Operated by Rolf Wittmer Turismo, a company founded by descendants of some of the earliest
settlers in the archipelago, the Tip Top fleet is boasts 3 motor yachts. We traveled on an 8-day cruise aboard the Tip Top II—an 90′ motor yacht that carries 16 passengers and 8 crew members. Two pangas or rubberized motor boats deliver you to and from the islands. The boat also had 2 tandem sea kayaks, for any who didn’t want to snorkel but who still wanted to explore the area. You can read more about the Tip Top fleet here.
When we first arrived, a booklet specific to the Tip Top fleet provided lots of information about the boat, the policies and procedures, and the islands we’d be visiting. One point leapt out at me—the packet stated that all employees were paid according to Ecuadorean and Galápagos laws and given all benefits as required. In addition, the company provided extra benefits such as private medical, life, and accident insurance. I don’t know if all of the crew received all of that—for example, the captain was a free-lancer, I believe—but I liked that the company offered these benefits at all. And I know that Carlos, our naturalist guide, had a 2-year contract with the Tip Top fleet, so they had provided important job security for him (and therefore had first dibs on his marvelous services as well!). It also supported what the Elderhostel material had told us: All staff were compensated fairly and a modest tip had been included in the fees we already paid; tips were only to be offered for above and beyond the call of duty. You can read about a nightmare around this topic that I had read about before we left on a travel Web site here.
Below is a photo of the deck plans of this boat, downloaded from Galapagos Online. (You’ll probably have a better view by clicking on that link 
and viewing them on the Web site. Or you can see an interesting presentation, with a “magnifying glass” you can use to read the small print here.) From left to right—upper deck, with 2 passenger cabins; main deck, with the lounge, dining room, and galley; and the lower deck, with 6 passenger cabins. All cabins have small bathrooms with a shower and sink. The boat had a desalination machine on-board to produce fresh water, but water conservation was on everyone’s minds. I always had enough hot water. Of course, I took quick showers—so much going on, there was no time to dawdle. Although the desalinated water was potable, the boat provided a reverse-osmosis water dispenser in the lounge for drinking water. We all were given reusable Tip Top water bottles to use, a good green alternative to disposable water bottles. The water bottles themselves weren’t the most sturdily constructed and mine tended to leak a bit. So I mostly used that one for toothbrushing and my own, more rugged water bottle for the hikes.
Very pleased to have found your blog. As others have said – very good detailed information.
We were planning to use people like ‘Happy Gringo’ to book – they offer Tip Top II .
What would be the advantages of dealing direct with Wittmer as opposed to Happy Gringo apart from a possible % commission?
We are planning on visiting in early Feb or March 2013.
Happy Gringo does not show that TT II has kayaks!
Tina writes:
I think deciding between going directly to an owner vs. using an agent is mostly a matter of choice. With reputable agents (and Happy Gringo is one of those, to be sure), they generally charge you the same price that the boat owners would charge you. They get a commission from the sale; the boat owners simply keep that commission when you book directly with them. So no real differences there. (If you were dealing with a last-minute “deal,” these rules can change a bit.) But some folks like to “go to the source” and eliminate the middle folks. Some agents not so much on the up-and-up will charge less than the boat owners ask them to. Nothing anyone can do about that at this time, but I prefer to deal with those doing business legitimately and respectfully.
Agents do offer a number of additional services, some at an extra charge and some not. Personally, I like dealing with an agent. (We’re currently moving toward booking a return trip to the Galápagos. Be careful—it’s just that addictive!) The agent can offer you feedback about a variety of boats without the bias of a boat owner. The agent is typically able to arrange lots of other aspects of your travel for you. The flight from mainland Ecuador to the archipelago and back is typically booked by the boat owner, so that everyone on a particular cruise is on the same airplane. If something delays the plane, you can rest assured that they won’t leave without you all! But an agent can suggest and book add-ons that can be good too—some excursions in and around Quito, for example, or an outing to the Amazon. An agent is also well positioned to help you should odd circumstances arise as you travel—say, your luggage doesn’t make to Quito before you have to leave for the cruise. Or your passport is stolen. Or a riot closes the airport in Guayaquil. Most agents have staff on the mainland and in the archipelago who are available to help you figure out the unexpected. I like having that back-up readily available, especially when I’m in a foreign country and my grasp of the local language is a bit skimpy.
Regarding kayaks–the status of kayaks on boats may have changed for some since the new regulations went into effect early this year. It’s possible the that TTII’s permits for kayaking have changed. You could easily send the Happy Gringo folks an e-mail to clarify that, if that’s important to you.
we returned (Dec. 25) from the Tip Top lll– booked through ROad Scholar. There was kayaking available on one day. This was not a major activity– there were two kayaks available for the 15 passengers and we were able to go for about 30 minutes. When one twosome landed on the island, our guide got quite upset!
I just found your blog and I love it!!! We are planning a Dec. trip with Road Scholar (formerly elderhostel) on the Tip Top iii. I am assuming that it is not much different than the TT ii you were on.
Do you know whether they allow you to bring your own bottles of wine on board? Thanks
Tina writes:
Excellent question! First, the Tip Top III is a younger, slightly larger boat than the Tip Top II, but both are in the Tip Top fleet. A couple of times, when we were on landings, we spotted the Tip Top III alongside our boat. It looked like they were transferring provisions, as far as we could tell. Wittmer Turismo, which manages the fleet, is a great organization and I’m sure you’ll have a superb time.
On the Tip Top II, we were not supposed to have our own bottles of wine (or beer, for that matter). A few folks in our group got together and split a bottle some evenings. I recall thinking the bottles were a tad expensive, but then—so are most things in the archipelago. By all reports, the wines were decent, although enjoying a truly fine bottle of wine was not really only anyone’s agenda after the marvelous days we had been spending.
Tina,
I am thoroughly enjoying your blog–it is an enjoyable part of the anticipation of our trip, just four weeks off. We will be on the sister ship, Tip Top III. We chose Tip Top based on your recommendation and many others. We liked that they treat their employees respectfully. We like the family tradition behind the company.
Anyways, thanks so much for the insight and your travel tips!
Chaz
Hi Tina, I’m reading your entire blog to better prepare for our trip plan to the Galapagos. Thank you again (I already commented once before) for writing such enjoyable and informative blog. As I saw the picture of the bathroom you posted on this page, I want to share a travel tip whenever we cruise or will be staying in tight quarters. Often bathrooms on ship are small and lack the necessary space to hang stuff, we always pack some suction hooks so that we can use them to hang clothes or towels. The hooks are small and reusable and can be placed anywhere.
Hello. Am leaving for the Galapagos in two days. Have my cruise booked, but just read in your blog that Bassett’s book lists 18 tour companies that knowledgeable Galápageños recommend. I just do not see the list in my hardbound copy of her book. I do not see an edition listed in the book, just wondering where the list is. Thanks.
Tina wrote:
Excellent question! I’ve now included Bassett’s full list on the page about choosing a cruise; click on p. 3. Thanks for asking.
Thank you for taking the time to write about your adventure, much appreciated. The information will help us make a more informed decision when we book!