Pura’s opinion
Cachalote is close to our hearts. She really is a very pleasant boat, brilliant crew and a great itinerary. She sits towards the middle/lower end of the first class sail boats. She offers probably the best value first class small cruise experience in the Galapagos islands.

Star rating
Cachalote is a first class motor sail boat. You may very occasionally see her described as a superior tourist class. We at Pura think that this is overly harsh, and consider her to be a mid/lower end first class boat.

Accommodation
Cabins are small, comfortable but functional – bed & bathroom. These cabins are designed as a place to lay your head rather than somewhere to lounge about and relax.

Cabin sizes do vary, cabin one being probably the largest with a single upper, double lower bunk and more space generally. It is at the front of the boat so movement is greater when navigating.

Cabin eight is directly above cabin one, off the dining room, so has much more light. The bed is a lower double but curves on one side meaning that one person gets a full length bed, the person on the inside gets a shorter area to stretch out. For most couples it is fine but not good for two tall people.

Cabins six and seven are reached down their own stairs towards the rear of the boat. They are a decent size with single upper, small lower double beds. They are closer to the engine room so noise levels will be greater.

Cabins two, three, four and five are pretty much identical, small with nothing by way of floor space but the beds are a good width (3ft single beds) and full length so sleeping is very comfortable. At a squeeze you could sleep two in the bottom bunk as the hull curves to give you a bit more room.

Prices of cabins do not vary.

Whilst cabins on Cachalote are small the sitting room/dining room is fine to sit 16 at a go. The great advantage of Cachalote is that she has so much useable deck space. In total there are four or five different deck areas of deck which means that there is a really good feeling of space.

Noise
You should be aware that on any small boat you will have noise from generators and from the engine when travelling. Even sail boats travel under motor.

Stability
Being a sail boat, you will get movement in the water. This will be most noticeable between July and October in the more exposed waters of the south west of the archipelago.

Responsible travel
Pura Aventura is passionate about the places it visits.

Pura Aventura pays for you to become a benefactor of the Galapagos Conservation Trust for a full year.

The boat owners and most of the crew come from the islands which makes the enterprise sustainable.

Cachalote is SmartVoyager certified – go to www.smartvoyager.org for more information.

Who is it for?
Cachalote tends to attract a mixed crowd of Europeans and north Americans. Usually people who care about the quality of the experience (guides and itinerary) more than the depth of the carpet.

The boat is comfortable, the atmosphere is relaxed and informal.
Cachalote Galapagos boat specification

Length on deck: 27m/90ft
Boat width (beam): 5.5m/18ft
Average speed: 9 knots
Crew: 6 plus one guide

Cachalote accommodation information
Passengers: 16 maximum
Cabins: eight total. One with a double lower bed (cabin 8). Four with single upper and lower bunks (cabins 2,3,4 and 5). Three with single upper, small double lower bunks (cabins 1, 6 and 7).

All cabins have en suite facilities (shower with hot/cold water, toilet and sink).

Air conditioned throughout.

Inside dining and seating areas, outside seating areas/deck space split over various levels.

Equipment on board
Snorkel equipment: available at extra cost.

Useful Links

As you already know, Pura Aventura is dedicated to safe and responsible travel. The links below provide useful content and more information about Ecuador. Please call us of any special requirements on 01273 676 712.

Country Information

FCO

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides useful travel advices on Ecuador.

BBC News

BBC News provides useful information about Ecuador. Read more about it.

Official Government website

Find out more about Ecuador, by visiting its official governement website.

Prepare your holiday

Health

Before you go on your holiday to Ecuador, please ensure you have the correct vaccinations. Check out the NHS website for advices and visit your GP or a travel clinic.

Weather

To know the forecast in Ecuador, visit wunderground.

Pura’s Amazon shop

Find out our own Ecuador selection in Amazon.co.uk for a wide range of travel essentials, such as books, gadgets, clothing, etc. in preparation for your upcoming holiday.

Train ticket

If you are leaving from the UK, and want to be easy in your mind before you leave, book your train ticket or airport hotel now.

Flight deals

Find the best flight deals for your holiday to Ecuador with Kayak, Expedia, Vayama and Opodo.