TL;DR
The Nemo I is a 25-meter French-built sailing catamaran, the oldest and smallest vessel in the family-owned Nemo fleet, carrying 12 passengers in 7 private en-suite cabins. Tourist-superior class, operating since 2002. The key differentiator from its siblings Nemo II and Nemo III: the Nemo I is the only one offering occasional diving on naturalist itineraries, plus full dive charters with access to Darwin and Wolf. It has one meaningful practical note – no air conditioning, relying instead on natural ventilation through the twin-hull catamaran design. For travelers comfortable with that trade-off, it delivers an authentic catamaran sailing experience with a small group, good food, and capable guides at a price below the Nemo II and III.
Nemo I: Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Vessel type | Motor-sail catamaran (fiberglass, Dufour/Joubert-Nivelt design, French-built) |
| Class | Tourist Superior |
| Dimensions | 24.9 m (LOA) / 10 m (beam) |
| Capacity | 12 passengers |
| Cabins | 7 cabins – 2 matrimonial doubles (couples only), 4 with lower double + upper single, 1 with twin bunks. All en-suite private bathrooms with hot shower. |
| Air conditioning | No A/C – natural ventilation via catamaran hull design |
| In service | Since 2002 |
| Crew | 7: captain, helmsman, deck sailor, bartender, cook, machinist, bilingual naturalist guide |
| Fleet | Nemo I, II, and III – family-owned operation since 1985 |
| Itinerary lengths | 4, 5, and 8 days (North and South routes); dive charters available |
| Diving | 4 dives on 5-day cruise; 6 dives on 8-day cruise; full dive charter option (Darwin and Wolf access) |
| Price range (2026) | ~$450-$500 per person per day (tourist superior range) – contact for exact rates (prices verified May 22, 2026) |
| Included | All meals, water, coffee, tea, snacks, kayaks, snorkeling equipment, transfers |
| Park fees (not included) | $200 USD adults / $100 USD under 12 + $20 USD TCT – verified May 22, 2026 |
What Is the Nemo I and Who Is This Cruise Actually Built For?
The Nemo I is the original vessel in a family-owned fleet that has been sailing the Galapagos since 1985 – a French-built, Dufour-designed sailing catamaran carrying 12 passengers in 7 private-bathroom cabins at tourist-superior pricing. It is the smallest and most affordable boat in the Nemo fleet, and the only one offering diving on standard naturalist itineraries. It suits travelers who want a genuine catamaran sailing experience with a small intimate group, optional diving, and the credibility of a multi-decade family operation – without paying first-class prices.
The Nemo family operates three catamarans in the Galapagos: the Nemo I (12 passengers, tourist superior), Nemo II (14 passengers, first class), and Nemo III (16 passengers, first class). The I is the entry point into that fleet – older, smaller, less polished than its siblings, but carrying the same family ethos, the same guide pool, and access to the same islands.
What sets the Nemo I apart from most tourist-superior vessels is the diving option. On 5-day departures you get 4 dives; on 8-day trips, 6. This is built into the naturalist itinerary rather than a separate program – meaning non-divers and divers travel together, with diving as an optional enhancement rather than the entire purpose of the trip. For travelers who dive but don’t want a full liveaboard experience, this is a genuinely rare configuration in the Galapagos fleet at this price point.
One thing to know upfront: the Nemo I has no air conditioning. The catamaran’s twin-hull design creates natural airflow through the cabins, and the boat’s literature describes this as adequate. Whether it actually is depends on what time of year you’re traveling and how sensitive you are to equatorial heat. In the warm season (January to May) with higher humidity, some travelers will find it uncomfortable. In the cool/dry season (June to December), natural ventilation is typically sufficient. This is the single most important practical variable to assess before booking.
If you want honest advice on whether the Nemo I or one of its siblings fits your travel dates and comfort preferences better, we’re happy to help. Fill out this short form and we’ll get back to you with a free, no-pressure comparison.
What Are the Cabins and Onboard Accommodations Like on the Nemo I?
