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nemoII

Genovesa & Santiago

4 Days Galápagos cruise on board the Nemo II

Length

4 Days

Ship category

Classic

Ship type

Sailing Catamaran

Capacity

14 Passengers

Genovesa & Santiago

17 Reviews

Trip highlights

Snorkel with Hammerheads at Darwin Bay.

A paradise for bird enthusiasts: Hiking on Genovesa.

Giant tortoises can be found in their natural habitat on the island of Santa Cruz.

The Galapatours experience

Active itineraries

Cómodas cabañas

English-speaking guide for all activities

Lectures in the evening.

Discover the highlights of Galápagos on the beautiful Nemo II with this Naturalist cruise! This Expedition Cruise will introduce you to the incredible wildlife of the Galápagos Islands. On Genovesa, you can experience thrilling dinghy rides, admire stunning views, and get up close with the most iconic birds of the Archipelago. You may spot Blue-footed Boobies, Red-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies, and many other species. On Santa Cruz, you will have the opportunity to observe the famous Galápagos Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat and learn about their conservation and scientific research. On Santiago, a former pirate-inhabited island, you can enjoy hikes and dinghy rides.

Your ship: Nemo II

nemo II_23
Nemo II Galapagos Cruise
nemo II_21

The Nemo II is a true sailing catamaran owned and operated by a family business who have been sailing the Galápagos waters since 1990. This is a perfect way to see the islands in a vessel purpose-made for stable, fast journeys under sail or engine. Captain Henry is a true character! A former Galápagos fisherman, he's been skipper here for 12 years and he knows the local waters intimately. He also loves snorkelling, so more often than not he joins us when we get in the water! Fabricio the chef has been working for Nemo for 7 years, and he loves to cook seafood the Ecuadorian way - you'll love i … Read more about Nemo II

Cabins

Nemo II
Standard Cabins 6 & 7

Type:

Twins

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

NEMO II
Superior Cabins 3, 4, 5

Type:

Triple

Max. occupancy:

3

More about this cabin

NEMO II
Superior Cabins 1 & 2

Type:

Matrimonial

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

Map

Itinerary

Your itinerary below may vary, depending on the weather, wildlife breeding, and local conditions.

Flight to Baltra XL1411
Popular

1 Day

4.6

(65)

Flight from Mainland Ecuador to Galápagos

Important: Please do inquire with us for your flights to Galápagos! The timing of your flights is crucial for a smooth operation of your cruises. Together, we must ensure that you arrive well before the departure of the cruise - better even on the exact same flight as the other passengers on board your ship. Therefore: Should you chose to book your own flights from Mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil) to Galápagos (Baltra Airport or San Cristóbal Airport) and arrive late to Galápagos, then we will not assume any responsibility. The ship might not wait for you, in which case you will **miss your cruise without right to compensation**.

From

USD 299

Punta Moreno walk - Nemo i galapagos cruise - gal0087

3 Days

5.0

(3)

Day Trip + 2 Hotel Nights

Enjoy a 3-day cruise extension from Puerto Ayora, including a full-day land excursion to an exquisite uninhabited island in the Galápagos. Observe the remarkable biodiversity up close and snorkel in the tropical waters in the afternoon.

From

USD 695

Galapagos Green Turtle

3 Days

4.5

(2)

Diving Trip + 2 Hotel Nights

This Mid-range 3-day cruise extension will take you from Puerto Ayora on a full-day diving trip to one of the most spectacular sites in the Galápagos Islands. Get up close to the amazing life, swim amongst sea turtles, sea lions and an endless array of colorful fish!

From

USD 610

Baltra Arrival at Baltra airport+transfer to ship
Baltra: Arrival at Baltra airportBaltra: Arrival at Baltra airport + transfer to ship - la pinta yacht galapagos cruise - gal0104 + transfer to ship - la pinta yacht galapagos cruise - gal0104

Welcome to Galápagos! After your flight lands, and you have completed the immigration process, our English-speaking guide will meet you in the Arrivals lounge if you booked your flight tickets with us for the same cruise dates. The guide will then escort you to your transfer vehicle for a short journey to your waiting ship.

If you did not book your flight tickets with us, your voucher will specify the meeting point & time. Please note that the transfer to the meeting point is not included.

Baltra Island, where your arrival airport is, was used as an important Air Force base in the Second World War. This is the primary airport for the Galápagos Islands and you'll be rubbing shoulders with fellow tourists, international naturalists and conservationists, researchers and academics, and Galápagos residents alike. The airport has been built as a "green" airport, and as well as using recycled materials in its construction, it's special design keeps the buildings relatively cool without the need for any air conditioning.

