Köln Galápagos Cruise

A first class expedition yacht with first class destinations

A Galápagos Cruise on board the Köln

12 Reviews

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

The M/V Köln, 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 Köln'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 Köln 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 Köln 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. Köln’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 Köln is always a popular booking.

Dates & Prices on board the Köln

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Amenities on board the Köln

-10% for children ≤ 11

All meals

Transfers to and from ship

Snorkel gear (free of charge)

Travel for good: Your Each booking contributes to Ventura’s Conservation Project.

Beer+wine with dinner

Air conditioning & private bathroom

Single travellers can share cabin

Water, Coffee, Tea & fresh juices

Internet/Wifi

Wetsuits (can be rented)

English guides

Food & Drinks on board the Köln

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.

Sustainable Tourism

At Galapatours we love and respect the pristine ecosystems and fascinating wildlife of the Galápagos Islands. To protect the archipelago, all vessels in Galápagos must have sophisticated water filtration systems, modern, efficient engines, and strict maintenance schedules to minimize pollution. Furthermore, The Galápagos National Park authority defines exact cruising routes that dictate which ships can visit which highlights at what day and time, as well as limiting passenger numbers.

Our commitment extends beyond the mandatory environmental standards for cruise vessels in the region: A portion of your trip price now contributes to our Conservation Project. This initiative empowers local communities to protect their territory, engage in reforestation, and prepare for long-term environmental stewardship. This way, your trip contributes to environmental protection and truly shows how travel can be a force for good! 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.

Cabins categories on board the Köln

Standard Double

Type:

Matrimonial

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Technical details of Köln

Premium

Type

Small Yacht

Draft

5 ft

Main Engines

2x Deutz (442 HP)

Length

104 ft

Gross tonnage

200 tons

Electricity

110 V

Cruising speed

12 kt

Beam

22 ft

Capacity

16

Reviews of Köln

GratefulDave, Baltimore, Maryland

Köln Galapagos Cruise

Premium

Tip Top III Bewertung und Empfehlung Das Schiff war großartig. Hinzu kommt, dass uns die Inseln komplett in ihren Bann gezogen haben und die anderen Reisenden waren auch gut drauf. Auf der Tip Top verlief alles wunderbar nach Plan. Die Besatzung war immer zur Stelle, um zu helfen und waren immer auf dem Laufenden. Sie waren zwar nicht immer gut gelaunt aber jeder von uns hat mal einen schlechten Tag. Die Kabinen sind im Vergleich zu Hotelzimmern kleiner aber der Ausblick ist fantastisch. Für manche Gäste war die Bewegeung des Schiffes nachts etwas probletamtisch und für andere nicht. Ich habe gut gschlafen. Das Essen war frisch und schmeckte uns. Unser Guide Angelika was sehr gut und wusste unglaublich viel. Sie macht den Job seit 30 jahren und ist immernoch genauso euphorisch, wie am ersten Tag.

lifthorn, seattle

Köln Galapagos Cruise

Premium

Incredible experience aboard the Tip Top III Just returned from an 8 day cruise aboard the Tip Top III. We went on the western route, and saw so many incredible sights. The crew was very solicitious and took great care of us. There were only 11 of us on the boat - really nice small number. Although this is a smaller boat, the service is much more individualized. We encountered several larger cruise ships, and I was so glad I had booked on a smaller boat. The activities were more physicially demanding than I anticipated, but doable. We hiked on the lava fields, was difficult at times, but we all did fine. We also went up and down stairs, around boulders, up hills, and in and out of the "pangas" or zodiacs each day. I really enjoyed the physical activitiy, but again, was more demanding than I had previously believed. Anyone that has physical limitations, should probably not book this tour. We had several opportunities to snorkel, would recommend, but definitely need a wet suit. The water was rather chilly, but worth it. The brochure provided by Wittmer listed more snorkeling opportunities that we did not get to take advantage of, so that was really my only disappointment. Also, they only offered beer and wine, and was a little on the expensive side. The Galapagoes Islands are so interesting and the wildlife is abundant and diverse. After visiting I can see how they are named "the Enchanted Islands". Was such a great trip, would highly recommend. And would recommend the Tip Top boats.

