Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The Cachalotte is a superb boat and the staff are exceptional, the chef needs a medal the food presented was far superior to any hotel I have stayed in.  Nothing was too much trouble , especially  helpful getting into the panga's!!  Juon was a very knowledgeable guide, friendly and socialable.The wildlife exceeded all expectations we saw it all as per itinerary, I had never snorkelled but managed to and saw fabulous fish , inquisitive seals and penguins darting round me, turtles and much more.  Weather was perfect, no rain, sun protection is a must, only one suffered sea sickness (mildly) Land wildlife, flowers, scenery superb tooLong journey to destination, Iberia OK but boy was it worth it.  Quito - go to old town lovely, Cuba hotel was excellent.Highly recommended.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Juan was so knowledgeable really showed his 25 years experience, very friendly and efficient. Sat with us in the evenings to discuss with us what we had seen that day. All transport, transfers went like clockwork

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sea sickness was not a problem on our trip, but there are tablets available.  Altitude in Quito not a great problem just keep drinking water .  Bellavista was a nice trip from Quito but only if not raining, it can be very cold and damp there and not a lot to do/see if wet. Must go to the Palace in Quito old town, free guided tour and photo.Be aware that despite transferring from one plane to another @ Madrid your alcohol will be taken away, insist shops put it in sealed bag, mine was treble wrapped in bubblewrap and they still took it , I lost $52.If poss take a pillow for the boat, mattress and pillow on hard side!! You can use it on the plane too .

Suggestions

If you have never attempted to snorkel here is the perfect chance, all the equipment and superb opportunities almost every day- twice a day.  I cannot swim but still had a go with a life jacket, had one beach and the mammal's/fish to myself last day !! Superb experience

Most Inspirational Moment

Being on the islands was such as awe inspiring feeling, knowing how much they are doing to keep the islands and animals protected and knowing that tourists and local communtities are only allowed to be on 1% of the islands and the rest is restricted is wonderful to know.Swimming with 11 turtles with one falling asleep right beside me and floating into me was magical! The trip has certainly changed me and I feel very lucky and priveledged to have been able to go!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader (Juan Tapia) was fantastic. So enthusiastic and knowledgable, he really added to the trip and we felt lkucky to have him as our guide. You felt safe with him and as he had grown up on the islands and was so passionate about sharing them with others you felt even more enthused. He knew everything about all the different species and could never not answer a question about the islands/species!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light, as we were walking and swimming/snorkelling a lot we really didnt need much as things could be washed and hung up on the boat to dry. Take clothes that you dont mind getting dirty or ruined. Take strong suncream factor 50 if possible as i was caught out with factor 30. Certainly wear a top whilst snorkelling, the water was lovely and warm but your back is protected from sun burn.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole trip was inspirational and I find it difficult to say what was the most inspirational moment.Even after all these months I can remember lots of wonderful images .Both my self and husband read all the reviews written from fellow travellers and we identified all the points.The Cachalote was fantastic ,we had a wonderful crew and fellow passengers,which is a key factor on this type of holiday. The wild life experience ,on the land and in the sea exceeded all our expectations,swimming with those turtles,sharks and seeing the rays glide past was unreal .The playful sea lions just seem to be there for the sheer love of folks. Snorkelling is a must we had not done it before,such a wonderful feeling once you get the hang of it. Every island had different surprise's to offer,well worth the walks and climbs.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Group leader in Quito was excellent and gave us lots of advice.As a group we did the suggested itinerary and that worked very well and we saw lots .See other reviews from travellers who went on this holiday in March2012. The Group leader in the Galapagos was excellent ,the information she provided was of a very high standard.The briefings each day were brilliant,I would advise travellers to take a photo each day of the briefing board for your future travel log.The Group leader was very realistic and offered sensible advice throughout the trip.We found if you listened and followed instructions you would get more out of the holiday. Just master that getting on and off Cachalote and the islands/beaches on to the zodiac and you will be fine. Crew members were also an excellent source of information and always ready to be of assistance.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do your research read the notes provided,ensure this is the holiday for you.Boat can be bit rough at times, however you do get use to it.This is not a relaxing holiday remember it is an adventure.Cabins are small you do need to be organised, but it is Great! we would advise any one to go. If possible watch the BBC Richard Attenborough films before you go....and yes it is just like that in real life. We took our own snorkelling gear and thought that was a good idea,although there is enough on board. My view is that I would have liked my own shortie wet suit.

