MV Nemo Two 7W

a relatively small and intimate catamaran

MV Nemo Two is a relatively small catamaran, which offers two different 7 night explorations of the islands of the Galápagos.

In contrast to the larger and more comfortable motorised vessels that are more common in these waters, Nemo Two is an authentic catamaran, perfect for more adventurous guests who genuinely enjoy sailing.

Having said that, it’s probably worth pointing out that the majority of the navigation is carried out using the motors, actual use of the sails is relatively limited and, obviously, very dependent on weather conditions.

Although the boat is beautifully presented, its small size means that it is inherently much more compact and offers far lower levels of comfort and facilities.

However, its relatively low price level means that it can be a great option for private charters, being reasonably cost effective for groups of six to ten guests.

When booked by the cabin, there is the capacity for fourteen guests, so space can become a bit tight if the boat is fully booked.

The itineraries are designed to provide a good range of experiences, visiting a mix of remote uninhabited islands and larger more populated islands.

In terms of difficulty, most of the activities involve taking Zodiac rides to access various islands, with many of the landings involving awkward steps onto a jetty or shallow wading onto a beach. In almost all locations guests can either take it easy or choose to be more active. As well as longer hikes, the boat provides equipment for snorkelling and kayaking.

The catamaran has a single deck across the middle, which contains a dining area to the rear, a large indoor salon (which can be used for indoor dining), an outdoor lounging area to the front and a simple open sunbathing area above two cabins in the middle. The two hulls contain the remaining cabins, staff quarters and back-of-house.

The food service is usually very good, being mainly focused on local cuisine from Ecuador.

The boat has a very experienced and competent crew, including a very knowledgeable naturalist guide.

Cabins

Guest accommodation is in 7 cabins, each with a very small porthole window, a small private bathroom and individually controlled air-conditioning. The cabins come in three specifications …

• Superior Cabins : x2 : queen bed
• Double Cabins : x3 : elevated single and lower queen beds (or vice versa)
• Twin Cabins : x2 : elevated single and lower single beds

Although three of the cabins have room for three guests, the maximum capacity of the boat remains 14 guests.

The Galapagos islands can be visited in isolation, you do not necessarily need to combine with mainland South America, although you will need to fly in via Ecuador.

The islands are most commonly combined with the Yasuni Amazon in Ecuador, with a night or two in Quito in between.

It is also possible to combine with the Inca Highlands and Iquitos Amazon in Peru, although the flight connections can be a little more arduous.

Itinerary 7W

This Baltra to Baltra 7 night itinerary explores the islands to the north and west of the group …

Sunday : Isla Seymour Norte
Monday : Isla Santa Cruz
Tuesday : Isla Isabela
Wednesday : Isla Isabela : Isla Fernandina
Thursday : Isla Santiago
Friday : Isla Rábida : Isla Santiago
Saturday : Isla Genovesa
Sunday : Isla Daphne Major

The same boat also offers a seven night exploration of the islands to the south and east.

There are two sister boats which offer the same itineraries on the same days.

Unlike other operators, these two itineraries are not designed to be combined back to back to make a more comprehensive 14 night trip, although if you are planning a private charter, then it should be possible to remove most of the repetitive elements.

Please note that the itinerary is very much dependent on weather conditions, park authorities, mechanical failure and other factors, so may vary considerably. The descriptions are provided simply to provide you with a taste of the kinds of experiences that the trip will include.

witnessing evolution in action