Internal Flights

Activities

Room Configuration

Families & Children

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that you travel to Galapagos Province with travel insurance that contains medical coverage. Be certain to bring your insurance plan ID documents with you when you travel.

Itinerary Notes

Isabela Itinerary

This 6-day round-trip Baltra cruise follows days 3-8 of the Fernandina itinerary, visiting the islands of Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, Bartolome and North Seymour. Explore the central and western Galapagos Islands, known for their young, active geology and exciting human history.

Day 1

FRI - Arrive Baltra to Puerto Villamil (Isabela)

Upon arrival at the Baltra airport, meet the expedition staff and transfer to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, to take a speedboat to Isabela Island at 2:00pm. The speedboat arrives in Puerto Villamil on Isabela island at approximately 4:30pm. Here, board the Cachalote Explorer.

Accommodations

Cachalote Explorer

Meals

lunch, dinner

Day 2

SAT - Punta Moreno & Elizabeth Bay (Isabela)

Punta Moreno is located in the central southwestern coast of Isabela Island. The site has spectacular views of volcanoes Alcedo, Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul. Some highlights include impressive lava flows, desolate and pristine landscape, and varied and unusual arid zone vegetation. Elizabeth Bay is only accessible by panga. It is possible to see penguins on the small islets in the bay. The end of the bay is long and narrow, surrounded by three species of mangroves. Galapagos sea turtles and rays can usually be seen in the water.

Accommodations

Cachalote Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3

SUN - Urbina Bay & Tagus Cove (Isabela)

Accommodations

Cachalote Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4

MON - Punta Espinoza (Fernandina) & Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela)

Accommodations

Cachalote Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5

TUE - Puerto Egas (Santiago) & Bartolome

Accommodations

Cachalote Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6

WED - North Seymour & Disembark Baltra

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Details

Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Double accommodation in cabins; meals; excursions led by professional naturalist guides; use of snorkeling equipment, wetsuits and kayaks; all transportation between visitor sites and yacht; tea, coffee, water and natural juices (2025); welcome cocktail.

Exclusions

International airfare; airfare on group flights between mainland Ecuador and Galapagos Islands (handling fee of $50 per person for tickets not issued in conjunction with this cruise); Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee (US $200 cash per adult and $100 for children under 12 years old); INGALA Transit Control Card (US $20 per person); Isabela Municipal dock fee (US$10 per person); bottled beverages on board; gratuities; other personal expenses, medical services or insurance of any kind; possible fuel surcharge (estimated $55 per person, per departure).

Payment & Cancellation

Terms & Conditions

Arrival & Departure

Internal Flights

Activities

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, a Roommate Share Program will guarantee double occupancy rates for boat cabins even if we are unable to match you with a roommate.

Families & Children

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that you travel to Galapagos Province with travel insurance that contains medical coverage. Be certain to bring your insurance plan ID documents with you when you travel.

Itinerary Notes

Rates & Dates

Galapagos Cruise Rates & Dates

In addition to the rates and dates listed below, a 15-day Galapagos Cachalote Explorer itinerary is available by combining the ship’s 8-day itineraries. Contact AdventureSmith for details.

This ship is an AdventureSmith favorite for private charter. Contact us for charter pricing and details.

2024 2025

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Nov 20 - Nov 27, 2024

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4000^USD

Per Person

Nov 22 - Nov 27, 2024

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3000^USD

Per Person

Nov 27 - Dec 04, 2024

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4000^USD

Per Person

Nov 29 - Dec 04, 2024

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3000^USD

Per Person

Dec 04 - Dec 11, 2024

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4000^USD

Per Person

Dec 06 - Dec 11, 2024

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3000^USD

Per Person

Dec 11 - Dec 18, 2024

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4000^USD

Per Person

Dec 13 - Dec 18, 2024

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3000^USD

Per Person

Dec 18 - Dec 25, 2024

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4200^USD

Per Person

Jan 01 - Jan 08, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4600^USD

Per Person

Jan 29 - Feb 05, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Jan 31 - Feb 05, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Feb 19 - Feb 26, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Feb 21 - Feb 26, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Feb 26 - Mar 05, 2026

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Feb 28 - Mar 05, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Mar 05 - Mar 12, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Mar 07 - Mar 12, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Mar 12 - Mar 19, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Mar 14 - Mar 19, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Mar 19 - Mar 26, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Mar 21 - Mar 26, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Mar 26 - Apr 02, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Mar 28 - Apr 02, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Apr 02 - Apr 09, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Apr 04 - Apr 09, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Apr 09 - Apr 16, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Apr 11 - Apr 16, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Apr 23 - Apr 30, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Apr 25 - Apr 30, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