Suggestions

The very fact you are reading this review means you are interested ,as mentioned above do your research. Make sure you take things you have been advised to take,read all the reviews about this holiday. Just doing this review brings back wonderful memories of sailing along in the pitch black evening ,we will never forget the wonderful sight of the sky and stars and the gentle sway of Cachalote .Just sitting on the front of the boat ,you will have to pinch yourself to make sure it is real.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking on the lava fields and imagining how it must have been when the earth was booming with activity. It made me feel very humble towards the magnificence and power of our planet. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Darwin rocks!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't hesitate: just GO! But do not forget to take good earplugs as the engine is really loud in some cabins.I had a long wetsuit and was never cold, so consider bringing one too. 

Suggestions

We had a fantastic holiday! The opportunities for getting up, close & personal with tortoises, turtles, iguanas, sharks, dolphins, mula-mulas, sea-birds.... are incredible. Everywhere you look, there is something going on! Watching baby sea lions just a couple of hours old sucking away without any worry in the world was so lovely. I just took so many photos and video, it is going to take me weeks to sort them all out! (sorry, not very well said, but I am french...   Anyway, just GO and see for yourself!) 

Most Inspirational Moment

So many highlights, but I think swimming with just one sealion on our last snorkel trip, he just wanted to play with us, and it was just lovely, he didn't want us to get out.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were lucky enough to have Darwin, and having read other reports about him, we knew we were lucky, and I have to agree with others that have had him as their guide, he is so well prepared, ready to answer any questions, so full of information that he spends the time passing on to you.  Will adapt the daily routine to ensure that the guests are happy, and takes into account the likes & dislikes as much as he can. Nothing was too much trouble for him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy every moment of the trip, as well as getting to know your fellow travellers take the time to also get to know the crew, and they will help make it a great holiday, the team on the Cachalote with us just made us laugh so much, Roberto has a laugh that I will never forget.And a reminder that the storage space in the rooms is very limited, once you get over the shock it is fine, and I think in all cases we all made it work, but don't think we ever got over the initial shock.

Suggestions

If anyone has space in their bags, then please take me back with you.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole expedition was so inspirational, but for me it was being in the ocean with a "mola mola" (sunfish) google it, you will see what I mean.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Darwin our group leader was absolutely brilliant, his predictions of what we would see from day to day were always proved right. His knowledge and enthusiasm rubbed off on all our fellow travellers making everyday and every sighting of wildlife, landscapes and flora fauna interesting and exciting. Darwin was magicle!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you decide on taking this magical trip. Make sure you have a large memory card. You do not need a lot of clothes just shorts and t-shirts, the ship has a bare foot policy on board so don't waste luggage space on deck shoes. Also a large part of the daily program is snorkelling usually twice a day, make sure this is for you and take your own masks and snorkels(they are available for hire but it's nice to use your own)

Suggestions

Cheers to Darwin!!!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved all of the wildlife, but the absolute highlight for me was snorkeling with turtles. I enjoyed a full half hour in the company of a couple of grazing turtles who were within touching distance (I didn't - I resisted the temptation!). I had to keep circling to prevent myself from bumping into them in the swell - just brilliant. I also enjoyed the occasions when sealions came to investigate/play whilst snorkeling. Oh and the sky pointing, feet lifting displays of the blue footed boobies on the last morning of the trip - I love those birds!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Silvia was a great group leader. She shared a wealth of knowledge and clearly loved the islands and the wildlife. She was a very good organiser, ensured everyone was taken care of and was also great company. Thanks Silvia! Stefan in Quito was also extremely helpful and ensured that we got the best that we could out of our short time there. I was a little concerned about safety in Quito, but his advice ensured we were ok.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light - storage space is limited - it's easy to wash and dry clothing by using the pegs provided on deck. I was unsure whether I needed a wetsuit for snorkeling at this time of year - In the Eastern islands I found the snorkelling warm enough to wear just a t-shirt for sun protection, but in the Western islands it was cooler (actually quite cold in two places) - I had taken a wetsuit type t-shirt, which was fine for all but the two coldest snorkels - I just had to swim a lot to keep warm! Shoes were recommended, but in the interest of travelling light I managed fine with good quality walking sandals, although I am used to hill walking in them. Closed toe sandals with grippy soles are all you need though. Take sea sickness tablets with you just in case - we had a couple of days of Spring tide, with quite a swell and a few people needed tablets. The photographic opportunities are amazing - from reports I read before I went I almost didn't take my 100-400mm lens, but I'm so glad I did as it enabled me to get some really intimate close ups. To get the best out of the trip I'd recommend a wide and a zoom lens. But if you only have a compact, you'll have just as much fun with it. The entire trip requires cash (not cards) - keep it safe in Quito and ensure that all cash is in $20 notes or less - they rarely accept larger notes. Tipping is an integral part of the culture so ensure you have sufficient to tip the crew and guide in accordance with their service levels. You'll need insect repellent on a few of the islands (but not on most) - it's always handy to have some with you just in case.  