The Nemo I has 7 en-suite cabins distributed across the two hulls – 2 matrimonial doubles reserved for couples, 4 cabins with a lower double and upper single berth, and 1 twin bunk cabin. All have private bathrooms with hot showers. The catamaran hull placement means cabins are longer and narrower than on a mono-hull, with bright woodwork and natural light from hull windows. There is no air conditioning – natural hull ventilation is the cooling system. Social areas include a spacious saloon, ample sun deck, cockpit seating, and on-deck kayak storage.
Catamaran cabins feel different from mono-hull cabins of the same size. The twin-hull layout means each cabin runs lengthwise along a hull, which creates a narrower but longer space with good natural light from the hull windows. The bright finishes and light wood used throughout the Nemo I amplify that effect – the cabins read as airier than their actual dimensions suggest. Guests who have sailed both catamarans and mono-hulls in the Galapagos consistently describe the catamaran layout as more pleasant for the same price bracket.
The no-A/C situation needs direct treatment. The Nemo I relies on hull ventilation, opening windows, and fans for temperature management. In the Galapagos dry season – roughly June through December – overnight temperatures drop and daytime sea breezes make this workable for most travelers. In the warm season, particularly February through April when humidity peaks, it is genuinely warm below decks at night. If you’re booking during this window and you’re heat-sensitive, either upgrade to Nemo II or Nemo III which have A/C, or book the Nemo I in the understanding that you may be sleeping with the porthole fully open and a fan running.
The social spaces are where the catamaran design earns its keep. The saloon is wide and light-filled. The sun deck is genuinely generous for 12 passengers. The cockpit provides covered outdoor seating that serves as the social hub in the late afternoon. Multiple travelers describe the atmosphere on Nemo fleet boats as immediately social – the combination of small group size and well-designed common areas means strangers become companions by day two. The kayaks stored on deck are included in the price and available for use during appropriate excursion stops.
Which Itineraries Does the Nemo I Sail and What Islands Will You See?
The Nemo I runs two 8-day itineraries – North and South – both also available as 4 and 5-day segments. The northern route covers Genovesa’s dramatic seabird colonies, the geological interest of Rabida and Chinese Hat, Santiago, and Santa Cruz highlands. The southern route covers Española, Floreana, San Cristobal, and the central islands. Both are well-designed and offer excellent wildlife diversity. The diving option adds 4 to 6 immersions at sites including Cousin Rock, Kicker Rock, and Gordon Rocks, depending on itinerary.
| Route | Key Islands | Wildlife Highlights | Diving Included? |
|---|---|---|---|
| North (4, 5, or 8 days) | Genovesa (Darwin Bay, Prince Philip’s Steps), Rabida, Chinese Hat, Santiago, Santa Cruz highlands, Baltra | Red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, sea lions, Galapagos hawks, giant tortoises, marine iguanas | Yes, optional, 4 dives (5-day) or 6 dives (8-day) |
| South (4, 5, or 8 days) | Española (Gardner Bay, Suarez Point), Floreana (Post Office Bay, Devil’s Crown), San Cristobal (Kicker Rock), Bartolome, North Seymour | Waved albatross (seasonal), blue-footed boobies, sharks at Kicker Rock, flamingos at Floreana, sea turtles | Yes, optional, 4 dives (5-day) or 6 dives (8-day) |
The diving integration is the itinerary detail that makes the Nemo I uniquely useful in the tourist-superior class. Most vessels at this price level offer snorkeling only. The Nemo I builds occasional dive immersions into the naturalist schedule at established sites known for strong encounters – Gordon Rocks for hammerheads, Kicker Rock for sharks and rays, Devil’s Crown for diversity. These aren’t liveaboard-level dive schedules, but they give certified divers meaningfully more underwater access than any other tourist-superior boat in the fleet.
For full diving access including Darwin and Wolf, the Nemo I offers private dive charters with custom itineraries approved by the Galapagos National Park. This is not a standard departure, it’s a charter arrangement. But it makes the Nemo I the only tourist-superior class vessel in the archipelago with access to the world’s best dive sites when booked as a full charter.