May 21 - May 28, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

May 23 - May 28, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

May 28 - Jun 04, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

May 30 - Jun 04, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Jun 04 - Jun 11, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Jun 06 - Jun 11, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Jun 11 - Jun 18, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Jun 13 - Jun 18, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Jun 18 - Jun 25, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Jun 20 - Jun 25, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Jun 25 - Jul 02, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Jun 27 - Jul 02, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Jul 09 - Jul 16, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Jul 11 - Jul 16, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Jul 16 - Jul 23, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Jul 18 - Jul 23, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Jul 23 - Jul 30, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Jul 25 - Jul 30, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Jul 30 - Aug 06, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Aug 01 - Aug 06, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Aug 06 - Aug 13, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Aug 08 - Aug 13, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Aug 13 - Aug 20, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Aug 15 - Aug 20, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Aug 20 - Aug 27, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Aug 22 - Aug 27, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Aug 27 - Sep 03, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Aug 29 - Sep 03, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Sep 03 - Sep 10, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Sep 05 - Sep 10, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Oct 15 - Oct 22, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Oct 17 - Oct 22, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Oct 22 - Oct 29, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Oct 24 - Oct 29, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Nov 12 - Nov 19, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Nov 14 - Nov 19, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Nov 19 - Nov 26, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Nov 21 - Nov 26, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Dec 03 - Dec 10, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Dec 05 - Dec 10, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Dec 10 - Dec 17, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Dec 12 - Dec 17, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Dec 17 - Dec 24, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4400^USD

Per Person

Dec 19 - Dec 24, 2025

Cachalote Explorer • 6 days

From $3300^USD

Per Person

Dec 31 - Jan 07, 2026

Cachalote Explorer • 8 days

From $4600^USD

Per Person

East Galapagos Islands

West Galapagos Islands

Accommodation

Learn About the Galapagos Ship on Your Itinerary

Yacht

Cachalote Explorer

The 16-guest Cachalote Explorer is a beautifully decorated motor vessel originally built in 1988 as a stable Canadian fishing boat and refurbished in 2018 with modern style, sun decks and comfortable accommodations.

Testimonials

Hear It From Travelers Who Have Explored With Us Before

"Fantastic!"

This trip was fantastic! The assistance provided by AdventureSmith was top-notch and everything was coordinated very well.

Overall

5 /5

Accommodations

5 /5

Meals

5 /5

"Bucket-List Trip"

Fantastic trip, great service from the crew, and the nature guide was top notch...great value for a bucket-list trip.

Overall

5 /5

Accommodations

4.5 /5

Meals

5 /5

Yevgeniy M. - Brooklyn, NY

"Fantastic!"

Overall

5 /5

Accommodations

5 /5

Meals

5 /5

This trip was fantastic! The assistance provided by AdventureSmith was top-notch and everything was coordinated very well.

Accommodations Review

The room and overall experience was excellent.

Meals Review

Everything was perfect!

Itinerary Review

All of it, the Galapagos 8-day trip was to die for. I can't say we didn't enjoy it, but after the Galapagos, the Amazon rainforest was just too hot and wet, but hey, that's what we signed up for and I'm glad we had the experience.

Crew & Guides Review

Enthusiasm is the one word I would use to describe our guide. He went above and beyond to make sure we saw as much as possible and that we enjoyed the trip as much as possible.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Lauren was thorough, accommodating, and booked exactly what we wanted.

Traveler Advice Explorations Review

Sleep before and after, don't miss a thing!

Learn More

Featured in this Traveler Review

Cachalote Explorer Galapagos Cruises
Cachalote Explorer
Lauren Pilholski

Lawrence S. - Cicero, NY

"Bucket-List Trip"

Overall

5 /5

Accommodations

4.5 /5

Meals

5 /5

Fantastic trip, great service from the crew, and the nature guide was top notch...great value for a bucket-list trip.

Accommodations Review

The ship was very nice, but in obvious need of some mechanical overhauls. Even so, I was still very pleased with the ship. StarLink being available was a nice surprise!

Meals Review

Excellent local flavor to the food. Only "problem" was (not) identifying the dishes meant for vegetarians.

Itinerary Review

The snorkeling was the best - not traditional coral reef stuff, but filled with close encounters with large sea creatures - penguins, sea lions, cormorants, iguanas, rays, sharks, etc. We also lucked out in seeing the eruption on Fernandina up close.