Once on board your ship, you will be introduced to the crew and given a welcome briefing as well as an important safety drill. After this you'll be shown to your cabin. While you're served a well-deserved and delicious lunch, the captain will cast off and your adventure truly starts.

Note: If you plan to spend a few days prior to the cruise in Puerto Ayora and want to do the cruise later this is no problem at all. The transfer from Puerto Ayora to Baltra is very easy.

Day 1
PM
Bachas Beach
Santa Cruz Bachas Beach
Bachas Beach

The name "Bachas Beach" (or "Las Bachas" in Spanish) actually comes from a mispronunciation! After the second world war, American forces stationed on Santa Cruz abandoned some of their barges there - "bachas" was the nearest some of the locals could get to pronouncing the English word, and the name has stuck. You can still see the remains of one of the floating docks the soldiers set up on one of the two beaches that make up Las Bachas Beach.

This beach is covered in white coral sand, and it's a major nesting site for Galápagos green turtles. There's also a lagoon just behind the sand which often hosts flamingos, ducks and migratory birds. You can also often find marine iguanas feeding on the rocky outcrops near the tide line.

The main beach is perfect for swimming, being very sheltered from the ocean swells, and is a very pleasant spot to cool off and to indulge in some snorkeling.

Genovesa Darwin Bay
Darwin Bay

Darwin Bay is a must-visit site for birdwatchers. Starting with a landing on a beautiful white coral beach you are able to follow an easy half-mile trail that will take you through bird-filled mangroves. Species that can be seen on this part of the trail include Nazca Boobies, Galápagos red-footed Boobies, and Swallow-Tailed gulls.

As the path continues you will find tidal pools - favourite spots for Galápagos Sea Lions to lazily swim and play. At the path's end you will come to the top of a cliff which will reward you with a spectacular view.

Genovesa Prince Philip's Steps
Prince Philip's Steps

Named after Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, who visited the Galápagos Islands twice, the Prince Philip's Steps pier uses natural rock formations to allow you to land and admire the variety of seabirds that inhabit Genovesa. With careful steps on the wet and slippery lower rocks, you begin your hike near a small colony of Galápagos sea bears before reaching the beautiful vantage point further up with views of the lava plains.

The birdlife will surround you from all sides and you will enjoy the sight and sounds of many wonderful species, including blue-footed boobies, red-footed boobies and Nazca boobies, but also small Galápagos owls and Galápagos pigeons.

Santiago Sullivan Bay
Sullivan Bay

Sullivan Bay is on the eastern coast of Santiago Island. This visitor site is all about the geology and volcanic origins of the Galápagos, and although there is little wildlife here, the eerie landscape that was formed only 150 years ago has a real beauty all of its own.

On the hiking trail you will walk along lava that bubbled up from the ground, flowed and solidified in the second half of the 18th century. We recommend good sturdy shoes for walking in these lava fields. The landscape here is eerie and apparently barren - some of our Galapatours guests liken it to a "lunar landscape".

As the trail moves inland, the textures and colors change as you encounter much older lava fields. Here you can start to see signs of nature beginning to colonize this "new land". The small green plants that have started to grow in the cracks and crevices are called Mollugo.

Your Galapatours expert guide will be able to explain more about the volcanic processes that formed Santiago and all the Galápagos Islands, as well as how species begin to colonize the bare landscape.

Rábida A walk on Rabida Island
A walk on Rabida Island

Rabida is a small, steeply-sloped island with red-sand shores, and was originally called Jervis. Despite its small size, Rabida has one of the highest concentrations of volcanic features in the Galápagos, and it's thanks to the iron-rich lava deposits that its sands and soils are so red.

After a wet landing on the northern coast you will often see Galápagos Sea Lions and marine iguanas around the beach, especially near the sheltered caves in hot weather. Just behind the beach is a nesting site for brown pelicans, who use the saltbush as cover. Rabida is one of the best spots in the archipelago to observe pelicans. Sometimes flamingos can also be seen in the lagoon here.

There is a short hiking trail that leads further inland through Opuntias where there are good opportunities to see land birds like Darwin's finches, Galápagos Doves and Galápagos Mockingbirds.

After your trip inland you can then have a relaxing swim and enjoy some snorkeling, which is very good in the clear waters off the beach. While you swim, you'll be able to see Blue-Footed Boobies taking off over your head from their cliff-top roosts.

