Our small-boat cruise, led by expert naturalist guides, offers a unique encounter with the archipelago's diverse landscapes and fearless wildlife. Cachalote Explorer is owned and run by the first family to operate boats in the Galápagos, it's a resolutely unfussy boat with lovely crew and the best possible route around the archipelago.

In the Galapagós, not all itineraries are equal. We work with just a handful of smaller boats, those which offer the most comprehensive routes around the islands - it is in this variety that you can truly appreciate these truly extraordinary islands.

Explore the remote Western Isles, where lush greenery meets dramatic volcanic formations. Experience the playful antics of sea lions, the majesty of giant tortoises, and the vibrant hues of marine iguanas. Each day brings new discoveries, from the iconic blue-footed boobies to flightless cormorants.

This trip is designed to start in Quito and you then return via Guayaquil.

This trip departs on 3rd December 2024 and finishes on 11th December. Because it is a special boat charter, this date is fixed.

The Galapágos Islands lie on the equator so temperatures and weather conditions are generally warm and pleasant all year round. As such, there isn’t really a bad time to visit. The wildlife is always extraordinary.

There are generally two seasons – Cool/ Dry ( June to November) and Hot/Rainy ( December to May). Although it can still rain in the dry season, and heavy persistent downpours are rare even in the rainy season. The main difference between the seasons is the water temperature and the sea conditions. The sea temperature starts to cool around June with August and September seeing the coolest temperatures and choppiest seas.

The focus in Galápagos is primarily wildlife, but you do spend most of your time out and about in the great outdoors, so it is not a sedentary trip by any means. There is some gentle hiking, though the islands are volcanic, which means that you are often walking on quite sharp lava. There are also lots of opportunities to swim, snorkel and sometimes kayak.

Cachalote is a comfortable but not at all fancy tourist class boat. She is owned and operated by one of the original boat operators in the islands and this really comes through in the crew on board - this is a boat with personality!

The boat is air conditioned throughout. There are then lots of places to sit out on deck. If you want a boat which has a great crew, first class itinerary and offers comfort without any frills, Cachalote Explorer is perfect.

The marine life of the Galapagos. The underwater world of the Galapagos doesn’t often get as much attention as the wildlife on land. The marine life is just as abundant, colourful and fearless. Swimming alongside sea turtles is an incredible experience that you are unlikely to ever forget.

The cruise part of the trip is fixed, but we can certainly add time time elsewhere in Ecuador or perhaps Peru before or after this part. That might be Machu Picchu, the Amazon Rainforest or the Andes mountains... Just let us know if you have ideas or questions and we can advise accordingly.