Crew & Guides Review

Carmen was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable - she did a great job. Felt a little bit rushed on some of the excursions, but I believe this was due more to the Park's regulations and time schedules than any fault of Carmen's. Charlie (Carlos) and Mario were excellent as our panga drivers, and took pains to point out any wildlife they spotted. The captain went out of his way to get us a better view of the eruption.

Fellow Passengers Review

Luck of the draw...

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Given the complexities of the arrangements, I was happy with the pre-cruise information.

Traveler Advice

Sun block!

Learn More

Featured in this Traveler Review

Cachalote Explorer Galapagos Cruises
Cachalote Explorer

Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

877-620-2875 877-620-2875 Contact Us

Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Galapagos Cruise

Add to Wishlist

5 Day Land Tour

Quito & Guayaquil Galapagos Travel Package

Most Galapagos cruises require travelers to find pre- and post-cruise Guayaquil or Quito hotels. This travel package offers an easy, cost-effective way to get to the Galapagos with a comprehensive land package.

From $485^USD

Year Round

Add to Wishlist

5 - 6 Day Land Tour

Machu Picchu Explorer

Travel to Peru's most spectacular archaeological monument in South America: the ancient Inca site of Machu Picchu. This 5- or 6-day Machu Picchu Explorer adventure includes Cusco, the Urubamba Valley and upscale accommodations.

From $2335^USD

Year Round

Add to Wishlist

4 - 5 Day Land Tour

Ecuador Amazon Adventure - Napo Wildlife Center

Spend 4, 5 or 8 days at the Napo Wildlife Center, a luxury eco-hotel and ecotourism project that includes the conservation of approximately over 82 square miles of Ecuador's most pristine Amazon rainforest within Yasunì National Park.

From $1525^USD

Year Round

Travel Guides

Planning Your Cruise to the Galapagos Islands

View All Galapagos Travel Guides

Book your Galapagos small ship cruise with AdventureSmith Explorations for our broad knowledge of this famed archipelago. Our Adventure Specialists are Galapagos travel experts, savvy on Galapagos travel news and planning tips, and our travelers are extensions of this team, providing further insight to enhance our guests’ experience.

This series of travel guides and journals will help you learn more about the Galapagos Islands and get inspired. We travel to the Galapagos several times each year and update our guides frequently, so consult these posts regularly for the most up-to-date information.

Travel Essential • September 13th, 2022

Best Time to Visit Galapagos

When is the best time to visit Galapagos? Consult this month by month guide for help planning your Galapagos travel with tips on everything from weather, wildlife, water temperature and the benefits of each month.

Travel Essential • September 15th, 2020

Galapagos Travel Tips

Collectively, our crew of experts has been to the Galapagos more than 20 times to travel with our partner small ships and island lodges. Take our insider advice to make the most of your journey.

Travel Essential • August 26th, 2020

How to Charter a Yacht in 7 Steps

Tips every savvy traveler should know when researching how to charter a yacht. This 7-step guide gives you insight from AdventureSmith's many years of arranging charter cruises to exotic destinations worldwide.

More to Explore

Trips You Might Also Like

View All Galapagos Cruises

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6-8 Day Cruise

Beluga Galapagos Cruises

With panoramic windows in the salon, great deck space, excellent guides and eco-friendly Smart Voyager certification, the 16-guest Beluga is a fantastic way to cruise the Galapagos Islands in speed, style and conservation during your 6- or 8-day cruise.

Passion Galapagos Cruises

The 14-guest Passion offers classic cruises. Sailing two Galapagos itineraries, she offers an ideal 1-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio and ample time to become familiar with the wildlife.

Natural Paradise Galapagos Cruises

Discover the Galapagos Islands aboard the exquisite 16-guest Natural Paradise. This is Galapagos cruising at its finest with beautiful cabins and common spaces along with kayaking and snorkeling equipment on board.

From $3245^USD

Year Round

View All Galapagos Cruises

Cachalote Explorer Galapagos Cruises

Tower Itinerary

Fernandina Itinerary

Hood Itinerary

Isabela Itinerary

Galapagos Cruise Rates & Dates

Learn About the Galapagos Ship on Your Itinerary

Hear It From Travelers Who Have Explored With Us Before

Accommodations Review

Meals Review

Itinerary Review

Crew & Guides Review

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Traveler Advice Explorations Review

Accommodations Review

Meals Review

Itinerary Review

Crew & Guides Review

Fellow Passengers Review

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Traveler Advice

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Galapagos Cruise

Planning Your Cruise to the Galapagos Islands

Trips You Might Also Like

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