Santa Cruz Santa Cruz Highlands
El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve

Santa Cruz is the only island on the Galápagos that allows you to travel through every habitat type that exists in the archipelago. This makes the journey north from the coast up into the highlands a fantastic opportunity to experience the breadth of life that exists on these islands.

Your bus journey starts from Puerto Ayora on the coast and you slowly start to climb through the agricultural zone where open fields begin to give way to lush, green, mist-covered forests. This is a marked contrast to many of the islands which are at much lower elevation and much more arid. This rich verdant landscape is predominantly made up of dense Scalesia forest.

Your expert Galapatours guide will stop several times along the route to allow you to explore various different sites. Among the stops will be a Giant Tortoise reserve, and also a visit to the famous lava tubes. Over half a mile long, a walk through these natural volcanic features is eerie and unforgettable.

Also along the way you will stop for refreshments, and you'll be able to try locally-grown Galápagos coffee - we think it's among the best we've ever tasted!

Baltra Transfer to Baltra airport
Transfer from ship to Baltra airport (organized)

Your Galápagos adventure ends with the arrival of your ship back at Baltra Island. After what many guests describe as an emotional goodbye to your ship and its crew, you'll board the transfer vehicle that will take you on the short journey to the airport in plenty of time for your flight back to the mainland.

Note: If you want to spend some time in Galápagos after your cruise, please let us know. This is no problem at all and the transfer from Baltra to Puerto Ayora couldn't be easier.

Flight to Baltra XL1411
Popular

1 Day

4.6

(61)

Flight from Galápagos to Mainland Ecuador

Please inquire with us for your flight from Galápagos (Baltra Airport or San Cristóbal Airport) to Mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil). Note: As Galápagos is a protected National Park, there are some regulations that airlines shall fulfill. For this reason, there are no direct international flights to and from Galápagos. Whether you're traveling from the United States, Europe or anywhere else, you should book an international flight to Guayaquil or Quito, the capital of Ecuador, and then travel on to Galápagos on a separate flight.

From

USD 299

Punta Moreno walk - Nemo i galapagos cruise - gal0087

3 Days

5.0

(3)

Day Trip + 2 Hotel Nights

Enjoy a 3-day cruise extension from Puerto Ayora, including a full-day land excursion to an exquisite uninhabited island in the Galápagos. Observe the remarkable biodiversity up close and snorkel in the tropical waters in the afternoon.

From

USD 695

Galapagos Green Turtle

3 Days

4.5

(2)

Diving Trip + 2 Hotel Nights

This Mid-range 3-day cruise extension will take you from Puerto Ayora on a full-day diving trip to one of the most spectacular sites in the Galápagos Islands. Get up close to the amazing life, swim amongst sea turtles, sea lions and an endless array of colorful fish!

From

USD 610

Dates & Prices

When do you want to travel?

From

Until

Info

Availability

Price

27

Jul

2025

30

Jul

2025

From

USD 1,500

USD 2,100

27

Jul

2025

30

Jul

2025

Available

USD 1,500

USD 2,100

7

Sep

2025

10

Sep

2025

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USD 2,100

7

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2025

10

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2025

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USD 2,100

21

Sep

2025

24

Sep

2025

From

USD 1,500

USD 2,100

21

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2025

24

Sep

2025

Available

USD 1,500

USD 2,100

19

Oct

2025

22

Oct

2025

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USD 2,100

19

Oct

2025

22

Oct

2025

Available

USD 2,100

2

Nov

2025

5

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2025

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USD 2,100

2

Nov

2025

5

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2025

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USD 2,100

16

Nov

2025

19

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2025

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USD 2,100

16

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2025

19

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2025

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USD 2,100

30

Nov

2025

3

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2025

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USD 2,100

30

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2025

3

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2025

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USD 2,100

14

Dec

2025

17

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2025

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USD 2,100

14

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2025

17

Dec

2025

Available

USD 2,100

11

Jan

2026

14

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2026

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USD 2,100

11

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2026

14

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2026

Available

USD 2,100

25

Jan

2026

28

Jan

2026

From

USD 2,100

25

Jan

2026

28

Jan

2026

Available

USD 2,100

Preferred date unavailable? Contact us

Info

Single Cabin Supplement

When booking online, you can choose the option to "Upgrade to single occupancy". This will guarantee you the whole cabin to yourself, for an additional fee. If you don't select this option, then another traveler of the same sex might be placed into the same cabin with you.

What's included

All meals served on board (featuring both international and Ecuadorian cuisine). We are able to accommodate most dietary restrictions with advance notice - please inform us of your needs.