Suggestions

I would highly recommend the two week trip - the greater abundance of wildlife is on the Eastern islands and I enjoyed these islands the most - but my highlights mentioned above all occured on the Western islands. My only sadness was that Exodus don't run the two week trip in April as I'd have loved to have seen the waved albatrosses who hadn't arrived in time for this trip. We went in the' hot wet' season, but don't let the 'wet' bit put you off. Temperatures were over 30 degrees, the islands were green (which isn't the case in the dry season) and it only rained during the night on one occasion, so the weather was perfect. I enjoyed the snorkeling - in places it was good, but in others it was quite murky with not a lot to see. I've been lucky enough to snorkel in the Maldives where the fish are much more plentiful - but the sealions and turtles made up for the it. Overall a  fantastic trip and I'd highly recommend it to all those who enjoy wildlife and a relaxed life on the ocean wave. 

Most Inspirational Moment

The fabulous wildlife.  The birds and reptiles are very colourful but the flowers are mainly yellow! 

Thoughts on Group Leader

The impressive knowledge of Silvia (our guide) and her total enthusiasm holds her followers spellbound.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If travelling 'solo', think hard about a cabin to yourself!Take as few clothes as possible, things can be rinsed out and dry quite quicklyDo not get pressurised into giving fantastic tips, make up tour own mind and tip privately.

Suggestions

GET OUT THERE BEFORE YOU ARE TOO OLD OR TO DECREPID TO ENJOY IT TO THE FULL!

Most Inspirational Moment

Snorkling with the turtles.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sylvia was first class and had a wealth of knowledge about the Islands which she was always keen to share.  She made sure to tell us about the history, geology and wildlife of each island and was extremely informative.We were also very well looked after in Quito; airport transfers were reliable and efficient and the guide in Quito (Stefan) provided us with maps and suggestions for places to visit during the free day. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure that you don't take any denominations larger than $20 notes as you will not be able to spend them in Ecuador.Pack light - there is virtually no storage space in the cabins.Photographers - you get very close to the wildlife and I nearly didn't take my 70-200mm lens on this trip as I suspected that I would not use it much.  However, I actually used this lens more than any other so I would strongly recommend taking a medium range zoom lens, and this lens is vital if you are interested in bird photography. There was snorkling offered at least once, and often twice every day.  The Cachalote has wetsuits, fins and masks that you can hire very cheaply.  However, if you are of small build and want a wetsuit that fits properly you should consider bringing your own.  Most of the time the water was warm enough not to wear a wetsuit but the sun is very strong and I would strongly advise wearing a wetsuit during all of the snorkeling sessions if you burn easily.

Suggestions

Take insect repellant; mosquitos were in abundance on some (but by no means all) of the islands.Good quality walking sandals (preferably closed toe ones to avoid stubbing your toes on lava rocks) are adequate for most of the walks; you may want to consider bringing walking shoes if you need ankle support.This is not by any means a strenuous holiday; most of the walks are on the flat and are not at all hurried.  You have plenty of time to experience the wildlife and none of the landings felt rushed. It can, however, be very hot so you need to be able to cope with the heat to enjoy this holiday fully (it was around 35 degrees most days).  On most days you have around 2 hours after lunch to relax (sometimes longer) before you get off the yacht for the afternoon excursion so there was a very nice balance between activity and relaxation time.I was really glad that I chose the 2 week trip on the yacht as it gives you the opportunity to experience the whole variety of the islands.  If you can only go for one week then bear in mind that the eastern islands have more abundant wildlife (especially birds) and the western islands are more volcanic.  Having said that we still saw most of the variety of species on the western islands that we saw on the eastern islands, just not in the same numbers.   The turtles, however, are far more abundant on the western islands. 

Most Inspirational Moment

The penguin that stopped a couple of feet from me, looked me in the eye and scratched its head, before going on its way! Swimming with a large school of spotted eagle rays; and amidst a group of five penguins hunting small fish. The blue-footed boobies' courting display - absolutely charming.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, with the flexibility to change tack if something more interesting cropped up - e.g. postponing a walk to join the dolphin pod, or re-scheduling walks to gain early access, avoiding the crowds. Catered for the occasional differing desires of members of the group. All of the crew were very co-operative in this respect.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do take anti-seasickness pills with you, as the overnight crossings to some of the outer islands can be very choppy. Some of the cabins are very small, so take a minimum of luggage on the boat - you don't need much!Despite what some people might suggest, it is well worth taking a telephoto lens in addition to a standard zoom lens, allowing close-ups, as well as shots of birds in flight. Put your compact camera in a waterproof camera bag, for snorkelling photos and videos.