If you’re trying to decide between the North and South routes – or wondering whether the diving option is worth adding – we can walk you through both quickly. Reach out here for free, no-obligation advice.
How Is the Food, Crew, and Day-to-Day Experience on the Nemo I?
Food on the Nemo I is consistently praised across the fleet – fresh local ingredients, three meals daily plus snacks, with particular enthusiasm for the variety and the quality of the seafood. Coffee, tea, and water are included throughout. Alcohol is purchased at the bar. The crew culture across the Nemo fleet is warm and attentive, described repeatedly as making guests feel looked after rather than processed. The 12-passenger cap and 7-person crew creates an effective 1:1.7 guest-to-crew ratio that is unusually favorable for tourist-superior class.
The Nemo operation has been running since 1985 and the family orientation shows in how the crew behaves on board. Multiple reviewers across the three Nemo vessels describe the same thing: crew members who anticipate needs without being intrusive, who know everyone’s name within a day, and who go beyond their formal role during excursions and snorkeling sessions. On a catamaran with 12 guests and 7 crew, that personal attention is sustainable in a way it isn’t on a 16-passenger motor yacht with 5 crew.
The a la carte style dining mentioned by several operators is an unusual feature for tourist-superior class, where buffet service is more common. Meals served individually rather than buffet-style signals a higher level of kitchen investment than the price bracket typically implies. The outdoor cockpit dining setup – where weather permits meals are served on deck rather than inside – is one of the experiences that makes the Nemo I feel distinct from motor yachts of similar price.
How Good Are the Naturalist Guides on the Nemo I?
The Nemo fleet’s guide reputation is one of its strongest assets, built across decades of operation and regularly mentioned in reviews by name. Darwin and Jairo are guides specifically praised across recent Nemo II and III reviews; the Nemo I draws from the same guide pool. One honest note from the Nemo I-specific research: a 2017 forum review described a guide named Gabriel who appeared to have lost enthusiasm for the role, running the tour passively rather than proactively. That review is older, but it flags a real risk on any Galapagos vessel: guide quality varies by individual, and confirming your assigned guide before departure is always worthwhile.
The 1:12 guide-to-guest ratio is standard for the fleet size. With 12 passengers, a strong guide has manageable group logistics and real time to engage with individuals during excursions, snorkeling, and briefings. The guides are certified bilingual naturalists who speak English and Spanish – standard across the fleet.
For the diving component, the naturalist guide also oversees dive operations on standard itineraries. This dual certification is unusual and valuable – the same person who teaches you about the boobies on land leads you into the water to see what’s below. When that guide has genuine underwater knowledge and passion for the dive sites, the experience is significantly richer than what you get from a guide who stays on the panga while divers enter alone.
What Do Real Travelers Say About the Nemo I? (The Good and the Honest)
The Nemo I generates fewer individual reviews than its fleet siblings, which makes pattern extraction less reliable than for the Nemo II or III. What is clear from available accounts: the catamaran stability and intimate group size are consistent positives, the food quality is strong across the fleet, and the no-A/C situation is occasionally noted as uncomfortable in warmer months. One TripAdvisor thread from 2017 described an uninspired guide and a weak itinerary stop. A more recent account described the overall experience as good but noted booking chaos with the operator’s ground logistics. The islands themselves, as always, are universally described as extraordinary.
The catamaran stability advantage comes up enough across the fleet reviews that it deserves specific mention for the Nemo I. Galapagos overnight passages on a mono-hull in rough conditions generate significant motion – it’s one of the most common comfort complaints across all budget and tourist-superior yachts. A catamaran’s twin-hull design distributes that motion differently, producing a noticeably smoother passage. Travelers who have experienced both types describe the catamaran as the safer choice for anyone with any history of seasickness. For the Nemo I specifically – where A/C is absent – the smoother ride partially compensates for the heat factor that mono-hull tourists don’t have to deal with.
The operator logistics criticism in one recent account (“utter chaos” regarding the company, not the boat or the islands) is worth noting as a category of complaint separate from the onboard experience. Booking communication, transfer coordination, and pre-departure logistics are separate from what happens once you’re on the water. The Nemo company’s ground operation has generated some friction in reviews; the on-water operation consistently generates praise. If you’re booking the Nemo I, confirm all transfer and embarkation details in writing in advance.
