By: Torben Lonne
Where to book:
Being part of the three-vessel Tip Top fleet, the Tip Top III offers the highest level of security and comfort one yacht can offer. The itineraries start and finish in Baltra with domestic flights from Quito or Guayaquil included. Guests can explore the Galapagos Islands and its amazing diversity in trips that range from 3 to 14 nights. Explore the islands’ volcanic origin, snorkel with penguins, sea lions, and eagle rays or observe iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. With 10 cabins in total, and many facilities onboard, the Tip Top III 8 crew members are ready to give any guest the trip of their lifetime.
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Many people were happy with the naturalist as she was informative and knew the islands and environment well. -
Some people mentioned that the crew allowed them to celebrate a 50th birthday and the crew also helped with the decoration.
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Many divers said that the diving experience was fun and had them on their toes every single time.
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The divers are really excited about coming back and experiencing it for the second time.
Things we don't like:
Some divers said they had trouble sleeping while the engine was running.- A couple people noted that there were instances when the air conditioning was less than satisfactory.
Some divers said they had trouble sleeping while the engine was running.Where to book:
Where to book:
Diving on the Tip Top 3 in Galapagos
Captain Rolf Wittmer, in 1982, founded a 100% Ecuadorian family company, with the aim of being the pioneer of tourism in the Galapagos Islands. The first-class yacht Tip Top III was constructed and designed in 2001, as part of the three-vessel Tip Top fleet. It was redesigned in 2008, all in order to offer the highest level of security and comfort that one yacht that cruises the Galapagos Islands can offer. With trips between 3, 4, 7 or 14-nights, guests can visit places like Sullivan Bay and explore the volcanic origin of the islands, have panga rides to Punta Vicente Roca to observe iguanas, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies, or snorkel at Chinese Hat with penguins, sea lions, and eagle rays.
Tip Top III Interior and Features
There are 10 cabins available, accommodating 16 passengers per trip. The cabins are divided between the upper and lower decks. Each cabin has a private bathroom with toilet, shower, and washbasin, individual air-conditioning, safety box, and locker. Phones to call other cabins using the internal system are also available for guests to use.
There are many common areas around the body of the ship. The main deck is where most of the social gatherings occur. In the large open-plan lounge area, guests are offered a variety of books, games, videos and even music for personal enjoyment. One book the crew always recommends on this trip is the famous “Floreana” by Margret Wittmer, which in fact is a fun read based on history. For those with technology in mind, Tip Top III has a desktop PC that is always open for personal use.
The dining room and the kitchen are also situated on the main deck. Most of the meals during the trip are served here and are based on a freshly prepared combination of Ecuadorian and international cuisines. Guests have access to purified water 24 hours a day, and coffee and herbal teas, which are also free of charge. Sodas and liquors are also available for purchase onboard.
The upper deck and the sun deck are created for enjoyment. Besides the bridge being located on the upper deck, guests will be able to find an undercover saloon as well as an open bar area that will set anyone with a drink or two. A beautiful large shaded sun deck is located on top of the boat, as an ideal place for a moment of relaxation during the travels around the wonders of the Galapagos archipelago. In here the combination of sun and the sea will offer a great place for relaxation and joy of the sea breeze, all while enjoying some stunning Galapagos views, and admiring the overall amazing landscape.
Safety on Board
The yacht is constantly communicating with the Tip Top office via radio. Any inquiries regarding lost or delayed luggage, flight confirmations or emergencies are monitored from the office at all times. Despite the fact that the Galapagos Islands are more than 600 miles from the mainland, guests can be assured they have the best technology for communication needs available onboard. In addition, Tip Top III has all the necessary emergency equipment, starting from first aid kits, up to life vests, emergency flares, and rafts.
Where to book:
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