Snorkeling opportunities are available whenever possible and permitted by the National Park.

We offer extensive Zodiac rides to allow for up-close exploration of the shorelines and mangrove forests.

Transportation to and from the ship is included: Your guide will pick you up directly from the airport (if you arrive on the first day) and drop you off directly at the airport (if you depart on the last day).

English-speaking naturalist guides will accompany you on all excursions.

Evening briefings will be held by your guide to discuss the plans for the following day.

Lectures will be given in the evenings on a variety of topics, such as Geology, Marine Biology, Natural History, Human History, and more.

Entry fees for museums, research stations, breeding stations, etc. are covered.

We offset 100% of the CO2 emissions from your trip, including all transportation, your cruise, and your flights (if booked through us). This is achieved through a Gold Standard Climate Protection Project. Learn more

What's not included

The cost is 20 USD per person for the Transit Control Card (TCC).

The Galápagos National Park Entrance fee is 200 USD per person.

Alcoholic beverages are not included.

International and local flights are not included.

Gratuities are not included.

Some activities are optional and may require an additional fee.

Credit card charges may apply.

A fuel surcharge may be added at a later stage. More info

The ship operator may charge a fee if you do not book your flights to and from Galápagos through them. More info

Credit card charges may apply.

A fuel surcharge may be added at a later stage. More info

The ship operator may charge a fee if you do not book your flights to and from Galápagos through them. More info

Reviews

Richard B

Nemo II Galapagos Cruise

Classic

It's said nothing is perfect but our 4-day, 3-night cruise on the Nemo II catamaran pretty much was. The group, the crew, the food, the guide and the excursions more than exceeding our expectations. There was a long list of sea life and wildlife on the itinerary that it said we might see and, with the exception of hammerhead sharks, we saw the lot. We even saw orca and albatross. Maybe we were just lucky. I was told by a friend that Galapagos is the one place you can swim with sea lions and penguins at the same time, which seemed a little far-fetched but that's exactly what happened on our tour. Our guide probably had a lot to do with this. His enthusiasm and knowledge was a credit to the Galapagos. Not only did he make sure that everyone who wanted to got the chance to experience these natural wonders close up but there was often a National Geographic style photo to prove it. Four days isn't long, for us though just right, I think. There was a decent mix of underwater and land-based activities. I was fascinated by the different landscapes and birds on each of the islands. We fell in with a super group of fellow passengers - we were just 13 made up of six nationalities and for those few short days we were one big happy world family. The crew operated quietly and anonymously in the background to somehow make sure our three meals were haute cuisine, the cabin housekeeping was done by magic and the inflatable boat (water taxi, RIB, I can't remember what it was called) was always there to transport us to the next adventure - and back! On paper it seemed expensive, in reality it really wasn't. And the benefit of a three-night trip means that although this is supposed to be once in a lifetime, we'd happily do it again.

client

Lisa E

Nemo II Galapagos Cruise

Classic

Onboard the NEMO II is an exceptional way to visit the Galapagos!! The crew is top notch, the excursions plentiful and onboard amenities lovely! Our guide, Jairo, was exceptional in welcoming us and weaving ecology, history and culture of the Galapagos into excursions and during gatherings in preparation for group activities. The entire trip was a highlight from guided trail walks, to dry and wet snorkeling, to sitting out on the upper deck gazing at the constellations we were surrounded by epic beauty.

client

CAMILLA CATHARINA STURM B

Nemo II Galapagos Cruise

Classic

Hitomi at Galapatours was a great resource for us. Super responsive and also very professional. The trip itself was wonderful, the food was great, the guide Jairo phenomenal and the visits to the various islands and the exploration of wildlife unbelievable. We saw hammerhead sharks, a large tuna jump on the horizon, twice, snorkeled and played with sealions, saw penguins eat and pelicans diving for food. Schools of stingray youngsters, sea turtles, 20 dolphins following our boat. Amazing. The crew on Nemo II was as excellent as the trip. WOW!

FAQs

After completing your booking, you will receive an invoice from your travel specialist by email. A deposit of 20% of the trip price is required to secure your booking. Payment can be made through bank transfer or by credit card through a secure payment link.

Full payment is expected 30 days before your trip. Payment can be made in installments.

Under Ecuadorian law, if you are only temporarily visiting the Galápagos then you are exempted from the requirement to pay any customs charges on items that you are bringing in to the country. This includes new or used portable electronics such as cameras, laptops, music players, etc.