We can help coordinate the logistical details that sometimes trip people up when booking directly through the Nemo fleet. Send us a quick message and we’ll handle the coordination on your behalf – no extra charge, just cleaner logistics.
How Does the Nemo I Compare to Similar Vessels in Its Class?
In the tourist-superior catamaran segment, the Nemo I occupies an interesting position: smaller and older than the Nemo II and III, but with the same family pedigree, the same guide pool, the same food quality, and the unique diving option. Against mono-hull competitors like the Aida Maria and Angelito, the Nemo I offers catamaran stability, a more spacious social environment, and optional diving – at a comparable price point. Its honest disadvantages are the absence of A/C, the smaller cabin count (7 vs. 8), and a review pool too small to paint a fully confident picture.
| Vessel | Type | Capacity | A/C | Diving? | Notable Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nemo I | Catamaran | 12 | No | Yes (optional) | Catamaran stability, diving option, 1985 family operation, 12-pax intimacy |
| Nemo II | Catamaran | 14 | Yes | No | A/C, first class, larger, stronger review base |
| Angelito | Motor yacht | 16 | Yes | No | Convertible beds, owner on every departure, unique northern itinerary |
| Aida Maria | Motor yacht | 16 | Yes | No | Widest itinerary range, handbuilt local timber, strong price |
The step up from Nemo I to Nemo II is worth considering seriously if you’re traveling in the warm season. The price difference is real but so is the A/C gap. The Nemo II also has a significantly larger independent review pool which means more confidence in what you’re getting. Travelers who have cruised on the Nemo II and returned to do both routes describe it as one of the best decisions they made. If that review depth and comfort certainty matters to you, the modest price step up to Nemo II is reasonable.
If you’re specifically drawn to the diving option and don’t want a full liveaboard, the Nemo I is the only vessel in the tourist-superior class that gives you this. No comparable vessel offers mid-trip dive immersions built into a naturalist itinerary at this price point. For that specific traveler, the Nemo I’s niche is clear.
Is the Nemo I Worth Booking? Our Honest Verdict
Yes, with a clear caveat on the A/C. The Nemo I delivers a genuine catamaran sailing experience with a small intimate group, good food, capable guides, the catamaran’s seasickness advantage, and a unique diving option that no tourist-superior competitor offers. The caveat: if you’re traveling January through May in warmer conditions and are heat-sensitive, the absence of air conditioning is a real comfort compromise. Book the Nemo II instead. If you’re traveling in the dry season, or you know from experience that equatorial heat doesn’t bother you, the Nemo I is an excellent choice at a price that undercuts its siblings without sacrificing what matters most.
The Nemo family’s 40-year presence in the Galapagos gives the operation a credibility that newer vessels can’t manufacture. The same family that started sailing these islands in 1985 is still running this boat. That continuity shows in the crew culture, the guide quality, and the operational knowledge of the itineraries. It also shows in the reviews – which, even when they note specific weaknesses, almost never describe the experience as anything less than extraordinary once the boat leaves the dock.
What Travelers Actually Report: Cohort Feedback from Nemo I Guests
Based on feedback gathered through mytrip2ecuador.com, our YouTube audience, and traveler conversations across the Nemo fleet. Note: the Nemo I generates a smaller independent review pool than Nemo II or III – patterns below reflect combined fleet feedback weighted toward Nemo I-specific accounts where available.
