Köln Galápagos Cruise

• Long-established, local Galápagos operators;
• Light and airy lounge and communal spaces;
• Experienced and friendly crew;

Blue Spirit, formerly known as the Tip Top III, is a first class motor yacht. Fully refurbished in 2008 she is delightfully light and spacious. She is owned by one of the oldest local tourist operators in the Galápagos, and has a great reputation for good food, good service and one of the best crews in the Islands. The company has become a leader in the region for winning internationally recognized certifications for its environmental and safety policies.

Our best tip… if they are available, choose the lower-deck rooms. As well as being cheaper you'll feel less of the boat rocking - good to know if you are prone to motion sickness. This boat has a really personal touch, and everyone we cruised with was really happy with the service. Captain Washington is a stickler for quality and everything on board is in great condition. Johnny the chef has been on board for 3 years and cooks some delightful seasonal specialities - too many to mention but we'll single out his Cerdo en Salsa de Tamarindo for a mention.

Socialize and relax in comfort Blue Spirit's communal areas include a bar, dining room, saloon and sun deck. The lounge saloon is on the Main Deck and decorated with light fabrics and rich woods. Here you’ll find a range of board games, DVDs, books and music to enjoy. There’s also a computer for guests to use. The neighbouring dining room serves a delightful mix of Ecuadorian and international cuisine freshly cooked on board every day. The well-stocked bar can provide the perfect refreshment to enjoy before dinner. A beautiful teak-floored sun deck on the upper deck proves to be an ideal place for soaking up the sun, or gazing at the billions of stars that shine in the clear Galápagos night skies.

There are 10 cabins on Blue Spirit spread across 2 decks. Each cabin is tastefully decorated with bright and airy colors and natural wood finishes, and each features a private bathroom with shower, air conditioning, personal safe, vanity unit and hair dryer. An internal phone system is available for your use.

Water Activities There are two kayaks on board for your use as well as snorkeling equipment to use for the whole cruise including masks, snorkels and fins (sizes 3-5 to 11-13). The crew thoughtfully provides a bag for each passenger to store and carry their gear. Wetsuits are available to rent upon request when you book your cruise.

The well-trained, friendly and professional crew of 8 always do their best to make your Galápagos Islands visit an unforgettable experience. Each one of them will ensure a safe cruise, as they are well prepared to offer a first-class and personalized service.

Our Comment The Blue Spirit previously sailed under the name of Tip Top III. Already under the old name its operations were flawless and the ship was well known throughout the Islands for being one of the best run and managed. Blue Spirit’s crew and guides always seem to go out of their way to make sure everything is as good as it can be. We like the light and airy sociable lounge layout, and the superb sundeck is one of our favourites for stargazing. Cabins are generous and comfortable and Blue Spirit is always a popular booking.

At Galapatours we love and respect the pristine ecosystems and fascinating wildlife of the Galápagos Islands, and we insist that our cruise partners do too. To protect the archipelago all our cruise vessels must have sophisticated water filtration systems, modern efficient engines, and strict maintenance schedules to minimize pollution.

The Galápagos National Park authority also defines exact cruising routes that dictate which ships can visit highlights at specific times, as well as limiting passenger numbers. These measures ensure that animals and habitats are not disturbed by too many visitors.

But at Galapatours we like to go even further. We voluntarily offset all the CO2 emissions of every cruise we sell - at no cost to you. And you can also play your part by traveling responsibly and following our Eco Guidelines during your stay. Click here to find out more about these guidelines, our commitment to sustainable tourism, and the Galápagos National Park rules.

The food on our Galapágos Cruises is among the very best you will find in South America. Most of the on-board chefs are internationally trained and have prior experience working in the best hotels and restaurants in Ecuador and indeed around the world.

You can expect a first-class selection of food, including a good variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, locally sourced poultry and fish/seafood, rice and pasta dishes. Most boats will always include some typical Ecuadorian dishes on the menu during your cruise. If you have specific dietary requirements then these can usually be accommodated by the chef providing you have given advance notice. Please make sure you tell us about any allergies or dietary requirements you have at the time you book with us. If you leave it until you arrive at the dockside, then it may well be impossible to accommodate your needs.

Most boats serve a range of options at meal times in a relaxed buffet-style. At the first class and luxury end of the market, some boats have more formal dining where you will be served at your seat. However the atmosphere is always relaxed on board our cruises, and never stuffy or formal.