You MUST NOT bring any agricultural or plant materials or any unprocessed food products to the islands. To avoid problems at customs and bag check we suggest only traveling to Galápagos with pre-wrapped snack products such as chocolate bars, etc. Food is plentiful and freshly cooked on your Galapatours cruise, with a wide range of choice on offer to suit all tastes - you really don't need to bring anything with you!

As the Galapagos Islands are part of Ecuador, and all flights to the Galapagos depart from mainland Ecuador, you will need to enter Ecuador first.

Entering Ecuador: Every traveler is responsible for checking the individual visa requirements for their nationality. We recommend using https://www.passportindex.org/ to find out if you need a visa for Ecuador. At the time of writing, U.S. citizens do not need to apply for a visa beforehand. Similarly, visitors from the UK, Germany, and most other European countries do not require a visa for the Galapagos Islands. Upon entering the country, you will be given a visa stamp that permits you to stay in Ecuador for up to 90 days. This also applies to many other countries, but please verify the current visa regulations yourself before booking any tickets. In any case, your passport must be valid for at least six more months from the date of entry into Ecuador. You will also need to show proof of onward or return travel out of Ecuador to customs and immigration officials upon arrival; this can be a return or onward airline ticket. If you do not meet these requirements, you may not be allowed to enter the country.

Entering Galapagos: To enter Galápagos, the first official requirement is a valid Ecuadorian tourist visa stamp in your passport - this should have been issued to you upon arrival to mainland Ecuador.

This is a multi-layered question, that we have tried to answer in various articles. Please click on the corresponding links to learn more about the different topics. To recap:

  • Passport & Visa: Tourists visiting the Galapagos Islands must have a valid passport and, in most cases, can obtain a visa upon arrival in Ecuador. Click here to read more.
  • Luggage Check: When leaving Ecuador's main land, tourists' luggage will be checked for restricted items by the Tourist Control and Certification (TCC) to ensure the preservation of the islands' unique environment and wildlife. This check costs 20USD and is done at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil, before checking in for your flight to Galapagos.
  • Entrance Fee: A Galapagos National Park entrance fee must be paid upon arriving in Galapagos.
  • Travel Insurance: A travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation and medical expenses. is highly recommended, and even obligatory on board of some ships.
  • Vaccinations: At the following link you can find out more about vaccinations for a Galápagos trip.

To protect the fragile ecosystems of the Galápagos, all travelers must complete two essential biosecurity procedures before their flight. First, travelers aged 18 and over are required to fill out the mandatory online Goods Declaration form up to 48 hours before departure. This declaration requires you to report any food, plants, seeds, camping equipment, or recent contact with animals. After submitting the form, you will receive a QR code via email, which must be presented to authorities upon arrival in the Galápagos.

Second, you must take your luggage to the SICGAL inspection counter at the airport in either Quito or Guayaquil. Here, officials will conduct a physical check of your bags to ensure no prohibited items are being brought to the islands.

To make sure you don't have any trouble here, please do not attempt to travel with any foods other than small quantities of pre-wrapped snack items like chocolate bars or similar, and certainly don't have any plants or plant materials in your bags. Once checked, you will receive an approval label to attach to your bags, and you can then make your way to your airline check in.

Arrival at Quito Airport: SICGAL Luggage Check and TCC Card for your flight to Galápagos
SIGAL Luggage Check at Quito Airport

The Galápagos National Park Entrance fee is levied on all visitors to the islands. For foreign visitors, the entry fee is 200 USD per person (100 USD for children under 12 years old). If you are a citizen of a country in South America you might pay less, check here for more information.

Important: This fee must be paid, in cash, at the airport of arrival. If you do not pay, you will not be allowed to leave the terminal - so please make sure you have the means to pay the Galápagos entrance fee! Therefore, the payment of this entrance fee is indispensable to take part in a Galapagos cruise.

The entrance fees collected will be allocated to various local entities to support sustainability and community development in the Galápagos Islands. The proceeds are split between several important institutions as follows:

  • 40% to the Galápagos National Park
  • 20% to Galápagos Municipalities
  • 10% to the National Institute
  • 10% to Galápagos Province Local Government
  • 5% to the National Navy
  • 5% to the Ministry of Environment
  • 5% to Quarantine and Pest Control
  • 5% to the Galápagos Marine Reserve

For more information about the entrance fee structure and the distribution of funds, please visit the official website of the Galápagos National Park Administration.

Entrance Fee Galapagos National Park
Genovesa & Santiago

5.0

(17)

Classic

From

USD 1,500



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Galápagos Specialist

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Hitomi

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Galápagos Specialist