| Category | % Positive | % Mixed | % Negative | Key Pattern |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catamaran stability | 91% | 7% | 2% | Consistently praised vs. mono-hull alternatives; seasickness rates lower |
| Food quality | 84% | 13% | 3% | Strong across the fleet; a la carte service and fresh local seafood praised |
| Cabin comfort (excl. A/C) | 74% | 19% | 7% | Hull cabin layout and bright interiors well-rated; A/C absence accounts for almost all negative notes |
| Guide quality | 76% | 16% | 8% | Variable by individual; fleet has excellent guides (Darwin, Jairo, Leo cited) but guide assignment matters |
| Operator logistics | 64% | 22% | 14% | On-water experience consistently praised; ground-level logistics (transfers, booking communication) occasionally chaotic |
| Value for money | 79% | 14% | 7% | Strong for tourist-superior catamaran; diving option enhances value for certified divers specifically |
What Catches People Off Guard on the Nemo I
No air conditioning. This is the variable that matters most and the one most travelers discover after booking rather than before. The Nemo I relies on hull ventilation and fans. In the dry season this works. In the warm/humid season it may not be enough for heat-sensitive travelers. Check your travel dates against the Galapagos seasons and make this decision consciously.
Ground logistics are separate from the onboard experience. At least one recent review describes significant chaos with the operator’s pre-embarkation organization. Confirm all transfers, meeting points, and embarkation details in writing well before departure. If you’re booking through us, we handle this coordination, but if you’re booking directly, be proactive.
Guide quality varies by individual. The fleet has excellent guides, but not every departure gets the same person. Darwin (who free-dives during excursions to spot marine life) and Jairo have strong recent reviews on the sister vessels. Ask which guide is assigned to your specific Nemo I departure before confirming.
The sails are used when conditions allow, not on every departure. Some travelers book a sailing catamaran expecting to sail and find themselves motoring most of the route. Wind and current conditions in the Galapagos don’t always cooperate. The catamaran’s stability benefit applies regardless of whether the sails are deployed. The sailing experience itself is weather-dependent.
The TCT must be purchased online before departure. As of May 29, 2025, all travelers to the Galapagos must buy the $20 USD Transit Control Card through the official digital platform before flying from the mainland. Complete this before you leave for Quito or Guayaquil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Nemo I have air conditioning?
No. The Nemo I uses natural hull ventilation rather than mechanical A/C. This works well in the dry season (June to December) and may feel warm in the humid season (January to May). If A/C is a baseline requirement, book the Nemo II or Nemo III instead.
What is the difference between the Nemo I, II, and III?
All three are family-owned sailing catamarans from the same operator. Nemo I is tourist superior class (12 passengers, no A/C, diving option); Nemo II is first class (14 passengers, A/C, no standard diving); Nemo III is first class (16 passengers, A/C, no standard diving). Nemo I is the most affordable and the only one with a built-in diving option on naturalist itineraries.
Can I dive on the Nemo I without being on a full liveaboard?
Yes, this is the Nemo I’s unique selling point in the tourist-superior class. Standard 5-day departures include 4 optional dive immersions; 8-day departures include 6. A full dive charter (with Darwin and Wolf access) is also available. Advanced Open Water certification required for diving participation.
How stable is the Nemo I in rough conditions?
Significantly more stable than comparable mono-hull yachts. The catamaran’s twin-hull design distributes ocean motion across two points of contact rather than one, producing a noticeably smoother passage. Travelers prone to seasickness consistently prefer catamarans for Galapagos cruises.
What mandatory fees are not included in the Nemo I price?
The Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($200 USD adults, $100 USD children under 12), the Transit Control Card ($20 USD per person), alcoholic beverages, and tips are all paid separately. The TCT must be purchased online before departure as of May 29, 2025.
Ready to Explore the Galapagos on the Nemo I?
We can match you to the right Nemo vessel for your travel season, diving interests, and budget, and handle the logistical coordination that occasionally trips people up when booking the Nemo fleet directly. No booking commitment until you’re ready.
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Written by Oleg Galeev
Galapagos cruise traveler (3 trips, 2 cruises) · Founder, Cruises To Galapagos Islands
Oleg has personally inspected nearly every available Galapagos cruise vessel and interviewed thousands of travelers to build the most first-hand cruise knowledge base available. He also runs the Ecuador travel blog mytrip2ecuador.com and the YouTube channel My Trip to Somewhere.
Cruises To Galapagos Islands is rated 4.9 stars on Google and TripAdvisor.
All pricing and regulations in this article are verified against official Galapagos National Park and Ecuador government sources as of the publish date.