Miriam Egger

Köln Galapagos Cruise

Premium

Wir kommen gerne wieder! Wir hatten einen wunderschönen 5-tägigen Trip auf der Tip Top III. Super Schiff, gemütliche Kabinen und Gemeinschaftsbereiche, sehr leckeres Essen, freundliche Crew, geniale Ausflüge und ein Guide, der sehr viel wusste und uns die Inseln näher gebracht hat. Wir kommen beim nächsten Galapagos-Besuch gerne wieder! Quelle: https://goo.gl/YtQxin

GratefulDave, Baltimore, Maryland

Köln Galapagos Cruise

Premium

Tip Top III Itinerary 2 Review and Advice I am posting this because there was little information on this ship and its itinerary. Just got back three days ago. Overall the trip was great. Largely because the Galapagos Islands are amazing and we lucked out to have so a fine group of fellow travelers. The Tip Tip operations are very smooth and professional. Everything went smoothly. Staff helped as needed are were always on top of things. I will say as my fellow travelers agreed the crew was great, but never seemed happy. It took about five days of the eight day cruise to see a smile. No big deal. They took care of us and everything we needed. Beds were made and rooms cleaned up while we were at breakfast. They were always looking out for us. That was most important. Then accommodations we nice. We had the upper level double bed. A little tight, but great views out of window. It was adequate. Had to "step" over your bed-mate if you are sleeping next to the hull. For many reasons, you don't want to be in the room more than to change and sleep. The noise and movement of the ship at night were a problem for some, but not for others. Location on the ship didn't matter. Its just how light a sleeper you are. I slept well. Food was okay. If it was a local restaurant, I wouldn't go to it. I am a food snob living in a major metropolitan area. Given the circumstances, I was satisfied. Food was fresh, tasty, and ample. The pasta was cold one night. Food is not the main feature anyhow. They serve beer and wine. If you want harder stuff, BYOB. The guide, Angelika, was great and very knowledgeable. Even though she has been doing this for 30 years, as she will remind you, she brought such enthusiasm and joy just like it was the first time.

Karen Duff

Köln Galapagos Cruise

Premium

Highly recommended, thank you Galapatours! Mr. Wittmer would be proud of the professionalism, courtesy, attention and environmentalism of his crew aboard the TT3. His legacy lives on!

GratefulDave

Köln Galapagos Cruise

Premium

Great I did go on the TipTop III first week of January and stayed on top deck. We had a small double bed which my wife and I enjoyed, though I did need to stretch over her to get out. We had great views out the window in the morning when we woke up, but we spent little time in the room. I had no problem with sea sickness as I feared because the patch and bracelet worked. Probably the patch would work well on ts own, but I was really over cautious. We had some mildly rough sea at night and so we did bang around a little getting into bed or going to the head (bathroom) late at night The size of the ship was great for us. We had a fantastic group of people and there was generally a place to go to be alone when I wanted that. The sun gets hot and sunscreen is essential. My BIG warning is on itinerary #2 we lost a half of day picking up other passengers mid trip. It was awful, so check that out before booking. Otherwise great trip. I have a fuller review elsewhere on TA if you search TipTop III Feedback from: https://goo.gl/PWFRWP

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Köln Galápagos Cruise

A first class expedition yacht with first class destinations

A Galápagos Cruise on board the Köln

Dates & Prices on board the Köln

When do you want to travel?

Amenities on board the Köln

Food & Drinks on board the Köln

Sustainable Tourism

Cabins categories on board the Köln

Standard Double

Technical details of Köln

Category

Premium

Type

Small Yacht

Draft

5 ft

Main Engines

2x Deutz (442 HP)

Length

104 ft

Gross tonnage

200 tons

Electricity

110 V

Cruising speed

12 kt

Beam

22 ft

Capacity

16

Reviews of Köln

Similar Ships

Köln Galápagos Cruise

A first class expedition yacht with first class destinations

A Galápagos Cruise on board the Köln

Dates & Prices on board the Köln

When do you want to travel?

Amenities on board the Köln

Food & Drinks on board the Köln

Sustainable Tourism

Cabins categories on board the Köln

Standard Double

Technical details of Köln

Category

Premium

Type

Small Yacht

Draft

5 ft

Main Engines

2x Deutz (442 HP)

Length

104 ft

Gross tonnage

200 tons

Electricity

110 V

Cruising speed

12 kt

Beam

22 ft

Capacity

16

Reviews of Köln

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